Shaun Murphy's reason for blaming Mark Williams and Ronnie O'Sullivan over snooker failures

Shaun Murphy suggested that the legendary status of the – , , and – may have overshadowed his own career and those of his peers.

The three titans have dominated the green baize, maintaining their stronghold at the pinnacle of snooker for over two decades. O'Sullivan, now the oldest player to secure victories in each of the , , and within the last three years, continues to defy age alongside his peers.

Meanwhile Williams, at 50, has just secured a spot in the Crucible final after defeating four-time champion Higgins in the semi-finals. The trio's combined resume is staggering: 69 years on the circuit, over 100 ranking titles, and 14 championships.

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In a conversation with presenter Hazel Irvine, was asked if any other sport had seen such longevity and high-level competition from players nearing 50.

He responded: "No. John (Parrott) and I are big fans, the trio of (Arnold) Palmer, (Gary) Player and (Jack) Nicklaus spring to mind as three trailblazers in the world of golf.

"But they weren't at the same age or stage of their lives or necessarily prowess either of these three. It is probably something that in the world of sport doesn't get the recognition that it ought to."

Murphy then shared his belief that the reverence afforded to O'Sullivan, Higgins, and Williams might have cast a shadow over his and his fellow professionals' achievements. He added (via ): "All of us in the snooker bubble totally idolised the Class of 92, probably to the detriment of our own play every now and again.

"But in the world of sport and the wider context, they perhaps don't get the recognition that they so easily deserve."

Williams, last of the legendary trio currently competing at 2025's World Championship, has mixed feelings about being linked with O'Sullivan and Higgins due to their exceptional talent.

Speaking to SportsBoom, he said: "Yeah, I've never really liked it. I've always said that them two they're the two best players in the world ever.

"Ronnie, by far the best, and John the second-best player ever for me, and I've always said that. I don't really like being classed with them because I think they're much higher than me.

"I think Ronnie's probably the one who should be upset with the class of 92 because he's so far in front of me and John.

"He probably gets sick of being in the class of 92, because he's in his own class. But, you know, people like mentioning the class of 92, and I can't get away from it."

Murphy's disagreement with Williams is evident, particularly if he can overcome Zhao Xintong in the final of the World Championship.