Snooker drama unfolded at the Crucible as Chris Wakelin found himself at the centre of a controversial decision during his World Championship face-off with Neil Robertson. In a heated last-16 clash, Wakelin trailed 7-6 but held a strong 42-point lead in the 14th frame. However, things took a surprising turn when referee Peggy Lee called a foul on Wakelin for allegedly clipping the yellow ball with his cue while potting a red.
Caught off guard by the call, Wakelin appeared confused, especially since the foul was upheld upon review. The decision handed Robertson four points, with the atmosphere tense both on and off the table. Referee Lee later explained her ruling: “When you lifted your cue, it was slightly on the yellow. I have to call it.”
The controversial call didn’t just baffle Wakelin but also stirred comments from former world champion John Parrott and fellow commentator Gary Wilson. Parrott admitted he couldn’t see anything from his viewpoint, but acknowledged Lee’s better positioning to make such a call. Wilson chimed in, noting that the referee wouldn’t have called the foul unless absolutely sure, especially after a review.
After securing the frame and extending his lead to 10-6, Robertson looks ahead to a potential quarter-final match against either snooker legends John Higgins or Ronnie O’Sullivan. Stay tuned for more Crucible action! 🎱👀 #Snooker #WorldChampionship #ChrisWakelin #NeilRobertson #CrucibleDrama