Mark Selby set up a repeat of last year's Masters final against Ronnie O'Sullivan as he beat Stephen Maguire 6-3 at Wembley.
Jester from Leicester sees off Maguire in semis
Mark Selby set up a repeat of last year's Masters final against Ronnie O'Sullivan as he produced a clinical display to beat Stephen Maguire 6-3 in the semi-finals at Wembley.
The contest looked to heading for a tight finish as the players were locked together at 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3.
However, Selby, who never trailed, then raised his game to reach his third Masters final in three years.
Indeed, the 2008 champion has now matched the record of Stephen Hendry in becoming the first debutant to go on and make three consecutive final appearances - the Scot doing so in 1989, 1990 and 1991.
The first three frames of the match were rather scrappy affairs with Selby pinching the first and moving ahead again after Maguire had taken the second.
The match then came to life in the fourth as Maguire levelled once more, this time in stunning style as he equalled the highest break of the tournament with a clearance of 140.
Indeed, the Scot can take some consolation from the fact he is now in line for a share of the high-break prize with Australian Neil Robertson.
But Selby was not fazed by his opponent's excellence and clinched the first frame after the interval with a fine contribution of 84 to edge back ahead.
Again Maguire responded and came within a whisker of his second century before missing an awkward red to break down on 99.
Selby's response was a measured break of 91 to recapture the lead, the Englishman running out of position on the final red with a century of his own beckoning.
But having got his nose in front again, this time he did not let up and he moved within one of victory with a decisive break of 51 after Maguire was unable to capitalise on a chance of his own.
Selby showed no sign of nerves as he went in search of the further frame he needed and opened up a 38-point lead in the ninth after Maguire had left him an easy opener following a missed long red.
Although he was unable to close it out in one visit, a poor safety shot from Maguire rapidly presented him with another opportunity and this time there was to be no reprieve for the Scot as he compiled a match-winning break of 55 to seal his place in Sunday's final.
