As a result, the match between Matthew Stevens and Dominic Dale, which had started, had to be paused. Stevens had earlier looked on in disbelief after both the cue ball and a red jump bounced during an attempted pot. They eventually resumed on the other table but only after the conclusion of the match between Ali Carter and Roger Farebrother. That saw the match between Burden and Igor Figueiredo – the last two winners of the tournament – moved backstage to a practice table.
The Brazilian swept to a 4-0 whitewash, meaning Burden didn’t get to defend his title in front of a Crucible crowd. The situation led to criticism on social media.
Lee Stephens, a former runner-up in the amateur WSF Championship, was particularly scathing. He said: “This is absolutely disgraceful! World Seniors should be ashamed of themselves!
“I’m not surprised, however. They make bad decision after bad decision! [The] defending champion out the back, not getting the walk on and the intro [like] that! P*** poor!”
World Seniors Snooker has been contacted for comment. A statement from organisers on Thursday read: “Due to a fault with Table Two, there will be no further play on it this evening.
Matthew Stevens and Dominic Dale will conclude their match on Table One following Ali Carter v Roger Farebrother.”Alfie Burden and Igor Figueiredo will play at 9pm BST in a private area of the practice room. Table Two will be replaced overnight.”
The World Seniors Championship, which has a prize pot of £80,000, including £30,000 to the winner, has attracted some big names, including seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who will take on 1997 world champion Ken Doherty in the second round on Friday afternoon.
Another legend, Mark Williams, had been due to take part, only to withdraw on the eve of the tournament. The semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday are sold out.