World Snooker Championship 2023: Luca Brecel whacks white ball off table in frustration, referee catches it

Luca Brecel was fortunate to escape a reprimand after swiping the white ball off the table in frustration during his World Championship semi-final with Si Jiahui.

Already trailing 5-3, Brecel was chasing snookers in the first frame of the second session on Friday when he was stitched up by an escape fluke from Si, which saw the cue ball finish in the jaws of the pocket.

With no obvious angle to the green, Brecel tried to swerve up towards the colour but his aim was wayward. As the white bounced back down the table, he took aim with his cue, hitting it aggressively and sending it bouncing off a pocket and off the table.

Remarkably, referee Rob Spencer emerged into view just moments later, clutching the ball as Si moved 6-3 ahead.

“Luca Brecel showing a little frustration here which belies the pressure he must be feeling,” said Philip Studd on Eurosport commentary.

“The cue ball going off of the table, he didn’t mean that to happen. He was just a little bit frustrated. He’s got to cool that frustration and channel it,” added former world champion Joe Johnson.

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