‘Most extraordinary!’ – Mark Allen agrees to re-rack against Ronnie O'Sullivan to save referee brutal clear up

Even during the World Snooker Championship, when the pressure is at its absolute highest, there is always time for funny moments with a show of sportsmanship. And we had one such moment during Friday’s second round clash between Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Allen at the Crucible. Ad/> During the third frame, Allen tried to come down to gently nestle into the pack of reds but got it all wrong.

He ended up kissing the blue gently with the white then hitting the pink and, somewhat fortunately, going into the left corner pocket. World ChampionshipWorld Championship LIVE: O'Sullivan in action against Allen, Williams leads4 HOURS AGO “Good luck replacing these!” said Philip Studd on commentary as Mark Allen and the crowd began laughing at the realisation that poor referee Olivier Marteel faced up to the reality of a rather brutal set-up. World Championship LIVE: O'Sullivan in action against Allen, Williams leads 'Why the hell can't I wear it?' — Lisowski prevented from having Ukraine flag on waistcoat 'I find it difficult' — Trump agrees with O'Sullivan views on referees “We could be here some time,” added Studd while co-commentator Dominic Dale joked “please have them replaced.” “Poor old Olivier Marteel,” he continued.

Then Allen got out of his chair after sharing a laugh with O’Sullivan and went over to Marteel, seemingly to confirm they would be happy with a re-rack. “I think he’s changed his mind Allen, I think he’s had mercy on Olivier Marteel,” continued Studd. “Could have been here for 15 minutes trying to sort that one out,” opined Studd.

The decision was roundly applauded by the Crucible faithful. “Most extraordinary thing here, Phil,” exclaimed Dale. “They’ve decided to have a re-rack, most extraordinary.” O’Sullivan