Shaun Murphy warns against joining potential breakaway snooker tour

Shaun Murphy, a former Crucible champion and non-executive player director with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), has spoken out against the potential breakaway tour that has been rumored in the snooker world. Murphy, who won the World Championship in 2005, believes that players who choose to join this new tour should not be allowed to participate in snooker’s biggest events, including the World Championship.

In response to the speculation surrounding the breakaway tour, Murphy stated, “They can play on the WST in major Triple Crown events with the history and prestige that Judd talks about or they can play on a new tour with an unknown backer and people we don’t know.” He emphasized the importance of players declaring their loyalty to one tour and not being able to switch back and forth between the two.

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has expressed a more open-minded approach, stating that he is willing to consider any proposition that comes his way. O’Sullivan emphasized the importance of being looked after and pampered, indicating that he is open to exploring new opportunities if they meet his needs.

Stephen Maguire, a two-time World Championship semi-finalist, also expressed interest in potential offers from the rumored breakaway tour. Maguire, who has voiced his dislike for qualifying events, stated, “If there was a few years’ guarantee, why not?” indicating his willingness to explore new opportunities outside of the traditional snooker circuit.

As the snooker world awaits further developments on the potential breakaway tour, players like Murphy, O’Sullivan, and Maguire are keeping their options open and considering their next moves in the ever-evolving landscape of professional snooker.