Writ claim disrupts Selby match

Venue: The Newport Centre Date 16-22 February
Coverage: Live on BBC Red Button and BBC website; reports on BBC website

Selby confronted by member of audience

Mark Selby was handed what was claimed to be a writ at the beginning of his quarter-final match against Anthony Hamilton at the Welsh Open in Newport.

A member of the public leant into the auditorium and gave Selby an envelope, saying: "You are being served with a writ and bankruptcy notice".

The man, George Barmby, is the former manager of defending champion Selby but they split more than three years ago.

"All I could think about was what was in the envelope," said Selby.

The 25-year-old Englishman, ranked fourth in the world, lost the first two frames but regained his composure to level at 2-2 and then 3-3 before losing 5-3.

606: DEBATE

Give your reaction to Selby's exit

Selby claimed not to have heard what was said by Barmby but when he was told afterwards by reporters and asked for his response he replied: "No comment. I just want to talk about snooker".

A World Snooker spokesperson described the incident as "inappropriate".

"This person was asked to leave, which they were happy to do, and escorted from the building," added the spokesman.

World number 31 Hamilton will now face Ali Carter in the semi-finals.