Shaun Murphy wins Paddy Power Perfect Challenge for second consecutive year
Shaun Murphy has secured victory in the Paddy Power Perfect Challenge for the second year in a row, achieving a maximum 147 break while his competitors in darts and golf were unable to reach their goals, reports BritPanorama.
The former snooker world champion completed this remarkable feat over five hours and 46 minutes of streaming, as six professional darts players failed to produce a nine-dart finish and three golfers were unable to score a hole-in-one.
The challenge took place at Lingfield Park Golf Club in Surrey and concluded at dusk after six hours, showcasing only Murphy’s impressive performance as the day drew to a close.
Alongside Murphy were notable snooker figures including fellow ex-world champions Kyren Wilson and Luca Brecel, while the darts lineup featured prominent players like Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price. In the golfing arena, Ross Fisher, Matt Wallace, and Robert Rock each aimed for the elusive hole-in-one, with Fisher missing by mere inches.
This sporting event arose from a spirited exchange between Murphy and darts world number one Luke Humphries during last year’s challenge, which sparked debate on which sporting achievement is more difficult. Humphries asserted, “I think if you’re an amateur and you give them a set of darts, a snooker cue and a golf club, I think they do the hole in one first, the nine-darter second and the 147 last. But to a professional, I think the nine-darter’s harder.” Murphy humorously retorted, “I didn’t know you were a comedian!”
Following his victory, Murphy reflected on the implications of showcasing the 147 break’s feasibility, suggesting it might not necessarily enhance snooker’s standing. “I’m not sure that I’ve done snooker any favours by doing it and showing it can be done,” he told presenter Anna Woolhouse after potting the final black.
Despite the challenges faced — including numerous near-misses throughout the day — Murphy emphasized the cultural significance of the 147 break, stating, “The 147 has been a thing in culture for 40, 50 years, and it is still very special. Is it the hardest? That is for people to decide.”
The event served as both a challenge and spectacle, cleverly melding the worlds of snooker, darts, and golf while showcasing the unique demands of each sport. With such competition, it is a reminder of how easily sports narratives can intertwine, elevating one player’s achievement above others while inviting spirited discussion on expertise and athletic prowess.
