World Snooker Championship 2025: 'I’d like to see that again' - Mark Allen leaves TNT Sports commentators perplexed with safety shot

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Mark Allen was in dominant form during his clash with Fan Zhengyi in the first round of the World Championship at The Crucible. Despite being in control, he was involved in a moment of controversy when it was unsure which ball he hit when playing a safety shot. Watch and stream top snooker action, including the World Championship, live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+.

'Awfully close' - Allen shot causes confusion in commentary box

Video credit: TNT Sports

It may not go down as one of life’s great unsolved mysteries, but Mark Allen had the TNT Sports commentary team searching for the magnifying glass during his clash with Fan Zhengyi at the World Championship.

Allen recovered from losing the opening three frames of the contest to assume control of their first-round clash in the second session at The Crucible, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

The Northern Irish potter was in a healthy position in the 12th frame, but he was handed a puzzle to solve by a decent safety from his opponent.

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Red and brown were close together near the baulk cushion, and Allen asked referee Leo Scullion to stand near the object ball - to suggest he felt he would go close to the brown with his escape.

He did go close, so close that TNT Sports commentators Phil Studd and Dominic Dale were unsure which ball Allen made contact with first.

"Ooh, now, I think that was brown first," Dale said. "It seemed to be a lot more pace in the brown than the red.

"I’d like to see that again."

Dale got his wish, as a close-up shot was produced.

"Leo, as Dom explained, was right behind it," added Studd. "It was awfully tight, and if it was a simultaneous collision it would be a foul."

Scullion deemed it a fair shot, but Dominic Dale may always have his doubts.

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