A protester disrupted the World Snooker Championship final at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre this afternoon, vaulting into the playing area during the third frame between Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy.
The woman shouted “nobody pay their TV licences” as she leapt over the hoardings, startling Wu as he prepared to take a shot.
Referee Rob Spencer acted swiftly, rushing towards the intruder before security staff escorted her from the venue.
Wu had been leading 2-0 when the incident occurred during a lengthy safety exchange between the two players.
The World Championship was halted after a protestor jumped into the playing area
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Spectators applauded Spencer and security for their rapid response, with one audience member heard calling out: “Well done, ref!”
BBC commentator John Parrott apologised for the disruption, saying: “Yeah, sorry for that minor disturbance.”
Remarkably, this marked the second occasion in just 15 hours that a protester had interrupted play involving the Chinese player.
During Wu’s semi-final clash with Mark Allen, security were forced to eject an individual who began shouting “Never forget the Epstein files” at the start of the deciding frame.
Wu had been at the table preparing to play when that earlier outburst came without warning, leaving fans, officials and players visibly startled.
Crucible security eventually ejected the woman after she protested the TV licence fee
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Referee Marcel Eckardt immediately called for the person to be removed from the arena.
The third frame disturbance came shortly after Murphy had shown visible frustration at a separate crowd issue, slamming his rest onto the table after being disturbed by what appeared to be a mobile phone.
The broadcaster issued an apology for the interruption to viewers watching at home.
At 22 years old, Wu is the youngest competitor ranked within the world’s top 16 and hopes to become China’s second world champion following Zhao Xintong’s triumph.
The Chinese player was not even two years of age when Murphy claimed his only world title back in 2005.
Murphy, who defeated John Higgins to secure his place in this year’s final, found himself watching on as Spencer and security dealt with the commotion.
Play was halted but has since resumed after the protestor was ejected
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Play resumed quickly after the protester’s removal, with Wu returning to the table to continue his pursuit of snooker’s most prestigious prize.