Shaun Murphy is a former world snooker champion and one of the most prolific break-builders of the modern era.
Shaun Murphy – Career Snapshot
| Date of birth: | 10 August 1982 |
| From: | England |
| Turned professional: | 1998 |
| Highest world ranking: | No. 3 |
| Ranking titles: | 13 |
| World Championship titles: | 1 |
| Triple Crown titles: | 4 |
| Masters appearances: | 22 |
| Maximum 147 breaks: | 10 |
Shaun Murphy’s Snooker Career
Shaun Murphy turned professional in 1998 at the age of just 15, and after several seasons of development he announced himself on the biggest stage in sensational fashion. At the 2005 World Snooker Championship, Murphy emerged from the qualifying rounds to produce one of the most memorable Crucible runs in modern history.
He reached the final as an underdog but delivered a composed performance under pressure to defeat Matthew Stevens 18-16 and capture the world title at just 22 years old. The triumph established Murphy as a major force in the sport, and he would go on to become a regular contender at the game’s biggest events for the next two decades.
Murphy added further Triple Crown silverware with UK Championship glory in 2008, before completing the career Triple Crown by winning the Masters in 2015. Known as “The Magician”, he built a reputation as a heavy scorer and confident front-runner, while his outspoken views also ensured he remained one of snooker’s most prominent personalities away from the table.
Although he narrowly missed out on adding a second world title after reaching finals in 2009, 2015, and 2021, Murphy continued to collect major trophies and ranking event victories. A notable resurgence arrived in 2023 when he won both the Players Championship and the Tour Championship, along with the Championship League title, highlighting his enduring quality in the latter stages of his career.
In 2025, Murphy returned to Triple Crown success by winning the Masters in London, and he also added another ranking title with his victory at the British Open.
Shaun Murphy’s Ranking Titles
Shaun Murphy won 13 ranking titles during his professional career.
| Year | Tournament |
|---|---|
| 2005 | World Snooker Championship |
| 2007 | Malta Cup |
| 2008 | UK Championship |
| 2011 | PTC Grand Finals |
| 2014 | World Open |
| 2016 | World Grand Prix |
| 2017 | Gibraltar Open |
| 2019 | China Open |
| 2020 | Welsh Open |
| 2023 | Players Championship |
| 2023 | Tour Championship |
| 2023 | Championship League Snooker |
| 2025 | British Open |
Other Major Titles and Notable Wins
- The Masters (2015, 2025)
- Champion of Champions (2017)
- Premier League (2009)
- Wuxi Classic (2010)
- Malta Cup (2008)
- Minor ranking events (2010 Brugge Open, 2014 Gdynia Open, 2014 Bulgarian Open, 2014 Ruhr Open)
Shaun Murphy and the Triple Crown
Shaun Murphy won four Triple Crown titles during his professional career.
- World Championship: 1 title (2005)
- UK Championship: 1 title (2008)
- Masters: 2 titles (2015, 2025)
SHQ Star Rating: ★★★★★★
SnookerHQ uses a seven-point star scale based on the scoring values of snooker balls, with a black (7) representing the highest career classification. Ratings are assigned using career achievements, longevity, and historical impact.
Shaun Murphy: ★★★★★★
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Featured photo credit: WST