Phil HaighPublished Apr 28, 2024, 8:00pm|Updated Apr 28, 2024, 8:23pm
Shaun Murphy tells players considering leaving the World Snooker Tour that they should ‘be careful what they wish for’ as uncertainty could await them.
There have been plenty of rumors of a breakaway tour circling, with Judd Trump revealing he had been approached but dismissed the idea of leaving WST.
Mark Williams has been teasing that he may not be playing on the main tour next season, but nothing has been announced of a rumored new circuit or who would be playing on it.
Murphy is well aware of the rumors but says he knows little about the venture and has not been approached to play himself.
‘It’s obviously something we’re talking about. We’ve heard a lot about it. I haven’t been approached by anyone, I don’t know anything about it,’ he said. ‘Nobody’s rung me.
‘I’m led to believe some players have signed NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) not to talk about it. I saw my name mentioned in dispatches that I have. I haven’t. I don’t know anything about it and will finish this season and look to return to the tour next season.
‘I haven’t got any interest in it. As far as I’m aware it doesn’t exist. I haven’t seen anything about it. If that changes I’ll let you know, but at the moment I don’t know anything about it. It’s all rumor and hearsay, which I haven’t got time for.
‘I don’t think many of us do the game any favors talking about these things. It’s just conjecture and rumor. These people who have been approached know more than I do. I was pleased to see Judd nail his colors to the mast. He’s obviously been approached. That’s more than me.’
Ronnie O’Sullivan will not be joining any rival tour after signing an agreement with Saudi Arabia, but he has backed any players to take whatever offer they feel is best for them and their families.
Murphy can see why players late in their career might be tempted by an offer of guaranteed money elsewhere, but suggests that might show a lack of loyalty.
‘I’ve seen comments from players saying they’ve got to make choices for their families and what suits them. I think that’s right,’ said the Magician. ‘These players have had their time, maybe, they’ve had their years.
‘They’ve taken and taken and taken from the sport and they want to take even more. Good luck to them. It’s a shame they haven’t considered putting a little bit more back into the tour that’s given them so much before they run away.
‘But I know very little about it. I’d be scared to comment on it really because I don’t know enough about it. I assume these players are being paid a lot of money and who am I to say they shouldn’t be taking it. I half understand it.’
Players are allowed to play exhibition events when WST tournaments are not being held, but Murphy is keen that anyone joining a current rival tour, clashing with WST events, should not be able to dip back in.
‘I think I’d like to see a situation where players have to declare their allegiance one way or the other,’ he said. ‘They can play on the World Snooker Tour with the majors, the Triple Crowns, the history and heritage that Judd talked about.
‘Or they can go and play on a new tour with unknown backers, people we don’t know. How long does this pot of money last? It’s a case of being careful what you wish for.
‘I wouldn’t like a situation where players can go off and then come back and play in the Triple Crown events. I don’t think that should happen. You stick your flag in the ground, declare your loyalty somewhere and see how we go.
‘Players want the independence to play where they want when they want and I really do understand that. I’m not sure you can have your cake and eat it.’
Murphy was beaten 13-9 by Stephen Maguire in the second round of the World Championship on Sunday and the Scot had a different view on any opportunities that might be arising elsewhere.
The 43-year-old said: ‘I’m only hearing it from other players. I think it’s good.
‘If someone else is interested to come in and some of the numbers being thrown about is interesting.
‘My ears are always open, I’m always listening. I’ve not been approached, but my door’s always open. Why not? If there’s a few years guaranteed [money], especially someone like me who is having to go to these qualifiers. I know it’s my own fault, but I don’t enjoy it.
‘If there’s another opportunity there that doesn’t mean Barnsley, Leicester then I would seriously think about it. I’m listening, my phone’s always on.’
MORE: Judd Trump reveals approach from rival tour and why he snubbed it
MORE : Ronnie O’Sullivan speaks out on breakaway tour and Saudi Arabia deal
