Kyren Wilson's gallant comeback fell short as Shaun Murphy secured his second Masters title at Alexandra Palace with a thrilling 10-7 victory.
Leading 6-2 at the end of the afternoon session, Murphy looked firmly on course to end his 10-year wait to triumph in a prestigious Triple Crown event in a best-of-19 decider.
However former world champion Wilson showed serious mettle to win five of the next seven frames to reduce to deficit to the bare minimum with Murphy ahead 8-7.
A missed long red however in the 16th frame offered Murphy an opportunity back in, a break of 55 putting him within a frame of victory.
His fourth century of the match was enough to secure the 42-year-old a 10-7 victory, the Paul Hunter Trophy and a winner’s cheque for £350,000.
Murphy had been irresistible all week and produced only the sixth maximum break in the tournament's history in his semi-final win over Mark Allen.
