Murphy Magic: Shaun Reaches Masters Final with Stunning 147 Break

Shaun Murphy produced a magical performance, compiling a maximum 147 break to defeat Mark Allen 6-3 and reach the Masters final.

Shaun Murphy etched his name in Masters history, producing a magical performance to defeat Mark Allen 6-3 and advance to the final. The highlight of Murphy's victory was a stunning maximum 147 break, which secured his place among an elite group of snooker greats. This achievement marked only the sixth time a player has achieved a perfect break in the tournament's history.

Murphy's journey to the final was not without its challenges, as he initially trailed 2-0 to Mark Allen. The Northern Irishman dominated the early stages, employing clever tactical play to take control. However, Murphy shifted the momentum in the third frame, eventually leveling the score and setting the stage for a remarkable comeback.

As the match progressed, Murphy gained momentum, embarking on a four-frame winning streak that culminated in the historic 147 break in the sixth frame. This incredible feat extended Murphy's lead to 4-2, leaving Allen facing an uphill battle to recover. Murphy's victory ultimately secured his place in the Masters final, as he seeks to add to his 2015 title.

The maximum break, executed with flawless cue-ball control, sparked jubilant scenes within Alexandra Palace, with even Mark Allen joining in the applause. Shaun Murphy described the moment as “incredible” after the match, still visibly elated by his achievement. “I can't believe it. It was an incredible moment, one of the best of my snooker career,” Murphy told the BBC. “I have wanted to make a 147 in one of the BBC events since I was a child. I had a great opportunity the other day and totally messed it up.”

Murphy praised the electric atmosphere within the venue, acknowledging the significant role the crowd played in his performance. “I had great support from the crowd, who were absolutely amazing,” he said. While Mark Allen briefly reduced the deficit with a timely half-century break, Murphy regained control with a 72 break in the eighth frame. He then clinched the match in the ninth frame after a crucial safety exchange on the green, securing his spot in the final.

OH MY GOODNESS SHAUN MURPHY!!!!#TheMasters | @JohnstonesTrade pic.twitter.com/ToEDroIvnM

— WST (@WeAreWST) January 18, 2025

With this maximum break, Murphy now boasts nine 147 breaks throughout his illustrious career. This achievement places him among the elite group of snooker players, trailing only Ronnie O'Sullivan (15), John Higgins (13), and Stephen Hendry (11) in this category. Murphy's 147 break in the Masters also puts him in contention for the £15,000 prize awarded for the tournament's highest break. He will face either Judd Trump or Kyren Wilson in Sunday's final, depending on the outcome of Saturday evening's second semi-final.