The final of the World Snooker Championship was interrupted by a protester with referee Rob Spencer forced to intervene.
With Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy locked in a protracted safety battle in the third frame, a woman vaulted into the playing area close to the table and appeared to shout something. It was not immediately clear what her intentions were, though it appeared her comment was directed at the BBC.
Spencer ensured the disturbance was short as he rushed quickly to the individual, before she was removed from the Crucible Theatre by security.
The experienced official had been the one to come out and talk to referee Marcel Eckardt during the 100-minute frame between Mark Allen and Wu in the pair’s semi-final. That match was also interrupted by a member of the crowd, who was ejected by security at the start of their deciding frame.
The 22-year-old Wu is the youngest player in the world’s top 16, and hoping to follow Chinese compatriot Zhao Xintong as world champion. He was not yet two years old when Murphy won his sole world title to date in 2005.
The Englishman overcame John Higgins to reach the final.
