Murphy Rules The Rock
Shaun Murphy won his first ranking title of the season by beating Judd Trump 4-2 in the final of the Jojobet.com Gibraltar Open.
Murphy won the seventh ranking title of his career – and first since the World Grand Prix 12 months ago – with a fine display against Trump in a high quality final.
Nottingham-based 34-year-old Murphy won six matches in the tournament to capture the 25,000 Euro top prize. Click here for all the results
Shaun Murphy ranking titles
2005 World Championship
2007 Malta Cup
2008 UK Championship
2011 Players Championship
2014 World Open
2016 World Grand Prix
2017 Gibraltar Open
Defeat was another blow for Bristol’s Trump as he lost 9-8 to Stuart Bingham in the Welsh Open final last month. The left-hander is still searching for his seventh ranking title and has now lost eight of his 14 finals.
Trump won the opening frame tonight with a break of 59 before Murphy levelled with a 46 clearance. Trump’s 84 put him 2-1 up then Murphy made a 60 in recovering to 2-2. Both players made a break of 56 in frame five but it was Murphy who took it by clearing from yellow to pink.
A thumping long red from Trump early in frame six set him up for a chance to force a decider, but he missed a short range red to a top corner on 34. Murphy took advantage with a superb 96 to secure the trophy.
“I had a few tough matches during the tournament and that prepared me for the final,” said Murphy. “There are a few of us who think that Judd is the best player in the world at the moment, he is strong in every department. So I knew I would have to play well to beat him.
“I have felt as if good things were coming for a while. Such is the standard now that any year when you get into the winners’ enclosure has to count as a success. I’ve got one in the bag now and that frees me up for the next few events to try to make a good year into a great year. It’s a good time to come into form.
“This is the first time I have come to Gibraltar and I have really enjoyed it. Everyone has been fantastic, we have had great support and I’m looking forward to coming back next year.”
Trump added: “I had enough chances but I didn’t take them. Shaun punished me and he deserved to win because he was the best player of the tournament.”
Earlier in the semi-finals, Trump saw off Ryan Day 4-2 while Murphy made breaks of 140 and 137 in a 4-0 win over veteran Nigel Bond.
Both players now head to Llandudno in North Wales for the Ladbrokes Players Championship, which starts tomorrow. For ticket details click here.