Mark Allen had fans on the edge of their seats during his epic World Grand Prix final win on Sunday, but then had them in stitches afterwards.
The Northern Irishman secured his ranking title of the season in his most dramatic fashion, surviving a final frame decider with Judd Trump to prevail 10-9 in Cheltenham. There had been little sign of what was to come though, when the 36-year-old cruised into a 6-2 lead at the interval.
That became 7-2 before Trump stormed back, winning six of the next seven frames to tie things up. The pair exchanged the next two frames, but despite trailing 19-8 in the decider 'The Pistol' took advantage of a poor miss from his fellow world champion to claim the trophy for the first time.
After his victory, a relieved Allen spoke live on air to ITV's Rob Walker, and seemed to take umbrage with the suggestion he had held his nerve: "I don’t know about keeping my nerve," he responded. "I was shaking like a s****ing dog there."
Both Allen, and the crowd, laughed at the remark, while Walker scrambled to say sorry to viewers. "Apologies, brief apologies there...." he said, before trying to continue on with the interview.
But fans seemed to laud Allen's reaction, with @stephencur tweeting: "There's a million reasons why snooker is a class sport, but the post match interviews are defo one of the best aspects. @CRobins14276534 added: "What else can you say after a match like that!"
@mattmeringue suggested there was no need for Walker's regret, given it came after the watershed: "Surely at 10.50pm no need for an apology ?! Very good line though …he had gone there, and god knows how Trump missed that yellow."
It wasn't the only x-rated interview in the tournament. After his shock last-16 defeat, Ronnie O'Sullivan slipped up as he told a reporter: "I don't really worry myself with making events and making c****." Quickly correcting himself, 'The Rocket' added: "Sorry, cuts!"
Allen has already won the Northern Ireland Open and UK Championship this season, and has now catapulted himself among the favourites for the World Championships in April. He recently praised the influence of O'Sullivan for helping him return to form after his divorce.
