Latest news with #Bozhilova
Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
World Championship final ref who clashed with Ronnie O'Sullivan giving away special item
World Championship final ref who clashed with Ronnie O'Sullivan giving away special item Snooker referee Desislava Bozhilova, who oversaw the recent World Championship final between Zhao Xintong and Mark Williams, is auctioning off a memorable item from the match Desislava Bozhilova is raising money for a good cause (Image: Getty ) A history-making snooker referee who had a run-in with Ronnie O'Sullivan is giving away a vital part of her attire in the name of charity. Desislava Bozhilova oversaw the recent World Championship final, which saw Welsh legend Mark Williams beaten 18-12 by Zhao Xintong, who became China's first Crucible champion. The Bulgarian, one of the top referees on the World Snooker Tour, became just the second woman to oversee a World Championship final after Michaela Tabb, who took charge of the 2009 and 2012 finals. Bozhilova is also the first female to referee all three Triple Crown finals, having previously taken charge of the UK Championship and Masters showpieces. Having officiated the biggest match in the sport, Bozhilova could be forgiven for hanging on to every memento from the occasion, but the generous 32-year-old is auctioning off her white gloves from the final to charity. She posted on social media: 'Do you want my gloves from the final? There is an auction on Wednesday (May 21) at 6pm UK time for 24 hours on my Instagram page. All the money goes to charity!' It is unclear which charity will benefit, but she has confirmed the starting bid will be €150 (£126). The auction will be hosted on her Instagram page, where bids can be placed in the comments section. Bozhilova received a special trophy from her home federation to mark refereeing the World Championship final. Sharing a picture of the impressive trophy, she posted on Instagram: "Thank you all so much for the kind words regarding refereeing the World Final. I loved every second of it, the atmosphere was amazing and it was a pleasure to be involved in a game like that. Article continues below Bozhilova is the first female referee to take charge of all three Triple Crown finals (Image: Getty ) "Congratulations to Zhao Xintong on an amazing win, and also to Mark Williams for making it to his fifth World Final. Special thanks to Oleg Velinov and everyone involved in the heartfelt surprise during the final! Shout out to this amazing artist Daba (the Bulgarian artist that crafted the trophy) and the sculpture he made for me!' Ahead of the final, Bozhilova opened up about what the appointment meant to her. She said: "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. "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 team work and we support each other." Bozhilova's career has also featured a clash with Ronnie O'Sullivan during his Crucible quarter-final defeat to Stuart Bingham in 2024. With the match at 10-10, the Rocket refused to come to the table while fans following the match on the other table filtered back into the arena after a break. Bozhilova re-spots the blacks as Ronnie O'Sullivan watches on during his 2024 quarter-final defeat to Stuart Bingham (Image:) Article continues below After asking fans to take their seats quickly, Bozhilova then gestured to O'Sullivan to come back to the table, but the seven-time world champion remained unconvinced. 'But we might wait 20 minutes,' said Bozhilova. O'Sullivan replied: 'It's not 20 minutes. Just chill, chill.' Bozhilova then insisted: 'I'm chilled.' It was the second incident of the day between O'Sullivan and Bozhilova, with the Rocket turning down a red in the 12th frame after being left unhappy with how the black had been respotted.
Wales Online
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
World snooker final referee Desislava Bozhilova's close relationship with fellow ref and salary
World snooker final referee Desislava Bozhilova's close relationship with fellow ref and salary Desislava Bozhilova is the referee in charge of this year's World Snooker Championship final between Mark Williams and Zhao Xintong Desislava Bozhilova, right, and Proletina Velichkova, left (Image: ) While the achievements of 50-year-old Mark Williams and 28-year-old sensation Zhao Xintong in reaching the World Snooker Championship final have understandably taken the headlines, the role of the woman officiating today's Crucible battle should not be overlooked. Desislava Bozhilova is refereeing her first World Snooker Championship final at just 32, completing her own Triple Crown after previously taking charge of the Masters and UK Championship finals in 2022. Her first major final was only in 2016 when she was in charge at the Riga Masters in Latvia. Bozhilova has become something of a celebrity herself in the snooker world, earning a strong reputation for her refereeing skills, while also sharing other aspects of her life with fans on social media. She passed her international refereeing exams in 2012 and was previously a talented snooker and pool player herself. The Bulgarian has interests and talents far outside the game, holding a master's degree in landscape architecture from the University of Forestry in Sofia. She is also a passionate baker who regularly showcases her creations on social media. Article continues below How much does snooker referee Desislava Bozhilova get paid? Most World Snooker professional referees reportedly earn a base salary of £20,750 every season, with a higher base rate and further bonuses available for the top officials who referee deep into major tournaments. The large majority of snooker referees do not receive a base salary, though, and the instead get paid per day - rather than per game. This can be up to £500 for a session. Many referees are part-time and combine their snooker work with other jobs and interests. Travel, accommodation, and meal expenses are covered, easing the financial burden on referees during long competitions. Desislava Bozhilova's close relationship with fellow referee Bozhilova regularly shares personal