True to his Magician moniker, Shaun Murphy opened his campaign against Daniel Wells with a performance that blended ruthless scoring with pure showmanship.
The 2005 world champion surged into a 7-2 overnight lead, registering breaks of 124, 127 and a spellbinding 138 that climaxed with a four cushion no look black.
As the ball tracked its perfect geometry, Murphy had already turned toward his chair, prompting commentator Philip Studd to exclaim that the Englishman “didn’t even watch, he just knew.”
Earlier in the session, Murphy attempted a flamboyant cushion first yellow that narrowly failed, drawing cheers nonetheless.
Speaking afterward, he explained that enjoying the sport’s creative possibilities helps him stay relaxed under television lights.
The crowd in Sheffield responded in kind, greeting each exhibition stroke with football style roars more common at the Masters than a tense first round.
Wells later admitted the theatrics rattled him, but praised Murphy’s “complete command” of both cue ball and atmosphere.
The 50 year old Yorkshire venue has witnessed its share of party pieces, yet seasoned observers ranked Murphy’s flourish among the most audacious.
Off table narratives added spice, with Kyren Wilson’s pre tournament criticism of Murphy’s pre match routines reigniting debate about etiquette in the modern game.
On current evidence, Murphy’s real statement is made in green baize artistry rather than sound bites.
He resumes the match needing just three more frames, but for many the victory lap has already begun.
