Exclusive: Shaun Murphy Eyes Untapped Snooker Potential in the US and Canada

Snooker star Shaun Murphy believes America and Canada is an “untapped” hotbed for the sport.

The Magician enjoyed an eye-opening ten-day North American tour last year, and after being left genuinely surprised by the sport’s popularity, the current Masters champion is convinced real potential to grow the green baize game in both countries.

“I was completely blown over by how popular snooker actually was there,” revealed Murphy, who landed a second Masters crown earlier this season in London.

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, he added: “Walking through the streets of Manhattan and LA, and then in Vancouver as well – and being recognised in these places – I just never thought it would happen."

“I remember walking through Seattle to the original Starbucks and getting stopped for an autograph, that was something I never thought would happen."

“You know, snooker has taken me the foothills of the Hollywood sign – and being stopped for a picture by somebody."

“I never thought snooker would take me to America, let alone be recognised there."

“Snooker is far more popular there than I think we give it credit for. It’s a completely untapped market over there.”

Murphy has won all of snooker’s major titles during a distinguished career which taken him across the world, and having experienced player in a string of different countries, the 12-time ranking event winner is adamant snooker could really follow pool’s lead and be a big success in American and Canada.

He enjoyed two successful exhibition nights in America and Canada, and got to witness first-hand the love for the sport he shares.

FAN THE FLAMES OF INTEREST

The 42-year-old hopes his initial foray to the respective countries can help fan the flames of interest as the sport potentially looks to branch out Across the Pond.

“There’s only a handful of us (players) been and seen it, so I would encourage everyone who has a chance – certainly all the pros who get invited to go – well go,” stressed Murphy.

“We’re trying to spread the word, we’re trying to build it, so who know what might happen."

“In my opinion, snooker in the States and in Canada as well – where it is big too – the sport is where it was in Germany 15 years ago."

“And we’ve seen how snooker has grown in Germany over the last decade or so, it’s been incredible."

“Pool is massive over there, but when you walk into these clubs there’s also loads of snooker tables."

“They all know about snooker and they all know who the snooker players are."

“I got treated like royalty when I went over, the hospitality from all the different promoters and different club owners, was first-class. We got looked after really well."

“Plans are already in motion for the second tour next year – and I think some of the other players are being invited."

“At the end of the day we’ve had ranking events and invitation events in places which are less popular, so hopefully we can grow something."

“Look, I don’t think we’ll see the World Championship there in ten years’ time, but who knows what will happen."

“You’ve got to start somewhere and see if you grow it.”