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Shaun Murphy has revealed how 700-mile round-trips to John Higgins' home proved pivotal in shaping his career. The Magician knocked the Scottish legend out of the World Snooker Championship at the semi-final stage to secure a place in the final against Wu Yize.

Murphy scaled snooker's summit in 2005 when he claimed the title and boasts an array of ranking trophies on his distinguished CV. The 42-year-old stands among the sport's elite achievers and has disclosed how Higgins played a quietly crucial role in his progression.

Murphy and the Wizard of Wishaw exchanged warm words inside the Crucible in the immediate aftermath of their semi-final encounter, with the English star saying: "He's been an idol of mine since I was a kid.

"I got to spend a lot of time with John as a young pro, learning the ropes. Watching him, he invited me to stay with him and Denise and the family.

"I did that two or three times, made the trip from Irthlingborough to Glasgow in my little Ford Fiesta. That was a long drive. They welcomed me into their home as a young kid, trying to learn the ropes.

"A lot of the pros, John included, put a lot into the game that people didn't see. They gave a lot back. And of course, we culminate playing in a great match where one of us had to lose and one of us goes through.

"But it was an honour to share the stage with John. A class act on and off the table. He's an absolute pro's pro."

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Higgins paid Murphy the ultimate compliment following his semi-final defeat when he said that Murphy had struck the ball like God throughout their encounter.

The Magician replied: "I'll take that. I don't like to give myself too much praise, but I'm going to have that one."

Murphy has also relied heavily upon Peter Ebdon in recent times, working closely with the 2002 world champion, who has taken on a coaching capacity.

Murphy explained: "I think that's where him being a former player, he knows exactly what I'm going through.

"We've been together two years now. We've put a lot in that others haven't seen, that people just don't see. I know we put all our life on social media, but there is a small bit we keep to ourselves and in those moments is where tournaments are won. And it's in those moments where we've worked very, very hard and it is a real team effort.

"He puts so much into it. He's so committed. He coaches like he played. He's playing every ball and if he could be out there with a cue, he would be. He's living and breathing it."

Murphy, meanwhile, offered his thoughts on the 100-minute frame during Yize and Mark Allen's semi-final, which attracted controversy and condemnation.

He said: "I didn't see all of it, so I would be reluctant to comment on it in too much detail. I've always said there should be a shot clock. I've been calling for that for 20 years.

"I think there should be a timed element to it. However, I saw Richard Osman posted something that actually more people tuned in when it got longer than were watching earlier on.

"So I think some people in the snooker bubble say it perhaps wasn't great, but that's not shown in the figures. But, you know, we're an entertainment sport, aren't we? And we've got to move on."

This article first appeared on the Daily Record.