Shaun Murphy was understandably delighted after becoming only the fifth player to compile a Masters 147 break on Saturday in London.
The Magician produced a memorable maximum break in the sixth frame of his 6-3 semi-final victory over Mark Allen at the Alexandra Palace.
Murphy generated headlines only a couple of days ago for a botched 147 attempt in the last frame of his quarter-final win over Neil Robertson.
But the 42 year-old made no mistake this time around, orchestrating a near-flawless display of potting and positional play to the delight of the Ally Pally crowd.
As long as it isn’t matched this weekend, Murphy will collect the highest break prize worth £15,000.
Yet an even bigger bonus is now potentially within his grasp, with a whopping £147,000 on offer for any player who can make two 147 breaks in the Triple Crown events this term.
Murphy’s spectacular knock was his ninth competitive maximum as a professional player but a first in a Triple Crown event – a feat he takes immense pride in accomplishing.
“It’s right up there, I’ve got to be honest,” 2015 Masters champion Shaun Murphy told the World Snooker Tour.
“As a nine year-old boy I remember, having visited the Crucible that year when I was just a child, getting home and the next day watching Jimmy White make a 147 at the Crucible.”
“I remember thinking, I’d love to do that [at a BBC event]. And I’ve been trying to do it ever since.
“So I was annoyed to miss my chance the other day and finish behind the blue. It was even on BBC Breakfast news, would you believe?
“But I’m delighted, I’m over the moon to achieve that today. More importantly, to get the victory afterwards.
“It would have meant nothing if I had lost the match, so I’m over the moon.
“I did all the things you can’t do. You can’t celebrate before you pot the black, but I was perfectly on the black.
“There was no way I could have missed it. If I had missed it, I would have had to have gone home immediately and consider my future.
“No, I’m so proud. To be totally honest, I was perfect on every colour when clearing up. You know, your arm is shaking and your heart is racing.
“But I was perfect, and I’m so proud of myself for the way I stood up to that challenge – especially having messed it up so badly the other day. I can’t believe it.
“It’s something I’ll never, ever forget. It’s one of the loudest roars, if not the loudest roar, I’ve ever heard in a snooker arena.
“It was an amazing experience to be part of it. Over my career, I’ve been involved in some really special moments – not many more special than that.”
Shaun Murphy will face either Judd Trump or Kyren Wilson in the 2025 Masters final on Sunday, where a top prize worth £350,000 awaits the winner.
World number one Trump takes on world champion Wilson in the second semi-final clash on Saturday evening.
Featured photo credit: WST