updates with her nearly 40,000 Instagram followers and has a close relationship with fellow female snooker referee Proletina Velichkova. The pair post regular pictures together, including annual Valentine's Day selfies. Velichkova, also Bulgarian, officiated her first match on the WST on home soil at the 2012 Bulgarian Open, just 18 months after spotting an advert in a newspaper for Bulgarian snooker referees. She is now a regular at major ranking events and hopes to reach the heights of Bozhilova , taking charge of numerous matches in the Home Nations Series over the past couple of years. The pair are very supportive of each other's achievements, with Velichlova posting a picture with Bozhilova's family and friends ahead of this year's final. Ronnie O'Sullivan clash During a tense quarter-final match between The Rocket and Stuart Bingham last year, O'Sullivan expressed dissatisfaction with how Bozhilova had respotted the black ball before declining a red during the 12th frame, reports the Mirror. As the match approached its nail-biting conclusion, tied at 10 frames each, the audience began to filter back into the arena while another game featuring Kyren Wilson and John Higgins was about to resume following an interval. Ronnie O'Sullivan and referee Desislava Bozhilova had a frosty exchange at the 2024 World Championship (Image: Getty Images ) Article continues below With the crowd noise rising, O'Sullivan returned to his seat, preparing for a pivotal shot at a red. It was then that Bozhilova addressed the spectators, requesting: "Would you take your seats quickly, and then hold the door closed for a minute." As The Rocket hesitated to approach the table amid crowd noise, referee Bozhilova attempted to nudge him by saying: "But we might wait 20 minutes." To which O'Sullivan retorted humorously with: "It's not 20 minutes. Just chill, chill." "I'm chilled," replied the referee tersely. This chilly exchange didn't quite boost O'Sullivan during the match, although he did pot a red in the top-right corner. However, he ultimately succumbed to a 13-10 defeat against his adversary Bingham, shattering his dreams of securing an eighth title at the Crucible.
Wales Online
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Meet World Snooker Championship final ref Desislava Bozhilova who clashed with Ronnie O'Sullivan
Meet World Snooker Championship final ref Desislava Bozhilova who clashed with Ronnie O'Sullivan Bulgarian official Desislava Bozhilova will fulfil a 'dream' when she becomes only the second woman to referee the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible in Sheffield Desislava Bozhilova has been tasked with officiating the World Snooker Championship final (Image: Getty Images ) Referee Desislava Bozhilova is set to realise a 'dream' as she prepares to officiate the World Snooker Championship final, becoming only the second woman ever to oversee the Crucible's main event. At 32 years old, Bozhilova, who debuted on the World Snooker Tour in 2012 after being a lifelong fan of cue sports, has steadily risen through the ranks to become one of the sport's most respected officials. Desi first stepped into the Crucible arena in 2019 and has since taken charge of a semi-final at the esteemed venue. The year 2025 will see her reach a pinnacle moment as she officiates a Triple Crown of finals. We delve into the Bulgarian referee's life beyond the baize, exploring her passion for baking, and touch on a memorable fiery exchange with snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan, as well as her sentiments on achieving a final 'dream'. Ronnie O'Sullivan clash During a tense quarter-final match between The Rocket and Stuart Bingham last year, O'Sullivan expressed dissatisfaction with how Bozhilova had respotted the black ball before declining a red during the 12th frame, reports the Mirror. As the match approached its nail-biting conclusion, tied at 10 frames each, the audience began to filter back into the arena while another game featuring Kyren Wilson and John Higgins was about to resume following an interval. The referee has clashed with O'Sullivan in the past (Image: Getty Images ) Article continues below With the crowd noise rising, O'Sullivan returned to his seat, preparing for a pivotal shot at a red. It was then that Bozhilova addressed the spectators, requesting: "Would you take your seats quickly, and then hold the door closed for a minute." As The Rocket hesitated to approach the table amid crowd noise, referee Bozhilova attempted to nudge him by saying: "But we might wait 20 minutes." To which O'Sullivan retorted humorously with: "It's not 20 minutes. Just chill, chill." "I'm chilled," replied the referee tersely. This chilly exchange didn't quite boost O'Sullivan during the match, although he did pot a red in the top-right corner. However, he ultimately succumbed to a 13-10 defeat against his adversary Bingham, shattering his dreams of securing an eighth title at the Crucible. Baking passion When it comes to baking, Bozhilova is just as talented as her officiating, holding a Masters degree in Landscape Architecture and displaying her exquisite cake-making prowess on social media. Her Instagram account overflows with colourful and elaborate confectioneries, featuring Christmas trees, unicorns, and even snooker balls, charming her audience of 37,000 followers. Bozhilova shows off her bakes on social media (Image: Instagram/@desbozhilova ) Refereeing 'dream' Before donning the white gloves, the Bulgarian was an avid player of pool and snooker in her childhood. By 2012, Bozhilova had achieved her goal of becoming an international referee and marked her WST debut the same year. Landing the opportunity to be only the second female ever appointed to oversee a Crucible final - joining Michaela Tabb, who did so in 2009 and 2012 - Bozhilova acknowledged it as the realisation of a lifelong 'dream'. "I am really excited, it was an amazing feeling when I was given the news," she expressed to 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. Article continues below "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," she concluded with joy.
