John Higgins is trying to move a step closer to a fifth world title (PA)

John Higgins will try to turn a 13-11 lead over Shaun Murphy into victory this afternoon in their enthralling World Snooker Championship semi-final at the Crucible Theatre, as he continues his quest to become the oldest world champion in history.

Higgins was particularly impressive in Friday’s two sessions, as the 50-year-old Scot seeking his fifth world tile edged ahead of his English foe, sealing an overnight advantage with a superb break of 101 in the final frame of the day, meaning he requires four more for victory, while Murphy needs six.

Meanwhile, history was made in the other semi-final on Friday afternoon as Mark Allen and Wu Yize played out the longest frame in Crucible history . The epic encounter lasted for more than 100 minutes and saw some of the bizarrest scenes ever witnessed on the baize.…