Murphy thrilled to clinch Welsh title in style

FORMER world champion Shaun Murphy thrashed Kyren Wilson 9-1 to win the ManBetX Welsh Open for the first time in Cardiff.

Murphy raced into a 7-1 lead in the afternoon session and wrapped up a one-sided victory with breaks of 102 and 73 when play resumed to secure the Ray Reardon Trophy and the top prize of £70,000.

“I knew from the outset I had to be on my game and the other thing I have to say is that I thought I had every little bit of run today,” Murphy said.

“I had all the luck it was just embarrassing. I’d love to say sorry but I’m not!”

Breaks of 108 and 84 gave Murphy a 2-0 lead and, although Wilson made breaks of 52, 45 and 64 in the next three frames, he broke down at crucial times and a ruthless Murphy took full advantage before a break of 76 put him 6-0 ahead.

Wilson got his first frame on the board in the next, but Murphy ended the session with 134 and wasted no time in wrapping up his second title of the season in the evening session.

“I owe a lot of thank yous to some very important people, including my wife, my coach Chris (Henry),” Murphy added. “I had a lot of stern conversations in the summer about whether I still had it and whether I could still face it out there.

“They and a couple of others sort of nursed me back because I was almost gone. This is the first time I’ve won two ranking events in a season so that’s special.”

Wilson said: “I’m gutted I couldn’t put on more of a fight but Shaun was absolutely fantastic all day long. I hold my hands up, the better player won.”