World Snooker Championship: Chris Wakelin Frustrated by Set Obstruction
A bizarre incident at the World Snooker Championship has left commentator John Virgo bewildered, as Chris Wakelin struggled to take a shot due to an obstruction caused by the set. The incident occurred during Wakelin’s match against Neil Robertson on Sunday, with Wakelin finding himself unable to take a full stroke from the right-hand cushion due to a board behind him.
According to the Express, Wakelin was seen measuring up his shot, only to find his cue clashing with an advertising board separating the players from the fans. A frustrated Wakelin walked to the other side of the table, prompting Virgo, who was on commentary duties alongside Ken Doherty, to express his surprise. "Yeah, I saw this happen the other night – I don’t ever remember people having a problem with this," Virgo said.
Doherty added: "I know it’s a new set, a new perimeter but…" before Virgo continued: "Kyren Wilson did it the other night, it’s maybe just that ledge that’s sticking out. If it is interfering with his cueing, that’s wrong." The incident has raised questions about the set design and its impact on players.
Despite the obstruction, Wakelin managed to execute a brilliant snooker, kissing the edge of the red before putting the white neatly behind the pink at the far-right-hand side of the table. Virgo described the shot as "unbelievable", adding: "He looked to be in all kinds of trouble, and that little flick on the pink… it wouldn’t have gone in off? Well, it could have gone in off the pink, but he’s got a snooker from nowhere."
Wakelin, who was 8-7 up at the time of the incident, went on to clinch a 10-8 win over Robertson on Sunday. He will face either Mark Allen or Fan Zhengyi in the round of 16. Allen and Zhengyi return to the table at 2.30pm on Monday to complete their game, with the Northern Irishman currently holding a 5-4 lead.
This is not the first time a player has experienced problems with the set at the World Snooker Championship. Last year’s winner, Kyren Wilson, suffered a similar issue in his initial match against Lei Peifan on Saturday. Wilson’s cue nudged the partition as he lined up the black from the right of the table, but he was undeterred, sinking the ball before laughing off the bizarre moment with the audience. However, Peifan ultimately had the last laugh, ousting Wilson from the tournament with a score of 10-9.
As reported by the Express, the incident has highlighted potential issues with the set design, which may need to be addressed to ensure a smooth and fair tournament for all players. The World Snooker Championship continues to captivate audiences, with thrilling matches and unexpected moments making headlines.
The World Snooker Championship is one of the most prestigious events in the sport, with top players competing for the coveted title. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more exciting matches and dramatic moments. With expert commentary from John Virgo and Ken Doherty, viewers can enjoy the action-packed games and in-depth analysis.
As the competition heats up, players will be looking to overcome any obstacles, including set obstructions, to emerge victorious. With the Express providing comprehensive coverage of the World Snooker Championship, fans can stay up-to-date with the latest news, scores, and analysis.
