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Snooker Chiefs Blame Technical Fault for Crucible 'Lightgate' After Murphy’s 10-9 Win

Organisers say a systems glitch caused the stray table lights and they plan fixes to stop it happening again.

Overview

  • Murphy’s first-round match, tied 8-8 on Tuesday, was disrupted when lights from the adjacent table switched on mid-stroke as he lined up the blue.
  • He said the sudden glare changed how he hit the shot and broke his focus at a key moment in the frame.
  • A World Snooker Tour spokesperson said the incident was caused by a technical issue and that steps are being taken to prevent a repeat.
  • He confronted officials after the frame to demand an inquiry into how the error occurred.
  • He recovered to beat Fan Zhengyi 10-9 and now plays Xiao Guodong, after also rebuking a spectator who shouted an insult that he said unsettled him.