January 12th 2025.
Shaun Murphy is gearing up for his 20th consecutive appearance at the Masters tournament, which begins on Sunday evening. Despite not winning a title this season, the 42-year-old is feeling confident about his game and is excited to compete at the Alexandra Palace.
In an interview with Metro, Murphy shared that he has faced some challenges in the past few months after moving to a new location near London. However, he has finally sorted out his practice facilities and is feeling more comfortable than ever. He believes that regular and consistent practice has greatly improved his game and boosted his confidence.
Murphy is well aware of the tough competition at the Masters, having lost to the eventual champion five times this season. He compares it to a similar season a couple of years ago, where he was playing well but was beaten by someone playing even better. He jokes that if his first-round opponent, Gary Wilson, wins the tournament, he will congratulate him for being the Masters champion.
The Magician also discussed the absence of Ronnie O'Sullivan, who withdrew from the tournament due to medical reasons. Murphy acknowledges the immense pressure and expectations that O'Sullivan has carried for over 30 years in the sport and wishes him well. He hopes to see the five-time world champion back at his best soon.
As for his own chances at the Masters, Murphy is focused on creating more history rather than dwelling on past successes. This year marks several anniversaries for him, including 20 years since his World Championship win and 10 years since his Masters triumph. Despite not winning a Triple Crown event in the past 10 years, he remains determined to give his best and compete for the title.
Murphy's first-round match against Wilson will determine who will face either Neil Robertson or John Higgins in the next round. With a strong field of players, the Masters promises to be an exciting and challenging tournament for the Magician.
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