Xi’an Grand Prix Final: Williams v Murphy Live Results
The Xi’an Grand Prix final is underway in China, pitting two of snooker’s most iconic names against each other for a £177,000 winner’s prize. Mark Williams and Shaun Murphy have faced off many times, but this 2025 blockbuster carries fresh stakes, with Williams chasing a record as the oldest-ever winner of a ranking event and Murphy aiming to become the first player to win back-to-back titles since Judd Trump.
What’s at Stake?
The prize breakdown for the Xi’an Grand Prix mirrors the sport’s growing prize pool: winner £177,000, runner-up £76,000, and substantial sums for the late rounds. With the total prize fund around £850,000, every break, pot, and frame matters as the match progresses toward a likely dramatic finale. Williams and Murphy bring contrasting styles—Williams with calm, methodical ruthless precision and Murphy with flair and resilience—creating a classic clash for fans and casual viewers alike.
Live Match Outlook
From the opening exchanges, the momentum has swung several times. Early frames showcased Williams’s ability to punish even minor positional errors, while Murphy demonstrated pockets of high-class shot-making and strategic safety play. The latest update reveals Williams leading, with sharp tactical play and minimal unforced errors.
Head-to-Head and Form
Williams and Murphy have faced each other 31 times, with a near-even head-to-head record (16-15 in Murphy’s favour at times). Their most recent meetings have been tight, and their styles suggest a match that could go all the way to a deciding frame. Murphy arrives in strong form after a commanding British Open and a series of confident performances, while Williams seeks to extend his extraordinary longevity in the sport by securing a title that would cement his place in snooker history.
Route to the Final
Williams’s path to the final included a tough sequence of rounds, including a decisive victory over Barry Hawkins and a late surges against Haotian Lyu, culminating in a semi-final win against Daniel Wells. Murphy’s campaign has seen him ride a wave of momentum, including a high-profile comeback win in the semi-finals to reach this stage.
Why This Matters for Snooker Fans
For fans of the sport, this final offers more than a trophy. It’s a rare cross-section of generations, with Williams’s longevity meeting Murphy’s peak form. The narrative of an all-time great potentially rewriting the record books combined with Murphy’s bid to win back-to-back titles gives the match a historical edge that transcends the scoreline.
What to Watch For
Key moments to look for include Williams’s positional play on difficult reds, his ability to turn defense into attack, and Murphy’s resilience when the frame pressure rises. The final’s best-of-19 frames format adds extra pressure to seize the initiative early, while strategic safety exchanges could define several crucial frames.
Where to Catch the Action
The final is broadcast on TNT Sports 1/3 with live streaming available on Discovery+. Start times vary by region, with morning and afternoon windows in the UK and Europe. Fans can follow our live blog for minute-by-minute updates, post-match analysis, and reaction from the players once the final score settles.
Post-Event Reflections
Regardless of the result, the Xi’an Grand Prix final promises to deliver memorable billiards moments. Williams’s potential historic win would add a remarkable chapter to his already storied career, while Murphy’s performance could reinforce his reputation as one of the sport’s most adaptable and enduring talents.
