BBC presenter Hazel Irvine issued a public apology to snooker player Mark Allen during the World Championship final. The apology came after Shaun Murphy’s match against Wu Yize, who had defeated Allen in the semi-final to secure a spot in his first Crucible final.

Allen had the opportunity to win the match by potting a crucial black ball but missed, allowing Wu to claim the frame and eventually win the match 17-16. This loss extended Allen’s wait to reach his first World Championship final.

During the BBC’s coverage, Irvine expressed her regret for not being able to watch Allen’s missed shot again. Commentators, including John Parrott, shared their astonishment at the turn of events.

Allen, reflecting on the defeat, acknowledged the pressure he felt during the crucial moment and admitted his mistake. Despite having chances to close out the match, he credited Wu for his performance and predicted a bright future for the Chinese player.

In the subsequent session, Wu mounted a comeback against Murphy, taking a 13-12 lead after being behind earlier in the day. The 22-year-old was on the verge of becoming the second youngest world champion in history, showcasing resilience and skill on the table.