Murphy Triumphs in Epic British Open Final, Overcoming McGill’s Late Surge to Claim First Ranking Title in Over Two Years
Shaun Murphy claimed his first British Open title with a dramatic 10-7 victory over Scotland’s Anthony McGill in a thrilling final. Murphy, a former world champion, showed his class throughout the match, racking up an impressive eight breaks of 50 or more, but McGill was a formidable opponent who pushed him all the way.
The match started with McGill taking an early lead, but Murphy didn’t seize control until the evening session. In the first frame of that session, Murphy fired in a superb 78 break to edge ahead at 5-4, his first lead of the match. But McGill, who had been battling through a tough season and was appearing in his first ranking final in eight years, wasn’t about to let go easily. With a break of 73, McGill regained the lead at 7-6, putting pressure on Murphy as the tension mounted.
But it was Murphy’s mental strength and experience that ultimately prevailed. In a stunning display of composure, he won four frames in succession to seal the title. The win marks Murphy’s first ranking victory in over two years, a testament to his resilience and ability to perform when it matters most. After the match, Murphy expressed his relief and satisfaction, acknowledging that although he hadn’t been in a ranking final for some time, he was grateful for the opportunity and pleased with the level of his game.
Reflecting on his performance, Murphy also pointed to the dominant players of the current era, like Judd Trump, Mark Selby, and Neil Robertson, as inspiration. “I want to get back to that level,” he said, adding that consistency would be key to regaining his place among the sport’s elite. The victory earned Murphy £100,000, while McGill’s brave effort earned him £45,000.
Despite the loss, McGill can take great pride in his performance, and both players are set to be a force to reckon with in the seasons to come.
