AN INQUIRY has been launched into the controversial incident that occurred in the 17th frame of last Sunday’s Bank of Communication Shanghai Masters final between Mark Selby and Mark Williams.

The match was delayed for several minutes while referee Eirian Williams had to make a difficult call as to whether Selby had hit a red or pink first while escaping from a snooker.

Williams found himself 9-7 ahead in the race to 10, and was 47-5 ahead in the 13th frame, having just snookered Selby tight behind the brown, with reds scattered at the opposite end of the table. With little prospect of getting the cue ball safe, Selby played a hit and hope shot, which resulted in it not being immediately clear whether he had struck the red or pink first.

The referee quickly got into a discussion with Williams, who was adament it had struck the pink first, and a miss was called. (Mark) Williams asked for the replay to be used to prove the point unequivocally, only to be informed by the referee that the technology was not available. Meanwhile, Selby sportingly agreed to accept his opponent’s verdict.

An official then let it be known that there were screens in the arena that could provide the replay, and Eirian Williams was keen to view it. After taking several minutes to look at the replays on two separate monitors, he decided it had hit the red first and therefore no foul was called. The verdict has been supported by most people with sufficient expertise in the game to pass judgement.

The incident was to prove a pivotal turning point in the match. Mark Williams struggled to regain his concentration and Selby won the remaining three frames to win the title. After the match, an angry Williams blasted the referee for the way in which he handled the incident. He said: “I was robbed. The referee made such an appalling decision.

“I was right behind it and 100% it hit the pink first. He said it did then he turned around and said he didn’t see it.

“It’s an absolute joke. It cost me the tournament. The balls should have gone back. I don’t mind losing to anyone but the ref has cost me the title, no question.

“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.”

The inquiry will be led by WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson and former referee Alan Chamberlain, who was appointed to the Board specifically to deal with issues relating to the rules of the game. Both players will be invited to make statements, as will the match referee.

Ferguson said: “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.

“However, through this inquiry we will look to establish tighter guidelines for referees when such difficult decisions need to be made.