Snooker ref leaves Northern Ireland Open crowd in stitches with hilarious offer to help Mark Williams with tricky pot

A SNOOKER referee left fans in stitches after offering Mark Williams his GLASSES to help him pull off a tricky pot.

The hilarious moment unfolded during the three-time world champion’s Northern Ireland Open quarter-final against David Gilbert in Belfast on Friday night.

A snooker player bends over the table, placing his hand on his forehead to block the glare from overhead lights. — Mark Williams was struggling with his eyesight during his Northern Ireland Open quarter-final against David Gilbert

Snooker player lining up a shot at the table. — Luckily ref Sami Erkkila was on hand to lend him his glasses

Williams, 51, was struggling to line up a difficult long red, with the pink ball partially blocking his route.

The Welshman repeatedly crouched down to examine the angle, shutting his right eye and shielding it with his hand in an attempt to get a better view.

But referee Sami Erkkila spotted his struggles and jokingly offered the snooker legend his own glasses.

Williams happily accepted the spectacles and put them on, sparking laughter and applause from the crowd at the Waterfront Hall.

However, even the extra assistance was not enough to convince Williams to attempt the ambitious pot, with the veteran eventually opting for a safety shot instead.

TNT Sports commentator David Hendon joked: “Well, even with the help of the referee’s spectacles, he decided he couldn’t see it anyway.

“At least he hasn’t missed.”

The hilarious exchange was particularly fitting given Williams has previously opened up about his deteriorating eyesight, admitting he sometimes sees multiple balls when lining up shots.

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A bald referee wearing a black shirt and white gloves smiles while holding a white cue ball. — Referee Sami Erkkila hilariously offered his own glasses to Williams

The Welshman revealed earlier this year that his vision had worsened and that he was continuing to delay lens replacement surgery over fears it could affect his career.

But his eyesight problems did not stop him producing a fantastic comeback against Gilbert, recovering from 4-2 down to secure a 6-4 victory.

Williams will now face fellow Welshman Jak Jones in today’s semi-final as he chases a second Northern Ireland Open title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2017.

Kyren Wilson is taking on Sam Craigie in the other semi-final.