diff --git a/verify_sync.py b/verify_sync.py
index 5082bfa..1263053 100644
--- a/verify_sync.py
+++ b/verify_sync.py
@@ -533,17 +533,24 @@ class VerifyWindow(QtWidgets.QMainWindow):
         return f"{h:02d}:{m:02d}:{s:06.3f}"
 
     def _sync_from_mpv(self):
-        """Poll mpv position and update waveforms."""
+        """Poll mpv position and play/pause state, update waveforms and audio."""
         if not self.mpv:
             return
         try:
             t = self.mpv.time_pos
+            paused = self.mpv.paused
         except Exception:
             t = 0
+            paused = True
         if t > self.duration:
             t = self.duration
         self._set_pos(t)
 
+        if not paused and not self.playing_a_b:
+            self.start_play()
+        elif paused and self.playing_a_b:
+            self.stop_play()
+
     def toggle_play(self):
         if not self.mpv:
             return