The wasps at Alexandra Palace were at the heart of the action, once again, at the Masters snooker on Tuesday night. During the match between Barry Hawkins and Neil Robertson, play was forced to be halted so that one wasp could be removed from the table whilst a spot in the quarter-finals was at stake.
Wasps at Ally Pally have become a regular problem for sportsmen competing at the venue, with some being bitten by the insects as they compete. The wasps also caused trouble during the World Darts Championship where several players were bitten and stung during the tournament.
And those playing at the Masters have not managed to avoid attention from the venue’s inhabitants. During the match between Hawkins and Robertson on Tuesday evening, one wasp flew onto the table and settled during the game, prompting a break in play.
Neither player appeared to be particularly fazed by the insect, though referee Rob Spencer insisted on dealing with the matter. Robertson initially sparked the rescue of the wasp by grabbing a nearby cup to try and trap it underneath before Spencer intervened to explain that he must resolve the issue.
After successfully placing the glass over the wasp, which was met with applause from the Masters crowd, the referee went in search of a piece of paper to move the insect away from the table.
Robertson could be heard saying: “I’ll do it, I can do it. I’m from Australia, we have spiders so I’m used to it!” much to the amusement of the crowd. Spencer then replied: “I know, but let me do it.”
The wasp was soon captured and handed to a nearby official to release outside, with Hawkins going on to win the match 6-3 to book his spot in the quarter-finals. The two-time runner-up will now face Ronnie O’Sullivan, and he will be hoping that another wasp does not again attempt to disturb his rhythm with so much at stake.
The insects have enjoyed stealing some of the limelight at Ally Pally over the past few weeks, with Jack Lisowski recently attempting to swat one away on Sunday during his match against reigning world champion Luca Brecel.
During the first frame, the Brit appeared flustered as he attempted to set himself for a shot on the red ball, with the wasp fluttering around nearby.
Lisowski then decided to try and take matters into his own and wildly swung his cue at the insect to try and swat it away, leaving the crowd in hysterics.
The Masters will be completed this week, with the final this Sunday.
