Shaun Murphy Praises Hawkins After 10-1 Tour Championship Loss
In a stunning display of sportsmanship, snooker star Shaun Murphy graciously applauded his opponent Barry Hawkins during a one-sided Tour Championship match. Hawkins thoroughly dominated the afternoon session, building an overwhelming 7-1 lead heading into the evening’s play. The Hawk continued his masterclass, ultimately thrashing Murphy 10-1 to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Hawkins’ performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he compiled five centuries in just seven frames. His scoring prowess was on full display, potting an impressive 222 balls to Murphy’s 50 and amassing 785 points compared to Murphy’s 176. Hawkins also showcased his precision, maintaining a remarkable 95% pot success rate throughout the session.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Murphy exhibited true class by standing to applaud Hawkins’ exceptional play. The gesture underscored the respect and admiration shared among top professionals, even in the face of a crushing defeat.
After taking a 2-1 lead, Hawkins seized control of the match and never looked back. However, the seasoned pro remained cautious, refusing to take his substantial advantage for granted. “The match is not over yet, so I won’t get too carried away,” Hawkins told ITV. “I can’t ask for much more than that in that first session.”
Hawkins now faces a formidable challenge in the quarter-finals, where he will meet the talented Judd Trump. With all matches in the tournament following a best-of-19-frames format, Hawkins will aim to establish another commanding lead early on.
As the final event before the prestigious World Championship at The Crucible, the Tour Championship serves as a crucial opportunity for players to fine-tune their game. For Murphy, who has struggled with his break-off shot, the focus will be on refining this fundamental aspect of his play. The 2005 world champion recently admitted that the break-off is his least favorite shot, citing the complexities and variability involved.
Key Takeaways:
- Barry Hawkins delivered a masterclass performance, thrashing Shaun Murphy 10-1 in the Tour Championship.
- Murphy displayed sportsmanship by applauding Hawkins’ exceptional play during the one-sided contest.
- Hawkins compiled five centuries and maintained a 95% pot success rate in the dominant session.
- The quarter-finals will see Hawkins face a tough test against Judd Trump in a best-of-19-frames format.
- As the World Championship approaches, Murphy aims to refine his break-off shot, which he considers his least favorite.
