🎱 Exciting times in the world of snooker as Tatiana Woollaston, one of the most respected referees, takes centre stage at the Masters final! She’s overseeing the thrilling match between Kyren Wilson and John Higgins at the iconic Alexandra Palace.
But here’s an interesting twist – Tatiana is not allowed to officiate any matches involving her husband, Ben Woollaston. This power couple met through their shared passion for snooker but keep things strictly professional when it comes to the game. 👫
Tatiana, originally from Belarus, is no stranger to high-pressure environments. This isn’t her first time in a prestigious final – she previously refereed the UK Championship final and a World Championship semi-final. 🎱
Speaking about her excitement, Tatiana said, “It’s a massive event for the players and the referees. I’m really looking forward to it.” Her talents have been recognised by the big names; snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan even called her the “best ref in the world by a mile.”
Even though snooker isn’t her full-time job, Tatiana’s employer, Next, has been incredibly supportive. They’ve allowed her the flexibility to manage her career while chasing her snooker dreams. 🏆
Her love for the sport started young, sparked by watching matches with her dad on Russian-language Eurosport. Those childhood memories are coming full circle as she cements her place in the world of snooker. 🌟
Kudos to Tatiana for her amazing journey and setting new standards in the game! 🎉#SnookerLove #MastersFinal #RefereeGoals