Shaun Murphy has taken a commanding 6-2 lead over Kyren Wilson in the first session of the Johnstone’s Paint Masters final at Alexandra Palace.
The winner of tonight’s best-of-19 frame contest will lift the Paul Hunter Trophy and claim a £350,000 prize.
Murphy dominated the afternoon session with a masterclass performance that included two century breaks, whilst Wilson struggled with several unforced errors.
The players will return at 7pm with Wilson needing to win eight of the remaining 11 frames to overturn the deficit.
Kyren Wilson has had a miserable start to the Masters final
PA
Murphy’s afternoon performance included a stunning 134 total clearance followed by a closing 116 break in the final frame.
The world number seven showed his class throughout, compiling two additional breaks over 60 including a 94 in the opening frame.
Wilson, the current World Champion, appeared out of sorts, missing what 1997 world champion Ken Doherty described as “simple shots.”
A crucial moment came in the fourth frame when Wilson, on 61, missed a straightforward red to the top corner, allowing Murphy to respond with an excellent 65 clearance.
Murphy’s dominance was evident from the start as he took the opening frame with a 94 break and controlled the second for a 2-0 lead.
Wilson managed to pull one back with a run of 69 in the third frame.
The fifth frame saw Murphy extend his lead to 4-1, starting with a mid-range red that set up a break of 32.
Wilson briefly rallied in the sixth frame, taking advantage of Murphy’s missed plant attempt to compile a 53 clearance.
Murphy responded emphatically with his 134 total clearance in frame seven.
The session concluded with Wilson making just 6 points before missing a plant, allowing Murphy to craft his closing century.
Shaun Murphy has been accused of a bit of showboating, which might spark Kyren Wilson into life
PA
Former world champion Ken Doherty highlighted Wilson’s uncharacteristic performance, noting: “It’s just been a comedy of errors from Kyren for some reason today.”
“He was imperious last night against Judd Trump but there have been a few uncharacteristic misses – simple shots, not really difficult ones,” Doherty added.
The 1997 champion also suggested Murphy’s showmanship could spark a Wilson comeback in the evening session.
“That last bit of showmanship from Shaun, although it’s great for the crowd, Kyren will absolutely be livid. You don’t want to give your opponent any ammunition to get him going,” Doherty warned.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Kyren Wilson has still got plenty of work to do though
PA
Murphy, appearing in his third Masters final, is seeking his second title after defeating Neil Robertson in 2015.
The 42-year-old from Irthlingborough is competing in his tenth Triple Crown final, having previously won the World Championship in 2005 and UK Championship in 2008.
Wilson, the world number two, is chasing his first Masters title in his second final, having lost 10-7 to Mark Allen in 2018.
Murphy holds a commanding head-to-head record against Wilson, winning eight of their 11 previous meetings, including victories in the 2023 Tour Championship final and 2021 World Championship semi-final.
+ There are no comments
Add yours