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Murphy warns of hampered chances
ROTHERHAM potter Shaun Murphy has warned that a lack of practice could hamper his chances of success at this week's Shanghai Masters.
Murphy, 26, begins his assault on the crown with a first round clash against Andy Hicks tomorrow.
But the world number three, and 2005 world champion, has only spent two weeks on the table because of a busy off-season.
"Because of some commitments I had to complete at the back end of the summer, I have only actually been able to get on the table in the last couple of weeks, so my preparation hasn't been great," explained Murphy.
"I was very pleased with how I finished last season, so I haven't been working on anything too specific in practice, mainly just trying to get the scoring and safety sides of my game working together in unison.
"I have been working hard, and my form in the club has been very good.
"I am reasonably happy, but with my time away from the table over the last few weeks I'd be happy with anything past the quarter-finals."
Murphy is provisionally ranked number two in the world after an impressive season last year, but is adamant that he is not immune from a shock in the Far East.
"With it being the first tournament of the season, everyone will be feeling their way. There might be the odd shock, but I'd be happy to reach the last eight. I'm looking no further than that, really," he added.
Hicks overcame Li Yuan 5-1 in the wildcard round at the Grand Stage yesterday.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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