A snooker fan was removed from the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Saturday night after shouting about the Epstein Files during the World Championship semi-final between Mark Allen and Wu Yize. The incident occurred in the deciding 33rd frame, as Wu prepared to take a shot. A spectator yelled 'never forget the Epstein Files', a reference to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The same individual shouted a second time, prompting German referee Marcel Eckardt to intervene: 'Can you get this person out please? Now please.' Other audience members also demanded his removal, and he was pictured being escorted out of the venue. The disruption did not appear to affect Wu's concentration.
Wu, 22, went on to win the match 17-16 after Allen missed a routine black that would have sealed the victory. Wu will face 2005 champion Shaun Murphy in the final, starting at 1pm on Sunday. Speaking to BBC Two, the Chinese player admitted to feeling 'lucky' and said he was still recovering from the pressure.
'I feel sorry for Mark. I felt like I was losing the match, especially the second black in that frame. But I was able to take the opportunity,' said Wu, who aims to become only the second Chinese player to win the World Championship after Zhao Xintong's 2025 triumph. Allen, yet to reach a world final, said: 'You don't deserve to be in a world final if you are missing a ball like that.'
