Shaun Murphy relishing ‘dad’ and son match with Stan Moody after teenager earns World Snooker Tour card

Shaun Murphy is relishing the prospect of facing 16-year-old Stan Moody on the pro circuit next year, after playing a part in the teenager’s development.

With his status as a professional secure for the next two years, Moody can now work on honing his skills.

Murphy has played a small role in Moody’s rise after being approached by the youngster’s family last year to act as a mentor to him, and is relishing the prospect of a clash on the table.

Murphy joked about the resemblance between the two, and that Moody is not afraid to play the practical joker.

The 2005 world champion said: “There is more than a passing physical resemblance…I have checked my diary and I was nowhere near Halifax or Huddersfield 17 years ago! So my conscience is clear.

“It doesn’t help that he calls me ‘Dad’ everywhere, he really plays up to it. I think even his father Nigel has started doing it.”

Murphy feels Moody has the talent to go far in the game, as he is eager to learn and take advice.

“Stan has all the ability in the world, and on that ability alone he could be a top player in the game,” Murphy said. “He is one of the quickest learners I have seen, and if you are good enough, you are old enough.

“And who’s to say he might not come through World Championship qualifying and it will be Moody v Murphy at the Crucible. It is very exciting to see Stan winning that event [the WSF Junior Championship] and getting onto the tour.”

Murphy feels there is no pressure to make an instant impact, as greats of the game such as Neil Robertson have dropped off the professional circuit at the first time of asking.

“I was honoured to be asked [for the mentor role] because but for the guidance of senior pros when I was that young like Nigel Bond, Peter Ebdon and Jason Ferguson, I might not be here now. There is huge potential there,” Murphy said.

“I fell off the tour after that first year before coming back stronger, as did Neil Robertson, so even if Stan does – and he may not – it just doesn’t matter. So what. There isn’t any real pressure on him.”

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