Shaun Murphy doesn't share the same views as Ronnie O'Sullivan about the atmosphere in the arena for the Masters.
The 2024 Masters got underway at the weekend with the top 16 snooker players in the world competing for the top prize at Alexandra Palace.
The north London venue has hosted the Masters since 2011 with O'Sullivan winning three of his seven titles there.
But despite his record success at the Alexandra Palace, O'Sullivan doesn't appear to be excited about the prospect of returning.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is not a fan of the Masters venue
GETTY
Speaking on the eve of the tournament, the snooker icon hit out at the "rowdy atmosphere" inside Alexandra Palace and said he finds it difficult to play in the arena.
That's not a view shared by Murphy, who won the Masters back in 2015 and is hoping to build on an impressive 2023 season by clinching his fourth Triple Crown title.
"I'm not sure that any of us have ever had the support that Ronnie gets," Murphy started.
"I'm very thankful for the support that I get and I always get a great welcome at every arena that we play in.
"The crowd here is very respectful. They are a little more boisterous than the average UK crowd but that's part of what makes this tournament so special.
"And for the 16 players who are lucky enough to be in the draw every year, it's magic – you wouldn't be anywhere else.
"It [the Masters] is totally different. It's a cliche that anybody can beat anybody, but it gets said because it's true.
"Every single one of these ties could be a final of an event."
Ronnie O'Sullivan has won three Masters titles at the Alexandra Palace
GETTY
Murphy got his Masters off to a strong start on Sunday night as he comfortably defeated Zhang Anda.
He added: "I’ve played quite well this year until the back end of last year, the last month of 2023 wasn’t great.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Shaun Murphy likes the atmosphere at the Masters
GETTY
"I felt like my game was on the tilt a little bit and I wasn’t getting the results.
"I’ve worked really hard over the festive period, which is unlike me as I normally would put the cue down and not play.
"It’s so rewarding to see that come out when it mattered the most, regardless of what else happens this week."
