Murphy beats Wilson to make back-to-back finals
Shaun Murphy managed to outplay Gary Wilson with a score of 6-4 at the Xi’an Grand Prix, securing his spot in yet another ranking final. Murphy, who recently clinched the British Open title in September, had to bounce back from a 3-1 deficit in the semi-final match to emerge victorious. His remarkable performance included hitting three 100-plus breaks against Wilson, showcasing his exceptional skill on the green baize. The win sets up an exciting showdown with the three-time world champion Mark Williams scheduled for Monday.
The 42-year-old snooker pro displayed his prowess by notching up five 50-plus breaks throughout the intense match. His crowning moment came in the final frame when he sealed the deal with a spectacular break of 141 points. On the other side of the bracket, Williams also fought hard in his semi-final clash against Daniel Wells. Despite trailing 3-2 initially, Williams managed to turn the tide in his favor and secure a 6-3 victory. The match was characterized by a lack of high breaks in the first six frames, making it a scrappy affair for both players.
Looking ahead to the final showdown with Murphy, Williams expressed his concerns about his current form. He admitted, “Honestly, I don’t know how I made it to the final – my game hasn’t been up to par at all.” Williams acknowledged the need to step up his performance in the final match, recognizing that a subpar showing could lead to a crushing defeat. However, he remains determined to give his best shot in the final, despite his doubts about his recent form. If Williams manages to emerge victorious on Monday, he will surpass the late Ray Reardon as the oldest ranking event winner, a record that has stood since 1982. The stage is set for an epic battle between two seasoned professionals, as they vie for the prestigious title at the Xi’an Grand Prix.
