Shaun Murphy News

Injury scuppers half-marathon plan

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Hi everyone, it's with great regret that I have to tell you that I won't be running in the Sheffield half-marathon on Sunday, May 27 as a result of an injury.

In training, I've developed a foot problem that is requiring anti-inflammatories. The injury has meant I've not been able to prepare properly.

For my first half-marathon, it was key for me to have clocked up enough miles beforehand to really build up my fitness. Unfortunately, this just hasn't been possible with the foot injury and, as ...

Jones edges quality clash

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy's World Championship bid came to an end this afternoon when he lost out 10-8 to Jamie.

In a high-quality match, which saw both players add further tons to the ones they made in yesterday's opening session, Jones recoved from a 5-4 deficit to book his last-16 spot.

Shaun said: "It was a fantastic game. I have no real complaints about my game, I've certainly played a lot worse and won before.

"I can only heap praise on Jamie, I thought he played well and based on that he deserved to ...

Entertaining first session

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy will resume his first-round World Championship clash with a 5-4 lead over Jamie Jones when the pair return on Monday afternoon.

There was a bit of everything in a closely-fought first session, including a ton from both players - and a 44-minute epic seventh frame.

Shaun in RMCH Charity link

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity (RMCH Charity) has hit pot luck with snooker star Shaun Murphy signing up to become a Patron.

Shaun, who lives near Manchester, decided to get involved after hearing all about the hospital and recently took time out to meet patients and staff at the largest children’s hospital in the UK.

Shaun will now be helping to raise awareness of the charity and lending a hand with fundraising so that the charity can continue to support excellence in treatment...

Crucible draw news

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy's pursuit of glory at the Betfred-sponsored World Championship will begin with a match against Crucible rookie Jamie Jones.

Shaun, the 2005 world champion, will start out inSheffield this Sunday with a 2.30pm afternoon session. The match concludes on Monday afternoon with another 2.30pm afternoon slot.

The Magician said: "I'm very excited about playing in the World Championship and looking forward to my match with Jamie, who is a talented young player.

"I will have to bring my A-ga...

Crondon calling

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

"Hi folks - been a bit of a while since I wrote. Been keeping busy, not least in that I've had a new Star table installed at Sale Cons Club. It's only been a few days but I can already tell the difference in my game.

It was a bit of a body blow having to watch the PTC Finals in Ireland in the last few days, so as you can imagine I'm raring to go this Wednesday and Thursday at the Championship Finals at Crondon Park. Of course, there is a great prize on offer with a place in next season's Prem...

More success in China

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy secured his berth in the quarter-finals of the Haikou World Open with a 5-3 win over Joe Perry today.

The Magician maintained his superb record of making at least the last eight of every ranking event this season with a relatively straightforward success.

He roared out of the blocks to take a commanding 3-0 lead over Perry. The Cambridgeshire potter put up some dogged resistance but Murphy always had the upper hand and progressed to set up a clash with Mark Selby tomorrow.

Opening success in World Open

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy came from 3-2 behind to nail a 5-3 victory over Ricky Walden in the first round of the Haikou World Open earlier today.

The highlight of the win was a total clearance of 131 as Shaun made it through to face either Matthew Stevens or Joe Perry in the last 16 on Thursday.

Heading East again

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Flying out to China tomorrow for the Haikou World Open. It's being staged in Hainan, China where we went last year for an invitational. That worked out well and now we are about to have a ranking event there.

It's just another example of what a great time it is to be a snooker player. Those days of sitting home and not having events to play in are long gone. In fact, I'm now trying to arrange a break during the PTC Finals - which I'm not in - to recharge the batteries ahead of the China Open ...

Shaun pleased to be in last four

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy was delighted after today battling through to once again reach the last four of another tournament.

The Magician, who made the final of the Masters and then the semi-finals of the German Masters in his previous two tournaments, saw off Mark Allen 5-4 in the quarter-finals of the Welsh Open this afternoon.

