Snooker news features a double blow for Shaun Murphy and a fiery response from Jimmy White to critics of the World Seniors Championship being held at the Crucible.
Shaun Murphy's Double Blow
Shaun Murphy not only lost the World Snooker Championship final to Wu Yize but also had to hand a significant portion of his winnings to the taxman. The Englishman, aged 43, initially collected £200,000 as the runner-up, with Wu Yize taking the champion's prize of £500,000. However, Murphy will be left with just £106,000 after 53% of his winnings were deducted for tax. The world champion, Wu, will see £235,000 collected by the government, allowing him to keep just over a quarter of a million pounds (£265,000).
Murphy had defeated two former winners en route to the final, knocking out Zhao Xintong in the quarter-finals before a memorable semi-final victory over John Higgins. Despite the financial setback, Murphy was gracious in defeat, praising his opponent. He said: 'I'd like to be the first to congratulate Wu Yize and his family, and everyone around him for being a wonderful world champion. I hate being right - I said earlier in the season when we had a great game in China that he would be world champion one day. It's just a real shame that it was today, but I couldn't have given it any more. I played the best shots I could and didn't get my chance. I couldn't do any more than that.'
Jimmy White's Fiery Outburst
Jimmy White has hit back at snooker players criticising the Crucible as the venue for the World Seniors Championship. The tournament had not been held at the iconic theatre since 2019, and Dave Gilbert was among those voicing opposition. Gilbert said: 'It's a special place. It's brilliant that the World Championship is staying there. It's a travesty for any professional who doesn't get to play there. I hate that they play the Seniors there. That's shocking. The only people who should play at the Crucible are those who go through qualifying school or are top 16 professionals. It's not for hacking around in exhibitions. It's the Mecca of snooker.'
White, 64, was not pleased with this statement and made a fiery challenge of his own. He told The Metro: 'Get a life! Listen, this is why we're here. Why not? It's a World Championship, the World Seniors. I don't know why people would say that. It doesn't make any sense.'
Ken Doherty agreed with both parties but believes the World Seniors should remain in Sheffield for now. He added: 'I know what he means, but listen, why not? I know it's the home of the World Championship, but it can also be the home of the World Seniors Championship. It's a special event, so why not? It's hard to get tickets for the World Championship. It's a little easier for this, but still, there have been great crowds and the atmosphere is electric. No, I think it's a great idea to have it here.'
