Medical emergency interrupts Masters snooker final
A medical emergency in the crowd brought the Masters snooker final at Alexandra Palace to a temporary standstill, reports BritPanorama.
The incident occurred during the interval between the second and third frames, with John Higgins and Kyren Wilson locked at one frame apiece. BBC presenter Hazel Irvine informed viewers that a spectator had experienced difficulties, prompting officials to escort both competitors away from the table while medical staff responded.
“I should tell you that we have had something of a medical emergency,” Irvine stated. “I understand that things are in hand and the players have both just been taken off for the time being.”
The broadcaster subsequently confirmed the individual was “fine” and the match continued shortly afterwards. Higgins, competing at age 48, had already made history by becoming the oldest competitor ever to contest the Masters final.
The Scot seized the initiative in the opening frame, compiling an impressive 58 break to establish an early advantage. Victory in the second frame appeared within his grasp, but several errant shots proved costly, allowing Wilson to capitalise on the opportunity.
Wilson, overcoming a 45-point deficit, produced a remarkable clearance of the colours to draw level. This fightback demonstrated his resilience and set the stage for a compelling contest between the two determined competitors before the unexpected interruption.
Higgins arrived at the final having produced a remarkable turnaround against world number one Judd Trump in the last four. Trailing 3-0 and later 5-3, the veteran refused to surrender and ultimately prevailed in dramatic fashion. “He [Judd Trump] is so tough to play against. I missed a couple of reds to put myself safe and then he did what he always does which is clear up,” Higgins reflected. “Even at 5-3 I didn’t give up. It was the same against Zhao Xintong. Who knows, maybe my name is on the trophy? You just don’t know.”
Wilson secured his place in the final following a tense 6-5 victory over Wu Yize, acknowledging he had been fortunate to progress. “Wu Yize is going to be around for many years to come. I just wasn’t at the races at all today and I don’t know where I found those last two frames,” he admitted.
The opportunity to face Higgins clearly meant a great deal to Wilson. “It’s an awesome achievement in itself to make back-to-back finals but that’s not what I’m in the game for. I don’t want to leave it there,” he said. “I am desperate to play John Higgins in the final. An all-time legend. That’s something I’ll savour.”
The interruption may have paused the proceedings, but the stakes remain high for both players, each eager to capture the prestigious title amidst the backdrop of unexpected incidents, reminding fans how sport displays both resilience and unpredictability.
