The World Snooker Championship final between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize was temporarily halted on Sunday after a spectator attempted to approach the table while protesting the BBC licence fee. The incident occurred as Wu was preparing to take a shot, leading 2-0 in the match and 67-31 in the frame.
Security personnel rushed to the scene, and the crowd applauded as the protester was apprehended. BBC commentator John Parrott apologised for the disturbance, stating, 'Sorry for that disturbance, it's all sorted.' Play resumed shortly after.
This follows a similar disruption during Saturday's semi-final, when another spectator was ejected for shouting about the Epstein Files before the deciding frame between Wu and Mark Allen. Referee Marcel Eckardt ordered the person's removal, and commentator Philip Studd remarked, 'That person has seen the last of snooker for quite a while, I think.'
Wu reached the final after a dramatic 17-16 victory over Allen, who missed a crucial black in the 32nd frame. The 22-year-old Chinese player now aims for his first Crucible title, following compatriot Zhao Xintong's win last year.
Murphy, the 2005 champion, attributed his success to a lucky omen: his nephew Joshua, who attended the final. Murphy joked that Joshua believed his 'lucky pants' contributed to the 2005 victory, adding, 'I hope not. He’s a different man these days. I think he changes his pants at least once a week.'
