Recent Masters champion Shaun Murphy has blasted what he calls an "epidemic" of tactical toilet breaks that he believes is ruining snooker - but Ronnie O'Sullivan does not agree.
The former world champion claims players are increasingly using bathroom visits as a form of gamesmanship rather than genuine necessity and his complaints have garnered quite the reaction from his colleagues.
"It is now getting ridiculous, guys. It is getting totally out of hand. It is ridiculous how many times players are leaving the arena to go to the loo," Murphy said on his onefourseven podcast.
Murphy cited a recent opponent who took breaks after both the first frame and fifth frame. "You've had 20-odd minutes to be ready to play. What's going on? It's getting ridiculous. It's a joke," he added.
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Shaun Murphy do not agree over how many toilet breaks should be allowed
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Former world champion Neil Robertson has backed calls for stricter regulations on toilet breaks in snooker.
Taking to social media, Robertson recalled a successful trial at the 2012 Masters. "We the players were told before the event started to limit toilet or 'I'm bottling it and need to leave the arena' breaks to two per match," he posted.
The Australian suggested this system worked well, allowing breaks before matches, two during play and another during the interval.
"90 per cent of players I see are standing there like a constipated person trying to squeeze out a drop; put a rule in place and trial it," Robertson added.
Other top players have joined the calls for reform on toilet break rules.
Mark Selby believes the issue "can get too much" and has advocated for stricter controls.
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"I think they should bring a rule in that, if you desperately need to go, they should cap it at a certain amount of time," Selby said.
"There should be a limit on the number of times you can go, unless you are desperate," he added.
2023 World Championship finalist Luca Brecel has also expressed support for changes.
"Yes, because even today, I was like, 'how many times will I need to go to the toilet?' If you need to go, you need to go," Brecel said.
Shaun Murphy caused a stir with his comments on toilet breaks
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However, seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has taken a different stance on the issue.
O'Sullivan supports unlimited toilet breaks, provided they don't interfere with play.
"I think the player should be allowed to go for as many toilet breaks as they can after the game as long as once the balls are set up you're back," O'Sullivan said.
He drew a clear line on timing: "The problem is if you go to the toilet and once the balls are set up and [your opponent] has to wait two-three minutes, then I see that as not very good."
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Ronnie O'Sullivan believes players should have 'unlimited' toilet breaks
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"If you want to get out and get back quickly before the balls are set up I don't see what the issue is," he added.
Murphy's criticism of toilet breaks comes as he steps down from his role as WPBSA Players chairman, just weeks after his Masters triumph.
The 42-year-old, who was elected to the board in December 2023, cited his recent tournament success as a key factor in his decision.
"The win at the Masters a couple of weeks ago has really shone a torch for me, into my own game and self-belief, that I can actually still do it at the very cutting edge," Murphy explained.
He added: "You can't be all things to all people. I'm either in or I'm out. At the minute, I'm not able to represent the members as well as I want."
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