2025 Masters final
Non-Ranking, Snooker Headlines

The 2025 Masters final: Kyren Wilson vs Shaun Murphy

The 2025 Masters final will be contested between Kyren Wilson and Shaun Murphy at the Alexandra Palace in London on Sunday.

The pair of Englishmen emerged from their respective semi-final ties with 6-3 victories on the penultimate day in the prestigious invitational.

Murphy compiled a memorable 147 break to send the crowd into raptures during his defeat of Mark Allen in the afternoon game.

In the evening session, Wilson prevailed from a blockbuster battle with rival Judd Trump – winning the last four frames with a dominant display of heavy scoring.

The loss for Trump ends the world number one’s aspirations of landing the new Grand Slam, representing the three Triple Crown titles plus the new Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters.

Wilson had trailed 3-2 but reeled off breaks of 76, 88, 85, and 106 to power into the final at the expense of his countryman.

The 33 year-old also beat Trump in the final of this season’s Xi’an Grand Prix and again at the same stage of the Northern Ireland Open.

Trump may still represent the best player in the world at present, but Wilson is doing his very best to challenge that authority.

The reigning world champion will next bid for a maiden Masters crown when he participates in the 2025 final, where £350,000 is at stake for the winner.

Wilson got to this point seven years ago but was denied glory by Mark Allen, and there were many who thought that the Pistol would be the other finalist this year as well.

But Murphy produced a clinical display from 2-0 behind – not only proficient as usual in the scoring department but boasting an impressive safety game too.

Shaun Murphy
Shaun Murphy became the fifth player to compile a Masters 147 maximum. Photo credit: WST

The headlines will undoubtedly be dominated by the Magician’s mesmerising maximum break, but his recent work with Peter Ebdon is obviously helping his tactical awareness.

It brings Murphy to a first Triple Crown final since 2021, and it’s his first title-deciding contest at the Masters since he tasted glory in the tournament a decade ago.

As the more prolific champion of late and as the world number two, Wilson will surely enter this bout as the favourite.

Yet on Murphy’s side is a superior head-to-head record that reads 10-4 in his favour from their prior meetings in all competitions.

That includes two victories in finals – when they last crossed paths at the 2023 Tour Championship and additionally when Murphy crushed Wilson 9-1 to lift the Welsh Open trophy in 2020.

Murphy has additionally beaten Wilson in a World Championship semi-final at the Crucible Theatre, so he’s unlikely to enter this showdown fearing his opponent.

For someone of Murphy’s talent, he has perhaps not quite accumulated the number of big titles that he ought to have.

The world number number seven might not have too many more opportunities to etch his name onto trophies like these, so in that sense there will be pressure on his shoulders to deliver.

snooker rankings
Kyren Wilson’s most recent title was at the 2024 Northern Ireland Open. Photo credit: WST

Wilson, though, is a player whose stock is constantly on the rise these days as he continues to push through the major barrier.

Success in Sheffield last May has transformed his confidence, and victory in the 2025 Masters final would elevate his stature even higher.

As ever at the Ally Pally, the energetic crowd is bound to play its role in setting a dramatic backdrop to the special occasion.

It promises to be a compelling climax to this year’s edition, with the two remaining competitors jostling to raise the stunning Paul Hunter Trophy aloft.


The 2025 Masters final between Kyren Wilson and Shaun Murphy takes place on Sunday, January 19th at 1pm and 7pm UTC.

Featured photo credit: WST

One Comment

  1. Jay Brannon

    Muurpy in a 10th Triple Crown final. Wilson appearing in a 4th.

    Wilson has lost all four matches against Murphy at the semi-final or final stage.

    I’ve actually thought noe there’s no reason the Grand Slam and Triple Crown concepts can’t co-exist. They’re both immense achievements.

    16 centuries so far in the tournament. That’s not overly high by modern standards at the Masters.

    The notable aspect of Murphy working with Ebdon is focus. He’s made very few unforced errors. Wilson looks me to improving his level of performance through the rounds.

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