An International Championship commentator complained about an “orchestra” of phone noises going off during Xiao Guodong’s match against Chris Wakelin. Xiao was able to keep his composure despite attempting to line up a shot with phone noises audible in the background.
The Chinese star went on to lose a thrilling semi-final 9-8 and was clearly unhappy with the noises. Eurosport’s commentary team claimed he “read the riot act” off-camera after bleeps were heard in the audience.
Crowds at snooker matches are generally expected to remain quiet out of respect to the players. That includes turning off mobile phones.
Xiao was lining up a shot while leading 47-30 in the second frame, which had been won by Wakelin. “Looking at the pink, pink is the more difficult pot. It’s the positive shot to play, beyond those two reds,” remarked Eurosport’s co-commentator.
However, mobile phones were then heard as Xiao continued to ponder his options.
The main commentator observed: “There’s an orchestra of phones going off, meanwhile. It’s not ideal… But Xiao is able to retain concentration and Xiao leaves us reading the riot act.
“Twenty-three [is] the lead, 43 left.”
