Shaun Murphy ‘certain’ 167 break will be made at 2025 Riyadh Season Snooker Championship after making ’20 or 30′ in practice

Shaun Murphy ‘certain’ 167 break will be made at 2025 Riyadh Season Snooker Championship after making ’20 or 30′ in practice

 

Shaun Murphy has expressed strong confidence that the first-ever 167 break — made possible by the “golden ball” rule — will finally be achieved at the 2025 Riyadh Season Snooker Championship. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Murphy told TNT Sports that he is “as certain as it can be” that someone will clear the table, pot a 147, and then sink the 20-point golden ball to reach 167.

Murphy’s belief isn’t idle optimism. He revealed that in practice, he has already made “probably 20 or 30” of these 167s at home, by rehearsing the tricky sequence from black to the golden ball, which sits on the baulk cushion. He has been carefully mapping out the exact route around the table — “where and how and when and why would you move the golden ball” — in his preparation.

The motivation is huge. If anyone pots the golden ball after a 147 during the event, they win a $1 million bonus. Murphy admitted that the prize is a big incentive: “I think someone will do it … I’d love it to be me … I’m definitely motivated to do it. … I’ll be going for it. No question about that.”

He also noted that the frequency of 147s this season is very encouraging. According to him, “we’ve seen more 147s this season than ever. … It feels like everyone’s knocking 147s in,” which suggests the standard is high and the golden-ball target is within reach.

The structure of the 2025 tournament makes the feat especially tantalizing. The golden ball rule, which allows a 167 break, continues in force: after a full 147 clearance, a player may attempt the gold ball. If successful, that super-maximum break would mark a historic moment in snooker.

Murphy’s opening match at the event is against 15-year-old wildcard Ziyad Al-Qabbani on November 19. If he navigates his way to that golden ball in match play — and converts it — he could make snooker history.

In short, Shaun Murphy believes the 167 is not just possible — he’s practically banked on it happening, whether by him or someone else, and his practice form gives his words weight.