Wasp wreaks havoc on World Grand Prix during David Gilbert's clash against Neil Robertson at Kai Tak Arena
By Jonny Bray
Published 06/03/2025 at 11:10 GMT
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Neil Robertson is through to the third round of the World Grand Prix 2025 after storming to a 4-1 win over David Gilbert at the Kai Tak Arena in Hong Kong. However, there was a surprising moment during their second-round clash as a wasp disrupted play. The Alexandra Palace wasp made a number of appearances during the Masters earlier this year and caused its fair share of chaos.
Gilbert attacked by wasp at World Grand Prix
Video credit: TNT Sports
Wasps have wreaked havoc on sporting events at Alexandra Palace for some time, but it was Kai Tak Arena's turn to face an insect infestation during the World Grand Prix 2025.
David Gilbert was battling to get back into his match with Neil Robertson in Hong Kong, leading the frame 34-5 but 3-1 down in the match.
Just as 'The Angry Farmer' lined up to take his next shot, he flinched, stepping away from the table before desperately flailing his arms around in a bid to scare the wasp off.
The Alexandra Palace wasp made several appearances at the Masters earlier this year, disrupting play and scaring Shaun Murphy.
Gilbert's reaction appeared to do the trick, but even after he composed himself, the wasp was still on his mind. "Where is it?,' asked the world No. 22.
Robertson had won the opening frame relatively comfortably before producing a break of 78 to make it 2-0.
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Robertson celebrates with fist pump after getting 'bags of action' on cue ball
Video credit: TNT Sports
Gilbert finally got on the board after winning the third 78-40. However, his Australian rival restored his advantage before wrapping up the win with a hard-fought 66-53 triumph in the fifth.
The sudden appearance of the insect left TNT Sports commentator Dominic Dale in a state of shock.
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"David Gilbert is lucky that the cue ball has rolled off, oh, what has happened there?," said the former Shanghai Masters winner. "A wasp? Something has attacked him there, Phil."
Philip Studd joked that the surprise appearance of the wasp may have given the fans in Hong Kong something to get excited about during a routine win for Robertson.
"That has woken everyone up," he added.
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