**Trailblazer Desislava Bozhilova Set to Referee Crucible Final After Fiery Exchanges with Ronnie O’Sullivan**
Snooker fans around the world are set to witness history as Bulgarian referee Desislava Bozhilova prepares to take centre stage at the final of the World Snooker Championship at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Becoming only the second woman to officiate the sport’s most prestigious contest, Bozhilova’s appointment marks a significant milestone both for her personally and for the development of gender diversity within the sport.
Bozhilova, 32, is a familiar face to those who closely follow the snooker circuit. Since joining the World Snooker Tour in 2012, she has steadily built a reputation as one of the most meticulous and respected officials. Her journey to this point has been shaped by both her professionalism on the table and her passions outside of sport, painting a picture of a well-rounded individual whose love for snooker shines through in every match she oversees.
The upcoming final at the Crucible will not only represent a pinnacle in Bozhilova’s refereeing career, but will also see her join an exclusive club, following in the footsteps of trailblazer Michaela Tabb, who previously officiated Crucible finals in 2009 and 2012. For Bozhilova, this achievement is the realisation of a childhood dream. Reflecting on her appointment in an interview with World Snooker, she remarked, “I am really excited, it was an amazing feeling when I was given the news. It is what I have worked towards for many years – it has been my dream.”
While the world of snooker is often synonymous with calm precision, Bozhilova’s own journey has not been without its moments of drama. One notable incident occurred during a tense quarter-final clash last year between Ronnie “The Rocket” O’Sullivan and Stuart Bingham. As the match intensity grew, so did the pressures off the table. O’Sullivan took exception to Bozhilova’s respotting of the black ball during a key frame and later became frustrated as crowd noise disrupted his rhythm at a crucial juncture of the match.
Attempting to restore order, Bozhilova called to the returning audience to settle into their seats promptly, adding, “Would you take your seats quickly, and then hold the door closed for a minute.” With O’Sullivan hesitating due to continued commotion, the referee pressed gently, commenting, “But we might wait 20 minutes.” The exchange prompted a sharp response from O’Sullivan, who retorted, “It’s not 20 minutes. Just chill, chill.” Bozhilova, displaying her characteristic composure, replied, “I’m chilled.” Though the exchange briefly threatened to overshadow proceedings, Bozhilova’s steadfast approach ensured the match continued fairly—despite O’Sullivan ultimately falling short of his bid for an eighth world title.
Beyond the rigours of refereeing the world’s best on the green baize, Bozhilova enjoys another creative passion: baking. Armed with a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture, she also dedicates time to crafting elaborate cakes and confectionery, frequently sharing her showpieces with over 37,000 followers on Instagram. Among her creations are elaborate bakes shaped as Christmas trees, unicorns, and even snooker balls, a testament to her artistic flair away from the tension of the Crucible.
Bozhilova’s ascent to one of snooker’s most visible roles is seen by many as a groundbreaking moment not just for her, but for women in the sport. She credits senior referees and colleagues for imparting wisdom and support throughout her journey, stating, “Since I started working in snooker, I have learned everything from the more experienced referees. They give advice and tell us how to improve. There is a lot of teamwork, and we support each other.”
Her drive and ability to break new ground have naturally drawn widespread admiration. Yet, Bozhilova remains grounded, balancing the pressure of the job with a creative outlet and a down-to-earth attitude—qualities that will serve her well as she steps into her most high-profile assignment yet.
The excitement surrounding this year’s final is palpable and, as Bozhilova dons the white gloves, both fans and fellow professionals will keenly watch not only the snooker, but also this landmark moment in the sport’s ongoing evolution.
The world of snooker stands on the brink of a new era, as Bozhilova personifies the sport’s growing inclusivity, professionalism and international appeal. As the Crucible’s famous lights shine down, all eyes will be on her to see how she navigates both the pressures and the passions that have defined her remarkable journey.