Robert Milkins edges out Shaun Murphy in pulsating Welsh Open final to grab emotional glory

Robert Milkins held his nerve to edge out Shaun Murphy 9-7 in what proved to be an enthralling Welsh Open final to secure glory in dramatic fashion.

It was Milkins who repeatedly pulled away in what was a thrilling evening of top-quality but – at times – nervy snooker, but the 2005 world champion always remained in touch and ensured that his opponent had to battle it out for every frame.

The encounter was particularly high-stakes for both players with Murphy appearing in his first ranking final since finishing as the runner-up to Mark Selby at the 2021 World Championship and Milkins having been through so much in his extended career. Eventually, it was the Bristolian who was able to come through in emotional fashion and triumph on the big stage.

The day’s action started even before a ball had been struck as Murphy kept his promise to moonwalk to his chair as part of his walk-on. It certainly got the crowd going at Venue Cymru as the 40-year-old made his big entrance.

Milkins began the match with a cagey and precise break of 58 without disrupting a pack of reds, only for his opponent to sweep up with a 60 to take the early lead after he committed a mistake.

Murphy was able to capitalise on an error from his opponent in the next frame to bounce straight back and restore his two-frame cushion, only for Milkins to again roar back and win two in succession to level the scores.

The topsy-turvy nature of the match continued as Milkins took the lead for the first time in the match at 4-3 with more fluid cueing before Murphy responded with a commanding break to restore parity at the close of the afternoon session.

The evening session immediately brought the same intensity that was displayed through the afternoon as the pair traded frames to both get back on the board in impressive fashion.

It was then Milkins who moved in front to lead 6-5 in a very dramatic passage of play with the frame decided by a re-spotted black. Murphy looked to have forced his way back by clearing up to level, but Milkins held his nerve under real pressure.

Further mistakes followed from both players as each continued to take on big shots and err at crucial moments, but it was Milkins who again emerged stronger from the exchanges to pull away and establish a two-frame cushion.

The duo again traded frames as Murphy refused to allow the Bristolian to pull away from him to secure glory, and a huge fluke followed for The Magician in the 16th frame that threatened to gift him a perfect opening.

However, he squandered that opportunity as Milkins was afforded another stint at the table, and it was a chance that he did not allow to slip through his grasp as he sealed a very fine victory in front of a raucous crowd in Llandudno.

It represented a wonderful financial bonanza for the journeyman. After 27 years as a professional, the 46-year-old won his first ranking title at the 2022 Gibraltar Open, becoming the oldest first-time winner of a ranking event since Doug Mountjoy at the 1988 UK Championship. He now has a career highlight to eclipse that.

– – –