World Snooker Championship Final Referee Desislava Bozhilova Caught Out by Mark Williams’ Sarcastic Remark
A tense moment unfolded during the World Snooker Championship final between Mark Williams and Zhao Xintong, as referee Desislava Bozhilova was caught out by a sarcastic remark from the Welsh veteran. According to the Express, Williams was down 3-1 to his opponent and facing a pivotal moment in the fourth frame after snookering himself.
The 50-year-old potted a long red into the bottom-right corner, drawing huge applause from the Crucible crowd in what had been a difficult start for the veteran. However, he accidentally nudged the black ball into the pack of reds and did not have a shot at a colour. Unfortunately for Williams, the cue ball fell to the other side of the pack to the red and he was forced to play back into them after an impressive opening effort.
As Williams cued over the table, he jokingly nominated the much trickier yellow as his intended target, with almost everyone inside the Crucible aware that he was aiming for the black. However, Bozhilova declared that Williams was going for the yellow at the opposite end of the table. But Williams caught her just in time and while peering over the cue ball, ready to hit it, said: “Black ball?!” The Crucible crowd erupted into laughter as Bozhilova then re-declared the black as the intended target, which Williams successfully played.
This lighthearted moment came as Bozhilova made history as the second female referee to take charge of the Sheffield showpiece, and the first woman to referee the final of each Triple Crown event. As the Express reported, she has already officiated a World Championship semi-final and is considered one of the sport’s top referees, having spent 13 years on the World Snooker Tour as a ref. Bozhilova expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying: “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. It will be different to any other final because of the atmosphere at the Crucible.”
She also praised the support of her fellow referees, adding: “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.” Despite the lighthearted moment with Williams, Bozhilova’s focus on the game was clear, and she ensured that the correct procedure was followed.
Unfortunately for Williams, he was unable to take the fifth frame and Zhao continued his strong start to the first-ever final between two left-handed snooker players. As the match continues, fans will be keeping a close eye on the dynamics between the players and the referee, as well as the outcome of this historic encounter. The World Snooker Championship final is one of the most prestigious events in the sport, and Bozhilova’s appointment as referee marks a significant milestone for women in snooker.
Mark Williams and Zhao Xintong’s thrilling encounter can be followed live on the Express, with updates and analysis throughout the tournament. As the competition heats up, one thing is certain – Desislava Bozhilova has proven herself to be a capable and composed referee, and her presence behind the table has added an extra layer of excitement to the World Snooker Championship final.
In related news, Desislava Bozhilova has become the second female referee to officiate the World Snooker Championship final. According to the Express, Bozhilova has previously refereed several high-profile matches, including a World Championship semi-final.
For more information on World Snooker Championship and its referees, visit: the Express.
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