Shaun Murphy calls out snooker fan after being heckled during World Championship

Jack Otway
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:06:57 +0000

Shaun Murphy has lashed out at a spectator on social media following an incident during his World Championship opener at the Crucible.

The 43-year-old took to Instagram to address a front-row fan who audibly criticised one of his shots during Monday's first-round clash with Fan Zhengyi.

"If you're sat on the front row in the Crucible and I play a shot that may not work for a particular reason, it's probably best not to say 's**t shot' out loud," the 2005 champion wrote. "I've got ears."

Murphy added with dark humour: "I missed my next shot as I was contemplating which end of my cue to nut him with."

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The match between Murphy and his Chinese opponent finished on Monday evening with the Englishman holding a slender one-frame advantage.

Murphy had established early control, racing into a 2-0 lead before extending his advantage to 3-1.

However, Zhengyi fought back to level proceedings at 4-4, setting up a tense conclusion to the opening session.

The former world champion responded emphatically, compiling an impressive 140 break to secure the overnight lead.

Play between the pair is scheduled to resume on Tuesday evening, with Murphy needing five more frames to progress to the second round at the Sheffield venue.

The Instagram post marks the latest in a series of outspoken moments from Murphy at this year's tournament.

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Earlier in the championship, he publicly criticised fellow professionals Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump for their absence from official events.

Neither player attended the contractual group photograph in Tudor Square on the eve of the World Championship, nor did they appear at the Champions' Dinner the previous night.

Murphy did not hold back when asked about their non-attendance.

"I think it's become normal that they don't turn up for these types of things, but I've got no idea why they don't come," he said.

He suggested their repeated absences could damage their public standing.

"I think it might give those two a particular image problem. I think it might affect their image slightly," Murphy remarked.

The 2005 champion noted that fellow players were no longer surprised by their non-attendance, adding: "It would be more strange for us if they were here, which is saying something."

Murphy expressed disappointment at what he perceives as a lack of commitment to promoting the sport from two of its biggest names.

"I think it's a real shame, and they probably could both have done a little bit more to help promote the game over the years," he concluded.