BBC snooker commentators in awkward silence live on-air after Zhao Xintong comment

BBC snooker commentators Dennis Taylor and Shaun Murphy agreed to disagree after an awkward exchange during the World Championship final. As Zhao Xintong notched up a 16-8 lead against Mark Williams at the Crucible and peered over a red, talk turned to his influence on the global snooker scene.

After noting that many international viewers might not know much about Zhao, who was back from a lengthy 20-month ban and playing as an amateur, Taylor's remark didn't sit well with Murphy, leading to a sharp retort from the 1985 champ.

"A lot of friends from different parts of the have been watching these World Championships Shaun and they have never seen this player (Zhao) play and they are absolutely amazed at how good he is," Taylor said, as Zhao moved closer to victory.

Murphy countered: "You must be fairly new to the game then Dennis, because we are watching a former UK Champion here.." However, Taylor quickly snapped back: "They don't live in the UK Shaun, that's what I was saying.", reports .

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

A significant lull followed, with the commentators sitting through an awkward silence before they returned their focus to the unfolding game. Fans in the Crucible, listening to the discussion through earphones, had muffled laughter after Taylor's response.

An excruciating 34 seconds of dead air passed before conversation resumed, interrupted only by Murphy praising Zhao's excellent shot-making, potting a mid-range red and cleverly positioning another ball.

"What a great shot," Murphy said, commenting on the snooker match. "Those red balls have been causing problems by the black for most of this frame."

Earlier, Williams had fluffed an easy red on a score of 26, letting Zhao back into the game—a recurring issue during the third session. Williams was visibly frustrated, shaking his head after clattering the pocket's jaw, just before Zhao took to the table with a decisive break of 67.

Going into the evening session, Xintong needs just one frame to become China's first world champion, with Williams admitting he was struggling to live with his opponent.

“That was tough – I’ve not got enough cue power to combat tough conditions like Zhao,” Williams posted on social media during the break.

“His cue power is superb. Prob the best potter I’ve ever seen. Last session in a few hours. Support I have had this last two weeks has been amazing from the crowd and everyone."