Scottish Open: 'What a catch!' - Fans applaud as referee pounces to grab fly in halt to final with Gary Wilson at table

ByDan Quarrell

Published 17/12/2023 at 17:11 GMT

"Wow, what a catch from Marcel Eckardt!" Eurosport commentator Dave Hendon exclaimed as the referee took centre stage in very impressive fashion to catch an irritating fly during the Scottish Open final between Gary Wilson and Noppon Saengkham. Eckardt pounced with his white gloves as the players and crowd watched on, and then he received a warm ovation for his intervention.

There was a lighthearted moment during the Scottish Open final on Sunday afternoon as Gary Wilson had to pause mid-break due to a fly, with the referee intervening in heroic fashion.

Wilson was in the early stages of what ended up being a very impressive century break when he had to pause in the sixth frame with a fly buzzing about and interrupting his concentration.

Without a moment's hesitation, referee Marcel Eckardt swiftly intervened and grabbed the fly in one slick movement to prevent a longer delay from halting the play in the showpiece match of the tournament.

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A roar of approval went up from the fans inside the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh as the official briefly took centre stage, and he proceeded to smile as he soaked up the applause.

"He hasn't paid!" joked Wilson as the fans and his opponent Noppon Saengkham laughed, while the fly buzzed about the table, causing a standstill.

"Yes a fly, there we go," confirmed Eurosport commentator Dave Hendon.

"Wow, what a catch from Marcel Eckardt!" he exclaimed as the official showed off his hand-eye skills under pressure, much to the delight of the crowd.

"He did not expect that to be in his list of duties this morning when he put the white gloves on, but there we go."

Former world champion Joe Johnson added: "What a catch, yeah!"

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The interruption did not spoil the rhythm of the rampant Wilson as he proceeded to win the frame with a stunning break of 105.

It was the first century break of the match, and it took him to a commanding 5-1 lead as his opponent struggled to get a foothold in the contest.

Wilson, who sealed his first ranking title at the 2022 Scottish Open after defeating Joe O'Connor 9–2 in the final, held a dominant 6-2 lead after the conclusion of the afternoon session.

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