LUKE HUMPHRIES claimed James Wade “didn’t deserve my respect” in a now-deleted tweet as a shock defeat ended with a BARGE and a frosty handshake.
The World No 1 appeared to be LICKED by Wade on stage ahead of their UK Open quarter-final, then there seemed to be bad feeling during an epic match.
‘Cool Hand’ was surprisingly KO’d by Wade 10-9 in a deciding leg thriller.
Prior to their clash, the rivals had the customary handshake and hug but Wade was spotted getting his tongue out to lick Humphries’ neck.
There also seemed to be some unhealthy tension during the match, with the normally ultra-professional Humphries clearly angered.
The pair then did not exchange a fist bump or handshake prior to the final leg, in the usual darting manner.
After Wade had clinched the win, there was even a slight shoulder barge between the duo and a clearly fuming Humphries exited the stage quickly.
An X post from Humphries went viral on social media before being later deleted.
He replied to a fan who had remarked about the feisty end to the match.
He said: “Everyone loves to see people be a bad loser but I’m generally one of the best losers in the sport.
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I wasn’t going to give someone who didn’t deserve my respect after what he was doing through the game a hug and be all happy about it that’s just my honesty.”
It’s completely out of character for the pair who have been good friends over the past few years.
Ironically just 48 hours before, classy Humphries was widely praised for his sportsmanship for inviting Beau Greaves back centre stage to take applause from the fans after he narrowly beat her.
Wade said: “I played Luke who is the best player in the world at the moment.
“Luke will probably win another two or three TV majors this year.”
