John Higgins’ Welsh Open match with Bulcsu Revesz was unusually stopped after the Hungarian star received an instruction not to harm an insect that had landed on the snooker table.

John Higgins’ Welsh Open match with Bulcsu Revesz was unusually stopped after the Hungarian star received an instruction not to harm an insect that had landed on the snooker table.

The opening round match between John Higgins and Hungarian teenager Bulcsú Révész at the Welsh Open took an unexpected and light-hearted turn when play was briefly halted — not for a foul or a contentious decision, but for an insect that had wandered onto the table.

The unusual moment occurred during a tense early-frame exchange. As Higgins prepared to line up a shot, players and referee suddenly noticed a small insect crawling across the baize. With television cameras rolling and spectators watching closely, the referee stepped in to pause proceedings. What made the situation particularly memorable was the instruction given to Révész: he was told not to swat or harm the insect.

Snooker is known for its quiet intensity and strict etiquette, but rarely does that extend to wildlife management. Nonetheless, tournament officials were quick to ensure the creature was safely removed without being harmed. A member of staff gently ushered the insect away from the playing surface, drawing smiles from the crowd and a ripple of amusement around the arena.

For four-time world champion Higgins, a veteran of the professional tour with decades of experience, it was yet another example of the unpredictable nature of live sport. The Scot handled the interruption with typical composure, stepping back from the table and sharing a grin with his young opponent as the brief delay played out.

For 17-year-old Révész, regarded as one of Europe’s brightest emerging talents, the moment was perhaps even more surreal. Competing on one of snooker’s biggest stages against one of its most decorated players is pressure enough; adding an insect-related stoppage to the occasion only added to the story. The Hungarian has been making steady progress on the professional circuit and has drawn attention for his calm demeanour — something he maintained during the unexpected pause.

The Welsh Open, one of the longest-running ranking events on the snooker calendar, has seen its share of dramatic frames and historic victories over the years. However, this incident provided a rare slice of levity. In a sport where concentration is paramount and even the slightest distraction can affect the outcome of a frame, the sight of officials carefully rescuing a tiny pitch invader was both unusual and oddly fitting.

Crowds in attendance responded warmly, applauding once the insect had been safely removed and play resumed. Social media quickly picked up on the moment, with clips circulating and fans joking that even the local wildlife wanted a closer look at Higgins in action.

Once order was restored, the match continued without further interruption. Higgins refocused quickly, demonstrating the mental resilience that has defined his career, while Révész showed maturity beyond his years in settling back into rhythm.

Though it lasted only a few minutes, the stoppage became one of the talking points of the tournament’s early rounds. In a sport built on precision and patience, it was a reminder that sometimes the most memorable moments come from the smallest and most unexpected sources.