WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson inquires red-pink controversy in 17th frame of 2011 Shanghai Masters
Snooker governing body, World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) chairman, Jason Ferguson, has launched an inquiry over the red-pink dispute that arose in the 17th
frame of 2011 Shanghai Masters final match between Mark Williams and Mark Selby. The chairman Jason Ferguson and former snooker referee Alan Chamberlain will be leading the inquiry.
The red-pink controversy came to the front in the 17th frame of 2011 Shanghai Masters final encounter when Williams was leading the frame 48-5. After earning the 48th
point, the Welshman was stuck behind brown ball at the lower border so he played a safety shot to snooker Selby behind that brown. The Englishman played a cushion shot with the right border to break the snooker and hit the pink brushing the red ball.
The Welsh Potting Machine, Williams, thought Selby fouled while escaping the snooker and was sure the cue ball hit the pink ball first instead of red but the referee Eirian Williams insisted
the Englishman brushed the red ball first and after that hit the pink ball. However, Williams wasn’t convinced about the decision even after a slow-motion review of the shot.
Meanwhile, the Jester from Leicester won the 17th frame by the score line of 83-48, as he fought back later in the frame.
While speaking to the media about the controversy, Williams said, “I was robbed. The referee made such an appalling decision. It was plain to see that he hit the pink. We didn't need to
play it back. We should get Stevie Wonder to referee next time.”
On the other hand, Selby remarked, “It was very difficult for the referee to see which ball I hit first. Mark felt I hit the pink and I wasn't sure. The referee studied it and felt it
had hit the red first, and we accepted that.”
Now the chairman WPBSA will investigate the matter keeping in view the statements made by both player and the referee.
Ferguson spoke to the reporters, “I want to make very clear from the outset that this inquiry is not part of any disciplinary procedure and has no effect on the outcome of the match. Mark
Selby is a deserving champion and won the match fair and square. Our rules state that any decision by the referee is final.”
He further added that through this inquiry they will look to establish tighter guidelines for referees when such difficult decisions need to be made and a further statement will be released
once the inquiry is complete.
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