Molly Newbold, a 15-year-old from Derby, is already planning a future career on the green baize - not with a cue though, but with a spotless pair of white gloves.

In fact, her refereeing skills have already been put to the test at this year’s 888.com World Championship having officiated several Junior Pot Black matches.

So how does a normal schoolgirl who has yet to take her GCSEs at Wilsthorpe School, Derby, get so interested in snooker?

“It was about two years ago when I was watching the Masters with my dad,” she said. “I saw Michaela Tabb refereeing a match and I said I would like to do that.

“I had already met Neil Robertson and I gave him a letter for her, asking how I could get started. Michaela was great and rang me up straight away and gave me loads of advice.

“We have since stayed in touch and we talk all the time now. She has helped me at every stage.”

Molly has now reached Grade 3 but it will take another two years before she gets to Grade 2, so her ambition to referee on the professional snooker circuit remains a long way off.

In the meantime, Tabb, now a familiar face on television and who has been a professional referee since 2001, is giving her plenty of encouragement.

“Molly is absolutely terrific,” said Dunfermline’s Tabb. “She’s very enthusiastic, loves the game, knows the rules and gets on with all the players.

“She needs to keep refereeing matches to get the necessary experience, whether it’s kids or ladies tournaments. So the Junior Pot Black at the Crucible is perfect practise for her.

“Who knows, one day she may well end up doing an 888.com World Snooker Championship match here.”

–worldsnooker.com

Written by ciops | Click here for the main page