Exclusive: Shaun Murphy Believes the Current Snooker Era is the Most Ruthless in History

Snooker star Shaun Murphy hates comparing eras, but is proud of his achievements in the “toughest era” the sport has ever seen.

The Magician burst onto the scene to become the first qualifier since Terry Griffiths 1979 to win the World Championship in 2005.

Reigning Masters champion Murphy has been a top player for two decades, but his time in the sport has coincided with Class of ’92 trio Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Williams all being at the peak of their powers. 

He has also had to contend with the greats of his age with Mark Selby and Neil Robertson and the irresistible force of Judd Trump in recent years. 

Earlier this season, four-time world champion Higgins stated he was "lucky all my titles came 20 years ago" due to the current standard in the sport.

And Murphy, who could cement his Crucible spot at this week's Players Championship, told SportsBoom.com: “I think you have to consider the competition you’ve been up against."

“Whilst you can’t compare eras really and we all to some degree let the greats of their eras be the greats of their eras. What you can compare is back in the 80s and 90s there were only a handful of players who could win an event.”

“Nowadays you go to an event and the scope of players who can win that week is much greater. That’s why this current era is the most competitive.”

“If you look at someone like Ernie Els in golf…how many majors would he have won had he not been playing in the Tiger and Phil Mickelson era?”

“I suppose the same can be said for all of us who are competing in the age where the Class of 92 are still lurking about and other living greats like your Mark Selbys, your Judd Trumps…Neil Robertson et al. It’s a very difficult era.”

COULD HAVE WON MORE

The 42-year-old has 12 ranking tournaments on his CV which puts him tenth on that particular list.

In terms of Triple Crown titles Murphy is among an elite group of only 11 players to proudly complete the set. 

When it comes to Triple Crown majors, Murphy’s four is no mean feat when you consider the competition, but there could have been more with three painful World Championship final defeats as well as losses in UK Championship and Masters showpieces.

“If you told the 22-year-old kid who won the World Championship he definitely wouldn’t have believed that I wouldn't have won more than I have,” added Murphy.

“But the mid-30s version of me who won the Masters 10 years ago would probably be a bit more rounded in his views and accept whilst it would be great to have a stack load of Triple Crown wins, they’re just not that easy to win.”

“You watch some of our legends who seemingly win them when they want to, it just isn’t that easy.”

“It’s tough to peak for the right weeks. It’s tough to peak your game for specific weeks of the year.” 

“I’ve tried desperately my whole career. I try the hardest I can every single week. I’m not one of these who will try any harder at the Masters or World Championship than I do in the Scottish Open for example. I give my absolute best at all times.”