Shaun Murphy has revealed that watching the reality show Below Deck instead of snooker has been a key factor in his run to the World Snooker Championship semi-finals at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
The 43-year-old Englishman, known as 'The Magician', secured a 13-10 victory over defending champion Zhao Xintong in the quarter-finals on Wednesday. This win followed earlier triumphs over Fan Zhengyi and Xiao Guodong, setting up a semi-final clash with either Neil Robertson or John Higgins.
Murphy, who won the 2025 Masters at Alexandra Palace, has been in consistent form but believes an unusual tactic has given him an edge in Sheffield. He and his fiancée Jo have been binge-watching the superyacht reality series Below Deck between matches, deliberately avoiding snooker coverage to stay fresh.
“One of the other things I’ve done this week, I’ve not watched as much snooker,” Murphy told the BBC after his quarter-final win. “Jo and I have been ploughing through Below Deck, we’re absolutely addicted to it.”
He added: “I’ve tried to stay away, which is hard for me because I absolutely love it. I love watching it, I love all the things around snooker, I’m still that kid at heart. But for what’s best for performance, I have to try and keep away from it.”
Praise for Zhao Xintong
Murphy was full of praise for his opponent Zhao Xintong, who had a stellar season as world champion, winning the World Grand Prix, Players Championship, and Tour Championship. “First things first, I have to say what a fantastic world champion Xintong has been throughout the year,” Murphy said. “He carried himself so well, carried the game, the reputation, the mantle of carrying that trophy everywhere he goes.”
“He delivered the goods on the table for 12 months as well, winning all three of the Players Series and other events. What a player he is, what a talent he is. I knew nothing but my best would do. I’m thankful I found it in the third session and I’m delighted. It’s one of the best wins of my career.”
Nerves at the Crucible
Despite reaching his sixth Crucible semi-final, Murphy admitted the nerves never fade. “I should have been an actor, because I certainly didn’t feel that way,” he said. “You’ve got to sort of fake it till you make it. You’ve got to try and convince yourself that you’re feeling confident and bang up for it, even though inside you’re very nervous and shaking.”
“I’ve been coming here since I was nine years of age and it still gets you. Every time you walk down those steps, every time you shake hands and go to battle in the Crucible, it’s still as nerve-wracking as the first time. Every time feels like a debut, and whilst it still gives me that buzz, I’ll keep coming.”
The Crucible Curse
Murphy inflicted the so-called 'Crucible Curse' on Zhao, who became the 21st first-time defending champion to fall at the first hurdle. Murphy believes the curse will never be broken. “No, never. There’s a reason why it’s called the Crucible curse,” he said. “You’ve got to be careful, those snooker gods are always listening. We’ve all watched enough and we’ve all been around the block long enough to; I don’t think the Crucible curse will ever be broken.”
