Murphy slams critics' double standards in ‘unfair’ O’Sullivan comparison

30 January 2023 , 11:06

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Shaun Murphy has hit back at critics questioning his media work whilst competing (Image: VCG via Getty Images)

Shaun Murphy believes he is singled out 'unfairly' for mixing punditry and playing duties - claiming Ronnie O'Sullivan is not subjected to the same level of criticism.

Murphy, 40, has come under fire for combining his broadcasting work alongside his commitments playing in snooker's prestigious Triple Crown events of late.

The former world champion has shown glimpses of his best form after undergoing life-changing gastric sleeve surgery this summer to boost his career and lift his deteriorating mental health.

But Murphy has run into two unstoppable performances from Jack Lisowski and Stuart Bingham this season as he crashed out at the quarter-final stages of both the UK Championship and the Masters.

While at those tournaments, Murphy was also in the studio and on the commentary mic for the BBC, even working for the broadcaster on the day of his own matches.

O'Sullivan teases fellow pro Dale over his hair in awkward post-match interview

That decision was questioned by seven-time Crucible King Stephen Hendry, who was famously laser-focused and single-minded in his approach when he dominated the sport in the 1990's.

But on Hendry's Cue Tips Youtube channel, Murphy defended his 'controversial' venture into the media world whist still competing, and is unsure why O'Sullivan avoids the same stick for his similar work with Eurosport.

"The criticism I've taken for jumping into this world I think is very, very unfair," Murphy claimed. "If you watch enough footage; Dennis Taylor who we all rave about, your John Virgos.

"They have been doing it 40 years while still playing. If you turn Eurosport on, Ronnie is in the studio and he doesn't take the same criticism that I take and I think it's unfair."

O'Sullivan often works for Eurosport during tournaments he competes in (PA)

Murphy has not won a Triple Crown title since the Masters in 2015 but is adamant he can still compete for major honours amid a mini-renaissance.

However, the Magician also has one eye beyond life on the green baize and has placed importance on forging a new punditry career when he eventually hangs up the cue.

"I don't think I've reached the end of my career at all," he said. "I still think I can be effective in tournaments but I do think it's the right time to start looking at other things.

"At some time I'll want to move into this world and if I leave it until then it will be too late. If you just come here with the blinkers on, don't get me wrong, I think you'd win more tournaments and I accept that."

Ben Parsons