UK Masters delayed as snooker star Shaun Murphy ordered 'don't do anything'

Shaun Murphy was attacked by a wasp for the second time this week, this time during the UK Masters final prompting a delay.

At the beginning of the UK Masters final between Murphy and Kyren Wilson, the former spotted the wasp flying around the table - the second time this week he had done so.

Just as he was about to step up to take the opening shot of the match at the Alexandra Palace, Murphy pointed out the wasp to the referee. However, it then caught his gaze again, leading to the delay of the final.

He ducked trying to shake off the wasp, moving back to his corner before spotting it behind him, prompting Murphy into another escape effort. However, the referee could be heard instructing Murphy, telling him: "Don't do anything."

The lack of movement seemed to do the trick, with the wasp moving away from Murphy and the table, allowing him to finally get the match underway.

Despite the distractions, it was Murphy who took the opening frame 98-0. He then followed that up by winning the second 78-4. Bizarrely, Murphy was also the subject of a wasp attack during his semi-final win over Mark Allen.

And the wasp re-emergence during the final got snooker fans on social media talking. "Great start! Has the wasp paid for his ticket?" wrote one fan on X.

A second said: " The wasp has really wanted to get involved in the Semis and Final." And a third wrote: "Only 4 points in to the Final and we've already had a wasp attack on a player and a phantom clattering about. Don't get why they all rave about this venue #MastersSnooker #Masters #Snooker".