Ex-World Snooker Champs referee dies as emotional tributes pour in | Other | Sport

He once cited his favourite match as the 2009 Shanghai Masters semi-final between Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins, which O’Sullivan won 6-1 before going on to beat Liang Wenbo 10-5 in the final. Williamson officiated seven maximum breaks and also refereed the World Billiards Championship final five times. Known for his gentle nature, his tragic loss was shared by fellow referee Eirian Williams.

Williams said: “Peter and I started on the professional tour at the same time in 1991 and we became firm friends from the start. Known as a referee with a ‘safe pair of hands’, he was an ever-present on the circuit. We exchanged visits around four times a year where he’d stay with myself and Alison and I’d stay at his. My final visit to him was just last week.

“I’m going to miss him terribly, Rest In Peace Pete.” Tributes have poured in across social media, with snooker announcer Phil Seymour posting on X: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Peter Williamson. A lovely man who I’ve never heard a bad word said about. He’ll be sorely missed.

“Thoughts are with his family and loved ones.” Former snooker professional Mike Dunn shared words about his “friend” saying: “Really sad to hear that former professional snooker referee Peter Williamson passed away this morning , such a sad loss of a lovely caring man and friend on the snooker circuit for many years, RIP buddy x.”

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Dutch referee Jan Veerhas called Williamson a “gentleman” in his touching tribute: “Very sad news got to me just now. Peter Williamson passed away this morning. You couldn’t meet a nicer fellow, a great referee, always a gentleman with snooker in his heart! Thank you for all those years of friendship, Rest In Peace my friend.”

Williamson’s passing follows less than a fortnight after John Virgo died aged 79. The former UK Championship winner and commentator passed away in Spain, where he resided with his family. Regarded as the voice of snooker, Virgo covered the BBC‘s Masters tournament in January, which proved to be his final broadcast for the corporation.

A cherished figure within the sport, social media tributes reflected Virgo’s character and legendary standing. Ronnie O’Sullivan, who had previously described the Englishman as a ‘mate for life’, posted on X: “Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away. Love to Rosie, Brooke and Gary. Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted.”

Stephen Hendry, a seven-time world champion and colleague of Virgo, shared on Instagram: “Was only a couple of weeks ago I was with JV in the commentary box at the Masters, he was the greatest to work with. Nobody recreated the excitement of a match like him. Where’s the cueball going. Very sad news, absolutely gutted.”