Crowd Disruption Overshadows Thrilling Wuhan Open Final as Xiao Guodong Defends Title
The 2025 Wuhan Open final between Xiao Guodong and Gary Wilson was a gripping encounter, but one marred by unusual crowd disruptions that tested the composure of players and officials alike. Referee Peggy Lee was forced to intervene twice during the match due to inappropriate audience behavior, highlighting the challenges of maintaining focus in high-stakes moments.
The first disruption occurred early in the match when a spectator began whistling during play, drawing immediate confusion from the TNT Sports commentary team. Commentator Neal Foulds identified the sound, while David Hendon quipped about the culprit being “Roger Whittaker or someone,” referencing the famous whistling singer. Though no serious impact resulted, the incident reflected a lack of respect for the quiet typically expected during snooker matches.
The second interruption, however, was far more serious. Just before the final frame of the morning session, a fan was seen taking a phone call inside the Optics Valley Gymnasium. Referee Lee promptly approached the individual and requested they leave the arena. “He is maybe going to have to take that call outside,” Hendon observed, acknowledging the timing couldn’t have been worse, with the score poised at 5-3 in Xiao’s favor.
Despite the distractions, Xiao held his nerve to edge a tense 10-9 win, successfully defending his title on home soil. Reflecting on the victory, he noted how meaningful it was to win back-to-back titles after nearly two decades as a professional.
Wilson, while disappointed, denied that the partisan crowd had affected his performance and offered praise to his opponent. “It didn’t happen today,” he admitted. “Now that it’s finished, I just want to say well done to Xiao.”
In the end, Peggy Lee’s firm officiating ensured order was restored, allowing the snooker to take center stage once again.
