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Well, that was quite an evening! Ad Mark Allen has given his reaction to Eurosport after the shocking moment when two protesters forced an abrupt halt to play on both tables at the World Championship with one of the tables left damaged as a result. World ChampionshipAllen on 'surreal, crazy' incident as protesters halt match at CrucibleAN HOUR AGO Just Stop Oil protesters brought a total suspension of play at the Crucible as a man climbed onto the table during the match between Robert Milkins and Joe Perry and covered it in orange power. Meanwhile, on the other table, where Allen was taking on Fan Zhengyi, a woman tried to get on the baize but was dragged away by referee Olivier Marteel.

Both matches were immediately suspended, with the players leaving the arena. Play did eventually resume on Table 2 just before 20:00 UK time, and the players received a standing ovation from the relieved crowd, with MC Rob Walker saying, «this great event stops for no one». Allen went on to win the match 10-5 and progress through to the last 16.

The divide was lifted between the two tables so the fans could watch the Allen v Fan match as the 37-year-old joked to the crowd, «I don't know what the fuss was all about», after potting the first ball on resumption. He then went on to make a century which was, technically, the longest in Crucible history. Speaking after the match, Allen reflected on the «completely crazy» incident and also how the fans responded in emotional fashion when he and Fan eventually returned to ensure that snooker was not entirely prevented from being played.