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Last Updated: Monday, 2 May, 2005, 22:55 GMT 23:55 UK
Murphy relishing challenges ahead
Newly crowned world champion Shaun Murphy
Newly-crowned world champion Shaun Murphy said he was looking forward to the increased expectation that would come with his new status.

"I'm looking forward to that challenge," said the 22-year-old.

"In my one previous semi-final I didn't win a frame, so doing that was an experience - and to win it overall, what can I say?

"It's been a fortnight of firsts and I'm sure there'll be many months of firsts now."

Murphy is the first qualifier since 1979 to win the world title.

His victory sent his world ranking soaring from 48 to 21 and means he will be seeded number two in all tournaments next season.

My mum and dad paid for it all, so without them I wouldn't be here. I owe them everything.
Shaun Murphy

"That certainly takes the pressure off and it will be one of the few times that the winner of this tournament is actually ranked outside of the top 16," said Murphy.

But this means so much to me and it is something I have dreamed about since I was eight years old and first started to pick up a cue.

"People have gone on about me having the potential to do things and it has taken a couple more years than I would have wanted to fulfil that.

"But I have always had faith in my ability and knew I had the capabilities to win this tournament."

Murphy admitted his performance on the first day of the final had been below par, but felt he had an excuse.

"I hadn't played very well in either of the first two sessions but it was my first-ever final so I was just nervous," he said.

"I went home and said 'maybe tomorrow will be my day', and it looks like I was right.

"I just had a cup of coffee and went straight to bed. It was the first night of the fortnight where I didn't watch any snooker."

The Rotherham-based player also paid tribute to the role his parents had played in his rise to the top.

"My dad used to take me everywhere and coach me after school - he and my mum were paying for it all, so without them I wouldn't be here," he added.

"I owe them everything."



Links to more Snooker stories


 

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Highlights: Stevens 16-18 Murphy


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Interview: World Champion Shaun Murphy



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