World Snooker Championship semi-final interrupted by ‘Epstein Files’ shout
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Wu Yize of China reacts during the semi final match against Mark Allen of Northern Ireland on day fifteen of the Halo World Snooker Championship at The Crucible Theatre on May 02, 2026 in Sheffield, England.(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
The 33rd and deciding frame of the World Snooker Championship semi-final between Mark Allen and Wu Yize was interrupted by an unexpected and baffling shout from the crowd.
The Northern Irishman and the rising Chinese star were locked at 16-16 as they both battled to reach a first Crucible final.
The epic contest came to the boil in dramatic fashion as Allen missed two glorious chances to win the previous frame, most notably on the final black, which was straightforward but he sent wide.
Right at the start of the final frame, with no points on the board yet, Wu came to the table and a spectator loudly shouted: ‘Never forget the Epstein Files!’
The young Chinese talent looked stunned, staring up at the crowd as the same person shouted the line again.
The referee, Marcel Eckhart, quickly ushered security over to have the person removed after the insane interruption to play.
Are you snooker loopy?
You’re in the right place. I’m Phil Haigh, and I cover the game we all love for Metro.
In my new newsletter, The Table, I analyse the biggest talking points, pull back the curtain on the sport and crown the biggest winners and losers every week.
The next edition will look back on what has been a great World Championship yet again, so there’s no better time to sign up.
Phil has been reporting on snooker for over a decade, since working in World Snooker’s press office in 2012
It was an extremely confusing outburst, especially as the session had begun with the players locked at 11-11, so the man had waited all the way until the 33rd frame, which was no guarantee to happen at all, to shout out.
It appeared that Wu may have been put off by the shock outburst as Allen took a lead in the frame, but the 22-year-old got back to the table and made a half-century to get over the line and book a spot in the final.
Shaun Murphy waits for him there after an impressive 17-15 win over John Higgins earlier on Saturday.
Shaun Murphy credits unlikely TV show for run to World Snooker Championship semis Sports Shaun Murphy is keeping away from snooker in a bid for a second world title (Picture: Getty Images) Shaun Murphy says watching Below Deck rather than snooker has helped him on his way to a World Snooker Championship semi-final. The Magician is into the last four at the Crucible after…
Shaun Murphy denies John Higgins in epic World Snooker Championship semi-final Sports Shaun Murphy is into a fifth World Championship final (Picture: Getty Images) Shaun Murphy is into the World Snooker Championship final for a fifth time after beating John Higgins 17-15 in an epic at the Crucible. The Magician has not won the world title since his only Crucible glory in…
LAFC begins Champions Cup semifinal against Toluca without key weapon News The Los Angeles Football Club wanted a quick response after losing at home to San Jose. Seven days later and just on time it found one. Winning the last of three regular-season matches after a 4-1 hit against the Earthquakes and a scoreless draw with the Colorado Rapids at BMO…
LAFC edges Toluca on stoppage-time goal to begin Champions Cup semifinal News LAFC midfielder Son Heung-Min chases the ball down during the first half of a CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal (Leg 1) match against Toluca FC on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer) LAFC forward David Martínez, left, is tackled by Toluca FC midfielder…
Shaun Murphy invokes Crucible curse as Zhao Xintong falls at World Championship Sports Zhao Xintong’s World Championship defence is at an end (Picture: Getty Images) The Crucible curse has struck once again as reigning champion Zhao Xintong is beaten 13-10 in the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship. No first time winner has defender their world title at the Crucible since the tournament…
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
