XI'AN — In a gripping display of tactical snooker, Shaun Murphy edged out a determined Gary Wilson 6-4 at the Xi'an Grand Prix on Saturday, setting up a tantalizing final against the veteran Mark Williams, who is now just one victory away from a historic piece of snooker history.
The match was a high-quality affair from the outset, with both players demonstrating why they are considered among the game's most proficient break-builders. Murphy, the 2005 World Champion, seized the early initiative, but Wilson, the reigning Scottish Open champion, refused to wilt, ensuring the contest went down to the wire in front of an enthralled Chinese audience.
A Battle of Heavy Scoring
The semi-final was characterized by its fluent scoring, a testament to the excellent playing conditions and the form of both competitors. Murphy, known as "The Magician" for his flamboyant style, opened with a break of 89 to take the first frame. Wilson, however, responded in kind, showcasing his own formidable potting power to level the match.
The middle frames saw the momentum swing back and forth. Murphy compiled a superb century break, a 127, to re-establish his lead, only for Wilson to fire back with a ton of his own, a 103, to once again draw level. The match was a showcase of precision and nerve, with neither player giving an inch. At the mid-session interval, the score was delicately poised at 2-2, promising a grandstand finish.
Speaking after the match, Murphy acknowledged the stern challenge posed by his opponent. "Gary is such a tough, tough competitor. He scores so heavily, and you know you have to be at your very best to have a chance. I felt I managed the key moments well today, and that made the difference," Murphy said.
The Magician Pulls Away
Upon the resumption of play, the match intensified. The pair traded frames once more, moving to 3-3 and then 4-4, with the pressure mounting with every shot. It was in the ninth frame where Murphy made his decisive move. With the frame on a knife-edge, he produced a stunning long pot on the final pink to steal the frame on the black, taking a crucial 5-4 lead.
That proved to be the pivotal moment. Having weathered Wilson's resilience, Murphy carried the momentum into the tenth frame. A more controlled, patient break of 65 was enough to see him over the line, booking his place in Sunday's final with a hard-fought 6-4 victory. The win keeps Murphy on course for his first ranking title of the season.
A disappointed but gracious Gary Wilson reflected on the fine margins. "It’s frustrating, of course. I felt I was in it the whole way, but Shaun potted that fantastic pink in the ninth and that was the turning point. You have to take your hat off to him, it was a great match and he just did it when it mattered," he stated.
Williams Aims for the Record Books
Waiting for Murphy in the final is the legendary Mark Williams, who earlier secured his own final berth with a commanding 6-2 win over Yuan Sijun. The Welshman, a three-time World Champion, is not just playing for the Xi'an title; he is chasing a monumental piece of snooker history.
At 49 years old, Williams is aiming to become the oldest winner of a world ranking title since fellow Class of '92 member Ronnie O'Sullivan won the World Grand Prix in 2024. A victory would see him surpass his own record and solidify an incredible late-career resurgence. Furthermore, it would extend his remarkable streak of winning at least one ranking title in each of the last eight seasons.
Williams was in bullish mood after his semi-final triumph. "I’m playing well, feeling good. To be in another final at my age is fantastic, and to have a chance to break another record is a great motivation. I’ll give it my best shot tomorrow," he declared with a characteristic grin.
A Classic Final in the Making
The stage is now set for a classic final between two of snooker's most celebrated and experienced campaigners. Murphy and Williams have a long and storied history, having faced each other numerous times over their illustrious careers. Their contrasting styles promise a fascinating tactical battle.
Murphy's aggressive, attack-minded approach, built on fluid cueing and heavy scoring, will be pitted against Williams' renowned tactical astuteness and unparalleled ability to pot seemingly impossible balls. The key factors for the final will likely be:
- Early Momentum: Which player can settle quickest and establish an early lead.
- Long Potting: Williams' prowess from distance could dictate the safety exchanges.
- Experience Under Pressure: Both have vast experience, but who will handle the occasion best?
For Murphy, a win would be a significant boost, marking a return to the winner's circle and proving he remains a major force. For Williams, the stakes are even higher, with a place in the snooker history books awaiting him. The Welsh Potting Machine is on the cusp of achieving something no other player his age has done in the modern era.
The final promises to be a fitting climax to the Xi'an Grand Prix. As Murphy prepares for the challenge, he is fully aware of the task at hand. "Mark is one of the all-time greats. To be in a final with him is always an honour and a huge challenge. It’s going to be a fantastic game," Murphy concluded.
With history on the line and a prestigious title at stake, the snooker world will be watching intently as these two masters of the baize battle for the Xi'an Grand Prix crown. The final is not just a contest for a trophy, but a clash of legacy and ambition.
