Ally Pally wasp returns to haunt Shaun Murphy ahead of Masters final against Kyren Wilson - 'It could get aggressive'

The infamous Alexandra Palace wasp has wreaked havoc with snooker and darts stars alike, and the winged menace reared its ugly head before the Masters 2025 final between Shaun Murphy and Kyren Wilson. The wasp went straight for Murphy, after also taking a liking to The Magician during his pulsating semi-final victory over Mark Allen. Murphy was told to stay calm by referee Olivier Marteel.

After Shaun Murphy's dazzling semi-final victory over Mark Allen at the Masters on Saturday, you cannot blame the Alexandra Palace wasp for returning to see The Magician in action for the final.

The infamous winged insects have haunted snooker and darts players alike in recent times, making high-profile appearances at this year's Masters, as well as the PDC World Darts Championship.

Murphy may well feel it is a sign of good luck, after having a similar run-in with the winged annoyance during his 6-3 semi-final victory over Allen on Saturday.

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Perhaps the wasp came back in the hope of a similarly enthralling counter - one which saw Murphy sink a spectacular 147 maximum break - the sixth in the tournament's history.

But the 2015 Masters champion was not happy to see the return of his buzzing nemesis - waving his hand around in a bid to scare the insect off, much to the disappointment of referee Olivier Marteel.

"Don't do anything, don't do anything," said Marteel. "It could get aggressive. I will try to catch it if it is on the table."

• Allen has 'absolutely no animosity' towards Murphy after semi-final loss
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The moment of madness left commentator Phil Studd bemused, and remarked the wasp's continued involvement in snooker's January showpiece.

"A bit of wildlife has intervened, I think, that has been a theme of the tournament," said the Eurosport commentator.

'Where's he come from?' - Murphy attacked by Ally Pally wasp

Video credit: TNT Sports

"The wasp is after Shaun Murphy. Olivier Marteel is saying don't do anything it will get aggressive.

"Kyren Wilson is a formidable enough opponent for Shaun Murphy, he does not need anybody else trying to derail his bid to become a multiple champion."

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