Neil Robertson of Australia continued his impressive London Masters title defence by defeating Shaun Murphy 6-2 on Saturday to reach the tournament final.

Australia's Neil Robertson wipes his cue in London on January 13, 2013. Robertson continued his impressive London Masters title defence by defeating Shaun Murphy 6-2 on Saturday to reach the tournament final.

Robertson, who overcame the same opponent 10-6 in last year's final, will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Mark Selby and Graeme Dott, who are due to meet later on Saturday.

The encounter between Robertson and Murphy looked set for a taut denouement after the Englishman won a tight fifth frame to make it 3-2.

However, clearances of 85 and 127 took Robertson to the brink of victory in the best-of-11-frames contest and the 2010 world champion booked a place in the final by edging the eighth frame 62-56.

"It's an amazing feeling to have the chance to defend my title," Robertson told the BBC.

"I've been pouncing on mistakes and making big breaks so it may be in the back of my opponents' mind that if they miss, I can clear up.

"You've got to punish people. Shaun's a fantastic attacking player but I do feel quite comfortable with a tactical exchange.

"My potting gets me out of trouble a lot of the time, but tomorrow's another day."