Murphy conquers nerves to lift title

Newly-crowned champion Shaun Murphy admitted he was nervous as he edged a thrilling Embassy World Championship final.

The 22-year-old defeated Matthew Stevens 18-16 today, and although he looked calm when he went behind, Murphy revealed he was “shaking like a leaf”.

Murphy told BBC2: “It’s a privilege to be world champion.

“I’m so glad I got over the line. I couldn’t get away from Matthew no matter how well I played, I managed to string a few frames together.

“People have been saying over the last two weeks that I have been looking quite calm and taking things in my stride, but if they had asked me I was shaking like a leaf.”