Shaun Murphy 'over the moon' with 10th title after Players Championship triumph - 'one of my biggest ever achievements'
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Updated 28/02/2023 at 08:55 GMT
There was certainly no denying how delighted Shaun Murphy was after the 40-year-old landed the 10th ranking title of his career and his first since 2020 as he was crowned the 2023 Players Championship victor. He 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.
'Oh, wow!' - Murphy 'never backs off a big shot' as he drains tough black in final
Shaun Murphy was left "over the moon" and "absolutely delighted" after his triumph at the Players Championship on Sunday evening.
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.
The Magician did not attempt to veil his immense pride and delight at claiming the trophy after such a prolonged drought in adding to his trophy cabinet.
“I’m absolutely delighted, I’m over the moon. It isn’t often you get me speechless, but I’m pretty close," Murphy told the World Snooker Tour.
"I’d forgotten what to say when you win. I’ve spent the last few seasons giving runner-up speeches. I’d become far too good at that for my liking.
"It was so nice to come to a tournament, play well and win. I can’t wait to take the trophy home to show Harry and Molly.
“A long time ago now, I wrote down a little goal of my own and that was to get to 10 ranking titles. I’ve been in lots of finals and could or perhaps should have won more, but 10 is a very nice number and I’m pleased I’ve reached one of my career goals tonight.
"It is lovely to join someone like Jimmy White with that number. Who knows, if I can play like I did today there could be another few to follow.
“I wasn’t guaranteed to be at the Tour Championship when I arrived here this week. That was a goal. I am now in it. I’m sure I will get to Sheffield ready. My game will be in the same shape as it is today. Obviously, I can’t wait to have another crack at the Crucible.
"I mean, I played really good all week, but that performance today, you know when it mattered… I lost in the final last week against Robert Milkins in the Welsh [Open], and couldn't get the job done. So to not just win, but to play like that, you know, I'm going to put it down as one of my biggest ever achievements in my career.
"Going up against somebody like Ali with the class he's got, the month he's had, his career. To play like that when I needed it the most, I'm really going to take that as a feather in the cap."
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