Shaun Murphy beats Kyren Wilson to advance to all-English Players Championship final
- Planet Sport writer
- 26 February 2023
Shaun Murphy held off Kyren Wilson to seal a 6-3 victory and set up a final meeting with Ali Carter at the Players Championship in Wolverhampton.
The former world champion, who won the inaugural event in 2011 and reached the final in 2018, was never behind in the contest.
Murphy took the first frame with a break of 135 but could not shake off Wilson, who hit back from falling behind three times to draw level at 3-3.
Murphy, who had made a 137 break in frame five, again restored his lead with a break of 94 before this time reeling off the next two frames to seal victory.
"I thought it was very good tonight," Murphy said, according to Eurosport.
"Kyren didn't go away and at the end, when he smashed his cue on the floor, you can see how desperate he is to win.
"I'm in a much better place and I know my game is in good shape. It is going to take somebody good to beat me.
"Conditions out there were beautiful. He never gives up which is a real strength of character and tenacity."
Murphy will face Carter in a best-of-19 final for the £125,000 top prize on Sunday.
