Shaun Murphy romps to maiden Masters snooker title after thrashing Neil Robertson 10-2

Shaun Murphy motored to a maiden Masters title to complete a career triple crown after a dominant performance over world No.1 Neil Robertson at Alexandra Palace.

The 2005 world champion and 2008 UK champion won the first four frames of the evening session to win the 17th title of his professional career by a 10-2 scoreline - the largest margin of victory in a best of 19 frame match.

Robertson, who had seen off reigning champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-final, had no answer to Murphy's sublime break-building and must regroup ahead of the world championships in April.

"It's unbelievable," the 31-year-old said. "To finally get the win and the crown in unbelievable. In all I've played pretty well this week.

"When I won the world championship ten years ago I thought I was going to blitz through these events but I've had to go through some ups and downs. I considered going away from snooker two months ago so what a difference a year makes."

Trailing 6-2 following the afternoon session, Robertson knew he had to start well to stand any chance to snatching a second Masters title in a repeat of the 2012 final between himself and triple-crown chasing Murphy.

Robertson looked set to reduce the arrears but following a break of 51 a missed blue allowed Murphy off the hook, and after the Aussie sent the pink towards the top left, the Harlow-born player took advantage.

Though Murphy had lost two of the last three frames of the afternoon session, he quickly recaptured his form from earlier in the tournament and made a fine break of 127 to go within two of a maiden Masters title.

Neither player could gain a foothold in the 11th frame until a hopeful Robertson double rattled the jaws and handed Murphy the perfect opportunity to extend his lead further.

Murphy did miss an under-cut red but when Robertson opened the pack, the leader required no encouragement as a break of 38 piled on the misery.

With the result a formality, both players adopted an attacking mentality but the fortune remainder with Murphy, who after inexplicably potting the black was still able to put together a match-winning break to take the title.

"I wasn't at the same level that I was against Ally [Carter[ and against Ronnie [O'Sullivan]," Robertson admitted. "I was bound to come down. Shaun played a fantastic match. It was just that first session.

"Sometimes you have to take it on the chin and move onto the next match. It's been a really bad day. I felt good, I wasn't feeling the pressure I just couldn't get into the match."