Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson saw their UK Championship semi-final match halted for the most peculiar reason.
The event in York has brought together two of the best players in the world – fighting for a place in the final.
Judd Trump inspects the cue ball after seeing something on it
Trump is facing off against rival Kyren Wilson in the UK Championship semi-final
However, it was Bristolian Trump who delayed the match after seeing something that wasn’t quite right.
Just as Trump was about to start, he paused to inspect the white cue ball.
Unhappy that there was something on it, Trump showed the referee – just before he was about to take his break off shot.
After waving it in the the referee’s face, the official immediately tried to wipe the cue ball down.
Not satisfied that had worked, the referee then told Trump: “I’ll change it.”
The referee then gave the ball to a colleague who took it backstage at the arena and hunted down a replacement.
The bizarre moment prompted snooker legend John Virgo into action in the commentary box.
The former Big Break co-host said: “Oh, he’s going to change it.
“You don’t see that very often, new balls please.”
Eventually, a new ball turned up as world No1 Trump was sat at his seat.
He inspected it, before the match got underway a little later than scheduled.
Trump and Wilson will be sick of the sight of each other – having met in two finals already this year.
Trump vs Wilson
SNOOKER’s Class of ’92 are fading away – with two English superstars ready to forge a new era.
Judd Trump has declared he’s ready to battle reigning world champion Kyren Wilson for “the next 10 years” or more.
Current world No 1 Trump admitted Wilson’s meteoric rise over the last twelve months has “pushed him forward” as a player.
The Class of ’92 refers to the legendary trio of Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williamson.
With 14 world titles among them, the three players have dominated UK snooker over the past three decades.
But as their powers begin to fade, Wilson and Trump appear ready to fill the rivalry vacuum.
Read more on snooker’s new big rivalry between Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson…
The Nottinghamshire star has won both, however in the 32 meetings between the pair it’s Trump who has won the most – with 18.
The winner of the contest will face off against either Barry Hawkins or Mark Allen on Sunday.