World Snooker Champs final ref was forced to bang on commentary box window after disturbance
World Snooker Champs final ref was forced to bang on commentary box window after disturbance
Desislava Bozhilova is set to become only the second woman to referee a World Snooker Championship final, just three years after she was forced to hush the BBC commentary team
Desislava Bozhilova will referee a Crucible final on Sunday
(Image: Getty Images )
Fan-favourite referee Desislava Bozhilova took matters into her own hands during a World Snooker Championship semi-final by knocking on the commentary box window to silence broadcasters.
This Sunday, Bozhilova is set to become only the second woman to officiate a Crucible final, but three years ago, she was reprimanding commentators at the renowned snooker venue.
Back in 2022, Judd Trump and iconic Welshman Mark Williams - who are currently duelling it out in Sheffield - were locked in a tense battle. As Trump prepared to take his shot in the eighth frame, an unexpected knock off-camera interrupted the Englishman.
The audience erupted into laughter after the incident, and Eurosport's commentators explained that it was Bozhilova who had knocked on the BBC window, requesting they keep the noise down as it had been putting off the potter.
"Just a bit of noise coming from the host broadcaster's studio," the Eurosport commentary team acknowledged, likely alluding to the BBC. "Desislava banged on the window and told them to keep quiet. That's the way to do it!".
After the light-hearted disturbance, Trump confidently secured a 7-1 lead in the initial semi-final session. Yet, what unfolded thereafter became one of the most thrilling matches in Crucible history, reports the Express.
Article continues below
The match saw Trump carry forward his lead to see things stand at 11-5, but the legendary Williams staged a remarkable comeback, narrowing the gap to 13-11, then levelling the score at 13-13, and eventually 15-15 in the final session.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Both players traded frames, setting the stage for a nail-biting deciding frame. Williams edged ahead 16-15, only for Trump to pull things back level.
Ultimately, Trump would claim victory in the thrilling 17-16 contest, though the Ace in the Pack later succumbed to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the final, losing 18-13.
Fast forward to the present, and both players are locked in a closely contested semi-final, each vying for a spot in the final against the talented Chinese player Zhao Xintong.
Referee Bozhilova is set to officiate Sunday's main event, where she will once again encounter one of the former world champions, and has expressed her excitement about overseeing such a prestigious match, calling it a true 'dream'.
Article continues below
"I am really excited, it was an amazing feeling when I was given the news," Bozhilova, who is poised to become only the second woman to referee a world final, following in the footsteps of Michaela Tabb, who achieved this feat in 2009 and 2012, told World Snooker.
"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.
"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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Another Ruben Amorim target rejects Man Utd move as Viktor Gyokeres rift grows
Manchester United's transfer plans are in disarray after another of Ruben Amorim's targets followed Liam Delap in turning down a move to Old Trafford this summer Manchester United's summer transfer window has entered something of a holding pattern after missing out on Liam Delap. The Ipswich Town star had been their top target as they look to strengthen their options at striker. But the Englishman instead decided to join Chelsea, forcing the Red Devils to explore alternative options. One of those options is Viktor Gyokeres, though negotiations with Sporting Lisbon are proving to be more difficult than expected. Talk around the Swedish star has cooled as the window has progressed, with the player himself growing increasingly frustrated. Another alternative is Victor Osimhen, who had appeared set to join Galatasaray. But there still appears to be time for United to steal in and sign the Nigerian international. One move certainly not happening is one that would have taken Gianluigi Donnarumma to Old Trafford. Donnarumma's future at Paris Saint-Germain had appeared uncertain, attracting the Red Devils' attention. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest Manchester United transfer news. Donnarumma rejects move Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma has insisted he has no intention of leaving the French capital this summer. The Italian is entering the final year of his contract at the Parc des Princes. That had attracted the attention of United, who are looking to replace flop Andre Onana. But Donnarumma has now made it clear he wants to stay in Paris and is confident negotiations over a new contract will progress quickly. "My priority is to stay at PSG, I don't think there will be any problems in the negotiations," Donnarumma told Sky Sports Italia after his country defeated Moldova on Monday night. "We're a great team." Osimhen 'dreams' of United Victor Osimhen has emerged once again as a potential option for Manchester United