Scotsman Maguire will be favourite to beat O'Brien
Stephen Maguire will face Fergal O'Brien in the final of the Northern Ireland Trophy following a high-quality 6-5 win over Shaun Murphy in Belfast.
Maguire fell 2-0 and 4-3 behind but made six out of the 14 half-centuries in the match in his fightback that included a 52 in the decider.
Meanwhile, Irishman O'Brien battled back from 2-1 down to record a 6-3 win over home favourite Mark Allen.
O'Brien is in his first ranking final since winning the 1999 British Open.
"I took the game by the scruff of the neck at 2-2 and had three good breaks," said the Irishman.
"I could have won it 6-2 but missed a tricky red on 36, but luckily I got my chance in the next frame.
"I was very nervous at the interval. I felt it was a long day, but after the interval I settled down and felt much better.
"It's great to have a few lean years and then be back in the mix with the chance of winning a title again."
Maguire, 26, said he was delighted after coming out on top following a superb tussle with Murphy.
"That has to be one of the best matches I've ever played in," said the 2004 UK champion.
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