EXCLUSIVE: Jason Francis, the boss of World Seniors Snooker, has responded to criticism of the event.
World Seniors Snooker Jason Francis has defined the problems on the Crucible (Picture: Snooker Legends/X)
The boss of the World Seniors Snooker Championship hit again at a “bitter” ex-player as he responded to criticism of the Crucible event. The over-40s occasion, which Ronnie O’Sullivan has entered, was disrupted on Thursday when one of many two match tables was deemed unplayable.
It later emerged {that a} slate beneath the desk had dropped, making it uneven. Because of this, the match between Matthew Stevens and Dominic Dale was paused earlier than finally resuming on the opposite desk after the conclusion of the tie between Ali Carter and Roger Farebrother. That meant the match between defending champion Alfie Burden and Igor Figueiredo – the final two winners of the event – was shifted to a follow desk, with members of the family and visitors being allowed to observe backstage. The Brazilian swept to a 4-0 whitewash, that means Burden did not get to defend his title in entrance of a Crucible crowd.
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The scenario led to criticism on social media. Lee Stephens, a former World Seniors participant and newbie WSF Championship runner-up, was notably scathing. He mentioned: “That is completely disgraceful! World Seniors ought to be ashamed of themselves!
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“I am not stunned, nonetheless. They make dangerous determination after dangerous determination! [The] defending champion out the again, not getting the stroll on and the intro [like] that! P*** poor!”
Jason Francis, the boss of World Seniors Snooker, has apologised to all of the gamers affected, however gave quick shrift to Stephens’ feedback, urging him to “get his cue out”. Francis informed the Categorical: “Lee was somebody who was on the World Seniors Tour however by no means had any success. He wasn’t ok.
“I’ve little interest in listening to bitter ex-players who simply wish to have a pop. If he thinks he is ok, he ought to get his cue out and earn his proper to play on the Crucible.”
Former World Seniors participant Lee Stephen has been notably important of the event (Picture: WHT/YouTube)
On the problem that affected the event on Thursday, Francis mentioned: “I’ve written to Igor and Alfie and apologised that we have been unable to supply a desk for them to play on. It was apparent that there was a significant joint and slate drop on desk two, which meant it was unplayable.
“You possibly can’t rectify a desk immediately, it requires time. There are mitigating elements across the entry we got to the Crucible. We have been solely given 5 hours to arrange 4 snooker tables [including two in the practice area].
“The fitters who’ve accomplished the World Snooker Tour for 20 years are right here, so there isn’t any lack of awareness. However the actuality is that tables want time to settle.
“We do the very best we are able to. You possibly can’t mitigate for the whole lot. We’re skilled promoters and the workforce have put in an incredible effort in a single day. We be taught and can attempt to do higher. And once more, we apologise to Alfie, Igor, Matthew and Dominic.”
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