Snooker results: Judd Trump reaches Masters semi-finals after victory over Barry Hawkins

Trump trailed 4-3 before a fantastic break of 143 levelled matters but he soon found himself on the brink of defeat when Hawkins took the next frame.

A fine run of 107 forced a decider, which was greeted by a huge roar from the crowd, and he went on to win it with a break of 81 to avenge defeat at the hands of Hawkins in last year's semi-finals.

The world number four will now meet Stuart Bingham, who beat Shaun Murphy, on Saturday at 7pm .

Trump said: "That was one of the loudest cheers I have ever heard. It was my break and I could have got down a bit sooner, but I wanted to soak it all in and let them get as loud as possible, and enjoy it as much as I could. When that kind of thing happens it helps to relax me, it’s not often you get to experience that.”

The 33-year-old is aiming to win the Masters for the second time having lifted the trophy in 2019 and is also chasing his first title since he won the Turkish Masters in March 2022.

He said: “I felt in control at the end, as if I knew I was going to clear up. I made some good breaks from 4-3 down. I had to hang in there at the start when I was struggling, but towards the end I felt that if I could get my hand on the table I was going to score heavily. It’s a nice feeling to win another close one. It gives me confidence to do that when my back was against the wall.”

Hawkins said: “I kept playing loose positional shots which was frustrating. The standard improved in the second half of the match and Judd made a good break in the last frame. I was stretching on the red I missed and concentrating on getting the right angle on the black. I had my chance. Judd’s still nowhere near as good as he can be, but he probably deserved to win today.”

Following Trump’s triumph, Bingham wasted no time in booking his last-four spot with a crushing 6-0 win over Shaun Murphy.

“I felt really nervous going out there, but as soon as I won that first frame I settled down and got my scoring boots on,” said Bingham, who recorded impressive breaks of 78, 128 and 107 in the whitewash.

“It was nice getting a standing ovation at the end. There is no place better when you play like that. The crowd get right behind you.”

Looking ahead to his semi-final with Trump, the 2020 champion added: “We have had big matches and big finals in the past.

“Tomorrow will not be any different. It will be a tough game, and I will give him the utmost respect. But if I play like I did tonight I fancy my chances.”