Murphy inspired by Hunter

Shaun Murphy has been inspired by memories of Paul Hunter as he closes in on williamhill.com UK Championship glory.

Hunter was one of his sport's most popular figures but died of cancer in October 2006 at the age of 27.

In York over the past week Murphy has had his old friend on his mind, and he considers the Leeds man to have been the perfect model of a player who knew how to stay cool in the heat of battle.

Murphy's mental strength has shone through at the Barbican Centre where he has won final-frame deciders against Luca Brecel and Ali Carter to clinch a place in the title match.

And the 30-year-old will on Sunday have a shot at the £125,000 top prize and his second UK title, four years after the first.

"I'm very strong technically and my shot selection has been good over the years, but what I've been able to do recently is hold myself together," Murphy said.

"And I remember the great Paul Hunter, that was his best strength.

"Under pressure he was able to chill out and you'd never know with Paul whether he'd won or lost.

"I've tried to take that on board and use it to the same effect.

"I see the funny side of things rather than banging my cue on the table and in the last few frames against Ali I didn't feel any pressure at all."