SNOOKER - Murphy Eyes Successful Defence

By Jon Wilde
April 17 2006

SNOOKER - Murphy Eyes Successful Defence

By Jon Wilde of Bettingzone.co.uk





Shaun Murphy admits he has been "living every 23-year-old's dream" since his stunning World Championship success last year.

The Rotherham-based player arrived at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre as a 150-1 outsider but conquered John Higgins, Steve Davis, Peter Ebdon and Matthew Stevens to become the first qualifier to capture the title since Terry Griffiths in 1979.

His defence of the crown is now only nine days away and although Murphy has not won a tournament since, he has been amazed by the amount of recognition to have come his way.

"I never imagined how busy the year would be," said Murphy at the launch of this year's World Championship, which is to be sponsored by online casino 888.com for the first time.

"I could have filled every night with some engagement or other. So much has happened that it's unbelievable to think it has only been a year since I won the World Championship, but then again the tournament seems to have come round really quickly.

"Some of the most stressful things life can throw at you have happened to me. I got married - that seems like a lifetime ago even though it was only last summer - moved house and my father has been ill.

"Almost every time I go out, whether it's to the supermarket or to China for a tournament, I seem to get spotted and people want either an autograph or a picture taken with their mobile phone.

"I can't put across how busy I have been but I have enjoyed every minute of it. I am living every 23-year-old's dream - I have a lovely house, I drive a nice car and I travel to some wonderful places. And I have played some pretty good snooker in between."

For all the trappings of his new-found fame, Murphy has not lost sight of the fact he needs to back up last year's shock triumph with further impressive performances to show he is not a flash in the pan.

No first-time winner of the sport's most prestigious prize has ever staged a successful defence. But Murphy, whose best display this season came when he reached the final of the Welsh Open which he lost to Stephen Lee, is confident of avoiding that jinx.

"If I can string a few results together early on I would not be surprised if I ended up taking the trophy home again," he said. "I like having it in my lounge and I want it to stay there.

"Even though I have not won since Sheffield I have had my best season and I am up to number five in the provisional rankings. Every match I have lost has been close.

"I remember Peter Ebdon, who I used to practice with, taking me aside at the champion's dinner last year and saying to me 'remember what it's all about', meaning the snooker.

"He had been through it all himself three years earlier and I didn't really know what he meant at the time, but I do now. That's why I have tried to reserve as much time as possible to practice and give myself the best possible chance of winning the title again."



*****************



Skybet have announced a new offer for the World Snooker Championships.

Place a bet of £5 or more on the World Snooker Championship with Skybet.

Enter the promotional code "WORLD" on your Free Bets screen in your account area and they will credit your account with £5 automatically to use on any snooker bet.

If you haven't got a SKYBET account then sign up here and get a FREE £20 bet also.

CLICK THE SKY BANNER TO QUALIFY FOR YOUR FREE £20 BET