Brazil Masters 2011 - Murphy dances for victory

Shaun Murphy, the 2011 Brazil Masters champion

Shaun Murphy has become the first champion of the Brazil Masters tournament after he whitewashed Scotland's Graeme Dott 5-0 in a final that also saw the highest break of the competition being hit. A wonderfully 139 was scored by Murphy, who beside going home with a winner's cheque of $40,000 has also cashed an extra $2,000 for his beautiful break.

Although the final had quite a nervy start, Shaun put himself together pretty quickly in order to hit a break and 81, break that brought him the first frame. His opponent, Dott tried his best to level the situation at 1-1 during the very next frame, but missed the final red as he was on a 30 break, this giving Murphy the chance to clear for a 2-0 lead. Things weren’t looking good for the Scotsman.

Graeme Dott, the 2011 Brazil Masters runner-up

However, the third frame of the match seemed to have Graeme's name written all over it. As the reds were nicely spread, the 2006 world champion had a chance to win himself the first frame. But after collecting no more than 21 points he lost the attacking position and so Murphy took his chance with a 54 break. The scoreline was now 3-0.

Just before the interval kicked off Shaun felt the need to extend his lead in order to enjoy his cup of tee better and so, with a perfect 79 he was now just one step away from victory.
After the 15-minutes break, Dott tried his luck with a long red and missed it, this bringing Murphy to the table. Clearing with an outstanding 139, “The Magician” sealed the victory at 5-0. Brazil Masters' first champion was over the moon.

Magician Murphy putting a spell on the balls

So after four days in Brazil's Garden of Eden, also known as Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, the players are ready to go home, while the thrilled fans are still buzzing over this event. It's been great to visit such a beautiful country and it was great to see how snooker is treated outside UK's borders. Hopefully this competition will become a regular one, for it surely will help the globalization of the sport.

Nothing else to say than to sincerely congratulate all the players and especially Shaun Murphy for his win. He proved to be very confident of his game, he played beautifully and the reward was his - dancing for the Brazilian crown - what a victory!