Shaun Murphy remains on track to defend his ManBetX Champion of Champions title after winning his two matches on Monday to reach the semi-finals.

The 36-year-old saw off Ronnie O’Sullivan in last year’s Champion of Champions final at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena and is on course to go all the way again this time round.

Murphy, who is priced at 6.00 to win the Champion of Champions, had to find a way past Jimmy Robertson (4-2) and Ding Junhui (6-3) on Monday. He now awaits his next opponent on Friday.

‘The Magician’ registered breaks of 96, 68 and 76 to defeat Robertson in his first match of the day before his second proved to be more difficult. He trailed 3-2 against Ding but eventually kicked on to take the next three frames. Ding managed to pull one further frame back before Murphy wrapped up proceedings in the East Midlands.

The world number 10 admitted he was braced for a tough encounter with Ding and felt he stepped up to the plate well.

Murphy said: “It’s always a tough match against Ding because he’s one of the best players in the game. I knew I’d need to up my game compared to how I played in my first match.

“I started well tonight then missed a few and went 3-2 down. It has been a rough start to the season for me so I was desperate for a victory. I was pleased with how I finished it off. I played some good safety, which forced a few mistakes out of Ding, and when I got chances I was quite clinical.

“There are only winners in this event and every player deserves his place in it. I’ve done my bit now and got to the semis. I’m looking forward to watching everyone else sweat it out.”