SHEFFIELD, April 29: Former champion Peter Ebdon seized the early initiative in the opening world championship semifinal on Thursday as he took 6-2 lead over Shaun Murphy at the end of the first session. Ebdon, world champion in 2002, compiled breaks of 78 and 70 on his way to winning three of the opening four frames.

Murphy reduced the arrears with a 77 break but the young qualifier struggled to find the form which saw him beat John Higgins and Steve Davis earlier in the tournament.

Ebdon, who produced a great comeback to knock out title holder Ronnie O’Sullivan in the quarterfinals, continued to hold the upper hand and finished the afternoon with breaks of 69 and 93 to establish a four-frame lead.

Matthew Stevens faces Ian McCulloch in the other semifinal at the Crucible Theatre. Results semifinal (Best of 33).

Peter Ebdon (England) leads Shaun Murphy (England) 6-2 (78-10 22-93 101-9 77-22 0-77 76-20 79-8 99-40) Matthew Stevens (Wales) vs Ian McCulloch (England) —Reuters