Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry has likened snooker star Shaun Murphy to tennis legend Andy Murray, suggesting both athletes have faced similar challenges competing against all-time greats in their respective sports.
While Murray contended with tennis icons Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Murphy has shared the stage with snooker legends including Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump.
“He’s been in a period of players he’s kind of like snooker’s Andy Murray,” Hendry said of Murphy.
Murphy, 42, clinched his second Masters title on Sunday with a victory over Kyren Wilson at Alexandra Palace.
Snooker news: Stephen Hendry has likened snooker star Shaun Murphy to tennis legend Andy Murray, suggesting both athletes have faced similar challenges competing against all-time greats in their respective sports
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The triumph adds to his impressive collection of Triple Crown titles, which now stands at four.
His career achievements include a UK Championship and a World Championship title.
Hendry believes Murphy’s talent should have yielded even more success, stating: “He should have won more than one, that’s how good he is.”
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Snooker news: Shaun Murphy won the Masters on Sunday night
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The Briton was particularly emphatic about Murphy’s natural ability in the sport.
“He’s up there with the top three of all-time in terms of the talent to play snooker, his technique, all the shots he can play,” the Scot remarked.
The seven-time world champion noted that Murphy’s capabilities should have translated into more titles, with the former tennis star claiming three majors during his career before hanging up his racket back in the summer.
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“There’s very few better. But it’s always been that thing: Does he have the concentration? Does he have the focus? Is he nasty enough?” Hendry questioned.
According to Hendry, Murphy displayed a transformed approach during his recent Masters victory.
The snooker legend highlighted Murphy’s work with Peter Ebdon as a key factor in his improved focus.
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“He was a different player last week. I think working with Peter Ebdon has focussed him,” Hendry observed.
“It was complete focus, even when he was in his chair he never took his eyes off the table, it was all serious.
Snooker news: Shaun Murphy has had to compete with Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins throughout his career
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“A lot of the time he looks around, his mind wanders, you can physically see his body language change, he’s too relaxed.
“I thought he was on it all week, it was very impressive.”