UK Championship suspended due to 'serious' medical emergency as snooker arena evacuated
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Play was briefly suspended at the UK Championship on Tuesday afternoon after a 'serious' medical emergency in the crowd.
Judd Trump was facing off against Neil Robertson on one table while John Higgins was up against He Guoqjang on the other when a member of the audience fell ill.
The World Snooker Tour announced on social media: "Play has been suspended as a member of the crowd has been taken ill."
Fans and the players soon evacuated the York Barbican arena with Eurosport commentators decribing it as 'serious incident'.
The UK Championship was suspended on Tuesday
BBC
Eurosport commentator Dave Hendon added: “That’s sad to know. Hopefully the person can get the help they need.
"The audience are leaving, as are the players. For now, play at the UK Championship is going to have to stop and it will resume in due course.
“Obviously that person’s health and the wellbeing of the audience has to take priority.
"Everyone is just filing out into the foray just to give the medics the room they need to help the person who needs the help.”
The WST later confirmed the elderly gentleman was conscious and talking to paramedics as he was taken out of the arena.
Spectators were soon told they were able to return to their seats after the venue was evacuated.
Play resumed with Higgins 2-0 up against He while Robertson held a 1-0 frame advantage over Trump.
Higgins picked up where he left off after the small break as he put on a clinic against his Chinese opposition.
John Higgins was facing He Guoqjang
PA
The Scottish snooker icon eventually whitewashed last season's rookie of the year 6-0 to progress to the next round in style.
He finished with just 107 points in total compared to Higgins' impressive tally of 554 which included a break of 110 to open the match.
"Very pleased," said Higgins. "First two frames I knew it would be a tough game for him and it's a great atmosphere, I was nervous as well.
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Judd Trump was up against Neil Robertson
PA
"I got off to a decent start and I just put the pressure on him.
"He had a few chances but it's difficult out there when things start to go wrong.
"It's a special venue, but I've never really done great here and a great venue to play in. When I play like that I feel like I'm a match for anyone."
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