Judd Trump spotted complaining about Crucible conditions during tense chat with referee at World Snooker Championship
JUDD TRUMP was seen having an intense chat with the referee at the World Snooker Championship.
Trump, 35, was competing in a semi-final session against Mark Williams at the Crucible.
The English snooker star, who made the semi-final after beating Luca Brecel, had just fallen 8-9 behind Welsh rival Williams.
But as the first frame of Saturday morning’s session came to an end, Trump was seen immediately getting up from his seat and walking over to the referee.
TV cameras saw the two locked in conversation as the view cut back to the studio.
The BBC report Trump’s complaints were because he was unhappy with the temperature inside the Sheffield venue, insisting it was too cold and that the temperature should be turned up.
Cooler temperatures can impact both the players and the behaviour of the table, a fact the Bristol potter seemingly wanted to make sure he got across in no uncertain terms.
Speaking on the BBC‘s broadcast, commentator John Virgo, said: “I don’t know what the referee can do about it.”
However, after a lengthy conversation the referee then went over to Williams to explain the situation before the second frame of the session began.
Shaun Murphy, who Trump beat in the second round, explained how the change might impact the game while working as a pundit for the BBC.
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He said: “It could affect things. All atmospherics can affect the table and how the balls move around it and it’s difficult to get the practice table the same as this one.”
Fellow pundit John Parrott then joked: “They should try coming in here (studio). It’s not cold in here!”
And the change seemed to pay dividends for Trump as he won the next two frames.
However, Williams, who beat John Higgins in a thrilling quarter-final that went to the final ball to get into the last four, then responded by reeling on three frames on the spin, including a 129 century.
Trump and Williams then won another frame each before the session concluded, with Williams holding a narrow advantage with the score 13-11.
SunSport’s live blog will keep you up to date when the match resumes at 7pm this evening.
The winner of the clash will play Chinese amateur cueist Zhao Xintong in the final after he thrashed Ronnie O’Sullivan 17-7.
World Snooker Championship 2025
WE are now into the final days of what has been a THRILLING World Snooker Championship!
A new world champion will be crowned this year after Kyren Wilson crashed out in the first round.
Heavyweights such as John Higgins and Mark Selby have also fallen as we head to the final on Sunday and Monday.
Ronnie O’Sullivan was eyeing a record eighth world title but crashed out at the hands of the brilliant Zhao Xintong – who reached the final qualifying as an amateur after his ban.
In the other semi-final, World No 1 and tournament favourite Judd Trump is facing Mark Williams.
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