Michaela Tabb never planned to become a professional referee. In fact, her extraordinary career began when husband Ross McInnes told a tournament organizer that Scotland already had a referee—and Michaela suddenly needed to become one.

In Part 2 of Legends of the Cue, Michaela tells the remarkable story of creating a referee CV despite never having officiated American pool, studying two pages of nine-ball rules and arriving at Matchroom’s St Andrews Cup hoping she knew enough to survive.

She did—and soon found herself refereeing some of the biggest personalities in professional pool.

Michaela recalls being thrown almost immediately into matches involving Earl Strickland, learning how to manage his volatile personality and discovering the difference between appearing calm and actually feeling calm. She describes the Mosconi Cup as a “Colosseum of Death,” remembers referees being caught between Team Europe, Team USA and passionate fans, and explains why the Mosconi Cup remains her favorite event.

She also talks about the player she most loved refereeing: the incomparable Efren Reyes, whose creativity left even Michaela unable to predict what shot was coming next.

Her success in televised pool eventually caught the attention of World Snooker. But being recruited directly into professional snooker—without the traditional referee training or examinations—created an entirely new challenge.

This episode ends with Michaela recounting her painfully difficult first ranking-event assignment and the act of kindness from Ken Doherty that helped convince her to keep going.

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Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:

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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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Before Michaela Tabb became one of the most recognizable referees in snooker and pool, she was a fiercely competitive player representing Scotland on the international stage.

In Part 1 of our Legends of the Cue conversation with Michaela, she takes us back to the beginning—from being born in England and growing up in Dunfermline, Scotland, to childhood gymnastics, playing bassoon and cornet, an unlikely ambition to become an air traffic controller, and her brief experience at Glasgow University.

Michaela recalls discovering pool in a local pub called The Thistle and quickly realizing that determination and tactical intelligence could compensate for not being a natural potter. Her defensive style became her trademark, earning her the nickname “Michaela Hang-a-Bag” and helping propel her into the Scottish women’s team.

She also shares stories from her early working life—including her unforgettable stint selling for Ann Summers—before discussing her rise through competitive pool, representing Scotland, and winning major individual titles.

The episode culminates with Michaela remembering her 1998 European Championship victory in Gibraltar, including the promoter who wanted to move her televised final because her deliberate playing style was taking too long—and Michaela’s emphatic refusal.

Before the white gloves, the Crucible Theatre and snooker history, there was Michaela Tabb the player.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:

Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LegendsoftheCue-MLG

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1

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.

Join A...

Tony Chohan’s second career may be even more remarkable than his first.

In the final installment of Legends of the Cue’s four-part conversation with “T-Rex,” Tony reflects on the championship run that cemented his place among the great One Pocket players in history.

He revisits his second U.S. Open One Pocket Championship in 2022, his victories at Buffalo’s and the International Open, and the title that had eluded him for years: the 2023 Derby City Classic One Pocket Championship. Tony describes battling back against Jonathan Pinegar, feeling the entire room behind him and finally seeing his banner added to the Derby City champions.

The conversation then turns to how Tony actually sees the game. He talks about creativity, cue-ball control, percentages and the three elements he teaches every student: speed, English and angle. Tony also shares stories about legends including Efren Reyes, Jose Parica and Warren “Monk” Costanza, and explains why many modern players are technically stronger but sometimes less imaginative.

We also explore Game Tight One Pocket, Tony’s instructional book and teaching philosophy, including its innovative QR-code video demonstrations.

Then it’s time for Alli’s Rapid Rack, where Tony weighs in on Derby City versus the U.S. Open, Dennis Orcollo, Ronnie Allen, his longest session, rule changes and more.

The episode closes with the question that defines his legacy: How does Tony Chohan want to be remembered?

His answer: “Just as that guy that liked to compete.”

A fitting conclusion to the life story of one of One Pocket’s most distinctive champions.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:

Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LegendsoftheCue-MLG

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1

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.

Join A...