26 February 2023 , 21:03
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Shaun Murphy produced a record-breaking display of scoring to end a three-year title drought with victory at the Players Championship.
The Magician cast a spell over the green baize at the Aldersley Arena in Wolverhampton as he pounded a hapless Ali Carter with a barrage of big breaks in a 10-4 success.
That saw world No11 Murphy, 40, pocket the £125,000 first prize as he bounced back in spectacular style from a shock defeat in last week’s Welsh Open final to Rob Milkins.
And the records tumbled as Murphy clinched the 10 th ranking title of his career, and a first since the pre-Covid pandemic Welsh Open of 2020.
Murphy, who might have had two 147s in the final, smashed the previous record of eight centuries made in the event for the best 16 players of the season with a new mark of 11.
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And he also finished with another record that might take some beating – making the five highest breaks of a single tournament with efforts of 145, 141, 137, 135 and 133.
The run of 145, one of five centuries yesterday in the final, earned former world champion Murphy another £10,000 for the highest break of the week.
The title edged Murphy clear of good friend Mark Allen, Peter Ebdon and John Parrott in the all-time list and level with Jimmy White in joint-10 th spot.
Recent German Masters winner Carter, 43, also suffered disappointment last week with Milkins’ title in Wales denying him a £150,000 bonus.
But despite the agony there are consolations. Like Murphy, Carter looks good for a place in the top-eight Tour Championship, as well as a top-16 Crucible seeding.
Shaun Murphy put on a fine display in the final (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)Murphy said: “I played really well all week. Last week in the final of the Welsh I couldn’t get the job done.
“But to play that well as I did tonight when I needed it most will go right up there with my best achievements. You have to persevere through the difficult times in your career.
“Through Covid and lockdown I think we all struggled, but there hasn’t been a lot to get excited about in snooker for me. But some great family and friends have got me through.”
Carter said: “Shaun played great, and he has played the best all week. He was potting every long ball he saw if I didn’t find the baulk cushion with my safety.
“It is unbelievable he hasn’t won for three years. But it has been a great month for me winning the German Masters and getting to the final of this, and I’d have ripped your arm off for it a month ago.”
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