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Judd Trump moans at referee during Mark Williams clash at World Snooker Championship

Judd Trump was in a heated discussion with the referee at the end of the 17th frame of his World Snooker Championship semi-final with Mark Williams

[Judd Trump complaining to the referee]

Judd Trump complaining to the referee(Image: (Image: BBC.))

Judd Trump had a bone to pick with the referee at the close of the 17th frame in his World Snooker Championship semi-final against Mark Williams.

The Bristol-born snooker ace had just lost the first frame of Saturday's morning session on May 3, slipping behind at 9-8 and finding himself trailing for the first time since the match began, when he voiced his grievances about the chilly conditions inside the Crucible.

The BBC reported Trump was miffed by the temperature at the famed Sheffield venue, demanding the heating be cranked up. Cold conditions can affect not only the players but also the behaviour of the table, and Trump seemed eager to drive this point home during an earnest chat with the official.

John Virgo, providing commentary for the BBC, remarked: "I don't know what the referee can do about it." However, it's possible that Crucible chiefs were notified about Trump's concerns.

Following a protracted discussion with Trump, the ref approached Williams to brief the Welsh player on the situation before they embarked on the session's second frame, reports the Express.

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Snooker pro Shaun Murphy weighed in: "It could affect things. All atmospherics can affect the table and how the balls move around it and it's difficult to get the practice table the same as this one."

Fellow commentator John Parrott quipped: "They should try coming in here [the studio]. It's not cold in here!"

A disappointing opening break-off for Trump left Williams with a chance at bagging an early opener, which he did through a long red, prompting concerns over whether the Ace in the Pack should change his initial shot.

Williams made 57 before accidentally snookering himself, though a smart safety exchange got him back out of trouble.

Trump returned to the table, trying to get snookers, but eventually conceded before having a word with the ref.

The session ended with Williams holding a 13-11 lead over Trump, with play set to resume at 7pm.

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