John Higgins encountered a challenge during his Scottish Open match against Noppon Saengkham due to a referee error in repositioning a ball. The game started with Saengkham winning the first frame after 36 minutes, but confusion ensued when Higgins inadvertently contacted the pink ball while aiming for a distant red.
Referee Colin Humphries struggled to restore the original positions of the balls after the incident, leading to a series of disruptions. A mix-up occurred as Humphries mistakenly identified the wrong ball, causing further complications in the game layout. Amidst the confusion, Higgins and the officials engaged in a detailed discussion to rectify the situation.
After prolonged efforts to resolve the issue, Higgins prepared to take his shot, with Humphries admitting uncertainty about the ball positions. Eventually, the frame was annulled after 20 minutes, prompting both players to agree on a re-rack.
Saengkham went on to secure a 4-0 victory over Higgins, concluding the match with an impressive 100 break. This incident marked another peculiar occurrence involving Higgins in recent snooker events, adding to the unpredictability of his performances.
In a separate match against Antoni Kowalski, Higgins found himself in an amusing situation when his cue accidentally struck the nearby red balls after using the spider. Despite the mishap, Higgins maintained a lighthearted demeanor, eliciting laughter from commentators and spectators.
As snooker enthusiasts await the outcome of the Scottish Open, Higgins continues to captivate audiences with his blend of skill and unexpected moments on the table.