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Paul Collier

Q1. Have you a favourite player(s) you like to ref?

A1. It wouldn't be fair to single out any player and I don't really have a favourite in all honesty anyway. I do enjoy refereeing any player who is at the top of their game.

Q2. What do you do in your spare time when you are not refereeing?

A2. I play some snooker and nine ball and also love a game of golf. I am a member of the Celtic Manor Golf Club and have a handicap of 18. I also do a bit of work for a friend of mine who has bought a car showroom in Newport. I worked there for the odd day or two just to help him while he was starting out but I really enjoy it and try and do two days a week when there aren't any tournaments on.

Q3. What did you think of Sky Sports premier league snooker? Was it a good thing or not?

A3. I was fortunate enough to referee every match in this years' league and thought it was fantastic! I had many reservations when I first saw the proposed format but the reactions of the players and both the live and TV audiences proved what a great idea it was. Bring on next year!

Paul Collier
(Image coutesy of World Snooker)

Q4. What was the best match you have ever refereed and why?

A4. I think it was my first Ranking event final at the Regal Welsh in 2002. Not only was it great as a Welshman to referee the Welsh Final as my first one, but it was also a great match played in great spirit by two great players. Paul Hunter was the eventual winner over Ken Doherty. My biggest achievement would be the 2004 World Final and I am also the youngest referee ever to ref the big one! It was the O'Sullivan v Dott Final so was a bit one sided in the end but still a great memory for me.

Q5. Do you think (like in Rugby/Cricket) that a "2nd eye" could be used when replacing balls after a failed snooker attempt would be good/useful?

A5. NO. I think it would take much longer than it does now and because you cannot logistically utilise this option in every single snooker match played through a season it would be unfair on the players.

Q6. You are the youngest man to referee an Embassy World Championship final, how does it feel to know now that Embassy no longer sponsor the game that that record will stay with you and cannot be broken.

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