MALVERN fans witnessed the promise of new world snooker champion Shaun Murphy back in 2000 when he won his first professional trophy.

An 18-year-old Murphy lifted the Bensons & Hedges Snooker Championship title when the event was played at the Willie Thorne Snooker Club in Malvern Link.

With an entry that included local star Dave Finbow and the 'people's champion' Jimmy White, Murphy defeated reigning champion Ali Carter on his way to the final.

The talented teenager fought back after being 5-2 down to defeat Stuart Bingham 9-7 to snatch the title, £5,000 and a place in the following year's B&H Masters at Wembley.

At the time Jimmy White said: "The kid can certainly play. I've known all about him for a few years."

Murphy said that his first professional trophy success would always be special.