April 28th 2024.
In a highly charged match at the World Snooker Championship, Stephen Maguire emerged victorious in an emotional encounter against Shaun Murphy. While the match itself may not have been the most technically impressive, it certainly made up for it in intensity and passion.
One moment in particular caught everyone's attention - after winning a frame early on in the second session, Murphy pumped his fist in celebration, something he often does during a match. However, Maguire believes this was a mistake on his opponent's part. In his own words, "He knows me well enough to know that I am my own worst critic. The frame he won, he shouldn't have won it. I was sitting there berating myself, but his fist pump caused me to focus all my attention on him. It was a mistake on his part."
The match continued in a similar vein, with both players showing their emotions on the table. The final frame of the second session was particularly intense, with Maguire ultimately winning on the pink after a tense battle on the remaining colors. This victory led to a burst of emotion from the usually reserved Scot, with him punching the table and pumping his fists in celebration.
Maguire later admitted that the emotions had been building up throughout the session, and he was a little embarrassed by his outburst. "I try not to show my emotions on the table, but it all came out in that moment. I'm a bit embarrassed about it, but it is what it is." He also added that he usually waits until he's in the dressing room to let his emotions out, but the atmosphere in the arena got the better of him.
Despite his show of emotion, Maguire believes he kept his composure well throughout the match, trying not to let his opponent's antics affect him. He also mentioned that he's not particularly fond of showing his emotions on the table, but his friends seemed to enjoy it.
On the other hand, Murphy had no problem with Maguire's outburst, even stating that snooker needs more of it. "It's what we need more of in snooker - this show of emotion and celebration. It adds to the spice of the match. He's entitled to celebrate his successes and good shots." He also shared a message from Murphy after the match, where he wished him luck and hoped he does well in the tournament.
While the two may not see eye-to-eye off the table, they certainly put on a thrilling show for the spectators at the Crucible. Maguire now moves on to the quarter-finals, where he will face Dave Gilbert. With the intensity and passion shown in this match, it's sure to be another exciting encounter in Sheffield.
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