Murphy Rules The Rock
Shaun Murphy won his first ranking title of the season by beating Judd Trump 4-2 in the final of the Jojobet.com Gibraltar Open.
Murphy won the seventh ranking title of his career – and first since the World Grand Prix 12 months ago – with a fine display against Trump in a high quality final.
Nottingham-based 34-year-old Murphy won six matches in the tournament to capture the 25,000 Euro top prize.
Defeat was another blow for Bristol’s Trump as he lost 9-8 to Stuart Bingham in the Welsh Open final last month. The left-hander is still searching for his seventh ranking title and has now lost eight of his 14 finals.
Trump won the opening frame tonight with a break of 59 before Murphy levelled with a 46 clearance. Trump’s 84 put him 2-1 up then Murphy made a 60 in recovering to 2-2. Both players made a break of 56 in frame five but it was Murphy who took it by clearing from yellow to pink.
A thumping long red from Trump early in frame six set him up for a chance to force a decider, but he missed a short range red to a top corner on 34. Murphy took advantage with a superb 96 to secure the trophy.
“I had a few tough matches during the tournament and that prepared me for the final,” said Murphy. “There are a few of us who think that Judd is the best player in the world at the moment, he is strong in every department. So I knew I would have to play well to beat him.
“This is the first time I have come to Gibraltar and I have really enjoyed it. Everyone has been fantastic, we have had great support and I’m looking forward to coming back next year.”
Trump added: “I had enough chances but I didn’t take them. Shaun punished me and he deserved to win because he was the best player of the tournament.”
Earlier in the semi-finals, Trump saw off Ryan Day 4-2 while Murphy made breaks of 140 and 137 in a 4-0 win over veteran Nigel Bond.
