SHAUN MURPHY has admitted “we are near the end” if facing his rivals become like “playing PlayStation on God mode”.
The former world champion was destroyed 5-1 by Joe O’Connor at the World Open last month.
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O’Connor, 29, landed breaks of 135, 132 and 100 in the match as he went on to make the final, losing to John Higgins 10-6.
Murphy was full of praise for his opponent and hinted it would be time for him to hang up his cue if that becomes the level required to win top titles.
The Masters winner told the Onefourseven podcast: “In Yushan, Joe was totally ridiculous.
“If we’ve reached the stage where every time a player sees a pot then they’re going to pot it and clear up every time, then I think we’re near the end. Players are starting to complete snooker.
“As the challenges of the sport, they are starting to work it out and they are starting to complete it. It’s like playing a cheat code.
“I remember, in that match against Joe O’Connor in Yushan, I sat in my chair and said to myself it was like playing the PlayStation on God mode.
“There were several times I walked away from the table and there was one red loose from the pack and he cleared up. Again and again.
“You can see certain players who burst on tour straight away, some you watch who never get it and some, like Joe, you can see them getting that little bit stronger.
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“You can see them bringing their practice game, more of their home-based practice routines and the way they strike the ball away from events. They bring in more of that every week to the arena.
“I think Joe is the real deal, he’s the full package. A proper snooker player who doesn’t seem intimidated by anyone. He’s got great composure.”
Leicester born O’Connor has climbed to No31 in the world rankings.
As well as defeating Murphy, he has beaten Kyren Wilson and Judd Trump within the last year.
