The Yorkshire Post says: Referee's big break. Snooker official was bus driver

SNOOKER referee Brendan Moore's journey to Sheffield's Crucible Theatre to officiate this year's World Championship final could not be shorter '“ or more familiar.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th May 2018, 01:40 BST

Sheffield's Brendan Moore will preside over the final of snooker's World Championships in his home city.

The 46-year-old used to be a bus driver in the South Yorkshire city, where he still lives, and ferry passengers to the iconic venue before his own big break.

Resplendent in his black tie, and white gloves, the responsibility will be a heavy one as he asks the finalists to shake hands, and then call for quiet from the spectators, before two days of sporting theatre.

Yet the pride will also be palpable. Too nervous to enjoy his first final in 2014, the father-of-three is determined to enjoy this occasion. And he has every reason to do so. For, while the eyes of the world will be on the Crucible and listening to the referee as he keeps score or calls ‘foul’ after an errant shot, he does so in the knowledge that his quiet authority, a trait honed on the buses, commands the respect of the players – and snooker.