Judd Trump has been told he must learn how to handle a sore defeat.
Former world champion Neil Robertson (pictured) said Trump made a "disappointing" decision to make a sharp exit from the Crucible after his shock first-round loss at the hands of veteran Rory McLeod.
And Robertson urged Trump to look at the example set by the late former Masters champion Paul Hunter, who even when suffering from cancer before his death in 2006 did not neglect his off-table responsibilities.
The 27-year-old Trump made a silent getaway from the Betfred World Championship after losing 10-8 to 46-year-old qualifier McLeod on Wednesday night, refusing all media interviews.
Pre-tournament joint title favourite Trump seems certain to be fined by snooker disciplinary officials for declining the obligatory press conference.
He and Robertson are both under the management of Grove Snooker's Django Fung, who said an injury to Trump meant he was unwilling to discuss his loss to 46-year-old journeyman McLeod.
Robertson said: "He must have been hurting like you wouldn't believe, and it's obviously disappointing he hasn't given some feedback, whether it be on social media or whatever.
"It's hard to say because he's in my camp and he's a great guy, but he could probably learn a bit from Paul Hunter, who was going through cancer and he gave interviews every single time."
Speaking after reaching round two, Australian Robertson said that when it comes to post-match interviews it "doesn't matter how much you're hurting".
"I'm sure he'll learn from that for next time," Robertson added.
Robertson set up a clash with Marco Fu in the last 16 in Sheffield after converting an 8-1 overnight lead into a 10-4 victory over Thai debutant Noppon Saengkham.