as they search for a new striker. Napoli are keen to sell the Nigerian international this summer, with his contract entering its final year. The Serie A side are demanding a fee of £63million, putting off his suitors so far. Osimhen has already rejected a move to Al-Hilal and Gazzetta dello Sports now claim that he is instead 'dreaming' of playing in the Premier League. Osimhen's rejection of Al-Hilal has put United on red alert, with the Red Devils exploring a swap deal. Alejandro Garnacho is one potential option, while Joshua Zirkzee has also been floated as a potential makeweight. Gyokeres rift grows Viktor Gyokeres' frustration with Sporting Lisbon is growing, with the Portuguese side continuing to block a transfer deal. Gyokeres is a target for several sides, including United, after another stunning season for Sporting. But the Portuguese champions do not want to let him leave easily, prompting a rift to form. According to A Bola, Sporting agreed last summer that Gyokeres could leave for £53m this year. They have upped their asking price to £67m though, creating a 'rift' between the player and the club. Gyokeres is said to have made it clear to Sporting's chiefs that he wants to leave this summer, with the 27-year-old insisting he feels ready to make a leap up a level. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
BBC News
11 hours ago
- BBC News
'People will go to the stadium to see a player like him'
French football journalist Loic Tanzi says new Manchester City fans will see "something big" from new signing Rayan Cherki under Pep move to City was confirmed on Tuesday and the 21-year-old will be eligible to play in the Club World Cup."People will go to the stadium to see a player like him because when he touches the ball it can become crazy during the games," Tanzi told BBC World Service."It's going to be interesting for him because he's played three years now in Lyon. He's just 21 years old and it's a big step for him in his career. Under Pep Guardiola, we can see something big. He's not a top player for now, but I think he can become a top player."Some creative players - such as Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish - have taken time to adapt to Guardiola's style of play and, while Tanzi does believe Cherki may not adjust immediately, he does believe the France international will very quickly."He's the kind of player who needs time to adapt to a new environment, to a new coach - and he will need time to just understand what Pep Guardiola needs from him," Tanzi added."But I think he will just need, I don't know - one month, two months. He is a really clever player and a really clever guy."He signed to Manchester City because he knows Guardiola wants to do something really specific with him, and I think he will succeed in the end."
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Sky Sports in talks with TV star Roman Kemp to be part of football coverage after seven presenters left in huge shake up
He was in line for a top job at the BBC last year HE'S THE ONE Sky Sports in talks with TV star Roman Kemp to be part of football coverage after seven presenters left in huge shake up Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SKY SPORTS are in talks with TV host Roman Kemp over a role within their football coverage, reports claim. It comes two weeks after Sky confirmed the departures of seven senior reporters as part of a major redundancy programme. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Sky Sports are in talks with Roman Kemp over a role within their football coverage for next season Credit: PA Long-serving presenter Rob Wotton announced his exit after 30 years in a tearful farewell live on air in May. But Sky bosses have remained tight-lipped about the changes. And now The Mail have sensationally claimed that Kemp, 32, is in line for a shock hosting role on a new footie show at Sky. The son of former Spandau Ballet star Martin, Kemp is a presenter on BBC flagship programme The One Show. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS MIC SWAP Carrick takes up new offer alongside Man Utd icon O'Shea just days after Boro axe The big-time Arsenal fan was linked with a role on Match of the Day when it emerged that Gary Lineker would quit at the end of the season. The Mail reports that Sky have entered discussions with Kemp as part of their ongoing bid to attract new audiences. Kemp has a huge online following and is popular with a younger audience thanks to a long stint hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FM. Sky made a series of redundancies as part of a restructure in May. 3 Kemp appeals to younger audiences Credit: Getty CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The cull impacted seven reporters and presenters, amid a desire to make the station more agile and "better equipped to serve audiences". Fellow presenters Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor will leave this summer, along with senior reporters Jeremy Langdon and Melissa Reddy and Fadumo Olow. Melissa Reddy among SEVEN Sky Sports News stars leaving in major shake-up Senior Football Reporter Reddy was a new recruit three years ago, but has covered most of the biggest stories in the Premier League. Sky insist the changes are not primarily a cost-cutting measure.
