Shaun Murphy hits INCREDIBLE 147 break to book his place in Masters final just days after agonisingly missing the perfect score

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Shaun Murphy celebrated a moment of magic in his Masters semi-final win over Mark Allen on Saturday after scoring a perfect 147 break in the contest.

The 2015 Masters champion ended up running out 6-3 victor over Northern Ireland's Allen at Alexandra Palace and was stunned as he produced snooker's perfect scoring break.

Murphy had just taken a 3-2 lead in the match after recovering from a slow start when he began to pick off his shots with pinpoint precision to keep himself on track for the gold standard break.

The 42-year-old had already cruelly denied himself the opportunity to score a 147 in Thursday's 6-2 win over Neil Robertson when he snookered himself behind the blue while on 120.

But, he made no such mistake this time round as he picked off three reds near the pink then went about his business to pot all the remaining colours in a calm and collective manner.

There was an eruption of noise as Murphy sank the black to record only the sixth-ever 147 break in the history of the Masters that puts him in-line to receive £15k in prize money for the highest break at the tournament.

Shaun Murphy celebrated a moment of magic in his Masters semi-final win after hitting a 147 break

Murphy had just taken a 3-2 lead in the match after recovering from a slow start when he began to pick off his shots with pinpoint precision

The former world champion looked emotional after achieving the incredible sporting feat and later revealed where the perfect score ranks in his career of title success.

'I can't believe it. It was an incredible moment, one of the best of my snooker career,' Murphy told the BBC.

'I have wanted to make a 147 in one of the BBC events since I was a child.

'I had a great opportunity the other day and totally messed it up. I had great support from the crowd, who were absolutely amazing,' added Murphy. 

Murphy described the moment of perfection as 'one of the best of my snooker career'

Meanwhile, his opponent admitted he loved watching Murphy record the score, adding: 'I started the match very well, but all credit to Shaun. I thought he was much better than me today.

'From 2-0 down, it was down to Shaun, he was flawless. Absolutely no complaints today. It was class being involved in the 147. 

'We've had our differences of opinion in recent months, but I wanted him to do it when he reached 73.'

Murphy will now play either world number one Judd Trump or or world champion Kyren Wilson in the Masters final.