Shaun Murphy reaffirmed his “Magician” nickname with a jaw dropping no look pot that ricocheted off four cushions before dispatching the black during frame 6 of his opening round against Daniel Wells on April 23. The audacious stroke capped a commanding 138 clearance and propelled Murphy to a 7-2 overnight advantage he eventually converted to a 10-4 win. Commentator Philip Studd declared the shot “pure box office,” while social media clips surpassed 5 million views within hours.
Murphy revealed the trick was spontaneous, explaining that the white lay awkwardly and instinct suggested flair might yield position on the yellow. Crucially, he executed the sequence without looking at the table after striking, turning to the audience as the black completed its journey. Fans erupted, many claiming it as the championship’s standout moment alongside Allen’s maximum.
Beyond showmanship, Murphy delivered efficient match play, registering five century breaks and every frame in which he scored first. The performance followed a week of headlines over a public spat with Kyren Wilson, yet Murphy insisted he remains focused solely on capturing a second world crown 19 years after his first.
The trick shot also reignited debate over whether flair has a legitimate tactical place at the Crucible. Murphy argued that embracing creativity keeps tension at bay, adding “if you fear failure you cannot produce genius.” Pundits acknowledged the psychological impact on Wells, who missed a routine red in the next frame, possibly unsettled by Murphy’s bravado.
With Judd Trump awaiting in round two, Murphy’s blend of heavy scoring and crowd pleasing flair sets up a compelling contrast of styles as the Championship progresses.
