Xi’an Grand Prix 2025 Final: Williams vs Murphy – Live Results
The Xi’an Grand Prix reaches its showpiece as two of snooker’s biggest names, Mark Williams and Shaun Murphy, battle for a £177,000 top prize. The final, played in China, is a clash of experience and form, with Williams chasing a historic ranking title and Murphy seeking back-to-back success after securing the British Open the previous month.
Final Background and Stakes
The final is a best-of-19 frames affair, with a dramatic prize pool on the line. Williams would become the oldest player to win a ranking title if he triumphs, while Murphy aims to become the first player to win back-to-back titles since Judd Trump in 2023. The match is broadcast on TNT Sports channels with live streaming on discovery+.
Williams’ Route to the Final
Williams navigated a demanding path to the championship frame. He opened with a solid 5-2 win in Round One against Jinhao Zhou, then received a walkover in Round Two. A tight 5-4 victory over Zhou Yuelong in Round Three set the tone, followed by a 5-4 win over Barry Hawkins in the Quarter-Finals. In the Semi-Final, Williams edged past Daniel Wells 6-3 to secure his place in the decider. Throughout the event, the Welsh veteran demonstrated calm execution, punishing opponents for even minor mistakes and maintaining pressure on the table at crucial moments.
Murphy’s Journey to the Final
Murphy’s form has been equally impressive, continuing a recent hot streak that culminated in a British Open triumph. In the Xi’an Grand Prix, he overcame a tough field, including a notable 6-4 semi-final victory over Gary Wilson, where he showed resilience after trailing earlier in the match. Murphy heads into the final with momentum, determined to add a prestigious title to his recent run and to reassert his position among snooker’s elite.
Key Head-to-Head and Context
The pair have met 31 times, with Murphy leading the head-to-head 16-15. Their clashes are often tight, and the recent Saudi Arabia Masters meeting ended in a Williams 6-1 win, a reminder of how quickly momentum can swing. The current final is viewed as a potential classic, with Williams relying on tactical safety, precision long-game pots, and superior positional play, while Murphy looks to capitalise on any slip-ups and convert opportunities when they arise.
Notable Moments and Frame-by-Frame Flavor
Live updates so far show Williams striking with early confidence, opening with a crisp display of red ball control and break-building. Murphy has shown flashes of brilliance, including a superb long pot and a determined safety battle. The key narrative is Williams’ ability to absorb pressure and respond when Murphy builds a break, maintaining control of the frame and forcing Murphy into difficult positions on the next visit. The scoreboard currently reads Williams in command in several frames, but Murphy remains capable of turning the tide with a single high-break or a run of safety-heavy frames that disrupt Williams’ rhythm.
Prize Money and What’s at Stake
Beyond the £177,000 winner’s cheque, the Xi’an Grand Prix offers a comprehensive prize ladder: runner-up £76,000, semi-finals £34,500, quarter-finals £22,350, last 16 £14,000, last 32 £9,400, last 64 £5,350, plus a £5,000 high break. The total prize purse sits at £850,000, underscoring the prestige and financial reward of securing a ranking title on the global stage.
Quotes and Perspective
As the match unfolds, Murphy reflects on the importance of staying patient: “I’ve got another chance. But I have got one of the best of all time in my way, and he will give me nothing.” Williams, ever the strategist, has emphasized a steady, methodical approach, trusting his experience to outmaneuver his younger rival in the long run.
What Comes Next
Stay tuned for further live updates as the final unfolds. The snooker world watches as Williams pursues history while Murphy seeks to consolidate a remarkable run of form and add another major title to his illustrious career.
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