Mark Williams has defied a wasp attack to book his place in the Masters quarter-finals with a 6-2 victory over David Gilbert.
The 47-year-old, who is a two-time winner of the event, will now square off against Ronnie O'Sullivan in the last eight at Alexandra Palace.
For the most part of Tuesday evening, Williams enjoyed a comfortable night, breezing into a 4-0 advantage helped by breaks of 126 and 127.
To Gilbert's credit, the late entrant managed to halve the deficit courtesy of 59 and 80 breaks, but Williams soon moved one away from success.
Despite the high standard of the match, the drama was left for the eighth frame as an unlikely factor disrupted Williams from trying to pull off an unlikely clearance.
Forget Mark Williams v David Gilbert... it's Mark Williams vs wasp at The Masters right now!#BBCSnooker pic.twitter.com/kUFuYcvE8e
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) January 10, 2023
The Welshman had to fend off the advances of a wasp, who took a liking to landing on his waistcoat and trousers, and the insect eventually made its way onto the cameraman.
The referee tried, and failed, to swat the wasp while on the cameraman, and play finally continued with Williams missing out on clearing up, yet seeing his opponent pocket the white when he effectively required just one ball for the frame.
After a period of safety exchanges, Williams took an opportunity to get back on the front foot, sealing a match-clinching frame with a black at the low end of the table.
Darren Plant
