Stephen Hendry believes Shaun Murphy is snooker’s very own version of Andy Murray (Image: GETTY)
Snooker’s very own version of has been desperately unlucky to play in the same era as the likes of and .
That is the view of seven-time world champion , who was full of praise for following his recent triumph.
Murphy wrapped up a perfect week at Alexandra Palace by overcoming in the final to win the tournament for the second time, having previously clinched the honours in 2015.
He now has four Triple Crown titles under his belt, though Hendry believes he would have won significantly more if he was born in a different generation.
Murphy won his second Masters title over the weekend by beating Kyren Wilson (Image: GETTY)
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Speaking on the podcast, Hendry said: “He’s been in a period of players… he’s kind of like snooker’s in a period where he’s been around Mark Selby, Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Judd Trump, Mark Williams, all these players.
“It was always going to be difficult to win more than one in that era. But he should have, he’s good enough to me, he should have won more than one, that’s how good he is.”
Murphy has just one world title to his name, having achieved Crucible glory in 2005 with O’Sullivan and Higgins winning nine titles between them over the following decades.
“He arguably should have won a lot more with his talent,” added Hendry. “He’s up there with the top three of all-time in terms of the talent to play snooker, his technique, all the shots he can play.
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“There’s very few better. But it’s always been that thing: does he have the concentration? Does he have the focus? Is he nasty enough?”
Murphy recently teamed up with Peter Ebdon, who won the in 2002, in a bid to improve his game and Hendry believes it will be a successful partnership.
“He was a different player last week,” said Hendry. “I think working with Peter Ebdon has focused him. It was complete focus, even when he was in his chair he never took his eyes off the table. It was all serious.
“A lot of the time he looks around, his mind wanders. You can physically see his body language change, he’s too relaxed, but I thought he was on it all week. It was very impressive.”