Shaun Murphy and Robert Milkins to clash in Welsh Open final
Victory on Sunday would assure Milkins of top spot in the BetVictor Series ranking list
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Shaun Murphy will face Robert Milkins in Sunday’s Welsh Open final after defeating China’s Pang Junxu 6-3 in Llandudno.
Murphy, who produced a 147 clearance in his fourth-round defeat of Daniel Wells earlier this week, has reached his first ranking final since the 2021 World Championship.
The 40-year-old opened up a 4-2 lead in a tight contest with the help of a break of 58 in the sixth frame.
Pang responded with a score of 62 in the next, but Murphy regained his two-frame cushion and produced an 83-break in the final frame to seal victory.
Earlier on Saturday, Milkins beat China’s Tian Pengfei 6-2 to stay on course to land the £150,000 European series bonus.
Victory on Sunday will assure Milkins of top spot in the BetVictor Series ranking list, which has run across eight events since last July.
The 46-year-old from Gloucester made breaks of 61, 109, 89 and 82 against Pang, who failed to reproduce the form that had seen him beat Ali Carter, John Higgins and Ronnie O’Sullivan to reach his first ranking semi-final.
Milkins told World Snooker Tour after reaching his second ranking final: “It’s massive, the biggest game of my life. I don’t know how I’m going to cope.
“It would be enough just playing for the title, let alone everything that goes with it. I don’t know if I’ll be able to stand up, but I might rise to the occasion.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments