Murphy needs more magic to rock Robertson in Masters snooker final

World number one Neil Robertson is 2-0 up on Shaun Murphy in previous meetings at the Masters snooker, including a 10-6 victory in the final at Alexandra Palace three years ago.

Coral thus make ‘the Thunder from Down Under’ their odds-on 8/15 favourite to take the title, after crushing defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan 6-1 in the semis.

Rotherham native Murphy, nicknamed ‘the Magician’ is 6/4 to upset the Aussie, however, having trounced Mark Allen 6-2 in the other last four match-up.

As Robertson has a commanding head-to-head advantage of 19-10 in encounters with Murphy, he is a worthy favourite. That being said, however, he caught O’Sullivan cold, and was always in front, albeit putting together an awesome display.

Punters impressed by the Thunder should take the enhanced 6/4 odds for him to win a second Masters crown and make the highest break in the final.

A repeat scoreline (10-6 to Robertson) from 2012, meanwhile, is an 8/1 chance. Masters finals are a best of 19 frames affair, meaning there will be two sessions, and this year it’s 9/2 to go the distance.

The first four frames will set the tone for this contest. Robertson was 3-1 ahead against the Rocket in his semi, while Murphy showed real grit and character to come back from two down to be level against Allen. Odds of 8/5 say it will be two frames apiece.

Punters that saw something in the Magician’s magnificent comeback against Allen should take a great 9/2 price on Murphy making the highest break and taking this title, the one event in snooker’s Triple Crown that has eluded him, and that is on his mind.