SHAUN MURPHY hit back at snooker legend Stephen Hendry after being criticised for applauding his opponent.
World No8 Murphy, 42, was thrashed 5-1 by Xiao Guodong at the Wuhan Open in China last week.
Murphy hit back with a 10-word response on social media[/caption]
As Xiao, 35, dispatched the 2009 world champion, Murphy resorted to clapping his rival as he watched him rack up century breaks.
Many snooker fans praised The Magician for the gracious act, but seven-time world champion Hendry was not impressed.
Speaking on the Snooker Club podcast, the Scot, 55, said: “What is Shaun doing?
“Shaun was staying at the same hotel as me in Wuhan. We had a drink one night and I love Shaun but sitting there applauding your opponent? That cannot be the way forward.”
He went on to add: “Listen, he’s different and he’s great for the game.
“He’s an unbelievable ambassador. He’s doing all his stuff on Instagram, he’s giving people debriefs when he wins or loses. It’s all good.
“I’ve tapped my knee when someone’s made a great break before sat in the chair.
“But to actually applaud like you’re in the theatre or something?
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“It will always be a gripe with me. The game’s changed.”
Murphy then saw the clip on X and responded by defending his actions.
He replied: “Appreciating my opponent’s play. What a horrible person I am 
.”
And fans were quick to support Murphy.
One said: “You’re a winner regardless 
.”
Another added: “You’re a gentleman of the sport and I appreciate your conduct not only as a player but as an entertainer. If every player had become a clone of Stephen the game would be dead by now!”
While a third responded: “Appreciating your opponent’s play is the cornerstone of sportsmanship, well done Shaun 
.”
