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World Snooker Championship final stopped on live TV as people rush table

The World Snooker Championship final between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize was temporarily put on pause when a protestor emerged at the Crucible

[A protester shouting 'nobody pay their TV licences' interrupts the World Snooker Championship final]

A protester interrupted the 2026 World Snooker Championship final(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)

The World Snooker Championship final was abruptly interrupted when a protester tried to approach the table.

A woman, shouting 'nobody pay their TV licences', leapt onto the arena floor before being detained by referee Rob Spencer, as both Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy looked on. The interruption occurred during the third frame, with Wu leading 2-0 at that point.

Despite Wu having to step back while Spencer and then security staff handled the situation, it wasn't long before he resumed play. One member of the crowd was then heard saying: "Well done, ref! while those in attendance applauded Spencer and the security staff for their efforts.

[A protester halts the World Snooker Championship final match between Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy]

A protester halted the 2026 World Snooker Championship final match between Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy(Image: (George Wood/Getty Images))

Meanwhile, BBC commentator, John Parrott, said: Yeah, sorry for that minor disturbance.

The issue comes just 24 hours on from a member of the crowd facing ejection after shouting "never forget the Epstein files" during Wu's clash with Mark Allen.

Their semi-final match in Sheffield was similarly halted while security intervened.

Referee, Marcel Eckardt also addressed the crowd, saying: "Can you get this person out please, now please."

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Upon their removal, TNT commentator, Philip Studd, said: "That's person seen the last of snooker for quite a while, I think."

Allen missed a simple black to allow Wu to stamp his place in his first World Snooker Championship final in a truly dramatic final-four finish.

The 40-year-old has the match in his hands when he found the top of an error-plagued 32nd frame, needing just the black to ensure a 17-15 win.

Fate had other plans, however, as Wu secured the match 18-12 to take on Murphy in the final.

Speaking after the matchm Allen said: You dont deserve to be in a world final if youre missing balls like that.

"It was just pure pressure, to be honest. Even though Im devastated to lose that match I think the right persons in the final.

"The way he plays is great for the game, he scores heavily and pots some ridiculous long balls. Hes going to win many world titles."

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