Kyren Wilson has branded Shaun Murphy’s behaviour during the Masters final this year “unprofessional” ahead of the World Championship. Murphy secured a 10-7 victory over the world champion at Alexandra Palace in January.
Following the match, Wilson made some bizarre comments about Murphy, calling the 42-year-old an “old man” He said: “No disrespect to Shaun, he is turning into an old man now.
“So he needs this more than me. I am 33 years old, coming into my prime and I am having an amazing season. Runner-up obviously isn’t what I wanted, but I got Berlin next week, so I’ll go and smash it in Germany [he went on to win the German Masters].”
The Warrior’s comments attracted criticism, including from Murphy, who called them “slightly unnecessary”. However, Wilson has now revealed he was provoked by what Murphy did ahead of the final session of that final.
In an interview with TNT Sports ahead of his first round match at the Crucible, Wilson said: “I think, if people knew the story, people would understand and probably actually applaud me almost for what went on in that final.
“Shaun knows full well what happened before the evening session of the Masters final. I don’t want to bad mouth anyone, but what he did before the evening session was uncalled for and quite unprofessional.”
Wilson didn’t reveal what Murphy did but insisted he still respected the Magician. He added: “There might have been a few [salty comments]. We live and learn. I disagree with something that Shaun did during that final, but I’m not taking anything away from him. He played so well during that week. He was really classy.”
Murphy has regularly praised Wilson for how he has conducted himself as world champion this season, despite those post-Masters comments.
Speaking on his onefourseven podcast, Murphy said at the time: “I think he’s a really good world champion and a good role model. I think he does very well.
“There was a couple of things he said in the post-match questions, which were either slightly unnecessary or maybe said in the wrong way. But before we carry on, I will just say this. You have to put yourself in his shoes for a minute he’s gutted, and your emotions are so high.”
Wilson begins his World Championship challenge against qualifier Lei Peifan on Saturday morning. Murphy, the 2005 world champion, plays Daniel Wells on Tuesday.
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