In response to Ronnie O’Sullivan’s criticism of his choice to use two cues during the Northern Ireland Open last week, Shaun Murphy has responded.
Murphy has long supported the game’s evolution and modernization, and he thinks snooker players ought to depend on multiple cues rather than just one.
According to his theory, distinct cues will be appropriate for the different circumstances that snooker players encounter at every location and during every event.
Murphy tested the ground-breaking strategy at the Northern Ireland Open last week, much to the delight or consternation of spectators.
The seventh-ranked player in the world used two cues to win against Ryan Thomerson, Marco Fu, and Sean O’Sullivan at the Waterfront Hall.
But he didn’t really grab hold of the second option until his matchup with Chris Wakelin in round four.
Murphy led 2-1, but after that, he stayed seated for the majority of the tie and ultimately lost 4-2.
When asked about the subject on Eurosport, world no. 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan responded angrily.
“If you’re winning, use three cues, but it doesn’t look good to keep getting pumped up, does it?” O’Sullivan joked wryly.
Consequently, before you start doing that, start winning some matches.
There is no secret that O’Sullivan and Murphy do not get along very well; they have fought repeatedly in the past.
The Rocket’s most recent insult, though, struck me as a little strange given that Murphy had actually won three titles in 2023.
After winning big in the Players and Tour Championships at the end of the previous season, The Magician prevailed in the Championship League, which kicked off the new season.
In the most recent episode of his podcast featuring emcee Phil Seymour, Murphy had the chance to respond, and his venomous rejoinder did not let him down.
Firstly, allow me to state this clearly. On The Onefourseven Snooker podcast, Shaun Murphy stated, “I can take a joke as much as the next person.”
“If you’re going to give it, you have to be able to take it; I love a little craic with everyone.”
However, I failed to grasp the humour and didn’t get it. It struck me as a little bit of a cheap shot.
I misunderstood his meaning. Because, as you mentioned, I emerged victorious from three or four matches played last week in Belfast; each time I went to the arena to play, I brought several cues with me.
“Anyone who is aware of what I’m attempting to accomplish knows that I won’t require the second cue until the very end of the event, when things get worse.
“Well, when was I supposed to do it? Jokes are OK; when it all goes wrong later, I hope he can recall who started it.
We’re not the best of friends, as you will know unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 20 years.
I hope he recalls who initiated it, but I’m not understanding it. It eluded my understanding.
“I have some shots of my own to take, but I’m happy to take a joke. I will eventually have an opportunity to take a small, cheap jab at Ronnie.
“And what do you know? After that, I think I’ll accept it. Ron, keep in mind that your jokes must be funny if you plan to tell them.
They must be logical. If not, you simply look ridiculous.
Ronnie O’Sullivan and Shaun Murphy will compete next at the upcoming International Championship in Tianjin.
Murphy has already advanced to the round of 64, where he will play Dominic Dale, while O’Sullivan will take on Ken Doherty in his remaining qualifying match.
The latter has only competed in two ranking events this season, but his victory at the Shanghai Masters invitational earned him trophies.
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