Snooker star Shaun Murphy has been branded a ‘liar’ over his claims to have thrown nine perfect darts during a casual game in the pub. Murphy, 41, has long claimed to be “in a club of one” as the only person to be able to boast a 147 break in his chosen sport, a nine-darter, and also a hole-in-one on the golf course.
And fittingly, on the same day that teenage star Luke Littler nailed a nine-dart leg in the Bahrain Darts Masters, a previous interview with Murphy making his claims was posted on social media. In the audio, the man dubbed ‘the Magician’ claimed his feat followed being sent a set of darts from the legendary Phil Taylor.
“I got my nine-darter in the Carter’s Arms in Sale in Manchester, and I made the hole in one at Royal Workington near Newmarket on a cold, frosty morning,” he claimed. “Well, I mean, I think I’m in a club of one at the moment.”
The 41-year-old admitted he is not a good darts player despite his nine-darter, before recalling: “Phil Taylor, who I met a few times, sent me a set of his darts that he’d used in a few events to me, with his best wishes. I took them to the pub.
“It was a Friday night, we were in the pub, in the snug, and we were setting our bets up for the weekend, you know, and we were having a great night. And we got on the dartboard – like I can play darts, I can play – but I just happened to throw nine perfect darts!”
The 2005 World Champion conceded his apparent achievement was a one-off, adding: “It never happened again. It didn’t happen before and it will never happen again. But it happened.”
Professional darts player Joe Cullen wasn’t impressed though. He reacted by reposting the audio on X, and captioning it with ‘crying laughter’ and ‘Pinnochio nose’ emojis, as well as writing: “One word – Liar!”
Darts fans appeared to agree with the ‘Rock Star’, with @beri04 replying with “I think 147 is harder, but to think you can fluke 9 darter is ridiculous.” @jamie02121989 echoed the sentiments of many by asking: “Anyone witness the 9 darter?”
Murphy’s assessment that a 147 was harder to achieve than the perfect darts leg also prompted debate. He cited there being “so many more factors and variables” in a snooker frame and the fact you need to take 36 shots instead of nine as reasons for his verdict.
