14 January 2024 , 11:22
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The Masters semi-final between Mark Allen and Ali Carter was interrupted TWICE due to medical emergencies in the crowd.
Carter defeated Allen 6-3 at the Alexandra Palace on Saturday to set up a mouthwatering final with seven-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan. Carter will be keen to win Sunday's clash, having lost the 2008 and 2012 World Snooker Championship finals to The Rocket.
Both Carter and Allen had to stay seated at the start of the match and again towards the end as the medical emergencies unfolded. In the first instance, both stars were told by the referee about the situation after two frames had been played at Ally Pally.
BBC host Hazel Irvine confirmed a medical emergency had stopped play, but it resumed within 10 minutes after the person received attention.
After a short break between frames, Allen left the table having lost the second frame to Carter. But when they were ready to start again, the cue ball wasn't with the others. It was near the pack of reds before referee Rob Spencer spoke with Carter.
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He was told that play wouldn't resume until the spectator got the necessary medical help. Allen was given the same information.
The game quickly resumed as the two players continued their quest to join O'Sullivan in the final. But as Carter closed in on victory with a 5-3 lead, the match had to pause mid-frame again due to a second medical emergency in the crowd.
Ali Carter defeated Mark Allen to set up a final against Ronnie O'Sullivan (Getty Images)Do you think Ronnie O'Sullivan will win the Masters? Let us know in the comments below!
Both players returned to their seats while a second person in the crowd received medical attention. Yet they soon returned for Carter to win the final frame. He's now guaranteed at least £100,000 in prize money, with the tournament winner claiming £250,000.
O'Sullivan defeated Shaun Murphy 6-2 in Saturday's first semi-final, bouncing back to top form after a slow start to the competition. He's aiming for a record-extending eighth title, which would make him both the oldest and youngest player to win the Masters.
"I really got it going in the middle there and felt really good and Mark showed what a great player he is with a good ton," Carter told the BBC after his win. "I held it together well and I am delighted to have a crack at The Rocket' tomorrow.
"I am looking forward to it and I am relishing the challenge. He has been a big part in everyone's career. He is the greatest of all time and I have the ultimate respect for him as a snooker player but what a great challenge to be playing him here."
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