**Shaun Murphy Applauds Judd Trump’s Historic Milestone at World Snooker Championship**
A notable moment of sportsmanship unfolded at the Crucible as Shaun Murphy extended a warm gesture to fellow snooker professional Judd Trump, after Trump achieved a remarkable personal and sporting milestone during their intense clash in the second round of the World Snooker Championship.
The match, played on Sunday, saw Trump come into the contest already within touching distance of history, having compiled 98 century breaks in the 2024/25 season. With the eyes of the snooker world firmly fixed on Sheffield, anticipation built as the frames ticked by. The 15th frame would prove decisive, as Trump produced a clinical display of break-building to reach what commentator John Virgo described as a “masterclass,” culminating in Trump’s 100th century of the season.
As Trump completed his break with a flourish, totalling an impressive 132 points and taking a 9-6 lead, Shaun Murphy, despite being on the opposing side of the table, acknowledged the feat with a round of applause and a broad, appreciative smile. The pair exchanged a handshake, embodying the camaraderie and mutual respect often seen at the elite level of the sport.
BBC’s John Virgo, reflecting on the atmosphere, was heard to say: “Well played, Judd Trump, well played. Absolutely superb – and Shaun showing his appreciation. Magic moment.” This sentiment captured what was felt by many both inside the Crucible Theatre and among those watching at home.
Trump was not content with just one landmark moment, however. He followed up his century milestone by extending his lead even further, registering a 147 maximum break – the highest possible break in snooker – to go 10-6 ahead just before the evening interval. With the match scheduled to resume on Monday afternoon, both players still had everything to play for, with a coveted quarter-final berth against either Luca Brecel or Ding Junhui on the line.
While the overall winner of the World Championship stands to receive a staggering £500,000, Trump’s exploits have already guaranteed him a substantial financial reward. The World Snooker Tour awards a £100,000 bonus to any player reaching the century-of-centuries plateau in a single season, ensuring Trump leaves this year’s championship with at least that sum in addition to any further prize money he may earn as the tournament progresses.
Judd Trump’s achievement places him in exceptionally rare company. He himself previously completed over 100 centuries in a season, reaching 102 during the 2019/20 campaign. Only Australia’s Neil Robertson has matched this feat, achieving it during the 2013/14 season. Trump will now be looking to go one step further and claim his second career World Championship title, having first lifted the trophy in 2019 with a commanding victory over John Higgins.
Murphy’s gracious applause for Trump is a reminder of the respect that characterises top-level snooker, a sport where personal achievement and competitive battle share the spotlight. Murphy himself knows the highs and lows of the Crucible, having reached the finals in 2011 and 2022 and capturing the world crown back in 2005.
This year’s championship has provided no shortage of dramatic moments, with not only century milestones but also maximum breaks. Mark Allen, another star in the draw, achieved the tournament’s first 147 break earlier in the week, earning a £40,000 bonus and a share of the high break prize, although he later exited the competition after a second-round defeat.
As the contest between Trump and Murphy resumes, fans can expect more high-quality snooker and, undoubtedly, more moments of mutual appreciation between two of the game’s finest ambassadors. The outcome remains uncertain, but the spirit and spectacle of World Championship snooker are both abundantly clear.