The World Snooker Championship final is currently underway between Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy, but away from the baize, a fascinating tradition has been unveiled by veteran official Olivier Marteel. The Belgian referee has disclosed that officials receive jewellery for overseeing the Crucible final, a meaningful acknowledgement of reaching the sport's summit, even if it doesn't compare to the eye-watering prize money on offer to the finalists - £500,000 for the victor and £200,000 for the runner-up.
Golden Cufflinks Tradition Revealed
Marteel, who has presided over two world finals, made his debut in 2015 when Stuart Bingham defeated Shaun Murphy to claim his maiden World Championship. He revealed the gift he was given but confessed he doesn't get much wear out of it these days. Speaking to the Express, he said: "My first world final - and everyone when you do your first world final - you get golden cufflinks. I don't wear them anymore. I have a cupboard with all of my snooker stuff from everywhere in the world and they are there."
He added: "I'm watching them right now! I used to wear them a few times, particularly at the Crucible, but now they stay here so I can't lose them and nothing can happen to them."
Alternative Keepsakes for Repeat Officials
Marteel oversaw his second world title showdown in 2022 as Ronnie O'Sullivan beat Judd Trump to match Stephen Hendry's record of seven world titles in the modern era. However, the official declined a second pair of golden cufflinks, opting instead to make a particular request for his keepsake. He revealed: "I have the cufflinks from my first world, for my second worlds I asked for crystal glasses and a crystal bottle that you can put whiskey in and it's engraved with World Championship Final 2025 and your name is on there and you know you've achieved it."
The 2026 final is currently underway between Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy, with Wu holding a commanding 10-7 advantage heading into Monday's session. In keeping with long-standing tradition, referee Rob Spencer will receive a pair of golden cufflinks. Spencer, a former police officer, was required to think on his feet on Sunday when he intervened to stop a protestor during the third frame. The woman appeared to be shouting about the licence fee. After being brought to a halt by Spencer, she was escorted from the venue by several members of the World Snooker Tour security team.
