😲 Snooker Referee Michaela Tabb Accidentally Breaks Major Rule in World Championship Match
In a moment of classic on-table human error, snooker referee Michaela Tabb—a pioneering figure in the sport—was left red-faced after accidentally breaking a major rule during a high-profile match at the
The Unbelievable Gaffe
The incident occurred during the second-round match between Graeme Dott and Stephen Maguire. Tabb, who in 2007 became the first woman to referee a world-ranking snooker final, was officiating on snooker's biggest stage.
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The Mistake: After Graeme Dott potted the green ball, Tabb became momentarily distracted. Instead of picking up the green and placing it back on its spot—the correct procedure for colored balls—she instead
picked up the white cue ball from the table and began cleaning it. -
The Reaction: The action caused an audible gasp from Tabb herself when she realized the error. The commentators were left stunned, with one remarking,
“Oh she’s picked the white up, that’s unbelievable. You rarely see that.” -
The Foul: Usually, the cue ball is only handled by the referee if a foul occurs (e.g., if it is potted or leaves the table). Tabb herself was technically at the center of the 'foul.'
Dott's Humorous Intervention
Tabb was alerted to the mistake by Dott, who found the situation hilarious.
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Tabb's Account: Tabb revealed the error stemmed from her trying to multitask: "I was concentrating on speaking to the audience about their ear pieces... I picked up the cue ball and started cleaning it and walked up to the green spot when
Graeme turned around and whispered, ‘Michaela you’ve picked up the cue ball.’" -
No Drama: Thankfully, the players involved, Dott and Maguire, were two of Tabb’s best friends on the circuit and immediately saw the funny side. She was relieved the gaffe didn't happen at a crucial stage of the game, admitting, "The way they took it really helped as it was a ridiculously stupid thing to do but at least it didn’t become a drama situation.”
The use of the monitor ensured the cue ball was eventually positioned back correctly, and normal service was quickly resumed.
Tabb's Pioneering Legacy
Tabb, who began her career in 2001 and left the circuit in 2015, holds immense pride in her accomplishments.
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Breaking Barriers: She was the first woman to referee a ranking final (Welsh Open, 2007) and the first woman to referee the World Championship final (2009).
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Lasting Impact: Tabb recognizes that her success paved the way for future female referees, stating, "My legacy is that all these young ladies that I can see on the television are doing that job because I did it.” She faced "complete scrutiny" during her ascent, admitting she felt constant pressure not to make a mistake and ruin her chances of officiating the final.
Ronnie O’Sullivan – The One and Only Genius of Snooker
There are players who win tournaments, and then there are players who redefine the game itself. Ronnie O’Sullivan, the “Rocket” of snooker, is firmly in the second category. Whenever he leans down on the green baize, the world stops. Fans know that with Ronnie, anything can happen—a clearance in minutes, a century break in seconds, or a piece of genius so natural that it feels effortless. You can’t take your eyes off him, because you never know when history will be made.
The Rocket’s Rise
Born in Wordsley, England, O’Sullivan was destined for greatness from a young age. He compiled his first century at age 10, his first maximum 147 at age 15, and by 17 he was already the youngest player to win a professional ranking title. From then on, his career was a whirlwind of brilliance, controversy, and records that still stand unmatched.
The Style That Changed Snooker
Ronnie isn’t just about winning—he’s about how he wins. His nickname “The Rocket” comes from his blistering pace. He can dismantle frames in minutes, clear tables before the opponent blinks, and thrill audiences with his fluidity. Unlike other players who grind through safety battles, Ronnie makes the game look like art.
He holds the record for the fastest 147 break in history—just 5 minutes and 8 seconds—a testament to his fearless, instinctive genius.
Moments of Madness and Magic
With genius often comes unpredictability. Ronnie has walked out mid-match, clashed with referees, and even admitted to losing interest in certain tournaments. But just when fans fear the worst, he responds with moments of pure brilliance—a maximum break, a double century run, or a comeback from nowhere.
This duality makes him irresistible: he is both flawed and flawless, vulnerable and unstoppable.
The One and Only
The highlight reels tell the story better than words. In the YouTube video
Why He Matters
Ronnie O’Sullivan is more than snooker’s most decorated player. He’s the reason millions tune in, the reason casual fans fall in love with the game, and the benchmark by which every player is judged. His blend of genius, drama, and humanity has made him a sporting icon far beyond snooker.
Legacy & Final Thoughts
At 48, O’Sullivan still dominates, still stuns, and still entertains. His legacy isn’t just in numbers—though his 7 World Championships, over 40 ranking titles, and record centuries speak volumes. His legacy is in the feeling he gives fans: the thrill of watching someone who makes the impossible look inevitable.
Ronnie O’Sullivan is, truly, the one and only.
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