Shaun Murphy issues warning to potential breakaway snooker tour players after Judd Trump turns down approach
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Updated 28/04/2024 at 20:36 GMT
Shaun Murphy and Stephen Maguire were both asked about the prospect of a breakaway snooker tour following their World Championship clash. Murphy said players should have to “stick your flag in the ground and declare your loyalty” rather than play in both, while Maguire said his "ears are always open". Judd Trump has revealed he has turned down offers.
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Shaun Murphy has warned “be careful what you wish for” as he said any snooker players who join a breakaway tour should not be permitted to play in the sport’s biggest events, including the World Championship.
There have been rumours of players being lured away from the World Snooker Tour (WST) to compete on a breakaway circuit.
Judd Trump said he had been approached but was “not interested one bit” and is "very happy" on the WST.
Murphy, who was beaten in the last 16 of the World Championship by Stephen Maguire, said it is a topic the “players are talking about”.
“I've not been approached by anybody, I don't know anything about it and nobody has rung me. I've got no interest in it,” he added.
"I'm led to believe some players have signed NDAs (non-disclosure agreements). I heard my name mentioned with people saying I've signed an NDA but I haven't. I will finish this season and will look to return to the tour next season."
"I was pleased to see Judd nail his colours to the mast. I've seen comments from players saying they have to make choices for their families. These players have taken and taken from the sport and they want to take even more and good luck to them.
"It's a shame they've not considered putting a bit more back into a tour that's given them so much before they run away."
Murphy, who is on the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) players board, said talk of a breakaway tour at the moment is “all rumour and hearsay”.
But he said if it does develop further then players should have to “stick your flag in the ground and declare your loyalty”.
"They can play on the WST in major Triple Crown [World Championship, Masters and UK Championship] events with the history and prestige that Judd talks about or they can play on a new tour with an unknown backer and people we don’t know.
"How long will this pot of money last for? It's a case of be careful what you wish for.
"I wouldn't like a situation where players can go off and then come back to the Triple Crown events. I don't think that should happen. You stick your flag in the ground and declare your loyalty somewhere.
“Players want the independence to play where they want when they want and I really do understand that. I’m not sure you can have your cake and eat it.”
Maguire said after beating Murphy that “something is happening in the background” and his “ears are always open”.
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Stephen Maguire celebrates breating Shaun Murphy
Image credit: Getty Images
"I’m only hearing it from other players and I think it's good if someone else is interested," he said.
"Some of the numbers that are getting thrown around, it's interesting. My ears are always open, I'm always listening, always looking. I've not been approached but my door is always open.
"If there’s another opportunity that does not mean Barnsley or Leicester I would seriously think about it. If there was a few years' guarantee, why not?".
"Something is happening in the background. I'm not on social media so don't really hear things, unless people say 'Stevie, this is what's happening'. I'm looking and listening. My phone is always on."
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