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Eirian Williams

The man stood around the snooker table looking like he is stalking the players is not infact a waiter checking if Jimmy or The Rocket needs another bottle of water, he is infact the Referee, Eirian Williams is one of the senior referees that administer The World Championship and The Masters to name a few.

Welshman Eirian started refereeing in 1981 when he joined the amature circuit and yes if you are wondering he has not only refereed at Jesters but organised competitions here at the club too, hIs first final was at The Regal Welsh Open in 1988.

More information about Eirian can be found on his website

Eirian Williams
(Image courtesy of Eirian Williams)

Q1. Have you a favourite players you like to ref?

A1. I think that if you ask a referee to give an honest answer to this they’d say someone to gets on with it. But there’s much to be said about the game as a whole. I’ve been involved in matches that have gone on and on but I have been so engrossed in the match that I just don’t know where the time has gone. So, with that said, I would probably opt for Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams and Matthew Stevens out of the top 16 but the standard of play of all the top guys is such that it’s a pleasure just to be involved with them. And when two of the players I’ve mentioned play each other, that’s a bonus.

Q2. Has the game of snooker improved for the better over the past 10 years?

A2. I think it’s improved immeasurably. The tables, with very few exceptions, are now pretty consistent which helps the players concentrate on the game instead of wondering how the balls are going to react off different cushions. I only wish the mystery of the kick” could be solved. The top players in the last 10 years have played to such a high standard that the up-and-coming guys have to be that much better in order to play catch-up.

Q3. What is your highest break?

A3. 49, achieved in the Conservative Club in Llanelli.

Q4. What do you do in your spare time when you are not refereeing?

A4. I surf the internet, and always have a look in ebay for interesting sport related items. There’s a lot of DIY work to be done in the house I share with my wife along with quite a large garden which needs a lot of maintenance so I really love the sun coming out so that I can get out there and get some fresh air.

Q5. What did you think of Sky Sports premier league snooker? Was it a good thing or not?

A5. I’ve got to be honest and say that I saw none of it. It mainly took place during times when I was on the table at the qualifying at Prestatyn. But I think there is a place for it.

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