Judd Trump has criticised Kyren Wilson’s controversial post-match comments following his Masters final defeat to Shaun Murphy, suggesting they were poorly received by fellow professionals.
Wilson sparked debate after calling 42-year-old Murphy an “old man” following his 10-7 loss at Alexandra Palace.
“I don’t think he particularly put himself in good light,” Trump told reporters at the Championship League, where he revealed the remarks had become a major talking point among players.
Wilson’s comments came immediately after his defeat in the final, speaking to MC Rob Walker.
Judd Trump took aim at Kyren Wilson over his comments
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“No disrespect to Shaun but he’s turned into an old man now, so he needs this more than me,” Wilson said.
I’m 33-years-old and coming into my prime, I’m having an amazing season.”
The world champion also remarked: “I just made it too easy for Shaun, you can’t do that with how well Shaun has been playing this week.”
Murphy has since responded to Wilson’s remarks on The Onefourseven Snooker Podcast, taking a diplomatic stance.
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“There were a couple of things he said in the post-match questions which either were slightly unnecessary or said in the wrong way,” Murphy said.
He defended Wilson’s emotional state, adding: “He’s gutted. And your emotions are so high, literally seconds after a loss in a big match for us both.
“To have a microphone shoved in your face straight away, live to the world it’s a difficult place to be.”
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Shaun Murphy won the Masters on Sunday after beating world champion Kyren Wilson 10-7
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Trump revealed the comments were widely discussed among players at the Championship League.
“I think the first thing everybody said at the Championship League was, ‘Did you watch that?'” Trump said.
The world number one acknowledged the challenges of post-match interviews, noting: “There’s a fine line between being honest and trying to keep everyone happy.”
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Kyren Wilson has been accused of being a sore loser by Judd Trump
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“Sometimes it’s better to be a little bit false and say something you don’t really mean, just suck it up to keep everyone happy,” he added.
Trump reflected on the unique pressure of the Masters environment.
“The atmosphere at the Masters is not nice when you lose. I’ve not lost in one, but can’t imagine it in the final,” he said.
He showed understanding for Wilson’s reaction, stating: “There’s not that much to read into it, he was hurting a little bit, it’s good to see how much it means to players.”