World Snooker Championship final halted as security rush to table | Other | Sport

The World Snooker Championship final between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize was halted due to a disturbance from the crowd as security rushed to the table. A female member of the audience jumped over the barrier and shouted about the TV licence while BBC One broadcast the event to an audience of millions.

Wu got his head down, ready to take a shot while leading 2-0 in the match and 67-31 in the frame, when an outburst from the crowd dramatically stopped proceedings. Several security personnel could be seen on the TV, rushing from one side of the table to the other.

The Crucible crowd then applauded loudly when security apprehended the person protesting the TV licence fee, as BBC commentator John Parrott said: “Sorry for that disturbance, it’s all sorted.”

Those inside the venue claimed that she was swearing and speaking about the TV licence after jumping over the barrier which separates players from the crowd.

Wu then quickly got back down to play a shot with minimal fuss as proceedings were brought back to normality.

Their semi-final was similarly halted and referee Marcel Eckardt addressed the crowd and proclaimed: “Can you get this person out please, now please.”

Once they were removed, TNT commentator Philip Studd said: “That’s person seen the last of snooker for quite a while, I think.”

Chinese 22-year-old star Wu stormed into a 3-0 lead and Murphy was left furious at a missed shot in the previous frame.

He said: “So before we start this frame, could I please ask you all to make sure your phones are on silent or switched off. Don’t be the person that has to be thrown out, okay?”