The incident occurred on the evening of 3/5, during the first session of the final between Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Mid-frame three, a woman unexpectedly crossed the barrier separating the stands from the playing area and ran towards the snooker table.

Referee Rob Spencer immediately ran to intercept the woman before security personnel approached and escorted her from Crucible. The match was briefly interrupted before resuming.

Sasha Swan was escorted from the world snooker final at Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, United Kingdom, on the evening of 3/5/2026. Photo: Fox News

Sasha Swan was escorted from the world snooker final at Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, United Kingdom, on the evening of 3/5/2026. Photo: Fox News

According to British media, the disruptor was Sasha Swan, a model with over 36,000 followers on the X social media platform and active on adult content platforms.

While rushing onto the playing area, she repeatedly shouted protests against the television license fee in England, a mandatory payment for citizens to watch BBC live television channels and services.

Many spectators at Crucible expressed annoyance at the incident. Boos erupted from the stands before the crowd applauded as security escorted the woman out.

Hours later, Sasha posted a video on social media admitting responsibility for the incident. She continued to criticize both BBC and the tournament, declaring, "no one will pay the television license fee anymore".

Though lasting only a few minutes, the incident added to the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the year's biggest snooker tournament. The day before, the semifinal between Wu and Mark Allen was also interrupted by a male spectator repeatedly shouting about "Epstein's files" during the deciding frame.

According to The Times, security personnel quickly intervened to remove the man from the stands as the announcer repeatedly requested security assistance.

Swan currently has over 36,000 followers on the X social media platform and is active on adult content platforms.

The world snooker championship is known for its quiet and strict atmosphere. Spectators are required to maintain absolute silence when players make a shot. Ringing phones or unexpected noises are often seen as disruptive to the playing experience.

Tournament organizers have continuously increased security over the years following a series of disturbances at Crucible. In 2023, two environmental activists threw orange powder onto a playing table to protest climate change, causing the match to be postponed and the snooker table to be replaced.

At this year's tournament, besides spectators rushing onto the playing area or shouting from the stands, many matches were repeatedly interrupted by phone rings while players were aiming.

This incident garnered particular attention because it occurred during the final between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize, a match that concluded with an 18-17 victory for the Chinese player after a deciding frame.

Wu became the youngest world champion in 36 years and the second consecutive Chinese player to win at Crucible, following Zhao Xintong last year.

The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield has hosted the world snooker championship since 1977 and is considered the sport's hallowed ground. Its small space, stands close to the playing tables, and tense atmosphere make every sound easily noticeable. Therefore, disturbances at Crucible often quickly spread on social media and become major talking points in England.

Hoang An (according to Sun, Fox News)