Masters 2025: Kyren Wilson Poised to Outshine Shaun Murphy and Claim Maiden Masters Title

In a highly anticipated rematch of the 2024 UK Championship semi-final, Kyren Wilson and Judd Trump switched venues from York’s Barbican to London’s Alexandra Palace for the semi-finals of the 2025 Masters. 

Trump had triumphed 6-2 in their last meeting, but Wilson, the reigning world champion, also came into this clash with momentum, having bested the world number one in two ranking finals this season — the Xi’an Grand Prix and the Northern Ireland Open.

Wilson Beats Trump to Reach Second Masters Final

The two snooker giants were neck and neck before the mid-session interval, locked at 2-2. 

However, the match took a dramatic turn in the fifth frame. Trump capitalised on a chaotic exchange where Wilson conceded nine snookers, gifting the frame to Trump and giving him a 3-2 lead.

Yet, what followed was a masterclass from Wilson. The Warrior reeled off four consecutive breaks of 76, 88, 85, and a stunning 106 in the final frame to seal a 6-3 victory and secure his place in his second Masters final.

A Composed Warrior 

Speaking after the match, Wilson expressed his satisfaction with his performance and credited his ability to stay composed despite the setbacks.

“I felt like all night I've been cueing the ball really well. There wasn't any time where I've kind of threw in an edgy one, didn't really miss anything silly,” Wilson told SportsBoom.com. 

“There was a little bit of luck here and there for both players that kind of swung the momentum, but it was just about regrouping at the interval.”

“I didn't really feel like I did too much wrong at two-nil, then 2-0. Going back out I lost a bit of a sickness to 3-2, but my game was still in good shape, and I showed that in the sixth frame and then just kicked on from there.”

Bad Day at the Office for Trump

Trump, known for his composure and consistency, made several uncharacteristic errors during the match. Fans and pundits speculated that the pressure of Triple Crown events might have affected him, but Wilson downplayed the notion, attributing Trump’s mistakes to a rare off-day.

“I feel like Judd's so experienced in those type of scenarios, and types of matches. If you can clear it from 60 behind to win half a million [referencing the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters win], you've got a bit of bottle,” Wilson remarked.

“I don't read too much into that. I just think there's never been a player born that hasn't missed a ball. That was just the case tonight.”

The Final vs. Shaun Murphy 

Wilson now turns his attention to the final, where he will face 2015 Masters champion Shaun Murphy. The Magician comes into the clash on the back of a sensational maximum 147 break in his semi-final win over Mark Allen.

While Wilson enters the final as the favourite due to his recent form and world champion status, he acknowledged Murphy’s experience and praised his impressive run this week.“He's lifted the trophy before, but I feel like it's a different venue now. It was nowhere near the class it is now, and I think Shaun would probably agree with that,” Wilson said.

“Obviously, he's gone on to make a maximum, could have had two this week. So, it shows what great form he's been in. But I'll be obviously doing my utmost to make sure I try and battle through.”

The final begins at 1PM this afternoon, with both players looking to etch their names into the prestigious Paul Hunter Trophy. 

For Wilson, victory would cap an already stellar season, while Murphy will hope to draw on his experience to reclaim the title a decade after his first triumph.