There was some sad news ahead of the Saudi Arabia Masters final between Neil Robertson and Ronnie O’Sullivan, with top referee Jan Verhaas announcing his retirement.
The popular Dutchman first officiated on the World Snooker Tour way back in 1991 and later emerged as arguably the greatest ever to don the white gloves.
In a special refereeing career, Verhaas took charge of six World Snooker Championship finals, eight title-deciders at the Masters, and four for the UK Championship.
The 58 year-old will stay in the sport for his role as a Referee Development Manager in addition to working as a tournament director on the main tour.
“There are many reasons,” explained Jan Verhaas on TNT Sports ahead of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters final between Robertson and O’Sullivan on Sunday.
“Two years ago, I had a motorbike accident. I broke a few ribs and [had] a shoulder blade fractured, and I’ve been in physical discomfort since then.”
“I felt that when I was standing up for a long time. When you’re not comfortable out there, you lose sharpness, you lose concentration.
“I didn’t think that was fair on the players, it wasn’t fair on the tournament organisers, so my time has come. I’m at peace with it.
“I’m looking forward to other jobs and looking back with great memories.”
Verhaas was involved in several high-profile matches, including his maiden Crucible final in 2003 when Mark Williams edged out Ken Doherty in an 18-16 classic.
One of his most iconic moments, however, transpired in a round-of-64 game between O’Sullivan and Mark King at the 2010 World Open in Scotland.
The Rocket was on a 147 break in the last frame, but upon hearing that there was no prize on offer, he initially refused to pot the concluding black.
That was of, course, until the hugely respected referee stepped in with his powers of persuasion.
“That was just ridiculous that frame,” Jan Verhaas said. “He asked me after the first black what the prize is for the 147, and I didn’t know it at the time.”
“When he found out there wasn’t a prize for the 147, he just left the [final] black. So I asked him to pot the black for the fans.
“Luckily he did. He wasn’t happy that I asked him by the way. He said that I played with his conscience, but I’m glad that I did.
“I’m glad for the fans that I did. It’s one of those moments that will stick with you and the fans, I suppose.
“I’ve known Ronnie since he was 12, we grew up together in the game of snooker. Obviously, I’ve always done my job properly.
“He respects me for that, and we have mutual respect. That’s why he has always been good with me, I suppose.”
The semi-final match between Ronnie O’Sullivan and eventual champion Zhao Xintong at the recent World Championship proved to be Verhaas’ last on a main stage.
“I’ve had so many messages the last 24 hours, and it means the world to me. From fans all over the world, from the players, they’ve all sent me nice messages.”
“I knew I was respected anyway, but to get all those messages means the world to me.
“I just want everyone to think that I was like part and parcel of the game, the professional game. I hope all the referees that you see out here now look back at me and say, ‘you were a great coach.’
“That’s what I would like to have. I just feel good about the fact that, for me, it’s all over now. There’s no more stress on the table.
“I loved the big occasion, a full house, deciding frames. I just loved it. I don’t think that’s the same for everybody, and there might be referees who don’t want that at all.
“But for me, it brought the best out of me. I loved to have some banter with the crowd – the big arenas, the big matches, the big events? That was me.
“I just loved it out there.”
Robertson, who on Saturday edged out O’Sullivan to triumph in Jeddah with a dramatic 10-9 scoreline, was among several notable names to offer tributes to the career of Jan Verhaas.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure playing when you’ve had the gloves on [and] being in your presence,” the Australian wrote on X.
“Being a kid in Australia watching on TV, I always wanted to play a match in a big arena with you in charge.”
“‘Wouldn’t it be so cool to have a ref of that calibre,’ I thought. Glad we will still see you on tour.”
Featured photo credit: Monique Limbos
Another famous moment was breaking up Anthony McGill and Jamie Clarke at the 2020 World Championship. He handled that situation like the guvnor Jan has always been.
Great referee. Quiet and dignified and firm but fair: perfect for a snooker referee in the modern game I always thought. I hope he finds the rest of his career fulfilling, it sounds like he should.
I first met you at The Norbreck Castle, Blackpool where the qualifiers were taking place, I was with my late Mother, I always watched the then new up and coming players who I have followed ever since, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams and John Higgins, you refereed many of their matches, I used to take leave from work and watched all their games sometimes having to choose which of them to watch but they were always enjoyable. You was a fantastic referee and always took time to speak to my Mother and I, one of the most memorable times was when I was fan of the week for Blackpool FC in the Evening Gazette and also on the same day Mum and I were featured in The Lancashire Evening Post as loyal snooker fans at The Preston Guild Hall, you said Hello Superstar to me, I said yes isn’t it good but I’m also in the Evening Gazette, yes I know you said, apparently the papers had been shown all around the players lounge, that definitely made my day. Good Luck for the future and maybe I will see you again at one of the tournaments.