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.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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 story took a dramatic turn in 2009.

In Part 3 of this four-part Legends of the Cue interview, Tony speaks with remarkable candor about the choices that led to his incarceration, the fear of losing years of freedom and prime playing time, and the lessons he carried home when he was released in 2015.

Tony refuses to frame what happened as bad luck. His words are simple: it was a “wrong choice, wrong time.” He talks about surviving prison, taking college courses, staying out of trouble and keeping one eye on the pool world through magazines and newspapers sent to him while he was away.

Then comes one of the most extraordinary comeback stories in modern pool.

Within days of his release, Tony was back in action. He recalls matching up with Danny Smith, rapidly recovering his One Pocket instincts and going roughly two years without losing a major gambling set. He later rebuilt his tournament career, winning Buffalo’s Pro Classic in 2016 and becoming deeply connected to the New Orleans action scene.

Tony explains why Buffalo’s became the “Mecca of Pool,” why he prefers action to many tournaments, and why competition remains essential to his identity.

The episode also turns deeply personal as Tony discusses living with hidradenitis suppurativa, the pain of the condition, a difficult surgery and infection, months of recovery and his determination to undergo another procedure and reclaim his health.

A powerful story of consequences, resilience, competition and second chances.

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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...

How does a talented young pool player become one of the most fearless gamblers and creative One Pocket players of his generation?

In Part 2 of Legends of the Cue’s four-part interview with Tony “T-Rex” Chohan, Tony explains what drew him to the action side of pool—and why he believes playing with something at stake helped sharpen his game. He remembers gambling for small amounts as a teenager, putting cues up when he went broke, watching serious action in Reno and learning through trial and error how to match up.

Tony also reveals the story behind the nickname “T-Rex,” reflects on colorful personalities like Keith McCready, and explains why One Pocket became the perfect game for his mind. He breaks down the strategic beauty of One Pocket, the importance of cue-ball control, risk versus reward and why he believes there is often more than one correct shot.

The conversation then moves into Tony’s emergence as an elite player. He discusses Dennis Orcollo, his desire for constant competition and the pressure that keeps his game sharp.

The segment culminates with Tony recalling his breakthrough 2007 U.S. Open One Pocket Championship, a victory made deeply personal by the death of his grandmother during the tournament.

Then, just as his career seemed ready to take off, Tony’s life changed dramatically in 2009.

A candid episode about gambling, competition, One Pocket strategy, sacrifice and the making of T-Rex.

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...

Before Tony Chohan became “T-Rex,” a One Pocket Hall of Famer and one of the most feared action players in professional pool, he was a sports-loving kid growing up in Sacramento, California.

In Part 1 of this special four-part Legends of the Cue conversation, Tony takes us back to the beginning: his Sikh and Indian family roots, childhood in the 1980s and ’90s, and the unlikely path that led him from basketball courts and video games to the poolroom. He recalls discovering pool with his cousin Amar Kang, entering free local tournaments, learning on brutally tight Gold Crown tables, and becoming immersed in Sacramento’s rich pool culture.

Tony also paints a vivid picture of the rooms and characters that shaped him—including Great American Billiards, Warren “Monk” Costanza, Bucktooth and the road players who passed through Northern California. One unforgettable story finds a teenage Tony outside a professional tournament, cue in hand, hoping to get autographs from Efren Reyes and Johnny Archer.

This is the origin story of a future One Pocket legend: family, competition, curiosity, hustlers, smoky poolrooms and a teenager rapidly falling in love with cue sports.

For fans of pool history, One Pocket, professional billiards, road players and old-school poolroom culture, this episode captures a world that helped create one of the game’s most original 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...

Allison Fisher shares a personal announcement: her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and her decision to retire from competitive pool. In this special episode of Legends of the Cue, Allison joins fellow host Mike Gonzalez for an honest, emotional conversation about change, family, and her enduring love for the game.

Diagnosed in July 2025, Allison opens up about the symptoms that led her to seek answers, the shock of receiving the news, and the private challenges behind her absence from tournament play. She reflects on the grief of stepping away from competition after four decades and the support of her partner, Dee, her mother, and close friends as she begins a new chapter.

Then comes the story behind an unforgettable farewell. Allison revisits her final competitive event in Jacksonville, where she partnered with Jesus Atencio to win The Predator Pro Billiards Series Jax Mixed Doubles Open gold and earned bronze in the women’s World Nine Ball Championship. With most spectators unaware of her diagnosis, every match carried a significance they could not see. From a surprise arrival by Dee to the joy of standing on the podium, Allison reveals what those moments truly meant.

There is laughter here, too: friendships, fierce rivalries, and the shared experiences that make the billiards community feel like family.

Allison also discusses finding connection with others living with Parkinson’s, her hopes for raising awareness, and why teaching, commentary, and preserving cue sports history through this podcast remain central to her life.

Her competitive career has ended, but her involvement in pool continues with purpose, gratitude, and plenty of stories still to tell.

Listen as one of the sport’s greatest champions shares this news in her own words, thanks the fans and sponsors who have supported her, and looks ahead to what comes next, both within the game she loves and beyond the tournament arena.

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

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 Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

Winning a world championship changes how others see you. Winning two can change how you see your responsibility to the sport.

In the concluding chapter of Hydred Goldberg’s Legends of the Cue story, the two-time WPA Parasport Heyball World Champion looks beyond trophies toward the future of wheelchair pool, women’s billiards and international Parasport competition.

Hydred discusses returning to competition as defending champion, her growing friendship and rivalry with Catherine Schneeberger, and why she chose not to room with Catherine before their second world championship despite their close relationship. She also reflects candidly on Schneeberger finally defeating her at the 2026 World Championship in Oslo—and what Hydred intends to do differently next time.

The conversation goes deep into the continuing evolution of Hydred’s game: developing multiple strokes from the wheelchair, precise chair alignment, practicing opposite-handed shots, and why she would rather kick than use a jump cue. Mark Wilson and Allison Fisher join her in a lively debate about jump cues, traditional pool skills and the changing character of the sport.

Hydred also talks about Henrik Larsson, whom she describes as her pool mentor and doubles partner, and about their shared work promoting Parasport billiards internationally. She discusses accessibility, the tiny number of female wheelchair competitors, her dream of seeing cue sports enter the Paralympic Games, and which country she would represent if that dream became reality.

Then comes Alli’s Rapid Rack, with questions about Efren Reyes, world championships, creativity, jump cues and Hydred’s ultimate goal: winning a match in a women’s professional pool event.

The episode closes with deeply personal questions about what Hydred would tell herself immediately after her 1993 accident—and, ultimately, how she hopes to be remembered.

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

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 Hall of Fame members, world champions, and 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 Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cu...