The latter, who knocked out world champion Luca Brecel in round one, was at the table during the fifth frame when the croaking sound rang out. Gilbert immediately stood up while the referee asked: “Please make sure your phones are on silent.” Gilbert smiled wryly at the comical sound, which went on for a few seconds. Eurosport commentator Phil Yates commented: “Oh deary me.
It’s not just a phone going off, it sounds like a frog croaking. It’s still going!”
No harm was done as Gilbert duly potted the next ball, although he lost the frame, with Milkins trimming his opponent’s advantage to 3-2. Gilbert took the next two frames to take a commanding 5-2 lead, but Milkins gave himself a lifeline by winning the last frame before the interval.
The best-of-25 match resumes on Friday. Resuming 8-1 in front after a dominant opening session on Wednesday, the world number one swept up the two frames required to book a last-16 clash with Ryan Day. His victory was the 48-year-old’s most emphatic at the Crucible since his 10-1 triumph over Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh at the same stage four years ago.
Page, who had been restricted to just a hint of his promise when he racked up a 142 total clearance in the seventh frame on Wednesday, returned with his fate effectively sealed. The 22-year-old was once again punished for running out of position in the opener, as O’Sullivan stepped up to take it with a break of 79, and more mistakes in the second wrapped up a quick-fire win for the seven-time champion. Featuring interviews with current players, legends of the baize, pundits, TV presenters, World Snooker Tour management, and other characters from behind the scenes, it really is the perfect addition to this year’s World Championship.
