Scenes as wasp interrupts Mark Williams-David Gilbert Masters match - 'Just when you think you’ve seen everything'

Updated 11/01/2023 at 00:19 GMT

Have you ever seen anything like it? There were incredible scenes at the Alexandra Palace on Tuesday night during Mark Williams’ 6-2 victory over David Gilbert as a wasp interrupted proceedings. The insect had already caused problems for Gilbert earlier in the frame before it set out on causing absolute carnage, launching an attack on Williams, who tried to kick it. The referee then got involved.

'I thought pantomime season was over' - Incredible scenes as wasp attacks Williams

There was incredible drama at the Alexandra Palace on Tuesday night during Mark Williams’ 6-2 victory over David Gilbert – and arguably the most excitement happened away from the table!

Bizarrely (given this is January) a wasp interrupted proceedings at a crucial stage in the match, with Williams leading 5-2 and needing just one more frame for victory.

The insect had already caused problems for Gilbert earlier in the frame before it set out on causing absolute carnage.

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With Williams attempting to close a 48-point deficit, the wasp launched an attack on the Welshman as it landed on a rather delicate area of his trousers.

“Definitely don’t want to be stung there,” laughed Eurosport commentator Philip Studd.

Rather comically, an animated Williams pulled off what looked like his best dance moves as he tried to escape the wasp’s advances.

“Rather less adept at dealing with wasps than he is at potting balls, Mark Williams,” continued Studd.

“He’s doing his best John Travolta impression out there at the moment.

“Just when you think you’ve seen everything in this game.”

“How are you supposed to concentrate in a situation like this?” asked Dominic Dale.

“It’s a crucial situation in the match but he’s got other things to think about."

“Oh, I’d never be able to play with that flying around me. Look, he’s even attacking the cameraman now! It doesn’t like anybody, this wasp.

'I thought pantomime season was over' - Incredible scenes as wasp attacks Williams

Just when the crowd thought they had seen it all, the wasp then landed on the cameraman’s neck and rather inexplicably, the referee Marcel Eckardt missed the insect as he tried to swat it, as laughter increased in the audience.

“Oh my goodness! I’m not sure that’s the best method of dealing with it," laughed Studd.

“I thought pantomime season was over.”

“Where’s David Attenborough when you need him?” joked Dale.

Eventually the referee brought an end to the episode by encouraging Williams to continue with the match, which he duly did, keeping his cool to wrap up the victory and set up a quarter-final showdown with Ronnie O'Sullivan on Thursday.

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