Monday's action at the English Open descended into a freezing farce with Mark Selby left desperately clutching a hot drink in a bid to warm up.
For the first time, the tournament is taking place in the Brentwood Centre, but it could well be the last time the venue is used as well after the heating stopped working on Monday. And the nigh-on freezing conditions outside the arena were soon plaguing players and spectators inside.
Four-time world champion Mark Selby was one player to suffer, ordering one hot drink after another to clutch just so he could keep his hands warm. Selby was playing his first round match with Noppon Saengkham, and was shown on Eurosport having words with referee Tatiana Woollaston.
“Will it be like this all day?” he asked, clearly perturbed bu the cold conditions. The 39-year-old did at least see the funny side of the ordeal though, jokingly asking the crowd for a hot water bottle.
But members of the audience were unlikely to part with any warm items or layers either, with camera shots depicting shivering figures in the crowd. Indeed, one female fan was shown wearing multiple clothes in a bid to keep warm.
“There’s a lady in the front row, she’s got about 10 layers on," said commentator Phil Yates. "I think that’s advisable in these conditions. Brrrrr! Winter strikes!
“Not impeccable timing when it comes to the heating system that’s not working properly because of the cold snap affecting the UK. In times like these, the players probably wish they could wear their waistcoats and give them an extra degree of insulation. If you’re thinking about a Disney film, the most appropriate would be Frozen.”
At least the eventual result might have brought some warmth to Selby, prevailing 4-3 after a final frame decider. He will now hope things are sorted for his second round clash against Joe O’Connor.
The adverse weather conditions across the United Kingdom have already caused issues for another snooker star in Mark Allen. He faced a race against time to make his match after his flight was cancelled amid the big freeze.