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Snooker Champs final ref Desislava Bozhilova's secret passion and Ronnie O'Sullivan tension
Bulgarian official Desislava Bozhilova will be in charge of this year's World Snooker Championship final, with her secret cooking passion and past irks with Ronnie O'Sullivan Referee Desislava Bozhilova will fulfil a 'dream' when she steps up to officiate the World Snooker Championship final, becoming only the second woman to take charge of the Crucible showpiece. The 32-year-old made her World Snooker Tour debut in 2012, having grown up an avid cue sport enthusiast, and has made significant inroads into becoming one of the professional game's finest. Desi first entered the Crucible in 2019 and has officiated a semi-final at the historic venue. However, 2025 will mark her crowning glory as she completes a Triple Crown of finals. Mirror Sport takes an in-depth look into the Bulgarian's life away from the table, including her keen baking interests, as well as a past heated exchange with the iconic Ronnie O'Sullivan, and her thoughts on a final 'dream' come true. Ronnie O'Sullivan exchange During The Rocket's quarter-final clash against Stuart Bingham 12 months ago, O'Sullivan took issue early with how referee Bozhilova had respotted a black, turning down a red in the 12th frame. As the clash reached its climax, with O'Sullivan and his opponent poised on 10 frames apiece, fans entered the arena as the other match on the floor – Kyren Wilson and John Higgins' bout – was about to start after a mid-session break. O'Sullivan went back to his chair as crowd noise ensued, waiting to take aim at a crucial red, and Bozhilova uttered to spectators: "Would you take your seats quickly, and then hold the door closed for a minute." As the official gestured to The Rocket to return to the table, he refused, still put off by the noise in the crowd, to which Bozhilova said: "But we might wait 20 minutes." O'Sullivan quickly replied, quipping: "It's not 20 minutes. Just chill, chill." "I'm chilled," was the referee's response. This frosty interaction wouldn't aid O'Sullivan in the match, but it did see him sink the top-right corner-positioned red. He would fall 13-10 to opponent Bingham, and see his hopes of an eight Crucible crown blown to pieces. Passion for baking Not only does Bozhilova hold a Masters degree in Landscape Architecture, but she is also an expert cake-maker, and shows off her skills on social media. The Bulgarian's Instagram page is filled to the brim with bright and intricate baked designs, including Christmas trees, unicorns and snooker balls – all of which are loved by her 37,000 followers. Officiating origin and Crucible' dream' The 32-year-old played pool and snooker growing up in her native Bulgaria before she swapped a cue for white gloves. In 2012, she passed her exam to become an international referee and made her WST debut that year. When she was informed she'd become only the second woman to take charge of a Crucible final, the other being the trailblazing Michaela Tabb in 2009 and 2012, Bozhilova admitted that this honour was a true 'dream'. "I am really excited, it was an amazing feeling when I was given the news," she 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," she joyously concluded.
Daily Record
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Meet Desislava Bozhilova: World Snooker Championship final referee who was told 'just chill' by Ronnie O'Sullivan
Bulgarian Bozhilova will become the first woman to take charge of all three Triple Crown finals All eyes will be on the two players, but the World Snooker Championship final will also be the biggest day of Desislava Bozhilova's career. The Bulgarian referee will take charge of the final of snooker's biggest event, and is renowned as one of the most respected officials in the game. However her backstory includes a memorable disagreement with Ronnie O'Sullivan - and even telling some excitable commentators to tone it down during a match. The 32-year-old will become the first woman to have taken charge of the final of all three Triple Crown events, having previously officiated the final of the Masters and the UK Championship in 2022." She will become just the second woman to take charge of the world final, after Michaela Tabb who donned the white gloves in 2009 and 2012. Bozhilova first worked on the Tour at a PTC event in Sofia in 2012, and quickly advanced through the ranks to become one of the sport's best respected referees. She took charge of a Crucible semi-final for the first time in 2022 when Judd Trump edged out Mark Williams 17-16, and will now make the step up to snooker's biggest match. Speaking about joining the elite list of World Championship final referees, Bozhilova 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. 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 team work and we support each other." It hasn't all been plain-sailing however, and no-nonsense Desislava doesn't care if you're a competitor or a commentator when it comes to laying down the law. Back in 2022, she told off BBC commentators for being too loud during a semi-final clash between Judd Trump and Mark Williams. On rival broadcaster Eurosport, the commentators said: "Just a bit of noise coming from the host broadcaster's studio. Desislava banged on the window and told them to keep quiet. That's the way to do it." And last year Ronnie O'Sullivan told Bozhilova to 'chill' during the final session of his quarter-final against Stuart Bingham after he refused to come to the table while fans watching the match on the other side of the arena trickled in. She gestured to O'Sullivan to come back to the table, but the seven-time world champion remained unconvinced. 'But we might wait 20 minutes,' Bozhilova said. 'It's not 20 minutes. Just chill, chill,' O'Sullivan replied. 'I'm chilled,' added the irate ref. The Rocket had also turned down a red in the 12th frame after being left displeased with how the black had been re-spotted earlier in the match.
