Shaun Murphy will be bidding to further cement himself in the World Snooker Championship history books on Monday as he attempts to capture his second Crucible crown some 21 years after securing his first.
The Magician is featuring in his fifth Crucible final this year, hoping to establish himself as one of the select few players to have reigned supreme in the biggest competition of them all on multiple occasions.
His triumph in 2005 sent shockwaves through the sport, with the then 22-year-old a 125/1 pre-tournament outsider having never previously won a match at the hallowed Sheffield venue.
However, after coming through an arduous qualification campaign to book his spot in South Yorkshire, Murphy lit up the event with his exceptional long-potting ability and laser straight cue action, knocking out no fewer than three former world champions en-route to the final, where he saw off Matthew Stevens over four absorbing sessions.
Now regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation, Murphy, who also reached the final in 2009, 2015 and 2021, has the opportunity of cementing himself yet further into the sport's World Snooker Championship history books with victory over the supremely-talented rising star Wu Yize on Monday evening.
Shaun Murphy's World Snooker Championship Final Results
- 2021 - Lost 15-18 v Mark Selby
- 2015 - Lost 15-18 v Stuart Bingham
- 2009 - Lost 18-9 v John Higgins
- 2005 - Won 18-16 v Matthew Stevens
