We’re saddened to hear about the passing of veteran snooker referee, Peter Williamson. Born in Merseyside, Peter was not just a familiar face on the World Snooker Tour from 1991 to 2021, but also a beloved figure in the snooker community. Peter officiated some of the most memorable matches at the World Championship held at the Crucible, including his favourite: the 2009 Shanghai Masters semi-final between legends Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins.
His illustrious career saw him overseeing seven maximum breaks and officiating the World Billiards Championship final five times. Fellow referee Eirian Williams fondly remembers starting their professional journeys together in 1991, calling Peter “a safe pair of hands” and a valued friend. “We exchanged visits around four times a year and had a wonderful friendship. It’s heartbreaking to lose such a kind soul,” he shared.
Tributes have poured in across social media, with snooker announcer Phil Seymour saying: “Very sad to hear of Peter Williamson’s passing. A lovely man, always kind-hearted. He’ll be truly missed.” Former snooker player Mike Dunn expressed his sorrow over losing “a buddy” on the snooker circuit. Dutch referee Jan Veerhas called him “a gentleman with snooker in his heart.”
Williamson’s passing follows the recent death of another snooker legend, John Virgo. An iconic voice in the sport, John was beloved for his commentary and charismatic presence. Ronnie O’Sullivan, among others, shared heartfelt tributes to Virgo, proving how deeply he was cherished.
Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of these two remarkable figures in the snooker world. May they rest in peace.