...By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Anthony McGill has successfully advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship, but not without experiencing a bizarre incident during his match against Jack Lisowski.
In a 13-8 victory, McGill defied a late rally from Lisowski to book his place in the next round, where he will face Si Jiuhui.
The last-16 clash was not without its moments, particularly in the 19th frame when a strange noise from inside the Crucible distracted McGill during a crucial shot.
Bizarre Noise Disrupts Crucial Shot
During the 19th frame, McGill looked set to make a significant break as he approached the table.
After potting a red, the 32-year-old left himself with a relatively straightforward black to the corner pocket.
However, as he lined up the shot, a strange noise swept the Crucible, causing McGill to look up in a perplexed fashion.
The noise sounded like coughing, and the Smiling Assassin backed out the shot altogether with a grin on his face.
When the noise finally subsided, McGill got back down to play the shot, but missed the pot.
Lisowski Takes Advantage of McGill’s Distraction
As a result of McGill’s distraction, Lisowski took advantage and returned to the table, winning the 19th frame and reducing the arrears to 11-8.
However, McGill soon recomposed himself and took the next two frames, securing a deserved 13-8 victory and setting up a showdown with Si Jiuhui.
McGill’s Thoughts on the Match
After the match, McGill spoke of his opponent’s strong performance and his own aspirations for the tournament.
McGill stated that he would love to go all the way to the final this year but first, he has to beat Si Jiuhui.
He acknowledged that the upcoming match would be tough, as Si is a world-class player, but promised to give it his best shot, just as he has done in his previous matches.
Commentary:
Anthony McGill’s advancement to the World Snooker Championship quarter-finals was not without a strange incident, as he was distracted by a mysterious noise during a crucial shot.
Although it caused him to miss the pot, McGill managed to recompose himself and secure a deserved victory over Jack Lisowski.
McGill’s determination and focus on the upcoming match against Si Jiuhui demonstrate his ambition to go all the way in the tournament.
