Snooker star Shaun Murphy’s perfect 147 break at the Paddy Power Perfect Challenge was overshadowed by mockery of his darting abilities from three-time world darts champion Michael van Gerwen.
Murphy was the only competitor to complete their respective challenge during the cross-sport event, which pitted stars from snooker, darts and golf against each other.
However, his subsequent poor performance at the dart board led to ridicule from Van Gerwen over Murphy’s previous claims of having achieved a nine-dart finish.
When challenged to prove his darting prowess, Murphy asked: “What happens if I hit a 180 here?”
Shaun Murphy was called out by Michael van Gerwen for claiming he landed a nine-darter
Sky Sports
His subsequent attempt saw him miss the board completely with two darts, prompting Van Gerwen to question: “Where was it that you hit the nine-darter? I’d like to know this story.”
After hearing it was at Murphy’s local club, the Dutch champion sarcastically added: “Was it 301 or 101?”
The standard format for darts requires players to start from 501, making Van Gerwen’s reference to lower starting points particularly cutting.
The event aimed to determine which sporting achievement – a snooker 147 break, darts nine-darter or golf hole-in-one – was most difficult to accomplish.
Earlier in the day, Murphy and current World Darts Champion Luke Humphries had engaged in a heated debate about the relative difficulty of their sports.
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Humphries claimed a 147 would be easier for professionals because snooker players “know the angles.”
Murphy responded incredulously: “I didn’t know you were a comedian!”
Van Gerwen managed six perfect darts at one point, while golfers Matt Wallace and Ross Fisher came close but failed to achieve a hole-in-one.
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Snooker star Shaun Murphy was mocked by Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen
Sky Sports
Murphy had previously claimed in 2022 to be in a unique position, telling the From the Clubhouse podcast: “That is true and, currently, I think it’s a club of one.
“I don’t know anyone else who’s done all three.”
The snooker star has recorded eight professional 147 breaks in his career, matching Judd Trump’s tally.
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“I didn’t know you were a comedian as well” 😅
The nine-darter vs 147 debate getting going between Luke Humphries and Shaun Murphy 🎯🎱 pic.twitter.com/nVPCaMEVD2
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) December 4, 2024
His most recent maximum break came in December 2023 at the Snooker Shoot Out in Swansea, where he achieved the feat against Bulcsu Revesz.
The cross-sport challenge took place across two locations, with darts and snooker stars competing in Manchester while the golf challenge was held in Boreham Wood.
Paddy Power announced they will donate £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180 scored during the upcoming World Championship.
The bookmaker will also offer a £180,000 bonus for nine-darters, split between Prostate Cancer UK, the player achieving the feat, and a fan in attendance at Alexandra Palace.