Shaun Murphy says his work with coach Peter Ebdon came to a natural end this summer but it took an uncomfortable conversation to bring the successful partnership to a close.
The Magician employed the services of the former world champion in late 2024 and it proved a good decision as he won the Masters in January 2025.
Murphy gave great credit to Ebdon for helping him to win his first Triple Crown title since 2015, before picking up the British Open title in 2025 as well.
The 44-year-old very nearly added a second World Championship title to his CV this year when he reached the Crucible final and was only edged 18-17 in a deciding frame by Wu Yize.
It looked like things were still going very well for mentor and student, but Murphy is now flying solo after feeling Ebdon’s services were no longer required.
‘I think things just come to a natural end of their life. It was a good two years,’ Murphy told Metro.
Are you snooker loopy?
You’re in the right place. I’m Phil Haigh, and I cover the game we all love for Metro.
In my newsletter, The Table, I analyse the biggest talking points, pull back the curtain on the sport and crown the biggest winners and losers every week.
‘We had a good couple of seasons together. I’ve obviously known Peter a long, long time. I just felt like things had reached as far as we could go.
‘I respect Peter a lot. I’ve got a lot of time for Peter. and respect for what he achieved on the table.
‘I’m very grateful for the time we spent together, working together. During the summer, it just felt as if it was the right time to look into a different world. Nothing lasts forever.’
The two former Crucible champs shared a close relationship during their time working together and Murphy admits it was tough news to deliver as he chose a different path.
‘It’s difficult,’ he said. ‘You start very much in a business capacity, but it can’t help but migrate into something else. You become friends.
‘I suppose there was an uncomfortable conversation where I had to tell him that his services are no longer required. But that’s the industry we’re in. You can’t afford to take it personally in sport, in business. That’s the nature of the beast.’
On his present and future without Ebdon, Murphy said: ‘I don’t have a coach. I haven’t replaced Peter with anybody.
‘I may do, but I haven’t done. I may look into other things. I think in sport, you’re always looking for that little bit extra.
‘Somebody somewhere might have a little bit of knowledge you haven’t got. I’ll keep turning the rocks over, looking for the little bit of treasure.’
Murphy began his British Open title defence on Monday with a 4-0 win over Reanne Evans to book a spot in the last 64 where he meets Dave Gilbert.
Handed a tough opening round draw, Gilbert didn’t actually need to be at his best to beat Mark Williams 4-0 in his opener on Monday.
Williams returned from the Wuhan Open late on Sunday night and could not find any sort of form after a hectic travel schedule from China to Cheltenham.