Shaun Murphy, a player known as “The Magician,” recaptured his magical touch at the 2024 Masters, securing his second title at the prestigious invitational tournament. His victory was a testament to self-belief, characterized by a dominant performance throughout the week, culminating in a final where he outclassed world champion Kyren Wilson. Murphy’s triumph resonated with a renewed sense of purpose, hinting at a possible resurgence in his career and a hunger for more success. The victory, sealed with a characteristic display of long potting prowess and punctuated by passionate fist pumps, underscored his belief that competing without the ambition to win is pointless. His sheer joy and surprise at winning demonstrated the genuine significance of the achievement.
Murphy’s performance at the Alexandra Palace was a showcase of his natural talent, reminding spectators of his early career triumph as a 150-1 outsider winning the World Championship in 2005. His week at the Masters included seven centuries and a maximum break, the sixth in the tournament’s history, solidifying his status as one of the game’s most entertaining players. The theatrical elements of his game, including the aforementioned fist pumps, although not universally appreciated, add to the spectacle of his impressive displays of skill. Even seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, a player known for his discerning eye, praised Murphy’s all-around power play and captivating style, placing him amongst the few players he genuinely enjoys watching.
Murphy’s path to victory was paved with convincing wins over Gary Wilson, Neil Robertson, Mark Allen, and finally Kyren Wilson in the final. This success vindicated his decision to collaborate with former world champion Peter Ebdon, known for his uncompromising mental fortitude, to bolster his own mental game. O’Sullivan had previously highlighted the importance of this mental aspect, noting Murphy’s passionate reaction after defeating Judd Trump in a previous tournament. O’Sullivan encouraged Murphy to embrace the intensity of competition and shed the notion of being a “good loser,” emphasizing that the sting of defeat should fuel the desire to win. This resonates with Murphy’s own approach, evident in his emotional celebrations throughout the Masters.
At his peak, Murphy’s potting prowess rivals the likes of O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Luca Brecel, and Mark Williams, providing a thrilling spectacle for snooker enthusiasts. His ability to make the complex game appear effortless evokes comparisons to legendary figures like Alex Higgins and Jimmy White, who captivated audiences with their entertaining and winning styles. White himself praised Murphy’s exceptional cue action and ability to simplify difficult shots. Murphy’s captivating style, similar to O’Sullivan in full flow, transcends mere potting and elevates the game to an almost transcendent experience.
Beyond his technical brilliance, Murphy’s open and honest demeanor shines through. He previously shared a story of being discouraged from pursuing snooker by a teacher and experiencing bullying at school. This anecdote underscores his resilience and the dedication he has poured into his craft, making his achievements even more remarkable. His career statistics, including 694 centuries (seventh highest all-time), 12 major ranking titles, and £6.2 million in prize money, solidify his position among snooker’s elite. His record-breaking 147 at the Shoot Out, completed in an astonishing seven minutes and 35 seconds, further showcases his extraordinary talent.
Despite his evident talent, Murphy hasn’t achieved a second world title, a feat he undoubtedly aspires to. While the reasons remain known only to him, potential factors include lapses in concentration or focus, which may have contributed to his three World Championship final losses. Joining the exclusive club of multiple world champions, which includes legends like O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Ray Reardon, and Steve Davis, is likely a significant ambition. His dominant performance at the Masters, harking back to his past glories, provides a strong foundation for future success, suggesting that his next triumph won’t be met with the same surprise. The “Magician” has rediscovered his magic, and the snooker world awaits his next enchanting act.
