Shaun Murphy makes thoughts on Mark Williams perfectly clear – 'Whether he likes it or not'
Shaun Murphy was knocked out of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters this week by Mark Williams, but not before highlighting his rival's incredible talent and legacy
Shaun Murphy described Mark Williams as an "all-time snooker legend"
(Image: George Wood, Getty Images)
Shaun Murphy heaped praise on Mark Williams before his crushing defeat to the Welshman at the Saudi Arabia Masters. Williams brushed aside Masters champion Murphy by sealing a 6-1 victory on Wednesday.
The world No. 3 snooker star pulled off several outstanding pots in Jeddah, even closing his eyes on occasion before making contact with the cue ball.
Williams, who was defeated in the inaugural Saudi Arabia Masters final last year by Judd Trump, made breaks of 69, 74 and 62 to take a 4-1 lead.
He then extended his advantage by winning a closely-fought sixth frame on the black, before ending proceedings with a match-winning 102, which marked his 670th career century.
It was precisely the kind of display that led Murphy to laud the three-time world champion ahead of their clash.
Murphy's own campaign got off to a good start in Jeddah on Tuesday with a 5-1 win over in-form Thai star Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, setting up his meeting with Williams after the Welsh veteran beat Yuan Sijun 5-3 in his opening contest.
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The Magician said of his rival before their match: 'He's right up there, despite his very self-deprecating view on his career.
"Whether he likes it or not he's an all-time legend and on his day he still beats anybody.'
Williams proved Murphy's assessment correct with a fantastic first session against the Englishman, in which he showcased his unique brand of exquisite touch shots, laser long-potting, and tactical creativity.
Williams, who played in the World Championship final this year at 50 years of age, further cementing his legendary career, quickly racked up a 3-0 lead and went on to dominate.
Williams defeated Murphy 6-1 at the Saudi Arabia Masters 2025
(Image: VCG via Getty Images)
Unfortunately for the snooker icon, he would be beaten by Elliot Slessor in the quarter-finals on Thursday. Slessor secured the most important win of his 12-year career with a 6-5 victory.
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Breaks of 62, 130 and 70 helped Slessor build a 5-2 lead before Williams pulled one back with a 74. In frame nine, Slessor was on 60 when he narrowly missed a tricky red to the top corner, and his opponent battled back to pinch it on the black, before taking the tenth with a 51 for 5-5.
Both players missed chances in a nervy finish and it boiled down to the colours. Williams went in-off when attempting safety and Slessor took advantage with a fantastic long yellow, before converting difficult pots on green and brown to win.
Now guaranteed a whopping £100,000 in prize money, the 31-year-old has progressed to the semi-final, where he will meet another former Crucible king in Neil Robertson on Friday afternoon, after the latter saw off Ali Carter 6-4.
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