image source, Getty Images
- author, michael emmons
- role, BBC Sport at the Crucible Theater in Sheffield
Former Crucible champion Sean Murphy believes players who are likely to join a breakaway tour should not be allowed to play at snooker's biggest events, including the World Championship.
“The players are talking about this,” said Murphy, who won the sport's biggest prize in 2005. “I haven't been approached by anyone, I don't know anything about it, and I haven't had anyone call me. There wasn't. I'm not interested.” Initialization.
“I have been led to believe that some players have signed NDAs (non-disclosure agreements). I have heard my name mentioned by people who say they have signed NDAs, but I I haven't signed yet. I'm going to finish this season and aim to get back on tour next season. ”
The 34-year-old president, who had been contacted several months ago, told potential investors to “go away,” saying he was “very happy where we are,” adding that WST's “history” He added that he prefers “tradition.”
“I have seen comments from players that they have to make choices for their families. Players want to bring even more and good fortune to themselves, even though they have absorbed so far from the sport. ”
“It's a shame they didn't think about giving a little more back to the tour that has given them so much before they ran away.”
“Stick your flag in the ground and declare your allegiance.”
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Mr Murphy, part-time player director of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), called the current speculation “rumor and hearsay”.
However, he believes that if a breakaway tour begins, players should have a choice between playing there or in the WST, but not both.
Murphy added, “They can play in the major triple crown in WST.” [World Championship, Masters and UK Championship] You can play at historic and prestigious events that Judd talks about, or on new tours with unknown backers and people we don't know.
“How long will this large sum of money last? Be careful what you wish for.
“You don't want a situation where players leave and then come back to a Triple Crown event. I don't think that should happen. Put a flag in the ground and declare your allegiance somewhere. ”
“It's funny, my door is always open.”
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Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, 48, said he was open to any suggestions and urged players to do what was best for them.
“There's talk that there might be another tour,” he said. “Every athlete has the right to do what they want. Are you prepared to quit the sport if you don't get what you want? The answer is yes.
“I want to be cared for, I want to be pampered. Anyone who wants to pamper and take care of me, I'm your man.”
After his win over Murphy, the 43-year-old Maguire said he had not yet received an offer but would consider all offers.
“I'm just hearing from other players and I think it would be good if other players were interested,” the Scot said.
“Some of the numbers that are flying around are interesting. My ears are always open, always listening, always looking. I've never been approached, but my door is always open.”
Only the top 16 athletes are automatically eligible for certain WST events, and Maguire, who is ranked 28th and has reached the semi-finals twice at the World Championships, will be competing in qualifiers that often have small crowds and are not televised. He did not hide his distaste for the event.
“If I had another opportunity, whether it was Barnsley or Leicester, I would seriously consider it. If you have a few years guaranteed, why not?” he said.
“There's something going on in the background. I don't do social media, so I don't hear things much unless people say, 'Stevie, this is happening.' I don't see or hear anything.” My phone is always on.
