'Best ref in the world' - Ronnie O'Sullivan, Reanne Evans agree Tatiana Woollaston 'deserves' World Championship final

ByRhys Jones

Published 03/05/2024 at 22:25 GMT

Ronnie O'Sullivan and Reanne Evans praised snooker referee Tatiana Woollaston on Friday following the third session between Kyren Wilson and David Gilbert at the Crucible. The Eurosport pundits were full of compliments for the official and feel she should be in charge of the biggest matches, with O'Sullivan suggesting she should referee this year's World Championship final.

Tatiana Woollaston has been given the seal of approval from snooker's greatest player after Ronnie O'Sullivan said that she is the best referee in the world.

Speaking after Kyren Wilson and David Gilbert locked horns in the third session of their World Championship semi-final clash, O'Sullivan and fellow Eurosport pundits Jimmy White and Reanne Evans praised the Belarusian as the best in the world.

"Best ref in the world mate. By a mile. All day long for me," O'Sullivan said on Friday night, adding that she should referee this year's final at the Crucible.

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Evans echoed that, saying "She's a top ref, top, top ref. I really rate her, she's a great girl as well.

"She deserves the final. She's top class and I hope she does get the final next year."

White nodded in agreement, adding: "She will do a final, for sure."

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The 37-year-old is an official referee of the WPBSA, EASB, EBSA and BSF, and is married to pro snooker star Ben Woollaston, with whom she has two children.

She's well known and beloved for her no-nonsense approach and famously warned Matt Selt that he would lose a frame at last year's World Championship when he launched into an X-rated rant during his match with Mark Selby.

Gilbert finishes third session with brilliant century against Wilson

"I have to warn you for swearing, if I have to warn you again you will lose the frame," Tatiana calmly told Selt during the match.

Woollaston refereed for the first time at the Crucible in 2020 in front of no crowds and has quickly risen as one of the most respected officials in the sport. It won't be long before we see her on the baize in a final.

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