Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

When you look at all the stats, you would have no doubt who the better player has been this afternoon.

Shaun would feel very aggrieved if he doesn't come out with at least a lead.

'Oohs' from the audience as a red goes close to flying into the corner for a foul as Shaun Murphy smashes into the pack off the blue.

He's OK though.

Not the start Kyren Wilson wanted to frame seven, though.

He misses a long-ish red and a double kiss presents Shaun Murphy a very easy chance to get started.

Ken Doherty
1997 world champion on BBC Two

We've been praising Shaun all afternoon but we're going to dig him out here - why did he not take on the red in baulk?

It was a difficult plant and even if he gets it, where's the cue ball going? He's going to have to play a difficult black along the cushion as well. So there was no real value in playing that shot.

It was a well-constructed break by Kyren and it was something he needed. He needs to get some frames on the board because it looked like Shaun was really taking control of this session.

Kyren won't go away, he's got a wonderful temperament.

Formalities completed as Kyren Wilson wins the 2025 Masters final's scrappiest frame yet with a half-century clearance including a fluked pink that delights the Ally Pally crowd.

Image source, Getty Images

The world champion with a shot worthy of that title, punching in that tough red along the black cushion and getting the cue ball out for position on blue.

He had almost no angle but still managed to do it - and now the colours are at his mercy.

Five reds remain and Shaun Murphy attempts a very tricky plant that goes wrong.

The white is almost touching the red over the corner but there's enough of a gap for Kyren Wilson to pot it.

He moves 10 points ahead with two reds remaining - but one of them is very trickily positioned...

VoiceoftheMysterons: As well as Murphy is, and has been, playing, he still remains someone who you wouldn't necessarily put your tenner on at the start of any tournament to actually win it...

Tournament wins have not been as regular for the Magician in recent years as they were previously, but he's giving himself a great chance here...

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

Kyren seems to be doing all the hard work for not many points, then Shaun is stepping in and taking care of the frames.

Image source, PA Media

This visit has been an exhibition of single-ball potting by the Warrior, Kyren Wilson.

He's knocked in some superb shots to keep the break going, given how awkwardly a lot of the balls are positioned.

But eventually, one proves beyond him, as a red stays in the corner jaws...

Two absolutely brilliant pots on blue and red - with the cue ball locked on the side cushion both times - get Kyren Wilson in business.

Pink and black are safe so the blue needs to be his friend in this visit.

Kyren Wilson tries a swerve to pot the one over the pocket - he hits the red but it stays out... but it goes safe.

Shaun Murphy feels he's forced into a pot on a tough red to middle and misses it. The balls have gone a bit scrappy now, most frames have been fairly quick so far but this one might take a while to sort out.

The one negative about that shot is that the black has gone slightly safe on the bottom cushion.

And when another attempted cannon goes awry, Murphy runs out of position, just 14 points to the good and a safety his only option.

Trouble is, there's a red over a corner pocket so the safety is not easy. He just about covers it, though.

Dennis Taylor
1985 world champion on BBC Two

Watch out - there's a magician about!

Image source, Getty Images

Well, Shaun Murphy starts frame six with a fantastic long plant that sends balls scattering everywhere.

Ken Doherty
1997 world champion on BBC Two

Kyren's missed a few and it's costing him big time. He's just not as sharp as he was last night [in his semi-final win over Judd Trump].

A couple of misses and it's costing him frames.

Yep, Shaun Murphy mops up the remainder of the reds with a 32 break to clinch the fifth frame and leave Kyren Wilson looking increasingly uncomfortable in his chair.

Ah, at least Mr Hendry is being an equal-opportunity jinxer.

Now, Shaun Murphy is the victim, clipping the knuckle as he tries to float a red to the middle.

But Kyren Wilson can't make him pay - well off with a long red and leaving Murphy in to crunch one in from mid-distance.

Already 30-odd points ahead, it's looking like 4-1 to the world number seven incoming...

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

Image source, PA Media

I don't think I've ever seen Shaun looked as focused as he has done this week.

And as Murphy misses a pot to the middle: I need to stop talking because every time I say something, they play a bad shot!

Dennis Taylor
1985 world champion on BBC Two

He's on a roll at the moment, Shaun Murphy, and that clearance to win the frame before the mid-session interval - what a boost to his confidence that must have been.