Having led 3-1 at the mid-session interval, Murphy had to sit and watch as his Irish opponent stormed into a 4-3 advantage.

But Shaun kept his cool and played two superb pressure ...

Shaun wins Allen thriller

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy is through to the last four of the Welsh Open after pipping Mark Allen 5-4 this afternoon.

In a classic see-saw battle, Shaun twice came from behind to book a spot in tomorrow's semi-final line-up at Newport.

Allen took the first, but Shaun roared back in reeling off three frames to take control by the mid-session interval.

Allen compiled a century on the resumption and won the next two to leave the Magician needing both of the remaining frames to make it through.

A quality run of 6...

Making progress in Wales

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy powered through to the last eight of the Welsh Open with an emphatic 4-0 win over Steve Davis tonight.

After winning an opening frame in which both players had their chances, Shaun never looked back. The Nugget made life hard for Murphy in the third frame, forcing him to escape from several canny snookers.

But once the Magician had eventually made it 3-0, the overall outcome seemed just about certain. Davis came close to putting one on the board in frame four after Shaun suffered ...

A date with Davis!

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

How's everyone doing? Hope you're all good. Just thought I'd jot down a few notes as I've got a date with a legend tomorrow night. My next match at the Welsh Open is against none other than Steve Davis.

When I was growing up, he was who I wanted to be and somebody I looked up to - still do, for that matter. In fact, on my first ever visit to the Crucible as a young fan, I remember chasing up him up the road for his autograph! And I may just end up running after him again in Sheffield this Ma...

Winning in Wales

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy beat Mark Joyce in the Welsh Open this afternoon to set up a last 16-clash with his one-time hero Steve Davis.

The Magician took a while to get into his stride and indeed an upset looked on the cards in Newport as Joyce took a 2-0 lead.

But Shaun found some fluency with a 65 to make 2-1 and that break was one of four half-centuries that saw him roar back to triumph 4-2.

Back-to-back 71s followed by a run of 89 in the sixth frame saw him through. Murphy really found his potting touc...

Travel tales

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

This time yesterday afternoon, I wasn't in the best of moods. Not because I had been well beat in the German Masters semi-final the night before by Stephen Maguire - although that didn't help. No, I was feeling well and truly fed up because my flight home from Berlin had been severely delayed.

Instead of flying back just after 4pm, we didn't take off until nearer eight. Suffice to say, the Departures Lounge at Berlin Airport wouldn't be my favourite spot to sit and pass the time of day. The l...

A Saturday in Berlin...

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Here for the weekend which is great. In fact, I've got myself into quite a nice little routine in Berlin. Yep, I'm still catching up with Jack Bauer and then I head out each lunchtime into Berlin for a spot of sight-seeing and something to eat at Starbucks. In fact, I'm virtually on first name terms with the guys at Starbucks now!

My match with Mark Selby finished around half-eleven last night and I went back to the hotel for a glass of wine with a few folks - I think I might have done a stin...

Through to the semi-finals

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN last night battled through to the last four in the German Masters with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over World No.1 Mark Selby.

Snowball time in Berlin

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Still 'Baltic' here in Berlin - and I'm onto the third season of '24' now. Jack Bauer and me are on first name terms!

And I'm through to the quarter-finals, too. Managed to overcome Ricky Walden last night but I have to say the snooker gods were right on my side last night. I had every bit of luck going.

My quarter-final game is scheduled for tonight and will be against either Selby or Dott. The winner of that game will have to play twice in a day which can be quite tough, so whoever gets thro...

Quarter-final spot secured in Berlin

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy maintained his excellent run of making at least the quarter-finals in all of the major ranking events this season with a 5-2 win over Ricky Walden in the German Masters tonight.

The Magician, aided by a run of 128 in the second, swept into a 4-0 mid-session interval lead.

Walden responded by winning the first two frames upon the resumption. But Shaun ended his resistance by edging a scrappy seventh to set up a last-eight clash with Mark Selby or Graeme Dott.

