'Ronnie O'Sullivan gave me a good hiding - I'm still fearful to this day'

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Shaun Murphy believes that Ronnie O'Sullivan still has a fear factor among players of his generation because they have experienced some 'good hidings' off The Rocket. The 2005…

Shaun Murphy believes that Ronnie O'Sullivan still has a fear factor among players of his generation because they have experienced some 'good hidings' off The Rocket. The 2005 World Snooker Championship winner is adamant that it remains so, even after whitewashing his fellow Englishman during the Champion of Champions group stage. Murphy has won 4-0 in two of his last three matches against O'Sullivan, but had previously lost six in a row to him since December 2017's UK Championship final before finally beating him at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship last year.

Speaking after their latest match, Murphy said: "I think if there's any fear factor gone, I think it's probably a generational thing. I think maybe for the younger kids who haven't experienced the pain of what he can do to you, I think that might be the case. I think if you've not experienced that, if you're one of the new young kids, you go: 'Oh, there's Ronnie O'Sullivan, that's great, but come on, let's get on for a match' Players of my generation, and a few floating around since, have had some good hidings off Ronnie O'Sullivan over the years, and you never forget a good hiding.

"Even in that match, you're conscious that he's missed a couple of balls over distance, but he could spark into life. It's only while he adapts to the table and, as the other player, you've got to go: 'Right, I've got a chance here while he's not adapted to the playing conditions'. I need to strike while the iron's hot."

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Murphy recalled his 17th and most recent career defeat to O'Sullivan, which was at the World Open in March, saying: "He played me out in China a few months ago and it was a great match, and then the next day he made the 153. So, there's still a player in there, don't worry about that."

O'Sullivan is still capable of surprising his long-time opponent, too, with Murphy saying…

The…

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