Judd Trump secured a 6-3 victory against Neil Robertson at the UK Championship, but both players expressed strong criticism over the table conditions at the York venue.
The former world champions were left frustrated by what they described as unplayable conditions during their last-32 clash.
Trump managed to overcome the challenging circumstances, winning five consecutive frames after trailing 3-1 at the mid-session interval, including impressive breaks of 73, 126 and 67.
Trump, 35, was particularly scathing about the playing conditions at the prestigious tournament.
Judd Trump secured a 6-3 victory against Neil Robertson at the UK Championship, but both players expressed strong criticism over the table conditions at the York venue
PA
"I've played in some bad conditions but that was close!" he said.
The world-class player expressed disappointment that such issues often arise at major events in Britain.
"Very heavy all of the time. The cushions were bouncy and heavy," Trump explained.
He added: "From the first day, they didn't look great. Hopefully they can do something about it. I think all of the players are struggling. It's disappointing for the people watching."
Judd Trump and Neil Robertson have both slammed conditions at the UK Championship
PA
Robertson, 42, was equally critical of the playing conditions at the tournament.
"The table was pretty much as unplayable as it gets for professional conditions. That was as tough as I've ever played," the Australian potter said.
He suggested potential solutions to the issues faced during play.
"It could probably do with a new cloth. Maybe it wasn't warm enough in the arena," Robertson noted.
Judd Trump has said he feels sorry for the older generation watching at the UK Championship
PA
He emphasised that only the players themselves could critique their performances under such challenging conditions.
World Snooker Tour officials responded to the criticism with an explanation focused on weather conditions.
A WST spokesperson stated: "We always strive to provide the best possible conditions and welcome feedback from players."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The organisation blamed recent weather patterns for the issues faced by players.
"The recent weather has seen a large volume of rainfall and high humidity around the country. This can negatively influence the conditions," the spokesperson explained.
In a separate incident at the tournament, four-time world champion John Higgins' match against China's He Guoqiang was briefly suspended.
The Barbican arena had to be cleared for up to 20 minutes when a spectator fell ill.
The fan was reported to be conscious and was seen speaking with paramedics.
Higgins, who secured a 6-0 victory, commented on the warm conditions in the auditorium: "It happens quite a lot now. It's so warm in the auditorium now. Some of the older generation come and you feel for them."