Jack Bauer, Germany and me

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Morning everyone - thought I'd drop you a few lines from Berlin where it is absolutely freezing this week. It's like minus-15 or something here, so I've not been out and about too much since I flew out on Tuesday in company with Andrew Higginson and Ricky Walden.

Lucky, then, that I've got the second series of '24' to keep me going - and I've got to know Jack Bauer pretty well so far this year. I watched the entire first series of '24' when I was down at Crondon Park and about a dozen episode...

Shootout beckons

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Shaun Murphy and Nigel Bond warmed up for the Partypoker.com Snooker Shoot-Out by taking on two Blackpool FC footballers this week.

Masters finalist Murphy and reigning Shoot-Out champ Bond headed up to the north west seaside town early for a challenge against Tangerine duo Matt Gilks and Bob Harris.

Murphy was paired with left back Harris to take on Bond and goalkeeper Gilks in a best-of-three frame challenge match. Bond and Harris came out on top by a 2-1 scoreline.

The match formed part of a...

Reflections on a good week

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Hi everyone and first of all, a big thanks to everyone for their support during the Masters. The messages I got here on the website, through your emails and tweets meant a lot to me.
All in all, it was a fantastic week both on and off the table - the only thing that was wrong with it was the result in the final! But to come second to a fantastic player like Neil Robertson is no disgrace and he was a worthy winner.
To be honest, if you'd said to me at the start of the week that I would come run...

Shaun in final after thriller

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy this evening claimed another big scalp in John Higgins to secure his first ever spot in a Masters final.

Just 24 hours earlier, Murphy beat World No.1 Mark Selby and tonight he overcame World champion Higgins 6-4 with a superb display.

Shaun knocked in three centuries on the way to setting up tomorrow's clash with Neil Robertson at Alexandra Palace.

The Magician raced to a 3-0 lead against Higgins, who showed his trademark tenacity in battling back to trail 3-2.

Murphy restored his ...

Shaun into last 4 in London

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy booked himself a spot in the semi-finals of the BGC Masters by knocking out World No.1 Mark Selby tonight.

The Magician, who has never previously made it into the weekend at the prestigious invitational event, triumphed 6-2 - the same scoreline which he beat Martin Gould by on Monday.

The Selby match began in a similar style for Shaun as he lost the opener - just like four days ago.

Selby then missed the final black to make it 2-0, allowing Murphy to step in and make it all square....

Great mates - apart from tomorrow night!

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

MAINLY practice tonight as I prepare for tomorrow night's quarter-final with Mark Selby.

It's a big match and will be difficult on a number of levels. For a start, he's the World No.1, a two-time Masters winner and a great all-round player.

But he's also one of my best friends, which presents its own set of challenges. We have shared so much time together away from snooker and even been to each other's family events.

But tomorrow night when we shake hands just before the start of the match, I ...

Shaun off to a flyer at Ally Pally

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy stormed into the last eight of the BGC Masters with a stunning 6-2 success over Martin Gould last night.

The Magician overcame a slow start to thump in two centuries - including a 139 total clearance - as well as two 80-plus contrbutions and a run of 59.

The strong performance confirmed that Shaun is in top form after his Championship League group win at Crondon Park last week.

He now faces either Mark Selby or Stephen Lee on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.

Murphy said: "I've...

Crondon win sets up Masters bid

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

IT'S The Masters next week and I can't wait to get there after four good days at Crondon Park. It was very nice to win Group 2 yesterday and the Championship League has given me a great preparation for Ally Pally.

I will certainly go there pleased with the state of my game, knowing that it's in good shape. It's easy to get over-bullish but my results suggest that I am playing well and I've been practising hard again today.

That said, snooker form can be so up and down - there's nothing to say ...

Shaun strikes at Crondon

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy gave himself a confidence boost ahead of next week's Masters with a superb performance at Crondon Park tonight.

The Magician was at his best in crushing both Mark Davis and Mark Selby 3-0 to book his spot in the Winners' Group of the Championship League.

