Snooker Referee Stung by Wasp During 2020 Masters Match
In a bizarre incident during the 2020 Masters snooker tournament, referee Ben Williams was forced to halt a match between Kyren Wilson and Jack Lisowski to receive treatment for a wasp sting. The unusual event occurred during the fifth frame, with the score tied at 2-2.
As Wilson was preparing to take a shot, a wasp flew off his ear and landed on the back of his shirt collar, causing him visible discomfort. The insect then flew onto the snooker table, prompting the quick-thinking referee to intervene. Williams bravely grabbed the wasp with his gloved right hand in an attempt to remove it from the playing area and allow the match to continue uninterrupted.
However, the wasp retaliated by stinging the referee, much to the surprise of the players and the amusement of the crowd at the iconic Alexandra Palace venue. Wilson, in a show of sportsmanship and gratitude, hugged the referee after learning of his unfortunate injury.
The incident seemed to provide a turning point for Wilson, who went on to win the fifth frame and the following three, securing a 6-2 victory in the best-of-11 contest. Meanwhile, Williams received medical attention for the sting at the end of the fifth frame, ensuring he could continue officiating the match.
Interestingly, the Ally Pally wasp has gained a reputation for causing mischief at the venue. In 2023, during the World Darts Championship, the wasp stung darts player Ross Smith during a post-match interview. The following year, the wasp made another appearance, landing on Callan Rydz's head during his match against Robert Owen, although Rydz remained unaware of the insect's presence.
Key Takeaway:
Referee Ben Williams's quick action to remove a wasp from the snooker table during a 2020 Masters match between Kyren Wilson and Jack Lisowski resulted in him being stung. The incident provided a moment of levity for the crowd and seemingly inspired Wilson to victory, while also highlighting the dedication of snooker officials to maintaining the integrity of the game, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
