After making history at the Crucible, Michaela Tabb still had another World Snooker Championship final ahead of her—and one of the sport’s most unpredictable geniuses standing at the table.

In the concluding episode of our four-part Legends of the Cue conversation, Michaela reflects on refereeing the 2012 World Championship final between Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ali Carter and explains why her earlier experiences managing Earl Strickland helped prepare her for the unique challenges of working with Ronnie.

She also talks candidly about the family sacrifices behind an international refereeing career, with husband Ross McInnes caring for their sons while Michaela traveled around the world for tournaments—including one brutal stretch that took her from the Philippines to Scotland and almost immediately on to Brazil.

Michaela then discusses the most difficult chapter of her career: her 2015 departure from the main professional snooker tour, the emotional toll it took and why it was years before she could comfortably watch major snooker events again.

But another chapter was waiting.

She explains how she and Ross built their family cue-sports business, On Cue World, how son Morgan joined the company, and why working for the family has brought a different kind of satisfaction.

Michaela also revisits some unforgettable refereeing moments—including accidentally picking up the cue ball during a World Championship match—before tackling Alli’s Rapid Rack and our traditional final questions.

And when asked how she wants to be remembered, Michaela’s answer captures her career perfectly:

Honest. Hardworking. A good referee.

Not a good female referee. A good referee.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come.

Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.

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