Shaun Murphy has risen to the provisional world number one spot in the rankings for the first time in his snooker career.
Murphy rises to top of provisional world rankings after Northern Ireland Trophy.
Shaun Murphy has risen to the provisional world number one spot in the rankings for the first time in his snooker career.
25-year-old Murphy started the season in second place in the world rankings after a productive season last year, including victory in the Malta Cup to land a second ranking event title.
John Higgins and Ronnie O'Sullivan had gathered more points but 'The Rocket' was docked 900 points for disciplinary reasons meant the Rotherham potter made the move into second.
A good run to the semi-finals of the Grand Prix in Aberdeen kick-started Murphy's season, and he followed up with a run to the last four at the Northern Ireland Trophy.
Murphy lost out to eventual champion Stephen Maguire in Belfast, but his points tally was enough to see him move above first-round casualty John Higgins and quarter-finalist Ronnie O'Sullivan.
"I'm over the moon to be provisionally top for the first time," said Murphy.
"It doesn't mean much until the end of the season but it shows how consistent my results have been."
Maguire move
Scottish cueman Maguire has benefited for his success in Northern Ireland by moving up into third place in the latest provisional rankings.
Maguire's 9-5 victory over Fergal O'Brien gave him his third ranking title, following on from European Open and UK Championship success in 2004.
"To win three ranking titles is a great achievement, especially as I've had a tough draw this week," said Maguire.
"It's a relief to win again and it gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season."
Maguire's win has also seen him move up a place from fourth into third in the rankings, while beaten finalist O'Brien moves up 12 places into 19th.
Local lad Mark Allen lost to O'Brien in the semi-finals but still jumped six places to 24th, while fellow Ulsterman Gerard Greene reached the quarters and climbs three spots to 22nd.
