'Mr Consistent' aiming to shed tag for trophy

Published on Saturday 9 February 2008 10:06

DEFENDING champion Shaun Murphy is hoping to shed his "Mr Consistent" tag and win another major title.

The Rotherham-based professional locks horns with Chinese youngster Ding Junhui in the second of this year's Malta Cup semi-finals at the Hilton Conference Centre.

A 5-1 victory over 2005 Malta Cup champion Stephen Hendry in Portomaso yesterday made it four group wins out of four for the world number three.

Having not won a title since the Malta Cup this time last season, it is little wonder the adopted Yorkshireman would love to retain his title on the Mediterranean island.

"I've got great memories of Malta and I seem to play well here. Who knows, I might get to take that trophy home again," Murphy predicted.

"Enough's been written about Ding to fill several newspapers. I'll just do my best. I'm really looking forward to the match."

Murphy has now reached four major semi-finals this season – the Aberdeen Grand Prix, UK Championship and Northern Ireland Trophy, as well as this week's Malta Cup.

But, following some agonising final frame defeats, has yet to reach a final this season – or go on to win his third title. The 2005 world champion wants to change that this weekend, starting with victory over Ding today.

"If it was about who reached the most semi-finals I would be the all-time legend of the game, but it's not about that," Murphy said.

"It would be a dream come true if I could retain the trophy. It would stand me in really good stead for the Welsh Open next week. Whatever happens over the weekend I'll be going to Wales with confidence, but it would be nice to be going there with some silverware."

The other semi-final will see world champion John Higgins and Dubliner Ken Doherty clash in a repeat of the 2006 Malta Cup final.

Irishman Doherty led 5-2 in that match then slipped 8-5 behind, before battling back to snatch a breathtaking 9-8 victory.

Celebrations were muted afterwards when the pair were booted off their flight home for being drunk. "We had a great match here a couple of years ago – but I'm just delighted to be in the semi-finals," said Doherty.

"Whether it was John or anyone else, I'm delighted to be playing well and it's nice to have some confidence back."