Shaun Murphy to arrange coffee meeting with Kyren Wilson to resolve Masters fallout - 'It's still a baffling situation'
Updated 23/04/2025 at 14:13 GMT+1
The war of words between Kyren Wilson and Shaun Murphy dominated the start of the World Championship. Wilson said his "salty" interview after January's Masters final was because Murphy did something "unprofessional" - Murphy said he didn't know what Wilson was referring to and accused his rival of "not having the bottle to call me out". Now Murphy says the pair will meet to discuss the fallout.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Shaun Murphy has said he has arranged to meet Kyren Wilson for a coffee to chat over their differences following their dramatic war of words before the World Snooker Championship.
Wilson told TNT Sports just before the action got under way in Sheffield that his interview after January's Masters final - when he called Murphy an "old man" and said he "needed the win more" - was not unprovoked.
Wilson said Murphy did something before the evening session that was "uncalled for and quite unprofessional".
In response, Murphy said he didn't know what Wilson was referring to and claimed the world champion "hasn't had the bottle to call me out over whatever it is". He added: "I'm very, very disappointed in his behaviour."
The story dominated the start of the tournament - which is live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - and defending champion Wilson suffered a shock exit in the first round against Lei Peifan.
Now Murphy, who sealed a 10-4 win in his first round match over Daniel Wells on Wednesday morning, says the pair have been texting each other and will be meeting to discuss the matter.
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"It's still a baffling situation. Kyren and I have been texting each other a little bit and we've agreed to meet for a coffee to try and find a way forward on it," Murphy said in a press conference on Wednesday.
"He still hasn't told me what it is I've done to upset him. I have heard a few rumours through some other people on what it might be, but I'm still yet to hear it from the horse's mouth.
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Reigning champion Wilson loses in first round to debutant Lei – ‘Crucible curse strikes again!’
Video credit: TNT Sports
"We were supposed to meet a few days ago, but obviously his plans changed. I think he is back now for a few days. Hopefully we'll get a chance to meet and shake hands."
Murphy was impressive in his victory over Wells, as he begins his campaign to follow up January's Masters triumph with a second world title in Sheffield.
The 2005 world champion made three centuries and seven half-centuries in his win.
He will take on Judd Trump or Zhou Yuelong in the second round.
"I’ve come here this year in the best shape I’ve ever been in. My game is the best it’s ever been, I’m sharp, I’m ready," Murphy said.
"You can get blown away but if I get my chances I think I could be a handful for anybody."
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