‘Gentleman’ Chris Wakelin praised in response to ‘very painful’ foul controversy in World Championship clash with Neil Robertson

The balls had been arrange in such a way that Wakelin solely actually had to overcome an extended pink – cueing awkwardly with a yellow in shut proximity – to get himself in with a giant scoring alternative on the prime finish of the desk to clinch the levelling body.

And he made gentle work of the lengthy pink however to his astonishment, a name of foul from referee Peggy Li standing instantly behind him – introduced a untimely finish to his break.

Wakelin circled with a shocked expression as he learnt he had been penalised for making contact with the yellow ball with his cue. A brief video evaluate adopted and TNT Sports commentators Phil Yates and Joe Johnson had opposite opinions to the referee.

“Peggy Li was adamant there was a foul but I thought she was standing behind Chris, it will be interesting to see this,” Yates stated. “She’s just checking the video evidence.”

Viewing the incident once more, he stated: “Nothing for me there. When she called the foul, he turned round to see her, right behind him.”

Johnson added: “Nor me. And what a difference it makes. He was bang on the black.”

Despite clearly struggling to settle for the infringement, Wakelin returned to his seat and was shrinking into his chair as he watched Robertson clear up to the blue with a break of 65. “That’s very painful for that man,” Yates noticed.

TNT Sports footage confirmed Wakelin and Li in discussions following the tip of the body, with the referee explaining that she had seen him make a really slight contact with the aspect of the yellow ball.

While Wakelin nonetheless didn’t seem in settlement, he accepted the decision and even shared amusing earlier than the motion obtained again underway.

“Between frames, Peggy Li explaining what happened,” Yates stated. “She correctly said she was very well positioned to see the shot, directly behind Chris Wakelin.

“I nonetheless don’t suppose he’s satisfied it’s the proper choice. She stated because the cue went via the yellow, the aspect of the yellow was simply touched. But there’s little doubt Peggy Li was well-placed to see such an infraction.”

Watch: ‘Incredible’ Vafaei foul as cue ball slams into pocket at ‘100 miles per hour’

Video credit: TNT Sports

If the afternoon was not already frustrating enough for Wakelin, the incident seemed to turn the tide of the match completely against him.

Wakelin scored just 16 points in the final two frames as Robertson found his flow, and now faces a huge uphill battle in order to stay at the Crucible.

“It’s as if that incident was a catalyst for Robertson to begin taking part in his finest,” Yates said. “That’s what occurred. Since that very second, this has been the perfect spell from Robertson of the match.

Johnson added: “The referee was stood in a very good spot. The yellow didn’t move. She said he just brushed it ever so slightly. The video, you couldn’t tell.

“But Chris being the gentleman he’s, he accepted the choice – and from there, Neil Robertson has been deadly.”

Yates replied: “You make a extremely good level. Wakelin’s acceptance of the choice, regardless that he didn’t agree with it, was very admirable.”

Referee ‘past reproach’ – McManus

TNT Sports knowledgeable Alan McManus stated referee Li is “past reproach” for the controversy but did feel she could have taken up a slightly better position to call the foul.

“It’s not a lot a controversial second, however a questionable one,” McManus said. “But I do imagine Peggy Li is past reproach.

“At a recent tournament, Shaun Murphy did something similar, she was on his shoulder, he did feather the ball, and it was a foul. That was more inconclusive, obviously.

“She’s not fairly in the right place. She must be on the opposite aspect of the cue. It’s unattainable for us to inform, Peggy clearly had a greater view.”

Referee is ‘beyond reproach’ for Wakelin foul controversy – McManus

Video credit: TNT Sports

White added: “Where the referee is standing, she has clearly seen one thing that I haven’t seen. I’ve watched this three or 4 instances.

“Chris Wakelin doesn’t seem to see what he’s done wrong, but he must’ve touched the yellow with his cue. I couldn’t see anything.

“But the scenario, he’s 42 in entrance, one body behind. It fully adjustments the match. He’s happening there to seven every, he ended up 10-6 after the session.”

Asked whether the foul should have been subject to a more forensic video review, as seen at the top level of football, McManus replied: “Yes they need to, they usually do.

“The monitor on the floor cameras is a good one. The match director can say replay that for Peggy please. They can see it, and get a good look at it.

“Perhaps Chris may have finished that, nevertheless it was inconclusive, and I believe she would’ve caught to her choice.”