Olivier Marteel to Referee World Final !!

Olivier Marteel will become the first Belgian to referee the Crucible final at the Betfred World Championship, which starts next month.

The 45-year-old from Koksijde in West Flanders will take charge of the final in Sheffield on May 3 and 4.

Marteel has previously refereed several major finals, including last week's World Grand Prix, and officiated the semi-final between Mark Selby and Neil Robertson at the Crucible last year.

"I had dreamed of refereeing the World Championship final, but I never thought it would happen," said Marteel. "When I started out in refereeing, I never expected to get very far.

"I first went to the Crucible as a fan in 1992. Even then, I knew how special the venue was. And of course the first time I refereed there, I felt it even more - I was shaking. I will be a bit nervous for the final, but that's a good thing. It gets your adrenaline going, gives you a kick, and makes you focus.

"I'm very proud to be the first Belgian to referee the final, and the second from continental Europe, after Jan Verhaas. My whole career has been half for me, and half for Belgian snooker."

More on the story here

SnookerFan wrote:

armchair de critique wrote:could not have picked a better bloke

I 100% agree.

Tatiana Woollaston should've got the job.

SnookerFan wrote:

sundaygirl wrote:
You're not thinking straight is not real you've got to give yourself time to get over Michaela #rebound

She left me, and broke my heart. I'm just trying to move on.

vodkadiet wrote:Consider this.

Will Marteel still get the gig if Brecel reaches the final?

SnookerFan wrote:Talking of which, is Tatiana allowed to referee Ben?