Gary Wilson in action in the first round match of World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 vs Judd Trump held at Kai Tak Arena. Photo: Elson LiKai Tak Sports Park authorities kicked hundreds of snooker fans out of the venue on Tuesday, briefly stopping a thrilling match for supporters to leave the venue.
When attendees were told to go home, the World Grand Prix was only midway through Kyren Wilson’s thrilling late-night clash with Matthew Selt.
Officials had instituted a midnight curfew for the venue to coincide with public transport stopping for the night and would not change their minds.
The World Snooker Tour said spectators had been “required to leave early before the match concluded”.
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Organisers apologised in the early hours of Wednesday and said the situation would not happen again, adding they had “actively communicated with the venue operator” and that fans would be allowed to stay should matches run late during the rest of the tournament.
Wilson battled back from 3-2 down to beat Selt 4-3 in a thrilling finish, but his management team were less than impressed with the situation, posting on X: “Literally, fans HAVE to leave, due to policies. You can’t make it up!”
The South China Morning Post has contacted Kai Tak for comment.
In its statement, the World Snooker Tour “sincerely apologised” to fans and said those affected would be allowed entry later in the week.
“Spectators holding tickets for the 7.30pm session at table 1 on March 4 may present their ticket stubs at the tournament souvenir shop opposite to G Door to redeem tickets of the same value to any available sessions on March 5 or 6 from 10.30am to 8.00pm on March 5 and 6.”
With trains on the city’s MTR network not running late, organisers also advised fans to “plan their schedules and transport arrangements in advance, based on the time they will be attending the matches”.