Having reached the final of Group 1 early this week, Shaun went one better in Group 2. He beat Davis in the semi-final with his opponent on the end of breaks of 95, 136 and 57.

Selby didn't find life much easier as Shaun had runs o...

The only way is Crondon

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Alright everyone, I’m down at the Championship League this week, which is kind of a unique experience here at Crondon Park Golf Club.

On our tour some events are better attended than others, but this one does not allow spectators at all. I’ve got friends from down this way in Essex who want to come and watch me, but I have to explain to them that they can’t come.

So, in that respect, it’s a bit weird but I definitely think the tournament is a welcome part of the snooker calendar. It keeps us s...

The year that was - and the future

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

"So, here we are as another year draws towards an end. With that in mind, I thought it was a good idea to reflect on the past 12 months, identifying my highs and lows.

It's definitely been a year of contrasts but I've never 'done' consistency - and I'm not sure I ever want to. Is it me or is 'consistent' just another way of describing 'average'?

Anyway, I was extremely pleased to win the PTc Order of Merit and the PTC Championship Final in the spring. That trip to Ireland for the Final also al...

Shaun's session with United stars

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy enjoyed a practice session with a difference this afternoon - taking on Manchester United and England stars Michael Owen and Michael Carrick.

Shaun is a regular at Old Trafford and was delighted to get the chance to have a couple of frames with the famous footballing duo at Rileys in Altrincham.

He said: "It was a great opportunity as a United fan to meet both of the guys - and it's great that they're both interested in snooker.

"I gave them a few pointers in the right direction an...

PTC double-bill

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy is back in action this week with a PTC double-header in Sheffield at the English Institute of Sport.

Friday will see him contesting the early stages of PTC 12 - the last 16 of whom will proceed to Munich for the concluding stages in early January.

Then, on Saturday, he will begin his challenge to win PTC 11, which snooker fans will be able to see either 'live' at the venue or on Eurosport.

The two events are all important to Shaun's 2011-12 challenge. The top-24 on its order of mer...

Shaun stands tall under pressure

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy progressed to the last eight of the UK Championship with a thrilling 6-4 triumph over Martin Gould this afternoon.

It all looked plain sailing for Shaun at the mid-session interval as breaks of 86 and 102 helped him into a 4-0 lead.

He edged a tight fifth to get to within one frame of the last eight before Gould mounted a stirring comeback, including two centuries.

The tenth was a real edgy affair and spanned almost 50 minutes. But the Magician remained mentally strong when the com...

Murphy expecting another tough task

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy is expecting a tough encounter when he lines up against Martin Gould in the second round of the WilliamHill.com UK Championship tomorrow lunchtime.

The Manchester-based player booked his spot with a hard-fought 6-3 triumph over the exciting Chinese prospect Li Yan.

Shaun said: "I will have to play at least as well, if not a touch better, against Martin than I did in the first round.

"He was on the next table (beating Peter Lines) the other night and, with their being no dividing sc...

'The UK is a great event' - Murphy

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy will get his 2011 WilliamHill.com UK Championship campaign underway on Sunday night when he'll face China's Li Yan.

Shaun has been putting the hours in on the practice table ahead of the tournament, which this year returns to the Barbican Centre in York.

It is an event that Murphy has already won once before in 2008 and he would dearly love to add his name to the trophy for a second time.

The Magician said: "The UK Championship is absolutely massive - it's the second biggest tourna...

Practising with Peter

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

I had a great day yesterday as Peter Ebdon came up to practise with me at the club.

We go back a long, long way and I can recall my first ever experience of the Crucible Theatre was when I went to watch him play there in 1992.

Peter and I lived in the same part of the country for a long, long time and I’ve known him since I was 12 or 13.

Countless times, I used to ask if I could practice with him, pick the balls out for him, when I was a teenager but he’d always turn me down.

I suppose he had hi...

In the gym!

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

HI everyone, I'm on a full-on fitness drive at the moment. Having signed up for a half-marathon (which I'll be doing in aid of the Paul Hunter Foundation) that will take place next spring in Sheffield, I've been working hard in the gym.

