Shaun Murphy goes on an extraordinary rant after a shock loss to amateur Si Jiahui
Daily MailShaun Murphy has slammed the UK Championship's decision to allow amateur players to compete there - after being knocked out by one in the first round. Shaun Murphy said after losing to Si Jiahui that the amateur 'shouldn't even be in the building' Murphy trailed 5-1 before coming to back to level the match at 5-5 - only to lose the final frame Murphy was less than impressed and angrily told BBC Radio 5 live: 'I feel extremely hard done by that I have lost to someone who shouldn't even be in the building. 'Many elite amateur players like Si Jiahui train and compete full-time in the hope of earning a guaranteed tour place, therefore they are competing under significant pressure with no guarantees. Defending champion Neil Robertson, who faces amateur John Astley on Thursday, was one player to come out in support of Murphy's point of view, saying: 'I totally get where Shaun's coming from.
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Shaun Murphy facing tough start against Zhao Xintong at UK Championship
The Independent
Snooker chiefs hit back at Shaun Murphy over amateur players rant
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