Shaun Murphy began his crusade to win the world title coming through qualifiers at a holiday park, few expected to see the 22-year-old defy all odds to become snooker's World Champion in Sheffield. Murphy beat Welshman Matthew Stevens by a margin of two frames (18-16) to lift snooker's most prestigious trophy at the Crucible Theatre. He became the second player in history to come through qualifiers to become World Champion, emulating Welsh legend Terry Griffiths' performance in 1979. Murphy's the second youngest player in history to lift the crown, just a year older than Scotsman Stephen Hendry when he won the first of his seven titles. Praise for the champ
 | | Murphy poses with fiancee Clare |
Murphy was delighted to have come through the qualifiers to play at the Crucible and was quickly praised for his technique and performances by fellow professionals, defeating three former champions on his way to the final. His opponent praised Murphy for his performance in the final. "It's fantastic for Shaun. The first ranking tournament he's won is the World Championship," Stevens told BBC Sport. "He's only 22, plays the game really fast and hits the ball hard. He's got a fantastic future. Murphy defeated his snooker idol Steve Davis in the quarter-finals who told BBC Sport that Murphy's achievement outshone that of Griffiths in '79. "We've not had anyone from outside the top 16 win since Terry Griffiths, but what Shaun's done is more astonishing," Davis told BBC Sport. "The game has moved on, and he's wiped the floor with everyone but Matthew. "He's got the best cue action I've ever seen - he's got authority round the table - and composure." Murphy is now looking ahead to future tournaments and making his mark in the snooker world - the champion will be automatically ranked number two for next season's competitions. | 