I never thought I'd actually say this, but I actually look forward to going to the gym now. I've lost about half a stone in the last couple of weeks or so and I'd like to shed a few more lbs.

I feel a lot healthier and wish I'd done this all before, to be hones...

Last eight in Poland

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy took his recent good form to Poland for the latest PTC where he lost out 4-3 at the quarter-final stage to the eventual winner Neil Robertson today.

Shaun won four matches in all, beating Jak Jones 4-2 in the first round. He then edged Stuart Carrington 4-3 before putting paid to Adam Duffy's hopes 4-1.

The last-16 stage saw him paired with Ben Woollaston, who was defeated 4-2 before Robertson ended Shaun's run in that last-eight nail-biter.

Life on the road

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

GOT back from Brazil yesterday and I’m back out on the road again this afternoon, off to Motherwell for the Premier League. Tomorrow, I’m out again in the latest PTC at Sheffield in the 11am games.

It is brilliant being a professional snooker player at the moment as we’ve never been so busy. We’re having to learn how to be better travellers and stuff we’ve never had to think about before. Like grabbing a few hours’ sleep when we can or making the most of rest periods when they come about.

Anyw...

It's a win in Brazil!

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy secured the 11th professional triumph of his career with a convincing set of displays at the Brazilian Masters.

Shaun dropped just two frames in four matches as he stormed to success in the first ever pro snooker tournament to be held in South America.

Beating local player Sobradinho de Dues 4-0 in the first round, he saw off Ricky Walden 4-1 at the quarter-final stage.

Snooker legend Stephen Hendry was awaiting Shaun in the last four, but again the Magician emerged on top - this t...

Out in the clincher

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

AFTER two final-frame successes, it was Shaun Murphy's turn to lose in a decider as Mark Selby knocked in a century to seal a thrilling quarter-final contest.

Shaun played some great snooker to lead both 3-1 and 4-2. But Selby is nothingif not tenacious and he fought back well before booking his last-four spot with a run of 117.

Shaun said: "I had chances to win but I just didn't take them, and in the end Mark took the balls really well and deserved it. I hope he goes on to win it now."

Another day, another fighback!

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

COMEBACK king Shaun Murphy was at it again today at the Shanghai Masters as he beat Mark Allen 5-4 in a thriller.

In the first round the Magician fought back from the brink to pip Dominic Dale by the same scoreline.

On that occasion he'd trailed 1-4 before turning on the style. Against Allen he was faced with almost as bleak a position in that he was two down with three to play.

But he produced a wonderful 143 total clearance - the highest break of the tournament so far - to make it 3-4 and the...

What a comeback!

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

SHAUN Murphy staged a stirring fightback against Dominic Dale to battle through his first match in the Shanghai Masters earlier today.

Shaun looked to be on the brink of defeat as Dale moved 4-1 up. But the Magician showed Houdini-like qualities as he plotted his way back into the contest, eventually squeezing through 5-4.

Murphy said: "“At 4-1 down it would have been easy to give up and stop trying, but this is a long way to come and I had to give it 100 per cent.

"I've come here to try my bes...

Facing the Rocket in the PL

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Hi everyone. Thanks for keeping in touch with me. Tonight sees the start of my Premier League campaign when I take on Ronnie O'Sullivan in Guildford.

As you probably know there is a change of format this year with each evening featuring a 'winner'after two semi-finals and a final. So, potentially, I am playing O'Sullivan and then either Mark Williams or Jimmy White. The matches are best-of-fives rather than over the six frames that they were last year. I think it's a better format all round a...

Heading home

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Shaun Murphy's run in the Australian Goldfields Open came to an end this morning when he was knocked out at the semi-final stage by Stuart Bingham.

Shaun found his path to the final blocked by an in-form Bingham who triumphed 6-2.

The Magician's next likely outing will be in the second PTC event at the South West Snooker Academy from August 6-10.

More success 'Down Under'

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Shaun Murphy has made it into the last four of the Australian Goldfields Open in Bendigo, near Melbourne.

