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. The stage was perfectly set for a thrilling evening of snooker after the pair played out an intriguing afternoon session that left them locked at 4-4 with everything to play for — and the finale certainly did not disappoint.

Ad It was Milkins who repeatedly pulled away in what was a thrilling evening of top-quality — if 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. Welsh Open'On a knife-edge!' — Murphy levels up Welsh Open final with Milkins4 HOURS AGO 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.

The third frame was enthralling from the outset with some entertainment thrown in. Murphy snookered himself with one red remaining and a slender 47-41 lead before proceeding to jokingly tell two laughing fans “it’s still not funny!” as he ended up