Snooker: O'Sullivan, Murphy all square in UK final
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Shaun Murphy ended the UK Championship final first session level at 4-4.
LONDON (AFP) - Ronnie O Sullivan was unable to hold onto his early lead in the UK Championship final as Shaun Murphy hit back to end the first session level at 4-4 on Sunday.
O Sullivan had eased into a 4-2 lead at the York Barbican, but his old rival snatched the last two frames of the afternoon to set up a tense finish to the best-of-19-frame title match.
For years, O Sullivan and Murphy have had a strained relationship, with sniping from both sides.
With silverware and a 170,000 pound top prize at stake, it could be an explosive finish as O Sullivan chases a record-equalling sixth UK title.
Victory would take O Sullivan level with Steve Davis haul of six UK Championship triumphs.
It would also put him alongside Stephen Hendry on 18 Triple Crown titles, following O Sullivan s five World Championship wins and seven Masters triumphs.
For Murphy, who landed this title in 2008, there was the opportunity to beat O Sullivan in a major final for the second time in four weeks, following his success at the Champion of Champions event in November.
