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‘Daylight robbery’ – Snooker fans fume after being denied Crucible refunds as World Snooker forced to put out statement
Two legends of the game stepped up to fill the scheduling gap
SNOOKER fans have been denied a refund despite no play on Saturday afternoon at the Crucible.
Zhao Xintong's commanding 17-7 victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan was completed on Friday night with a session to spare.
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It meant there was no competitive action during Saturday's afternoon session at the Crucible.
An exhibition featuring Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor, 40 years on from the latter's victory in their famous 'black-ball final' took place instead.
The event ran from 2.30pm until approximately 4pm, including a short interval.
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The World Snooker Tour said its box office terms and conditions meant it was "unable to offer ticket refunds or exchanges" to fans.
But that has not gone down well with spectators expecting to see seven-time champion O'Sullivan.
Responding to the announcement on X, Andy Wilson wrote: "Like both Steve and Dennis but I paid £115 for my seat yesterday.
"Endlessly rolling out the old guys isn't an answer today. But WST do like to keep their money. Refunds can and should be made."
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Another response, from Luigi di Falco, read: "It's pretty much daylight robbery.
"Those semi-final tickets were so expensive to not offer refunds you should be ashamed."
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While a third fan fumed: "£143 to watch Dennis & Steve play a s*** exhibition frame and waffle on about 1985 for an hour & a half.
"And no refunds offered from @WeAreWST. SHOCKING on both parts!"
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In a statement released to the PA news agency, the WST said: "We are putting together a fantastic exhibition this afternoon featuring all-time snooker legends.
"We realise that fans come from all over the world to enjoy the Crucible experience so our intention is to provide the best possible entertainment in these circumstances.
"This is the first time in over a decade that a semi-final has finished a session early.
"It is a very rare occurrence and unfortunately beyond our control."
World Snooker Championship 2025
WE are now into the final days of what has been a THRILLING World Snooker Championship!
A new world champion will be crowned this year after Kyren Wilson crashed out in the first round.
Heavyweights such as John Higgins and Mark Selby have also fallen as we head to the final on Sunday and Monday.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was eyeing a record eighth world title but crashed out at the hands of the brilliant Zhao Xintong - who reached the final qualifying as an amateur after his ban.
In the other semi-final, World No 1 and tournament favourite Judd Trump is facing Mark Williams.
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Zhao, 28, will face either Judd Trump or Mark Williams in the final in Sheffield.
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Williams put together a strong run during Saturday's morning session, taking control of the match.
He leads 13-11 going into this evening's session, which begins at 7pm.
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