Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump 'get the adulation' says Shaun Murphy who is 'back and not going anywhere'

Published 28/02/2023 at 09:16 GMT

Shaun Murphy was left thrilled after he landed the 10th ranking title of his career and his first since 2020 as he was crowned the 2023 Players Championship victor on Sunday. The 40-year-old defeated Ali Carter 10-4 and claimed the £125,000 prize money as he showed beyond any doubt that he is a contender to be taken very seriously at the World Championship. He has now said that he is "back".

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Shaun Murphy has declared that he is "back", and "not going anywhere for a bit" ahead of the World Championship after he clinched his 10th ranking title.

The 2005 world champion was in stunning form as he claimed the major title and the coveted £125,000 prize with a hugely impressive 10-4 victory over Ali Carter.

Murphy produced a remarkable five centuries as he rose to the occasion in a big way to land the 10th title of his career at this level and his first since 2020.

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The Magician did not attempt to veil his immense pride and delight at claiming the prize after such a prolonged drought in adding to his trophy cabinet, and he has now added a vow that he is "back" ahead of a tilt at a second title at the Crucible.

“They say success like to wait behind the corner of failure," Murphy told the Mirror. "But how often can you keep going to the well? How deep is your well, how much patience have you got before you give up?

“It is so hard watching everyone else sail off with titles when you know you have got the game but for some reason, you just can’t do it. But I had the determination and it has clicked.

"The sleeping giant that they had all forgotten about – I’m back, and I’m not going anywhere for a bit.

“I will head to the Crucible this year in the best shape since I won it all those years ago. Physically, mentally, technically, I will get to Sheffield in the best condition to go deep in that tournament."

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Moving on to talking about snooker being "in the entertainment business", Murphy noted that the snooker played by Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump endears them to casual and dedicated fans of the sport.

"Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump play snooker that entertains people more often than the rest, and that’s why they get the adulation," he said.

“But this Players final was my night, the crowd were on their feet at the end and I have played a style of snooker that they enjoyed, the brand I have always tried to play.

"We are in the entertainment business, we are in show business, but ours is just snooker. It is important to not just win but win well and put on a show for those spending hard-earned money.”