Shaun Murphy, World Snooker Champion

Q What were you most proud of doing when you were younger?
A I was most proud of doing something with my life that didn’t involve standing on a street corner. Some people I knew thought my interest in snooker was a bit far fetched, but my family were always very supportive. I was just really proud when I won a junior snooker tournament or a pro-am tournament. I was very proud of achieving something that was different to everyone else.

Q Which snooker player do you most respect?
A Ray Reardon. He had retired, of course, long before I started playing, but I knew he was one of the greats of the game and now having met him that has been confirmed. He is a very nice man and keen to have a positive influence on the younger generation of snooker players coming up.

Q What were you like at school?
A I was pretty good at school and did well in most subjects. However, I left school at 13 and had home tuition partly as a result of bullying. I think if I had my time again I would not have left.

Q What is the best advice you have been given?
A Always treat others with respect as you rise to the top because you never know when you might meet them again on the way down.

Q What is the worst piece of advice you have been given?
A I have not been given much bad advice.  However, sometimes people, who have limited snooker skills, do try to tell me how I should play shots.

Q Who would you most like to throw a custard pie at (in a respectful way, of course)?
A My brother, Paul.

Q Which public figure do you have the most time for?
A My sporting idol is Tiger Woods. I have great respect for him. However, I think anyone who holds a position of responsibility is worthy of respect.  For instance, I don’t like it when people refer to the Prime Minister as Blair. I think people should respect the office whatever their political beliefs.

Q What is the most irritating thing people do?
A I don’t like it when people don’t show respect for others. It only takes an extra second to say please and thank you. I think you should give people who are skilled at something respect whatever your personal opinion of them.  

Q Who has inspired you most as a Christian?
A I am blessed to have a very good family around me. I have learned so much about God from my wife (Shaun married Clare in July.) and also from our senior pastor Jon.  Jon not only preaches the Gospel, but lives it as well. It inspires you if you are around people like that.

Q What is your favourite song with the word ‘respect’ in it?
A I can only think of one off hand. R E S P E C T as sung by Aretha Franklin.