The Magician beat Matthew Selt 5-3 to book his semi-final spot. Shaun is due to play again on Saturday as he bids to reach his first final of the season.

Gearing up for the quarters

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

"Day off after beating Rory McLeod yesterday in the last-16 stage but just been down at the tournament watching some snooker (Hendry-Selt).

I'm really enjoying myself at the Australian Goldfields Open and trying my best. So far, it's a combination that seems to be working.

The scoreline from my match with Rory perhaps flattered me. While it was 5-1, there were a couple of frames where he was all but over the line and I ended stealing them - but that's what you've got to do, make the comebacks...

Blowing hot, feeling cold 'Down Under'

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

"First time in Oz and I'm loving it - apart from the weather, that is! When I packed for this trip I knew that it was going to be winter here but I still thought it was going to be relatively warm. How wrong was I?! It's definitely jumpers and overcoats required and let's just say my suitcase was full of tee-shirts and shirts!

Clothes nightmare aside, I'm having a top time in Australia. I came here early last week and spent a few days with some friends, who live in Brisbane, that I hadn't see...

Get Carter? Not this time!

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Hi everyone,

A 3-6 semi-final defeat against Ali Carter - not the result I was after. Always hurts to lose, especially as defending champion but Ali was the better player and fully deserved the victory. I congratulated him and wished him good luck in the final.

I've had a great year as Wuxi champion and I hope that I can play in the tournament next year and regain my title.

But as they say, the world keeps spinning and so I'm writing this on the Bullet Train from Wuxi to Shanghai where I'm due ...

Through to the semi's

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Morning everyone - just touching base after my first match out here in Wuxi.

Really pleased to win for the first time this season after not managing to do so at the opening PTC last month.

Peter Ebdon is always a tough opponent and so I'm really happy to go through 5-1. I opened up with a 102 break, made a couple of 90s and an 80 as well. I had a bit of luck along the way and Peter was unlucky at times with a few terrible kicks.

So, anyway, I'm through to the next round and will play either Yu ...

Murphy on tour!

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Me again!

I’ve arrived in China after an epic 30-hour trek from near Manchester via Heathrow and Bangkok. This week it’s the Wuxi Classic, which is a tournament I won last year, so I’m hoping to put up a good defence of the title this week.

I’m actually away from the UK for a few weeks as, after China, I’m going on to Australia. I’ll be heading down to see some friends in Brisbane for a week before taking part in the Australia Goldfields Open, which starts on July 18 in Bendigo.

I’m used to sta...

Missed cut - but an opportunity not to be missed

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Hello folks.
I'm just about recovered from my caddieing experiences in the Open Championship Final Qualifiers with golf pro Graham Neville at Prince's, Kent.

First things first, we didn't secure one of the three places up for grabs but it was amazing just to be involved. After seeing what those guys go through, I'll be sticking to the green baize for a while!

Graham gave it absolutely everything - he never gave up at any stage, despite not exactly getting the breaks. I was very pleased to be hi...

Caddieing in the Open

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Hi guys - hope everyone is well.

This week I've swapped the green baize for the greens. Yes, I'm on the golf course, only this time I'm caddieing in the Open Championship final qualifiers.

I'm at Prince's in Kent, carrying the bag for my good friend Graham Neville, who is the golf pro at Mere where I play.

He made it through Local Qualifying last week and asked if I fancied caddieing. While I'm busy preparing to defend the Wuxi Classic title, this was just too good an opportunity to miss and th...

New Season Starts Tomorrow

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

"Hi all, Back to the day job tomorrow (and hopefully Wednesday) for the first PTC event at Sheffield. I'm really excited about the new season and if it turns out anything like last year, then I can't wait.

I'm aiming for a better start than last season and I certainly feel mentally fresh and ready for it. While snooker is not one of the most physically arduous sports, I think it is one of the most challenging mentally.

That's why I feel it is really important that I've had a good break since t...

