Shaun Murphy Conquers Kyren Wilson To Win 2023 Duelbits Tour Championship

Shaun ‘The Magician’ Murphy was in spectacular form as he secured his second ranking title of the season by defeating Kyren Wilson 10-7 in the Tour Championship final in Hull. 

Murphy’s stylish victory not only bagged him a cool £150,000 in prize money, but it also marked his achievement of becoming only the third player in snooker history, after Neil Robertson and the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan, to win all three Players Series events. 

Murphy was ecstatic after the tense final match, saying that he was “absolutely over the moon” and “delighted” with his fantastic run of form on the table at the Bonus Arena in Hull. However, he was also humble in victory, praising his worthy opponent, Kyren Wilson, describing him as a “role model professional”.  In fact, Murphy even went so far as to predict that “big things are coming for him,” just going to show that snooker is truly a gentleman’s sport.

The final match was a tough one for Murphy, who initially fell behind, trailing 4-0. Following some superb potting and a lovely aftertouch on the cue ball, Murphy fought back to level the match at 4-4. 

Wilson, aged 31, was by no means finished yet and was still full of his renowned fighting spirit. He went on to take the lead 6-5, but Murphy responded by winning three consecutive frames to maintain his advantage in the game and ultimately clinch the title 10-7.

Murphy’s path to the final was difficult and so his performance in the tournament took genuine resolve and grit. On the table, he had to overcome Mark Selby in the semi-finals but Murphy also had to fight personal battles off the table.  

Shaun Murphy’s son, Bailey, was taken seriously ill with a suspected brain or back tumor which meant that Murphy wasn’t able to practice before the tournament. Showing great strength, Murphy had to dig deep into his professional experience to perform at a world-class level in the glaring spotlight of the Tour Championship.

Murphy said after the game, “It’s been a difficult month for me and my family,” going on to explain, “I’ve had no practice coming into this event so to achieve what I have is a complete bonus…”

Despite his personal battles, Shaun Murphy was able to hold his nerves and put the points on the scoreboard when they counted the most. Murphy’s victory in the Tour Championship finals has proved his class, professionalism and personal strength.  

Not only has Shaun Murphy secured his place in snooker’s history books by becoming the third person to win all three Players Series events but he also defeated some of the game’s top players along the way.