For nearly two decades, Shaun Murphy and Ronnie O’Sullivan have been two of the biggest names in professional snooker. Yet while their achievements on the table are unquestionable, their relationship has often been anything but smooth. This week, Murphy shed new light on the origins of his long-standing friction with O’Sullivan — and issued a plea for the seven-time world champion to adopt the grace and professionalism displayed by legends from other sports.
According to Murphy, the “beef” dates back to his early days on tour. As a rising star fresh from his breakthrough World Championship win in 2005, Murphy expected mutual respect from his fellow professionals. Instead, he claims, O’Sullivan often dismissed him both privately and publicly, making it clear he viewed the younger man as an irritant rather than a rival. “I looked up to Ronnie as a kid,” Murphy explained. “But when I came on tour, I was shocked by how little encouragement or respect he showed me. That’s where it all started.”
The tension has flared numerous times since. O’Sullivan has been known to describe Murphy as “boring” in press conferences, while Murphy has fired back, accusing Ronnie of belittling opponents and disrespecting the sport. Their exchanges have become part of snooker folklore, adding spice whenever the two meet on the table.
Yet Murphy’s latest remarks go beyond personal grievances. He suggested that O’Sullivan’s attitude has at times undermined the wider image of snooker, especially when compared to how icons from other sports conduct themselves. “Look at tennis,” Murphy said. “You’ve got Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. They’ve been the fiercest rivals in history, but they’ve always treated each other and the sport with respect. They build the game up, not tear it down. That’s what I’d like to see from Ronnie.”
Murphy made clear that he admires O’Sullivan’s talent, describing him as “the greatest cueist ever.” But he argued that such genius carries extra responsibility. “When you’re the face of a sport, millions are watching what you say and how you act. Federer and Djokovic have shown how to be both ruthless competitors and incredible ambassadors. I think snooker deserves the same from its leading light.”
The comments are likely to reignite debate within the sport. O’Sullivan has long cultivated a maverick image, speaking his mind and often criticizing the game’s structure, venues, or opponents. Supporters say this honesty has brought snooker headlines and kept him relatable. Critics, including Murphy, counter that the negativity sometimes overshadows his brilliance and discourages younger players.
For Murphy, who has himself become a respected voice in the media, the point is not about forcing O’Sullivan to change his personality, but about embracing a role that could lift the entire sport. “He’s already the greatest we’ve ever seen,” Murphy said. “Imagine what it would mean if he also became the game’s greatest statesman.”
Whether O’Sullivan will heed that advice remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the Murphy–O’Sullivan rivalry is about far more than just break-building. It is a clash of philosophies about how champions should carry themselves — and about what snooker should aspire to be.
