Shaun Murphy sparks debate with incredible sporting hat-trick claim

Shaun Murphy has captivated snooker fans with his remarkable performances for over two decades.

‘The Magician’ pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the sport’s history when, in 2005, he became just the third qualifier to win the World Snooker Championship. He defeated Matthew Stevens 18-16 in the final.

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He is a very dangerous player on the snooker table. The Englishman secured a career Triple Crown in 2005, and has reached a further three World Championship finals. He suffered defeat to Mark Selby in 2021.

Murphy is undoubtedly one of the top snooker players of his generation. But alongside his snooker successes are a range of incredible achievements in other sports.

Is Shaun Murphy truly one of a kind?

Few athletes can truly boast that they’re at a top level in more than one sport. But there are a few who’ve managed to break this ground. For instance, Gerwyn Price started his career as a Rugby League player before he transcended the world of darts.

Brock Lesnar, meanwhile, took the world of professional wrestling by storm, before doing similar in MMA.

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However, there are even fewer people who have achieved great things in three sports. But there’s one man who claims to have broken unique ground—and that’s Shaun Murphy.

The 39-year-old has revealed that he has hit a 147 break in snooker, thrown a nine-darter in darts and landed a hole in one in golf. Furthermore, he claims he may be the only person ever to do it.

During a podcast with National Club Golfer, Murphy said: “That is true and, currently, I think it’s a club of one. I don’t know anyone else who’s done all three.”

Read: Former couple drawn to play each other in most awkward Snooker game of all time

The fans have their say

Some fans have taken to Twitter to voice their opinions on Murphy’s claim.

One fan threw Gerwyn Price’s hat into the ring – although they are unsure whether he has ever hit a hole in one.

He said: “Gezzy Price has hit a nine-darter. He’s also had a maximum on a snooker table. Not sure about a hole in one.”

So to decide who the best sportsman is, the National Club Golfer suggested that they settle it over 18 holes, to which the original user pointed out the recent announcement that Price will take to the ring for his first boxing match later this year.

Murphy isn’t entirely sure how that would fit into the challenge. We have a slight feeling that he may not be stepping into the boxing ring anytime soon.

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