Top referee Rob Spencer will take charge of Sunday's World Championship final at the Crucible Theatre, despite an early-tournament blunder that forced him into an awkward on-table apology.
The incident occurred during Zhao Xintong's opening-round match against Liam Highfield. Ahead of frame eight, Spencer mistakenly announced it would be the last frame of the session, saying: 'Thank you, the final frame of the session.' He quickly corrected himself: 'I'm stuck from the other week, aren't I? Correction - the eighth frame. Liam Highfield to break.'
The slip drew a warm reaction from the crowd, and Highfield, making his first Crucible appearance in four years, pointed out the mix-up before play resumed. Spencer's error referenced his recent officiating duties at the Tour Championship in Manchester.
Despite the early slip, Spencer has been handed officiating duties for Sunday's final, a sign of the high regard in which he is held. Speaking ahead of the tournament, he said: 'It is a massive personal achievement. Anything you do, you always strive to get to the top.'
Spencer added: 'The World Championship final is always the top refereeing match. When you start it is a dream... It will be the realisation that I've achieved it and it won't seem real until I'm stood there and announced into the arena.'
