Shaun Murphy is on the verge of a second Masters title after he established a 6-2 lead over Kyren Wilson at the end of the afternoon session of Sunday’s final.
A magnificent 147 break by Murphy against Mark Allen had sent the ‘Magician’ into the showpiece at Alexandra Palace and he continued his fine form against world champion Wilson.
Murphy followed up breaks of 94 and 65 with back-to-back centuries to take control of the best-of-19 frame final ahead of the evening session at 7pm.
The start to the final was disrupted by a wasp inside the north London venue with Murphy again the target like earlier this week.
It failed to put off the 2015 Masters champion as he went ahead after a strong first frame following a break of 94.
The second frame was more cagey, but Murphy moved 2-0 up before Wilson got off the mark with his own half-century break.
Crucially, Murphy edged the next two frames to open up a healthy lead before Wilson reduced the deficit with a 53 break.
The afternoon session belonged to Murphy, though, who produced a superb 134 clearance for the first century of the final.
It was followed up by an excellent break of 116 to leave Murphy in a strong position.
