Snooker star Shaun Murphy has taken aim at his rivals, calling them “weird” for their lack of smiles during matches.
Murphy, 41, cruised past Lyu Haotian in the opening round of the World Snooker Championship with a 10-5 victory. However, it was his comments about the demeanor of his fellow players that raised eyebrows.
“People say this but I think it’s really weird how everyone else doesn’t smile,” Murphy said. “These people have paid to come and watch, the least you can do is thank them and interact with them and say thanks for coming.
“When they applaud for a century break the least you can do is acknowledge their applause.
“I’m NOT the weird one.
“The other 30-odd players, they are the weird ones.
“It’s not me who’s in the wrong. It’s everyone else who’s a bit weird, not me.”
Murphy’s comments come ahead of his second-round match against arch nemesis Stephen Maguire. The pair have met 28 times in all competitions as professionals, with a record of 14 wins each.
Murphy, who won the World Snooker Championship in 2005, is known for his flamboyant style and charismatic personality. His views on smiling in snooker are sure to spark debate among fans and players alike.