End-of-term report

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

"Hi everyone. So, I thought I would have a look back over the past 12 months and have a little season review.

The 2010/2011 season started early for me, out in Wuxi in China for the Jiangsu Classic. All the tournaments out in China are always well supported and this was no different. I’d not had the greatest success in that tournament before so I was over the moon to get to the final and play local hero Ding. All my excitement vanished though as I lost the first session of the 2-6 in what w...

Bad day at the races - so far

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

"At York today - rare day at the races and it's not going well. Rather than lose money on the next, I thought I'd sit here and give you a post.

Been down to the parade ring for a few interviews and think I raised a laugh when I told them that I felt a bit of a fraud standing in the winner's circle as everything I've backed hasn't been sighted.

Hey ho, what's made it even worse is that the guys I'm with keep reminding me that they've all been nailing winners. But the tide will turn!

Here's a se...

Out, but not (too) down

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

“Hi everyone - back from Sheffield earlier than I hoped. I’m disappointed, of course I am, because anything other than winning the World Championship wasn’t what I wanted. But I don’t feel I disgraced myself at all in losing 13-10 to Ronnie as he is a great player. It was a match I genuinely enjoyed and it was played in a good spirit. Okay, I didn’t come out with the right result after the three days but that’s sport.

Looking back, I would love to play that first session again. I handicapped ...

Shaun loses out after brave battle

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Shaun’s hopes in this year’s Betfred.com World Championship were dashed tonight as he lost a gripping second-round encounter with Ronnie O’Sullivan.

In what was a massive second-round match, Shaun put up a mighty fight after falling behind early but eventually went down 10-13.

He came into tonight’s session trailing 7-9 and needing to continue where he finished Easter Sunday’s afternoon play in which he took the concluding two frames.

But O’Sullivan managed to secure this evening’s opener - t...

Shaun hits back in session two

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Shaun halved his deficit with a strong fightback in his second-round match with Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Betfred.com World Championship this afternoon.

He trailed the Rocket 2-6 after yesterday’s opening session at the Crucible. But he produced a gutsy response on Easter Sunday to claw back to 7-9 ahead of what promises to be a thrilling final session tomorrow evening.

Shaun needed to make a fast start to the second session and a run of 44 helped him take the opener.

O’Sullivan looked set to ca...

Shaun behind after first session

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Shaun finds himself trailing Ronnie O’Sullivan 2-6 after the first session of their second-round match of the Betfred.com World Championship.

Neither player was at their best in a tense session, which saw O’Sullivan opening up an early advantage in this best-of-25 contest at the Crucible.

They went to the mid-session interval with O’Sullivan leading 3-1 but on another day that score-line could quite easily have been reversed.

The opening frame went down to the colours with O’Sullivan winning it...

Looking forward to Ronnie in R2

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

“Whatever happened to April Showers? Like a lot of folk I’ve been enjoying a bit of sunshine the past couple of days. I came home after beating Marcus last weekend and I’ve been doing a little of practice as well as walking the dogs and having a few holes on the golf course.

At the World Championship you can days and days in between matches. In fact you almost get whole tournaments started and finished in the same timeframe as the gap between my first round game and my second round match. But...

Convincing Round 1 win at the Crucible

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

Shaun made smooth progress through to the second round of the Betfred.com World Championship on April 17, beating Marcus Campbell 10-1.

He won all nine frames in April 16’s opening session and came close to becoming only the second player to complete a whitewash success at the Crucible.

Campbell avoided such a defeat by claiming the opening frame of the second session before Shaun ran out a convincing winner, thanks to a break of 61 in the next.

Shaun maintained the great form he’d been show...

Bring on the Worlds…

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:48 +0100

“Goes almost without saying, how much I'm looking forward to the Betfred.com World Championship. It is just a completely different animal from any other tournament that we play. It’s so long for a start, played over 17 days.

But it’s also very much about the Crucible and what it does to players. It seems that it works either of two ways - there are those players that rise to the occasion and play out of their skin, while other just seem as if they want to go home. Players can just seem to shr...