The Unexpected Glamour of Snooker's Leading Ladies
While the world of sporting WAGs is often associated with high-octane glamour and celebrities like Maya Jama and Perrie Edwards, snooker has traditionally conjured different imagery—cigarette smoke and beer-swilling fans. However, as the Snooker World Championship commences this weekend, a quietly chic cohort of wives and girlfriends is stepping into the spotlight, challenging stereotypes with their own compelling narratives.
The Queen Bee: Laila Rouass and Ronnie O'Sullivan
Undoubtedly the most prominent figure among snooker's partners is former Footballers' Wives star Laila Rouass, 54, who has been with the legendary 'Rocket' Ronnie O'Sullivan, 49, for thirteen years. Their relationship has been a rollercoaster of on-off romance, culminating in an intimate London wedding ceremony in June—just ten months after announcing their separation. The couple has since relocated to Dubai for a fresh start, selling their Essex home to focus on O'Sullivan's career.
In Dubai, the seven-time world champion has embraced a digital detox, eliminating social media, messaging apps, and even web browsers from his phone. Only a select few can reach him directly. O'Sullivan told The Sunday Times, "I wish I'd done it before... The phone doesn't really add to my life. So it's quite nice, really." Meanwhile, Rouass has deleted her Instagram accounts after revealing a diagnosis with an incurable, non-life-threatening condition that has "tested her in ways she never imagined."
New Beginnings: Sarah Herald and Mark Allen
Northern Irish professional Mark Allen, 40, has found stability with Sarah Herald after a tumultuous past involving a custody battle with ex-partner Reanne Evans and bankruptcy. The couple tied the knot at Las Vegas's famous 'Little White Chapel' in June. Herald, who works as a Personal Assistant at law firm Fieldfisher, serves as a Trustee at the Mark Allen Foundation, supporting communities in Antrim. Allen has publicly praised his "amazing wife," notably cheering her on during the Belfast City Half Marathon.
Debut and Devotion: Shawney Demuyter and Luca Brecel
Making her debut at the championship is Shawney Demuyter, partner of 'Belgian Bullet' Luca Brecel, 31. The couple, who began dating in early 2025, got engaged in September and have since shared luxurious vacation photos on social media. While little is known about Demuyter's private life, her Belgian heritage and frequent appearances on Brecel's Instagram Stories highlight their close bond.
Trailblazing Partnerships: Michaela Tabb and Vikki Selby
Former professional Michaela Tabb, 58, married four-time world champion Ross McInnes, 71, in 2002. Tabb is celebrated as a trailblazer for women in snooker, having been the first female referee at numerous tournaments. She began playing after being introduced to pool by a boyfriend and later refined her skills under McInnes's guidance. The couple resides in Scotland with their two sons and runs businesses related to pool equipment.
Similarly, Vikki Selby, married to four-time world champion Mark Selby, 42, is a former snooker competitor. The couple met at the 2006 World Pool Championship and married in Mexico in 2011. Selby has credited Vikki with supporting him through depression, while also revealing her own battle with breast cancer, diagnosed after the loss of a close friend to the disease. Despite health challenges, Vikki has remained a pillar of strength for her husband.
Love on the Green Baize: Tatiana Woollaston
English player Ben Woollaston, 38, married Belarusian referee Tatiana, 39, in 2011 after meeting at the 2010 Paul Hunter Classic. Tatiana, who balances refereeing as a hobby with a full-time job as a merchandiser for Next, is also a qualified snooker coach. The couple lives in Leicester with their two sons, and Tatiana's passion for snooker dates back to watching matches on television with her father during childhood.
These women, from Rouass's high-profile presence to Herald's low-key support, demonstrate that snooker's WAGs are far from the stereotypical backdrop. They are partners, professionals, and pioneers in their own right, adding a layer of sophistication and resilience to the sport's narrative as the World Championship unfolds.
