Referee has to 'have a word' with fan over 'very loud' mobile phone in Shanghai Masters final between Kyren Wilson and Ali Carter

It is rare for the referee to need to speak to members of the crowd during a match but that is exactly what happened in the final of the Shanghai Masters between Kyren Wilson and Ali Carter. A spectator's phone went off on two occasions, forcing the referee to get involved, with TNT commentators David Hendon and Dominic Dale desperate for no further disturbance in a thrilling final.

Referee forced to intervene as ringing mobile phone disturbs Wilson... twice!

Video credit: TNT Sports

The referee had to speak to spectators during the Shanghai Masters final after a mobile phone went off twice in quick succession.

The incident happened as Kyren Wilson got down to pot a green when leading 8-7 over Ali Carter.

Wilson eventually went on to claim his second Shanghai Masters title, beating Carter 11-9 in a thrilling final.

Masters

O'Sullivan handed Masters opener with Robertson in repeat of epic Saudi final

08/12/2025 at 06:31

In doing so, he became just the third multiple winner of the Shanghai Masters, having won in 2015, following in the footsteps of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ding Junhui.

It was a match that came with a big moment of controversy, when Wilson led 25-0 in the 16th frame.

TNT Sports commentators David Hendon and Dominic Dale called the action live as the final began to ramp up in its latter stages.

Dale said: "A mobile phone went off there Dave."

Hendon replied: "It was a very loud one, it is a big arena, it only takes one person."

Wilson backed off and re-applied chalk to his cue, but as he lined up to take on the green, a phone went off again.

"It is going off again," Hendon said. "That person is easy to contact, the volume they have got their phone up to.

"Referee just having a word. They say these things come in threes, let’s hope not."

Wilson lets out huge roar after stealing frame to wrap up thrilling Shanghai Masters victory

Video credit: TNT Sports

There was no further phone disruption after the referee’s warning and the final was able to reach its natural conclusion undisturbed.

It was the second bizarre moment in consecutive days, after Wilson and reigning world champion Zhao Xintong were forced to leave the table during their semi-final on Saturday.

A scoreboard malfunction prompted a walkout in an extraordinary turn of events, as the referee led both players away from the table.

"It's no good this, is it? Let's be honest. This is a big, big match and the players just want to play it," Hendon said of moment.

"I'm now hearing, 'bring them off'. Well, they're going. The thing is, this is not between frames, there's been a session that's finished.

"So why isn't the scoreboard working for the next session? I don't think it's unreasonable to ask that. But for now, the players have gone off, and hopefully the delay won't be too long."

'The Warrior' hit three centuries in his final triumph, taking his tally for the week to nine, as he pocketed the top prize of £210,000.

Wilson, who let out a huge roar as he stole the frame to wrap up victory, secured his first title of the season in what was his first start of the campaign.

Watch and stream top snooker action live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+

UK Championship