Gilbert could be fined for early concession

Snooker star David Gilbert could face a fine after offering an early concession in his German Masters qualifying match against Andy Hicks.

Gilbert shook hands with Hicks after missing a black off its spot in the sixth frame of their bestof-nine match at the Morningside Arena in Leicester.

The 41-year-old trailed 3-2 and by 54 points in the frame in question, with 75 points still remaining on the table.

The rules of governing body, the WPBSA, state players must always “perform and compete to the best of his ability in each tournament in which he competes”.

At the 2006 UK Championship, Ronnie O’sullivan conceded his quarter-final against Stephen Hendry when he trailed 4-1 in another best-of-nine encounter.