SHEFFIELD — In the high-pressure world of professional snooker, few stories are as heartwarming—or as unique—as that of Ben and Tatiana Woollaston. The husband-and-wife duo have both graced the green baize at the World Snooker Championship, but never in the same match. Their shared passion for the sport, combined with their supportive dynamic, has made them one of snooker’s most talked-about couples.
Ben, a seasoned professional ranked inside the world’s top 32, has been a familiar face on the circuit for over a decade. Tatiana, originally from Russia, transitioned from pool to snooker and earned her professional status in 2021. While their paths rarely cross competitively—due to the gender-segregated nature of most tournaments—their mutual dedication to the game has turned their household into a snooker hub. "We’re each other’s biggest fans," Ben says. "But when it comes to matches, it’s strictly business."
A Shared Journey to the Crucible
The Woollastons’ story took a dramatic turn in 2023 when Tatiana became the first woman in over 30 years to qualify for the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre. Though she narrowly missed out on the main draw, her achievement was historic. Ben, who has competed at the Crucible multiple times, was there to cheer her on—albeit from the sidelines. "It was surreal watching her play in the qualifiers," he admits. "I’m usually the one under the spotlight, but that week, it was all about her."
Tatiana’s rise has been meteoric. After moving to the UK in 2015, she quickly adapted to the nuances of snooker, a sport she describes as "chess on a table." Her technical precision and calm demeanor under pressure have drawn comparisons to legends like Reanne Evans, the 12-time women’s world champion. Yet, Tatiana is quick to deflect praise: "I’m still learning. Having Ben at home to practice with is a huge advantage, but I want to earn my place on merit."
The Balancing Act: Family and Snooker
Juggling professional careers and family life is no easy feat, especially with two young children. The Woollastons have mastered a delicate balance:
- Practice schedules: They alternate practice times to ensure one parent is always with the kids.
- Tournament travel: When one competes abroad, the other often stays home, though they occasionally bring the whole family.
- Mental support: "We debrief after every match, win or lose," Tatiana says.
Ben acknowledges the challenges: "There are days when the kids are sick, or we’re both exhausted from traveling. But we wouldn’t change it. Snooker is our shared language."
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Sport
Tatiana’s success has reignited conversations about gender equality in snooker. While the World Women’s Snooker Tour operates separately, mixed-gender events remain rare. "The gap is closing," says World Snooker Tour chairman Steve Dawson. "Players like Tatiana prove that talent transcends gender."
Tatiana, however, is pragmatic: "I don’t want special treatment. I just want the same opportunities as anyone else." Her goal? To compete against Ben in a ranking event—though she jokes, "I’d probably let him win. Maybe."
Looking Ahead: The Woollaston Legacy
With Ben eyeing a return to the Crucible’s main draw and Tatiana climbing the women’s rankings, the Woollastons show no signs of slowing down. Their children, too, are showing early interest in the sport. "We’ve got a mini snooker table at home," Ben laughs. "Who knows? Maybe we’ll be a family of four professionals one day."
For now, the couple remains focused on their individual careers, united by a love for the game and a shared dream: "To leave snooker better than we found it," Tatiana says. As the sport evolves, the Woollastons are proof that family and competition can coexist—even if they never face each other on the biggest stage.
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