Snooker fans were treated to a thrilling showdown at Alexandra Palace as Shaun Murphy clinched his second Masters title, overcoming world champion Kyren Wilson in a nail-biting 10-7 victory. At 42 years old, Murphy, affectionately known as “The Magician,” proved there is plenty of magic left in him, pocketing a record-breaking £350,000 in prize money—the largest first-place reward in the tournament’s 50-year history.
Murphy’s Resilient Journey to Victory
Murphy entered the second session of Sunday’s final with a commanding 6-2 lead. Despite Wilson’s spirited comeback, Murphy held his nerve and sealed the win with a century break in the final frame. The victory marked the end of a decade-long wait for another Triple Crown triumph, with his last Masters win dating back to 2015.
Speaking after his victory, a visibly emotional Murphy shared: “I can’t believe it, I’m in shock. If I’m totally honest, I thought these days were gone. Losing to Mark Selby at the Crucible in 2021 felt like the end of my time at the business end of these tournaments. But teaming up with Peter Ebdon has been transformative; he’s helped me rediscover my self-belief.”
Wilson, the 33-year-old reigning world champion, praised Murphy’s performance while reflecting on his own effort: “I made it too easy for Shaun today. From 8-4 down, I fought back and had my chances, but Shaun’s quality shone through. I’m 33, coming into my prime, and I’ve had an amazing season so far. Berlin’s up next, and I’ll be ready to smash it in Germany.”
The Road to the Final
Murphy’s path to the final wasn’t without its challenges. In his semi-final clash against Mark Allen, Murphy showcased his brilliance by crafting a stunning 147 break, a testament to his precision and flair. Meanwhile, Wilson had to overcome world No. 1 Judd Trump in the other semi-final, setting the stage for a classic final.
The final itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Wilson’s resurgence in the evening session brought him within one frame of leveling the match at 8-8, but Murphy’s composure and experience ultimately proved decisive. A re-rack in the final frame added to the tension before Murphy’s century break sealed his victory and the Paul Hunter Trophy.
Shaun Murphy: Family, Age, and Net Worth
Born on August 10, 1982, in Harlow, Essex, Shaun Murphy has been a prominent figure in professional snooker for over two decades. At 42, he remains one of the sport’s most enduring talents, with a career marked by grit, determination, and an unwavering passion for the game.
Murphy is married to Elaine, and the couple shares a son, Harry, born in 2016. Family has always been a cornerstone of Murphy’s life, providing him with the support and motivation to excel on the snooker table. Beyond his family life, Murphy’s financial success mirrors his accomplishments on the baize. His estimated net worth stands at around £4 million, accumulated through tournament winnings, endorsements, and appearances.
Kyren Wilson: The World Champion’s Perspective
At 33 years old, Kyren Wilson is in the prime of his career. Known for his tenacity and tactical brilliance, the Kettering native captured his first World Championship title in 2022, cementing his status as one of snooker’s elite players.
Despite falling short in the Masters final, Wilson remains optimistic about the future. “Being runner-up isn’t what I wanted, but it’s part of the journey,” he said. “I’m motivated and ready to build on this experience as I prepare for upcoming tournaments.” With an impressive net worth estimated at £2.5 million, Wilson’s career continues to ascend.
Breaking Records and Creating History
Murphy’s victory is a significant milestone in the history of the Masters. The £350,000 first-place prize represents a £100,000 increase from last year, underlining the tournament’s growing prestige. By lifting the Paul Hunter Trophy for the second time, Murphy joins an elite group of players who have captured multiple Masters titles.
Murphy’s first Masters win came in 2015, where he dominated Neil Robertson 10-2 to complete the coveted Triple Crown (winning the World Championship, UK Championship, and Masters). His triumph this year reinforces his place among snooker’s all-time greats.