Shaun Murphy ahead of snooker's World Championship

By Simon Crawford

On the eve of the 40th tournament to be played at Sheffield's iconic Crucible Theatre, the current world number five believes every player should start in the first round.   

Currently the top 16 go straight into the main draw where they are joined by 16 qualifiers who must win three matches to earn their place in the tournament.   

"I think it is a little bit odd that the top 16 don't have to go through the qualification process," the 34-year-old told sportinglife.com.   

"If I'm being completely honest, I think all players should start every event in the first round. I don't like the fact that the top 16 players are here automatically - it feels like we are starting out in round four or five.   

"I don't think it's fair - if you are on the main tour you should have the same opportunities as everyone else.   

"I see [invitational] events like the Masters and Champion of Champions as our reward but I don't think not having to qualify for this tournament should be one.   

"Having said that, I'm obviously very pleased I didn't have to go to Ponds Forge [where the qualifiers were held] as you can see by the results there that it's not quite as easy as it looks."   

Murphy made his Crucible debut in 2002 and three years later won the world crown as a 150/1 qualifier.   

He admits playing in the small city centre theatre is still an experience he relishes.    

"Each year I kind of think will I get the same buzz ... but the answer is always yes!" he said.   

"I genuinely look forward to this event pretty much from the turn of each year. With three or four months to go in the season, it's all about coming to Sheffield.   

"Like a fine wine, the Crucible keeps getting better and better with age. I just regret that I didn't get to play here in the 70s and 80s when Alex Higgins was around, Steve Davis was at his absolute peak dominating and not losing a game here for years.   

"But I actually think snooker is bigger now than it has ever been and what a great time to be a professional in the game.   

"It's the history that makes the Crucible so special. A few years ago I actually looked up what the world 'Crucible' means and it is an old witch's melting pot with steep sides!    

"If you look at the Crucible the seating is quite steep and it feels as though you are in a bit of a pit. There are just shy of 1,000 seats in there but it feels cavernous, especially when the lights go down and it looks as though the crowd goes on forever.   

"It's the atmosphere linked to all the great moments that have happened there - most of the greatest moments in our sport have taken place in this little theatre ... the Davis v Taylor final in 1985, Higgins winning and calling his child out of the audience, Cliff Thorburn's 147, Ronnie's maximum in five minutes and all of those late night dramas.   

"It is the home of the World Championship but without question there are certain things that other venues can offer that the Crucible can't because there are bigger.   

"We don't necessarily have the tented villages and corporate entertainment that other venues could provide. But in a funny kind of way it's nice snooker is not like that.   

"The Crucible is much more intimate and I wouldn't like to see it leave, but I honestly don't know if it will stay here forever.   

"There are economic pressures and money talks. If promoters from other parts of the world offered ridiculous money to stage it in the future then the governing body would have to listen.   

"But I would like to finish my career playing here - that would feel right."   

Murphy admits the 32-man field is as open as he can remember.   

"We had a phenomenal event last year and the standard is increasing all the time so it wouldn't surprise me if any of the 32 won it," he said.   

"But the longer matches in Sheffield means a completely different preparation so that's where those who have played here before have a massive advantage because they are used to it and know what it takes.   

"Much of the season has been best of sevens or best of nine frames, but these are different exams we are sitting now. That's why you see the familiar faces doing so well most years, the likes of John Higgins and Mark Selby, because these sorts of matches suit them.   

"The cream always does rise to the top so I'm confident it will be someone out of the top four of five who will win it."   

Murphy arrives in Sheffield on the back of a solid campaign, which has seen him win the Gibraltar Open, as well as reaching four semi-finals and four quarter-finals.   

He was also handed one of the most eye-catching first-round matches after being drawn against 17-year-old Chinese sensation Yan Bingtao.   

"Possibly a lot of players would say that it has been a good season, be chuffed, play some golf and have a holiday," said Murphy.   

"But I want to win and consistency is not what I'm after. I'd rather be inconsistent and have a bigger trophy cabinet!   

"I didn't take up snooker at the age of eight to be consistent - everyone wants to win. Winning in Gibraltar was the cream on the cake for me and I feel that my season has just turned a bit of a corner.   

"I feel I'm just coming into the best form of the year, but of course that doesn't mean I'm going to win! However, I'm confident, my game is in good shape and I can't wait to get out there.   

"The only aspect of playing Bingtao that I can focus on is that he's never played here before - I have to worry about my own game and make sure it's where it needs to be.   

"But I do remember myself as debutant in 2002 - I couldn't stop shaking and I couldn't breathe. I had waited all my young life to play at the Crucible and I literally couldn't breathe.   

"I know he will feel exactly the same at 9.55 on Sunday morning, just before he enters the arena, and I will look to take advantage of it."