Shaun Murphy dismisses fine form ahead of Xi'an Grand Prix final against 'one of the best of all time' Mark Williams
By Jonny Bray
Published 12/10/2025 at 19:07 GMT+1
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Shaun Murphy has dismissed his fine form ahead of his match against "one of the best of all time" Mark Williams in the final of the 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix. Murphy booked his place in the climax of the tournament by beating Gary Wilson 6-4. Williams reached the final with a 6-3 victory against Daniel Wells in the other semi-final. Monday's final is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
‘Masterclass from The Magician’ – Murphy produces ‘faultless snooker’ to reach final
Video credit: TNT Sports
Shaun Murphy believes he will be facing one of the greatest snooker players of all time when he goes head-to-head with Mark Williams in the final of the 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix.
Murphy booked his place in the climax of the tournament by beating Gary Wilson 6-4 in one of the semi-finals, while Williams defeated Daniel Wells 6-3 in the other.
Murphy is in a rich vein of form, having also won the 2025 British Open last month.
However, 'The Magician' believes that form is only temporary ahead of his clash with "one of the legends" of the sport.
"I'm old enough and ugly enough now to understand that, you know, it doesn't last forever, and I'm enjoying this vein of form that I'm in at the moment," he said after securing another victory.
"I played well in Brentwood, played well in Cheltenham, delighted to lift the title, and to come here and to be in the final and with another chance.
"But, you know, I've got one of the best of all time in my way, who's going to give me nothing [and] who gave me a good hiding in Saudi just a few months ago.
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‘Snooker for the gods’ – Murphy fights back to lead with ‘immaculate’ century
Video credit: TNT Sports
"And we've had a number of great matches over the years and I'm sure tomorrow will be no different.
"An amazing end to a couple of weeks, it really would be. But I can't look past Mark Williams.
"You know, he's one of the legends, one of the greats, and I'd say it'll be a really good match."
There have been an incredible number of maximum breaks so far this season.
Aaron Hill’s 147 in his 5-2 win against Huang Jiahao at the 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix took the tally for the 2025/2026 campaign up to 13.
There were 15 maximums last term, and there will be an added incentive to produce a perfect break at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship.
The 167 is a break that will be possible in Riyadh due to the introduction of a golden ball, which is worth an additional 20 points.
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'I don’t know how I’m in the final' - Williams unhappy with 'pretty poor' display
Video credit: TNT Sports
Murphy is yet to produce a maximum this season, but he believes it would be an incredible moment to record the first 167 - after securing his spot in the field in Saudi Arabia with his win over Wilson.
"The last few games I've played, I've had a few 147 opportunities," he added.
"I had a couple in that match there tonight. They pop their head up. I think when you're hitting the ball well you get those opportunities.
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"What a week that would be, what an achievement to make the first 167, but I'm delighted to have obviously got myself back in the top edge of the rankings to qualify for that event.
"I wasn't in it a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't in it this morning. So I'm over the moon to have qualified for that event and a little bit of winter sun."
Murphy and Williams will go head-to-head in the final of the 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix on Monday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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