A pigeon caused a bizarre delay midway through a World Championship snooker match.

After five frames, the bird flew towards a player before landing on the top cushion and strolling along the match table towards the middle pocket.

The pigeon was ushered out of the arena through the players’ entrance and almost flew into the reigning champion, who was returning to the theatre at the time.

The bird then made its way backstage, where it was caught by a member of staff.

“Those pigeons will do anything for a free ticket. This is unbelievable,” former world champion Ken Doherty said while commentating.

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Credit: screenshot from Twitter via GeoNews.