Desislava Bozhilova, a favourite among snooker fans, is poised to make history this Sunday by becoming only the second woman ever to referee a World Snooker Championship final at Sheffield’s iconic Crucible Theatre. As she prepares for this landmark moment, Bozhilova’s steady rise through the sport has been marked by professionalism—and, on one memorable occasion, by an unusual intervention to maintain the famous Crucible silence.
Rewind to the intense 2022 semi-final clash between England’s Judd Trump and Welsh legend Mark Williams. The Crucible’s hushed atmosphere, vital for player concentration, was unexpectedly disrupted—not by a restless spectator but by noise emanating from the host broadcaster’s studio. As Trump aligned his shot in the tension-filled eighth frame, audible chatter from the nearby commentary box risked breaking his focus.
With the crowd on edge and laughter bubbling following the interruption, Bozhilova swiftly addressed the distraction in an unusual manner. Most referees blend into the background, but in this case, she approached the BBC’s commentary box and knocked firmly on the window, signalling for quiet. Eurosport’s commentators later described the scene with amusement, highlighting Bozhilova’s no-nonsense approach: “Desislava banged on the window and told them to keep quiet. That’s the way to do it!”
This light-hearted yet determined act encapsulated Bozhilova’s presence on the snooker stage. Following the incident, Judd Trump resumed his steady form, establishing a commanding 7-1 lead at the close of the first semi-final session. However, the match itself quickly became one for the ages, illustrating why the Crucible’s unique atmosphere is so pivotal to the game’s drama.
Trump extended his advantage to 11-5, but Mark Williams, known for his resilience, mounted a sensational comeback. The scores seesawed as Williams closed the gap to 13-11, then dramatically drew level at 13-13. The Welshman even pulled ahead at 16-15, only for Trump to equalise, taking the semi-final into a fiercely contested deciding frame. Ultimately, Trump squeezed through with a 17-16 victory, only to fall to Ronnie O’Sullivan in the championship match.
Fast forward three years, and both Trump and Williams are once again locked in a semi-final showdown at Sheffield, each determined to reach the final and face China’s rising star, Zhao Xintong. As anticipation builds, much attention has shifted to Bozhilova, whose journey to the referee’s chair for a World Snooker Championship final marks a significant breakthrough for women in the sport.
Reflecting on her appointment, Bozhilova described the moment as the culmination of many years of ambition and hard work. Speaking to World Snooker, she said: “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.” She added, “It will be different to any other final because of the atmosphere at the Crucible.”
Bozhilova’s ascension follows in the footsteps of Michaela Tabb, who made history by refereeing the 2009 and 2012 finals. In a sport steeped in tradition, the inclusion of more female officials is widely viewed as a significant step forward. Bozhilova herself credits the experienced referees who supported her journey, explaining, “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.”
As the final approaches, Bozhilova’s presence as referee brings both a symbolic and practical reassurance: that the integrity and respect demanded by the Crucible are in capable hands. Her diligent, no-nonsense approach, exemplified by that famous knock on the commentary box window, has endeared her to players and fans alike.
Whether Sunday’s final delivers more edge-of-your-seat drama or runs according to script, one certainty remains: the spotlight will shine not just on the players vying for snooker’s most coveted prize, but also on a trailblazing referee, making her own mark on Crucible history.