Snooker referee forced to issue instant apology after mid-match blunder at World Championship

Top snooker referee Rob Spencer had to be corrected after forgetting how many frames were scheduled at the World Championship.

Spencer was handed refereeing duties for World champion Zhao Xintong’s opening match against Liam Highfield in the opening session at the Crucible.

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In the first session, nine of a possible 19 frames were scheduled to be played with the action beginning at 10am on Saturday morning.

But at the start of frame eight, Spencer wrongly called out: “Thank you, the final frame of the session.”

The experienced official, whose refereeing career began in 2011, appeared to have mixed up the number of first-round frames.

It followed his duties at the Tour Championship in Manchester, where Xintong reigned victorious.

Highfield is believed to have pointed out the mistake to Spencer, explaining that there was still another frame to play.

Awkward situation

After realising his error, Spencer said: ”Oh, hang on.

“No. No, it isn’t. No. Sorry.

“I’m stuck from the other week, aren’t I?

“Correction. The eighth frame. Liam Highfield to break.”

Luckily, fans seated in the iconic arena were able to see the humour in the false call, with Spencer going on to thank Highfield for setting the record straight.

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And there was time for further amusement when at the start of frame nine, Spencer called out ‘final frame of the session’ to the applause and laughter of those in the auditorium.

Xintong is bidding to win the World Championship and in doing so, becoming the first first-time world champion to retain the title.

He is one of a record 11 Chinese players in the mix at the Crucible – one more than last year’s previous high of ten.

Seven-time winner Ronnie O’Sullivan is hoping to win the crown for a record eighth time which will take him ahead of Stephen Hendry for the most titles at the event.

A win this year would see him lift the trophy at the age of 50 – 25 years after his maiden crown.

World No.1 Judd Trump is searching for his second win, with other notable names in contention include four-time champions Mark Selby and John Higgins, three-time winner Mark Williams and 2024 champion Kyren Wilson.

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This year’s edition is the 50th championship to be held at the Crucible since the tournament moved to Sheffield in 1977.

The event concludes with a two-day final on May 3, with the winner scooping £500,000 in prize money.