Snooker legend mocked by Van Gerwen after settling age-old sporting debate on live TV challenge

Michael van Gerwen did not hold back after seeing snooker icon Shaun Murphy's rather feeble attempt at a nine-dart finish.

The pair were both taking part in the Paddy Power Perfect Challenge live on Sky Sports.

As part of the event, professional darts, snooker and golf stars went head to head to determine which was easiest out of a nine-dart finish, 147 break and hole-in-one.

Murphy appeared to confirm the maximum break in snooker is the easiest after completing a 147 before either of the other two challenges had been achieved.

After doing so, he joined Van Gerwen and Luke Humphries on the oche to try his hand at darts.

The former world champion has previously claimed to be the only person to pull off a 147, nine-darter and hole-in-one.

However, he could only score four with his first three darts on Wednesday, with one missing the board entirely.

Van Gerwen did not hold back with his response, quipping: "Where was it where you hit the nine-darter?

"I'd like to know this story. Was it 301 or 101?"

The Dutchman, who is a three-time world champion himself, has pulled off ten televised nine-dart finishes in his career.

Meanwhile, Murphy claimed in 2022 to be in a 'club of one' after his feat of completing all three challenges.

'The Magician' told the : "That is true and, currently, I think it’s a club of one. I don’t know anyone else who’s done all three.

"We did a funny Twitter poll because Wayne Mardle, the former pro darts player, is a good friend of mine and he’s a commentator on Sky now.

"We’ve played golf together and had a bit of banter and we always have the craic about what’s harder: is it the nine-darter or is it the 147?

"Now, obviously, it’s the 147. Anyone who says nine-darter needs to go and see a doctor immediately.

"But we have that bit of banter quite often and, the last time we did it, I think the hole-in-one got thrown in and it was, like, hang on a minute, I’ve done all three.

"I’ve only had one hole-in-one and I’ve only had one nine-darter but as I sit here talking to you, I’m not aware of anyone else who’s done all three. People can send their applications in any way they want. There’s lots of room to join the club.

"We were down in that neck of the woods (Royal Worlington) doing a charity snooker night. It was the seventh and we couldn’t see. It was quite misty still at that time. We hit good shots but didn’t get to see the ball go in the hole.

"We got to the green, couldn’t find it, checked the hole and there it was. I’ve been close on a few occasions since but never actually got one in."

Murphy has eight professional 147 breaks in his career, tied with world no.1 Judd Trump.

However, he is behind the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins and Stephen Hendry when it comes to the perfect snooker frame.