Snooker world champion Kyren Wilson showed he’s a class act with a tribute to Shaun Murphy after losing to the Magician in a Masters epic – even if he did joke his opponent is an ‘old man.’
Veteran Murphy, 42, raced into a comfortable 6-2 lead in the afternoon session – but was made to sweat in a tense evening as Wilson showed flashes of the form that saw him crowned world champ last May. The comeback wasn’t enough however, as Murphy sealed a second Masters crown 10-7 – a decade after his first, delighting the capacity 2,000 crowd at Alexandra Palace by finishing with a century.
And speaking to MC Rob Walker after the loss, the snooker hero said: “I just made it too easy for Shaun, you can’t do that with how well Shaun has been playing this week. But I proved why I’m the world champion I fought as hard as I could. A lot of people would’ve written me off. But every credit to Shaun making a century to finish for the fans, so well done to Shaun.
“No disrespect to Shaun but he’s turned into an old man now, so he needs this more than me. I’m 33-years-old and coming into my prime, I’m having an amazing season. Runner-up obviously isn’t what I want to be, but I’ve got a tournament in Berlin next week so I’ll go and smash it in Germany.
“I feel like a lot of player are probably envious of the fact that I’ve got such a great family unit who have came down to support me. I’m a lucky lad win or lose. I’ve lost, I’m gutted but I’m going to consume so many Jagerbombs tonight and have the best night ever.” When a fan shouted “first round is on you,” he laughed and added: “No chance, I lost.”
An emotional Murphy meanwhile added: “I can’t believe, I’m in shock. If I’m totally honest I thought these days were were gone. I thought my days were gone when I lost to Mark Selby in 2021. in the final at the Crucible. I thought my days at the business end of these events had gone. I must pay tribute to Kyren, I know how it feels to lose in this match and he conducted himself brilliantly. He’s a great world champion, he carries that weight and mantle so well. It’s not in his DIY to give up and roll over.”