Shaun Murphy backs Kyren Wilson in row with snooker celebration police

Shaun Murphy felt there was no malice from Kyren Wilson as he let out emotion following his win over Stan Moody, saying he is entitled to celebrate.

World number two Wilson battled back from 6-2 and 7-3 behind to beat the debutant 10-7 in the opening round at the Crucible.

It had been a blistering start from the 19-year-old but he struggled in the second session and the Warrior showed his fighting qualities to win seven frames on the spin despite being unhappy with his cue.

As the match ended with Wilson potting the black, he stood up and pumped his fist before turning around and shaking Moody’s hand.

The celebration cannot have lasted more than two seconds but it was enough for the 2024 world champion to be criticised online for it.

Celebrations in snooker tend to divide opinion, with some seeing almost any show of emotion at the table as too much.

Are you snooker loopy?

You’re in the right place. I’m Phil Haigh, and I cover the game we all love for Metro.

In my new newsletter, The Table, I’ll be analysing the biggest talking points, breaking down frames and crowning the week’s winners and losers every Monday.

The World Championship is here, so there’s no better time to sign up.

Murphy won an even more dramatic first round match as he produced a stunning clearance to edge Fan Zhangyi 10-9 on Tuesday night.

After potting the final pink, the Magician turned and shook his opponent’s hand before enthusiastically celebrating a huge win in front of the Crucible crowd.

Asked if he felt the small nuance of shaking hands first was important, Murphy said: ‘Do you know, I think when you’re overcome with emotion, even if you don’t shake [hands], it’s not meant in malice. There’s no malice behind it.

‘I’ve known Kyren since he was a boy, there would be no malice meant behind it.

‘He’s just won a match from 6-2 behind in the first round. He’s entitled to celebrate. I don’t think he will have meant anything by it.’

Speaking after his win over Moody, Wilson said: ‘I dug in deeper than deep. It was really difficult at 7-3 down and you just have to keep going to the well and I won a couple of really big frames.

‘I was fighting with a few feelings and you have to dig in and win that scrappy one and see if it can turn around.

‘Stan has not got the experience I have got, especially here and I knew coming into the evening the adrenaline would seep out.

‘Stan has been a credit, especially to the younger generation. My kids know his name – he is inspiring them and they are going to the same junior tournaments he was playing in.’

Wilson is certainly not a complete traditionalist when it comes to the quiet, staid nature of snooker, encouraging his fellow players to interact more with the crowd before their matches.

‘I think the players maybe need to give a little bit more,’ he told Midnite.

‘Walk-on songs, interaction with the crowd – you look at the likes of the darts before the lads go on and the ladies go on.

‘They’re ramping up the crowd with great walk-on songs. I’ve tried to do it with mine. There’s only so much you can do, but maybe just a little bit more interaction [is needed].’

MORE: Ronnie O’Sullivan tries mind games by lumping pressure on John Higgins

MORE: Neil Robertson faces fine for giving up Crucible frame in bizarre circumstances

MORE: Jak Jones ‘wanted to walk out’ of Mark Selby Crucible thrashing