Neil Robertson has defended Shaun Murphy after the Magician obtained criticism for applauding his opponent’s good play.
Murphy was sat on the alternative chair when Xiao Guodong produced a blistering normal originally of their Wuhan Open quarter-final tie per week in the past.
Xiao, who went on to elevate the trophy to safe a maiden rating title, compiled a hat-trick of century breaks on the trot in a dizzying spell of scoring.
Murphy first confirmed his appreciation by tapping his lap on the finish of the second body, however the former world champion then stepped it up with a short spherical of applause following the third ton.
It was an act that divided opinion on-line, with Stephen Hendry even getting in on the act and criticising Murphy’s actions.
“What’s Shaun doing?” Hendry mentioned on the Snooker Membership podcast. “Shaun was staying in the identical lodge as me in Wuhan and we have been having a drink one evening.”
“I like Shaun – the best way he talks – however sitting there applauding your opponent, that can not be the best way ahead.
“He’s totally different and he’s nice for the sport, an unbelievable ambassador. However sat within the chair really applauding?
“I’ve tapped my knee when somebody’s made an amazing break earlier than, however to truly applaud such as you’re on the theatre?”
Murphy responded by joking that he have to be a “horrible individual” for appreciating another person’s stage of play.
“Among the criticism and abuse I received for that and what meaning for my psychology,” the 2005 world champion moreover mentioned to the Metro.
“Individuals telling me I’m too comfortable and that’s not the best way to behave. Everybody’s entitled to an opinion, however all I used to be doing was applauding any person’s brilliance. That’s the world we’re dwelling in.”
However not everybody has been essential of his form gesture, with Neil Robertson representing one large identify to again Murphy up.
“I believe applauding three centuries in a row is an aesthetic contact,” Robertson wrote on social media platform X.
“Not many have achieved it, particularly on a principal TV desk. Lengthy have the times gone the place you give an edge to your opponent.”
“I bear in mind Steve Davis clapping when Andy Hicks made three centuries in a row in opposition to him on TV within the ’90s.
“Nothing to see right here aside from stylish sportsmanship from Shaun as at all times.”
Neil Robertson and Shaun Murphy shall be again competing on the snooker desk subsequent week once they take part within the 2024 Northern Eire Open.
It represents the second Dwelling Nations collection occasion of the 2024/25 marketing campaign, with Robertson having gained the primary along with his success on the English Open.
Within the opening spherical of the venue levels in Belfast, Robertson takes on fellow former world champion Graeme Dott.
The Melbourne man might grow to be the primary participant to win all 4 Dwelling Nations titles if he could be the final participant standing on the Waterfront Corridor.
Murphy, in the meantime, performs his first match of the match on Sunday night in opposition to Jiang Jun.
The world quantity eight must win the Northern Eire Open to realize an invite to the upcoming Champion of Champions in Bolton.
Featured photograph credit score: WST
