Murphy wins 2025 British Open, ends 26-month ranking drought

Shaun Murphy beat Anthony McGill 10 frames to 7 on Sunday to win the 2025 British Open at the Centaur in Cheltenham, claiming the tournament trophy and the event's 100,000 top prize. The final, contested over two sessions, ended a long wait for Murphy, who captured his 13th career ranking title after mounting a late challenge to overhaul the Scot.

McGill started the match strongly and held a 7-6 lead going into the evening session after producing a string of high breaks including 68, 78 and 109. Murphy responded with heavy scoring of his own across the match, compiling runs of 132, 78 and 112 to level the contest at key moments. The experienced former world champion then won the final four frames to close out a 10-7 victory and end a 26-month drought without a ranking title.

Murphy credited McGill's toughness and the support of his team after the win. "I've got to give Anthony credit. He is so hard, he is so tough to beat," Murphy said. He also highlighted the influence of former world champion Peter Ebdon, who has been working with him in recent months, saying that guidance had helped restore his belief in winning major events.

McGill, playing in his first ranking final since...