Masters 2015 final: Shaun Murphy thrashes Neil Robertson

Shaun Murphy trounced world number one Neil Robertson 10-2 in the final of the Masters to become only the 10th player to complete snooker's 'triple crown'.

Murphy, 32, adds to his 2005 World Championship victory and his triumph in the 2008 UK Championship.

He avenged his 2012 final defeat by Robertson, making two centuries as his opponent failed to get going.

Murphy completed the biggest winning margin in a final since Steve Davis's 9-0 whitewash of Mike Hallett in 1988.

"I can't believe it," said the Englishman, who nearly quit the sport a year ago in frustration at his form. "To finally get the win and the crown is unbelievable.

"I remember in the past Neil nicking a few tight frames against me and they really hurt. I just decided to stick in there and be patient and in the end I got a chance to steal the frame.

"In all, I have played pretty well this week and I am blown away."

Murphy's preparations for the tournament at London's Alexandra Palace were hampered by a severe chest infection.

After stating he wanted to win the Masters within the next decade, he put together devastating performances full of confidence and style - much like his World Championship triumph at the Crucible 10 years previously.

He won six frames in a row to beat Mark Allen in the last four and started the final in similar fashion, claiming the first five frames to open up a healthy advantage.

But Australian Robertson - who crushed defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in the previous round - battled back by taking two of the next three frames to go 6-2 behind.

Murphy, from Sale, Greater Manchester, restored the five-frame lead by taking the ninth, before a superb 127 and the following frame put him one away from victory.

And he quickly finished the match by making a composed break of 60 in the 12th frame to collect the £200,000 top prize and the trophy.

"Shaun played very well today," said 32-year-old Robertson.

"I just could not produce the sort of snooker that got me to the final. I'd just like to say welcome to the Triple Crown club. He is a worthy champion."