‘I think Judd was surprised’ – Shaun Murphy leaves Trump open-mouthed with snooker act as words come back to haunt him
SHAUN MURPHY left Judd Trump in shock after he played on needing a whopping five snookers.
The two former Crucible champions met in the last-16 of the World Championship yesterday.
And in the sixth frame, there was a moment of controversy when the world No1’s rival bizarrely refused to concede.
Murphy needed 71 and just 51 remained on the table, however, he continued and looked to force Trump into fouls.
He appeared startled as The Magician got out his seat to play on and even the referee was seen laughing in surprise.
Murphy‘s audacious effort did not come off and it seemingly wound-up Trump, who ferociously potted a red on his return to the table.
TNT Sports commentators said: “I thought he was going to concede, he was sat in his seat for what felt like an eternity. I’m not sure if he fooled [referee] Rob Spencer.
“I think Rob was about to get the balls off and start setting up again.”
After Trump’s angry pots, commentator Neal Foulds added: “I think Judd was surprised Shaun did not concede.
“A bit of frustration in that shot. No doubt there was a bit of venom in that red.”
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Murphy later took to social media, confessing: “I totally miscounted, thought I was 61 behind not 71.”
He has long been an advocate of not continuing if snookers are needed, tweeting in 2023: “Unpopular opinion time… I think we should remove playing for snookers from the game.
“Once the frame is over mathematically, it’s over. What do you think?”
Trump ended the day 10-6 up and they return to the table to the finish the clash tonight.