Snooker star whose wife is World Championship referee gets new job away from the table Ben Woollaston, the seasoned professional who made headlines with a stunning victory over Mark Selby at the 2025 World Snooker Championship, is stepping into a new chapter in his career—this time away from the table…

Snooker star whose wife is World Championship referee gets new job away from the table

Ben Woollaston, the seasoned professional who made headlines with a stunning victory over Mark Selby at the 2025 World Snooker Championship, is stepping into a new chapter in his career—this time away from the table…

 

The Leicester-born cueist, known for his calm demeanor and determined play, has been appointed to a new role with snooker’s governing body, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

Woollaston, 37, was elected to the WPBSA Players Board in December 2024, following the departure of former board member and retired professional Nigel Bond. This new role gives Woollaston a formal voice in shaping the direction of the sport and representing the interests of players across the professional tour.

“I’ve always cared deeply about snooker and the people in it,” said Woollaston. “This role allows me to give something back to the game that has given me so much.”

His election to the board came just months before his dramatic performance at the Crucible, where he shocked the snooker world by defeating four-time world champion Mark Selby in the first round. The upset was especially poignant given that both players hail from Leicester, and Selby was widely tipped as a strong contender for the 2025 title.

Woollaston’s new off-table role adds to a remarkable year, both professionally and personally. His wife, Tatiana Woollaston, is one of the sport’s most respected referees and officiated during the 2025 World Championship—making them one of snooker’s most high-profile couples. Tatiana, originally from Belarus, has been a prominent figure in the game for over a decade, and the couple’s shared involvement in professional snooker gives Woollaston unique insight into both the players’ and officials’ perspectives.

Despite a career hampered in recent years by health struggles—including a battle with chronic fatigue syndrome—Woollaston has shown resilience both on and off the table. His continued participation on the tour, combined with his new administrative responsibilities, highlights his commitment to the long-term success and integrity of the sport.

Within the WPBSA Players Board, Woollaston will work alongside other experienced professionals such as Ken Doherty and Mark Davis. Together, they help ensure that player welfare, tour structure, and governance remain at the heart of snooker’s development. The board acts as a bridge between players and the WPBSA’s executive leadership, giving competitors a say in key decisions that affect their careers.

Woollaston’s appointment has been welcomed by many of his peers, who see him as a thoughtful and well-respected figure capable of balancing the demands of professional competition with the broader needs of the snooker community.

As the sport continues to grow globally—with new tournaments, increased prize money, and a younger generation entering the professional ranks—voices like Woollaston’s will play a vital role in ensuring that players are fairly represented and supported.

Whether at the baize or behind the scenes, Ben Woollaston’s impact on snooker continues to deepen.