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"If you can't see it, try mine." Referee hands over glasses during match... Crowd bursts into laughter, even a legend cracks up → Ends in a stunning comeback victory

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Mark Williams wearing the referee's glasses during the match. /Photo=Screenshot from TNT Sports broadcast
Mark Williams wearing the referee's glasses during the match. /Photo=Screenshot from TNT Sports broadcast

"If you can't see it, try mine."

During the match, the referee suddenly took off his own glasses and handed them to a player. The unexpected scene drew laughter from the stands, and 'snooker legend' Mark Williams (51, Wales), who received the referee's offer, could not hide his smile either.

UK-based TNT Sports reported on the 24th (Korean time) that "Mark Williams borrowed the referee's glasses during his victory over David Gilbert in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Northern Ireland Open."

Williams is a living legend of snooker, aiming for his 28th ranking tournament title in his career. He has also stood atop the podium three times at the World Championship.

Snooker is a discipline of billiards where players score points by potting 15 red balls and several colored balls into pockets according to prescribed rules.

However, the path to victory that day was not easy. Williams trailed Gilbert 2-4 in the early stages of the match, putting him on the brink of elimination.

But the power of a veteran does not fade easily. Williams, who shifted the momentum thereafter, leveled the score at 4-4.

This is when the most entertaining moment of the day's match unfolded. Williams was attempting to pot a red ball from a long distance. However, a pink ball partially blocked the line, making it difficult to judge the precise shot angle. The commentators also assessed it as "a truly difficult shot."

Williams also did not make an easy decision. After bending down and checking the angle several times, he suddenly covered his right eye with his hand while looking at the ball. Still unable to find an answer, he shook his head.

As Williams stood up again and continued to deliberate, it was the referee who took an unexpected action this time.

He removed the glasses he was wearing and handed them to Williams. Williams did not hesitate either. He accepted the referee's glasses and put them on himself.

The stands erupted in loud laughter and applause. Williams also made a comical reaction, as if everything suddenly became clear once he put on the glasses, turning the venue into a sea of laughter. The commentators could not hold back their smiles either.

Mark Williams wearing the referee's glasses during the match. /Photo=Screenshot from TNT Sports broadcast
Mark Williams wearing the referee's glasses during the match. /Photo=Screenshot from TNT Sports broadcast

However, Williams ultimately chose a safe option instead of the difficult shot he had initially attempted.

The commentators joked, "Even with the help of the referee's glasses, it seems Williams decided that he could not see the shot," adding, "At least, though, he did not make a mistake."

Indeed, following this amusing incident, Williams' performance changed completely. He reversed the momentum, coming back from 2-4 to win 6-4, and ultimately secured his place in the semifinals. The commentators marveled at Williams' form, calling it "an impossible level to compete against."

The referee receiving his glasses back from Mark Williams. /Photo=Screenshot from TNT Sports broadcast
The referee receiving his glasses back from Mark Williams. /Photo=Screenshot from TNT Sports broadcast

TNT Sports reported that "Williams left the stage to a big round of applause from the audience."

It further assessed, "Looking at how he overcame an early deficit, it is difficult to dismiss the possibility that Williams will add his second career Northern Ireland Open title, whether or not he receives help from glasses."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original

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