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'He'll need to tell us his secret' - analysing Murphy's new break-off
TL;DR
Shaun Murphy aims for his second World Championship title 21 years after his first, facing Wu Yize in the final. He has defeated several top players, attributing his success to improved tactics and support from Peter Ebdon.
Key points
- Shaun Murphy is in his fifth World Championship final
- He is aiming for his second title after 21 years
- Murphy has defeated several top players to reach the final
- He credits his success to improved tactics and support from Peter Ebdon
- Murphy has experimented with using multiple cues in tournaments
Shaun MurphyWu YizePeter Ebdon
Shaun Murphy is into his fifth World Championship final and is bidding to win a second world title 21 years after his first.
Murphy has advanced past Fan Zhengyi, Xiao Guodong, defending champion Zhao Xintong and four-time winner John Higgins to reach the showpiece match against China's Wu Yize.
During that run, he has repeatedly pointed out that he is a "better and more astute player" now than when he lifted the World Championship trophy in 2005.
In recent times, the 43-year-old has benefitted from having 2002 world champion Peter Ebdon in his corner, worked on the tactical side of his game and experimented with using multiple cues at tournaments.
More recently, he has been using a different break-off technique - hitting the third red.
The premise behind Murphy's tinkering with the opening shot of a frame is simple.
He wants to apply immediate pressure on his opponents by ensuring they do not have a "shot to nothing" - a chance to go for an opportunistic pot while getting the cue ball safe - and avoid a protracted bout of safety.
It is an approach that has got the snooker world talking and is clearly reaping dividends.
The new approach meant Higgins had just five attempts at pots from the 16 frames in which broke off during his semi-final, while the Scot gave up double that amount from his break.
In the aftermath of the semi-final, Higgins said: "His break-off was just too tough for me to deal with throughout the whole match. He'll need to tell us his secret."
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Speaking to BBC Sport earlier in the tournament, Murphy said: "I'm convinced there's a better shot than the one we've been playing for 100 years. It's 100 years of professional snooker this year and the break-off hasn't changed.
"You always leave either the standard 'shot to nothing' or a long red, or you drag one up over the middle. One of those three things usually happens.
Q&A
Who is Shaun Murphy facing in the World Championship final?
Shaun Murphy is facing Wu Yize in the World Championship final.
How many World Championship finals has Shaun Murphy reached?
Shaun Murphy has reached five World Championship finals.
What changes has Shaun Murphy made to his game for this championship?
Murphy has worked on his tactical game and experimented with using multiple cues during tournaments.
Who has been supporting Shaun Murphy during the World Championship?
Shaun Murphy has been supported by 2002 world champion Peter Ebdon.