Fans confused after snooker star penalised for 'never-before-seen' foul during Snooker Masters match in Saudi Arabia

Ding Junhui was penalised after committing a bizarre, “never seen before” foul during his match against Stuart Bingham at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters.

The 35-year-old, who entered the fifth round of the tournament as a top 16 player, lost the match 5-4 after a thrilling deciding set in the final frame.

Ding took a 4-3 lead but lost the last two frames and suffered a painful exit from the first edition of the prestigious tournament in Riyadh.

But he lost the ninth frame after a bizarre incident that was ultimately ruled a foul by the referee.

After collecting 32 points while Bingham had zero points, Ding pocketed the black ball and raced to the red balls to break up the pack.

But referee Olivier Marteel whistled a foul and caused confusion among the spectators – until it became clear that it was due to Ding’s typo.

In zoomed-in replays, the Chinese star's cue tip could be seen falling off after hitting the object ball and bouncing into the group of red balls before another ball hit it.

The referee was then forced to call a foul – snooker fans cannot remember ever having experienced a similar situation.

You can see the incident below.

Marteel then tried to explain the rule to Ding – who had to get his cue repaired before he could return to the arena – before attempting to do the same to Bingham.

The Englishman finally came to the table and made a break of 63 to win the match.

Marteel told Ding (via Eurosport): “It happens. Go to the office. They will sort it out.”

“Yes, I'm sure your guess went negative. Junhui, I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true.”

Ding said he had not seen the incident, to which Marteel nodded.

When the frame ended, the referee told the 37-year-old: “Sorry, there's nothing I can do.” Ding replied: “Don't worry.”