Shaun Murphy maintained his dominant form at the Machineseeker German Masters in Berlin, delivering a commanding 5-0 victory over Liam Graham. The newly crowned Johnstone's Paint Masters champion continued his winning momentum after securing the Paul Hunter Trophy for the second time in his career, a decade after his first triumph.
Murphy’s recent success at Alexandra Palace saw him clinch the title with a thrilling 10-7 win over World Champion Kyren Wilson in the final, a match that followed his remarkable 147 break against Mark Allen in the semi-finals.
Graham, fighting to retain his tour status, had recently boosted his survival hopes with a runner-up finish at the 9Club Shoot Out before Christmas. However, he struggled against Murphy’s relentless performance, unable to make any impact.
Englishman compiled breaks of 55, 79, 108, and 106 to seal his victory, setting up a highly anticipated clash with Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, who also recorded a 5-0 whitewash against Stuart Bingham. Meanwhile, defending champion and world number one Judd Trump overcame David Grace 5-2 in a competitive encounter.
Reflecting on his form, Murphy expressed his determination to keep pushing forward despite his recent triumphs. He acknowledged the significance of Triple Crown titles and emphasized his commitment to maintaining high standards.
"I didn’t want to come here, after the Lord Mayor’s Show, to this venue that I love so much and lose," he said. "There’s a difference between occasional winners and players who leave a lasting legacy. If my career ended today, I’d be proud, but I still have plenty left in the tank, and I’m going to make the most of it."
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