Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Gary Wilson snooker table undergoes ‘F1 pitstop’ after it malfunctions after just two frames

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN’S Tour Championship clash with Gary Wilson was disrupted by a table malfunction in Manchester.

The table had to undergo an “F1 pitstop” just two frames into Friday’s semi-final.

ITVAn ‘F1 pitstop’ was needed to fix the table during Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Tour Championship semi-final[/caption]

GettyThe Rocket met Gary Wilson on Friday for a place in Sunday’s final[/caption]

Wilson had taken the opening two frames to lead before an issue with one of the pockets was spotted.

Following a break in play between frames, ITV commentator Phil Yates claimed one of the pockets had “malfunctioned”.

However, the speed at which the table fitter was able to make the necessary changes saw the repairs described as an “F1 pitstop”.

The repairs were done so quickly that a longer than usual break between frames was prevented.

According to Eurosport, one of the pockets had dropped to the floor.

The issue was dealt with so quickly, though, that it did not appear on the TV broadcast.

Instead, the pit-stop appeared to inspire a turnaround in fortunes for O’Sullivan.

The Rocket recovered from losing the first two frames by making a century break to get on the board.

He then won the next three frames as well to take a 4-2 lead in the best of 19 encounter.

His comeback comes as he looks to set up a clash with either Mark Williams or Mark Allen in Sunday’s final.

The seven-time world champion began his Tour Championship campaign on Wednesday against bitter rival Ali Carter.

He romped to a one-sided 10-2 victory in the last eight to book his place in the semi-finals against Wilson.