Fans at the World Grand Prix were forced to leave and play continued with no fans (Image: YouTube/Snooker Arena Tour)
The opening day of the World Grand Prix snooker tournament in Hong Kong descended into confusion after Kyren Wilson’s match was halted due to a curfew. Hundreds of spectators were forced to leave the new Kai Tak Arena during Wilson’s game against Matt Selt due to a midnight restriction put in place. With the arena around 30 minutes away from the local underground metro network, the game was paused to allow snooker fans to return to the city and avoid them being left stranded at the venue.
Wilson’s management team were certainly not happy with the lack of organisation from their hosts, posting on X: “Literally, fans HAVE to leave, due to policies. You can’t make it up!” Snooker bosses, who were faced with a logistical nightmare with approximately 5,000 fans expected towards the final weekend, have found an agreement with venue chiefs which will allow spectators to remain in their seats until the conclusion of play for the rest of the tournament.
Kyren Wilson played in front of an empty crowd at the World Grand Prix (Image: YouTube/Snooker Arena Tour)
A World Snooker Tour spokesperson said: “Some fans were unable to watch the conclusion of the final match on Table One. The Tournament Organising Committee has since communicated with Kai Tak Sports Park and the relevant departments.
“We are pleased to confirm that spectators will be permitted to remain in the venue for the conclusion of all evening sessions for the rest of the tournament. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Spectators who had tickets for this game will be able to exchange these for seats of the same value on Wednesday March 5th or 6th.”
The 15-minute delay stopped play with Selt leading 3-2, the players returned to the table – albeit with no spectators in the seats. It appeared that the reset allowed Wilson, 33, to compose himself as the 2024 world champion looked to bounce back from the brink of an early exit.
Kyren Wilson won 4-3 against Matt Selt to book his place in the last 16 (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
And despite the empty arena making for an eerie atmosphere, Wilson registered breaks of 111 and 87 to clinch a 4-3 victory in the Far East.
He will face newly-crowned World Open champion John Higgins in the last 16 after the Scot squeezed past Ali Carter 4-3. It may represent the best chance to claim some silverware after his Masters final defeat to Shaun Murphy last month.
Elsewhere, two-time World Grand Prix winner Judd Trump kicked off his title bid in style as he ended Gary Wilson’s Crucible dream.
Only the elite top 16 qualify by right for the World Championship with the rest having to go to qualifiers. World No.15 Wilson is now set to drop out after his 4-2 defeat to top seed Trump, who hit top breaks of 142 and 95.