Shaun Murphy faces a significant tax bill following his defeat in the World Snooker Championship final, according to reports. The 43-year-old Englishman lost 18-15 to Wu Yize on Monday, missing out on the £500,000 top prize. As a result, Murphy will have to pay tax on his runner-up earnings of £200,000, which is subject to HMRC's standard rates.
Murphy's defeat came after a dramatic semi-final victory over John Higgins, where he overturned a two-frame deficit to win 17-15. In the final, however, he struggled against the relentless Wu, who clinched his first world title with a composed performance. Murphy's tax liability is expected to be around £80,000, reducing his net earnings from the tournament to approximately £120,000.
The news has sparked debate among snooker fans about the financial pressures on players, with many calling for tax relief for athletes. Murphy has not commented on the matter, but sources close to him say he is focused on recovering from the loss and preparing for the next season.
