Shaun Murphy produced a snooker masterclass as he routed Ali Carter 10-4 in the final of the Players Championship.
Murphy has been quick to put behind him the disappointment of losing in the Welsh Open final a week ago, dominating the tournament throughout and running out a brilliant and well-deserved winner on Sunday.
For Carter, he was unable to add to the German Masters title he claimed just a few weeks ago, but he can have few complaints on this occasion having bumped into an opponent right at the top of his game.
A spectacular display that featured five centuries, including two total clearances of 140+, handed Murphy his first title since the 2020 Welsh Open and in truth, he had the result in safe keeping after dominating the afternoon session to lead 6-2.
Carter was no back number himself, making breaks 54, 122 and 59 in the first eight frames, but losing a close third frame hurt his chances and allowed Murphy to race into a 3-0 lead.
Carter did rally to win two of the next three, but Murphy ended the afternoon with breaks of 141 and 112 to put himself firmly in command.
