Shaun Murphy hits out at Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump for Crucible no-shows

Shaun Murphy has criticised Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump for missing the media day ahead of the World Snooker Championship, feeling it could damage their reputations.

The tournament begins on Saturday morning, but the top 16 in the world rankings are expected to be at a launch event on Friday afternoon.

Fans get to meet the players on a green carpet entrance outside the Crucible, before the media speak to the stars of the baize inside the theatre.

It is compulsory to attend, but World Snooker Tour learned on Friday morning that O’Sullivan and Trump would not be there.

Both former world champions could be fined for their absences, unless they can provide medical notes.

It was not confirmed why either player did not attend, but both begin their campaigns on Tuesday and live outside the UK, having to manage the number of days they spend in Britain for tax reasons.

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Murphy, who was one of the 14 players who were in Sheffield, feels two of the biggest stars in snooker could do more to promote the sport.

‘I think it’s become normal that they don’t turn up for these types of things,’ said the 2005 world champion.

‘I think it’s a real shame, and they probably could both have done a little bit more to help promote the game over the years.’
Asked if big names missing media events is an image problem for snooker, the Magician said: ‘I don’t know about an image problem.

I think it might give those two an image problem.

I think it might affect their image slightly.

‘Once the public tag on to that themselves and realise that two of the biggest stars of the game weren’t here for opening day, when everyone else has made the effort to be here .

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listen, it’s a strange one.

I don’t know why they’re not here.

Their own decisions, aren’t they?

‘I’ve got no idea, but none of us are shocked by it.

It would be more strange for us if they were here, which is saying something.’
2024 champion Kyren Wilson was more sympathetic on the situation, saying: ‘I don’t want to speak on their behalf.

I know other players that can’t be here today have restrictions on being in the UK, so I understand that.

‘In terms of Ronnie, how much he’s given to the sport over the years, I could never knock him.

He’s made the sport so popular and he’s been a fantastic champion and ambassador as well.

So it’s tough.

‘You don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes.

There might be family issues going on.

Hopefully the 14 that are here have done a good enough job.’
If the pair are fined, they are unlikely to be overly fussed as it will only set them back £250.

Trump gets his campaign underway on Tuesday morning against Gary Wilson, while O’Sullivan begins against debutant He Guoqiang a few hours later int he afternoon session.

Murphy faces Fan Zhengyi in his opener, starting on Monday night, while Wilson begins against Stan Moody on Monday morning.