World Snooker has issued a response after the longest frame in Crucible history sparked fury from legendary players, including six-time world champion Steve Davis. The 14th frame of the semi-final between Mark Allen and Wu Yize lasted a record-breaking 100 minutes and 21 seconds on Friday, drawing widespread criticism.
Referee Defended Despite Controversy
German official Marcel Eckardt faced calls to restart the frame as eight red balls remained covering the black over a corner pocket, with no ball potted for 55 minutes. The frame only ended when Allen fouled and nudged the black in. The chaotic session forced a shortened resumption and delayed the John Higgins vs. Shaun Murphy semi-final.
World Snooker stated that 'the rule was applied correctly' by Eckardt, but the decision was met with disapproval from several snooker greats.
Legends React
Steve Davis told the BBC: "In a nutshell that frame is an embarrassment to snooker, and the referees' and the players' association need to try to work out a way so that never happens again." Seven-time champion Stephen Hendry disagreed with World Snooker, saying: "The referee's got to get involved here, in my opinion. This is the dark side of snooker."
Kyren Wilson, the 2024 champion, added: "I think Marcel Eckardt should've called that a lot earlier. That game was going nowhere, quite painful." John Parrott, winner in 1991, urged intervention: "I've never seen a frame like it. The referee is in charge and should be in charge."
Allen and Wu will resume their first-to-17 match at 10am on Saturday.
