BBC snooker backlash as Mark Williams bites back over ’embarrassing’ announcer | Other | Sport
World Snooker Championship announcer Rob Walker was branded ’embarrassing’ by angry BBC viewers after going off-script while introducing Mark Williams on Sunday night. The three-time champion sailed past Polish debutant Antoni Kowalski in his opening match to set up a meeting with Barry Hawkins in the second round. There was a clear gulf in quality between the two players as Williams found some vintage form to secure a 10-6 victory.
The dominant nature of his performance should have been the main talking point, but some fans were more focused on Walker’s unusual introduction. As the players entered the stage for Sunday’s evening session, Williams was on the receiving end of a few playful jibes from the emcee and not everybody was impressed.
Walker said: “29 years ago on this very day, it was his turn to be the fresh-faced 22-year-old debutant with boyish good looks, a full head of hair and perfect vision. How little has changed in the intervening years!
“He hasn’t been to a barber in decades, but lest we forget, he remains one of our all-time greats. Finalist at 49, three times a champion du monde, it wouldn’t be a Worlds without Willo. Here he comes. The irrepressible, irreplaceable Mark J. Williams.”
Williams seemed less than impressed with Walker’s introduction and was caught on the BBC cameras firing back under his breath, mouthing: “Cheeky b******.”
Many fans thought Walker had overstepped the mark, with the emcee being accused of lacking professionalism on social media.
“Rob is embarrassing! Just announce the players and what they’ve won and let them walk in,” wrote @lovingtheSPURS. “Be professional like John McDonald was at darts.”
@RobWhiteUK said: “Call me a bore, but that is unprofessional,” while @mindmodeller added: “Rob Walker the MC that makes it all about him.”
@iconredesign wrote: “Surely this is a fair competitive issue when the MC is actively trying to throw you off your mental preparation as you’re trying to walk out to play on the World Championship.”
@bobbyunswick, meanwhile, said: “My brother just remarked that the fun is slowly turning into body shaming. I’m not sure I agree with that but it’s certainly over the top and not needed in a professional setting.”
Walker announced: “Three times a semi-finalist. He loves the long frame format. A UK Champion, a Masters winner and still a class act on and off the base, the Welsh Dragon, Matthew Stevens.”
A bemused Stevens, who has reached four World Championship semi-finals, held up four fingers and mouthed “four times” before appearing irritated and then breaking into a grin as he made his way to the table.
