Snooker Semi-Final Features Longest Crucible Frame at Over 100 Minutes

The situation arose after Allen missed a black, leaving it near the pocket, and both players exchanged 75 safety shots without potting a ball for 55 minutes. Eight reds became clustered, separating the black from the rest of the table. Allen eventually potted the black but incurred a penalty.

Eckardt attempted to encourage more attacking play but did not order a re-rack until late in the frame. Tournament director Rob Spencer advised Eckardt before he intervened, warning of a re-rack if no progress occurred after a few more shots. Allen, who held a 30-point lead, queried the decision but proceeded, allowing Wu to win the frame.

Critics including former champions expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating. Six-time world champion Steve Davis called the frame an embarrassment to snooker during BBC coverage. Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry described it as the dark side of snooker, while commentator John Parrott argued for an earlier re-rack.

The governing body backed the referee despite criticism from former players and commentators. Questions persist about preventing similar incidents in future tournaments. The frame's duration surpassed all previous records at the Crucible. Commentators noted that referees and the players' association should develop solutions to avoid such stalemates.

One suggested compromise is a re-rack maintaining existing points with remaining reds repositioned.

The prolonged frame disrupted BBC's broadcast schedule, leading to coverage being removed from BBC2 temporarily. Presenter Hazel Irvine described it as the most tortuous frame ever seen at the Crucible. Spectators for the evening session between other players queued outside due to the delay.

“It is the most tortuous frame I think we have ever seen at the Crucible. We are imprisoned by frame 14.”

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, with the match resuming the next day. Attendees paid up to £120 for tickets, and the overrun meant fewer frames were played in the session. The crowd heckled Eckardt, prompted partly by commentators and frustration over the impasse.

The stalemate began as an entertaining safety battle but turned farcical as no mistakes occurred to resolve it. Neither player conceded points by knocking the black in accidentally. The frame's length highlighted potential issues with the sport's rules in such scenarios.

Suggestions for rule changes include established protocols for impasses, such as partial re-racks. The event underscored the grueling nature of semi-finals, potentially affecting players' performance in subsequent matches. No blame was attached to the players, who played tactically.

The match was part of the ongoing tournament at the Crucible Theatre, with capacity limited to 980 spectators. Tickets are hard to obtain, requiring advance booking. The incident marked a rare disruption in the sport's typically smooth proceedings.