Jimmy White backs referee’s dress code enforcement at Welsh Open
Jimmy White has shown his support for referee Anastasiya Tuzikova following her enforcement of dress standards during the Welsh Open, underscoring the importance of maintaining high presentation levels in snooker, reports BritPanorama.
The six-time world finalist voiced his approval of Tuzikova’s intervention as tournament coverage unfolded in Llandudno. The referee’s action occurred just before Hungarian player Bulcsu Revesz was set to break against four-time world champion John Higgins. Observing that Revesz’s shirt was untucked, Tuzikova instructed him to adjust his appearance before the match could begin.
White expressed a preference for traditional attire in the sport, stating, “I don’t like this playing in a shirt, I think they should play in a waistcoat.” He highlighted that while newer players like Judd Trump opt for more casual polo shirts, he believes the classic dress suit and bow tie remains the ideal look for snooker.
The brief delay to the match was notable as not a single ball was struck when officials were once again in the spotlight, following a previous incident involving a foul during the same event. White elaborated on the visual appeal in snooker, suggesting that unkempt clothing can detract from the sport’s aesthetic. He contended that it is beneficial for referees to address appearance issues directly, saying, “So I think it is a good thing that the referee says ‘look, smarten yourself up’.”
His comments reflect a traditionalist viewpoint prevalent in the sport, where presentation has always been considered integral. Contrarily, pundit Alan McManus offered a different perspective, suggesting that Tuzikova’s approach might have been too firm. He remarked, “I think it was a little bit harsh,” and proposed that a more discreet intervention would have sufficed without drawing unnecessary public attention to Revesz.
The incident serves as a reminder of the balance between tradition and modernity in professional sports, illustrating how even in well-established games, perceptions of presentation can lead to differing opinions among players and officials alike. It highlights the ongoing conversation about professionalism in sport and how it shapes public perception.
