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Murphy completes ITV event slam by sealing British Open crown

Jonathan Davies in British Open

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Shaun Murphy v Anthony McGill live stream | British Open 2025 Final preview

Murphy claimed his first ranking title in two years (Credit: Action Plus Sports Images)

Shaun Murphy ended his ranking title drought by claiming the British Open crown after a 10-7 victory over Anthony McGill in Cheltenham on Sunday.

The Magician claimed his first ranking silverware since landing the Championship League 26 months earlier, collecting the Clive Everton trophy and the ยฃ100,000 top prize.

Murphy hit three centuries at The Centaur on the way to taking his career tally of ranking titles to 13, all of which have come in different events.

The former World champion also became the first player to complete the ITV event slam, having previously won the World Grand Prix, Champion of Champions, Players Championship and Tour Championship.

“I’m absolutely delighted. I came here knowing that was a possibility,” he told ITV Sport. “No-one in their wildest dreams, let alone me, thought I was going to be the last man standing.

“This event hasn’t necessarily been kind to me over the years with the random draw structure; it wasn’t particularly kind to me this week, if I’m totally honest!

“It’s wonderful to have a trophy tucked away still fairly early in the season. Now is the time to be playing well. It’s wonderful to have another trophy.”

Murphy, who had already beaten three former Crucible kings earlier in the week in Neil Robertson, Judd Trump and Mark Selby, endured a slow start against McGill.

The Scotsman was appearing in his first ranking final for eight years, and opened with breaks of 68, 78 and 109 for a 3-1 lead.

Murphy, who made an earlier 101, reduced the deficit with 132, but missed the final red at 52-30 down in frame six, which McGill stole on the black with a 31 clearance.

Nevertheless, the Magician responded well to conclude the afternoon with contributions of 78 and 112, and level at 4-4 heading into the evening session.

The reigning Masters champion then edged his nose ahead for the first time with 78, but McGill hit back with 81 and cleared with 77 for 6-5 after Murphy missed a black off the spot at 37-0 up.

After his opponent won a close 12th frame, the Scotsman regained his lead at 7-6 with 73.

Once ranked as high as 12th in the world, McGill had slipped to 57th after a difficult couple of seasons on the tour, but was enjoying a resurgent week – during which he had beaten the likes of Gary Wilson, Xiao Guodong and John Higgins to go within a win of equalling his biggest career payday.

However, after Murphy levelled with 77, he missed a tough red to a baulk corner at 30-0 up in frame 15, allowing his opponent to go back in front with 72.

The Magician then dominated the 16th frame with a break of 66 on the way to moving to the brink of victory.

McGill, desperate to keep his hopes of a third ranking title alive, forged a 43-0 lead in the following frame, before breaking down. Murphy replied with 49 and, after winning a tactical battle, cleared from the last red to seal the deal.

“It’s very special. Winning’s not easy, and we only play to win,” he added. “Nothing in the sport comes anywhere near to that feeling when you’re clearing up with a chance to win.

“It was a dicey match; it wasn’t my best start at all, but I’m delighted to get to 10 first. I was just so nervous, I was aware of how big a moment it is trying to do the ITV Slam. It’s been a while since I’ve been in a ranking final.

“I came out of the first session feeling like I was ahead. At 3-1, I was in trouble, there’s no doubt about it, and you feel that weight of expectation. You can’t help but get involved and, before you know it, you’re chasing the game. I missed more balls in the first four frames of that match than I missed all week.”

“I think Shaun deserved to win,” McGill added. “He played the better snooker, so no complaints. I’m sure I’ll take some positives [from this week], but I felt like the match was there for the taking and I didn’t step up, so quite disappointed.”