BBC Snooker commentator John Virgo has called Jan Verhass one of snooker’s best ever referees after the Dutchman announced his retirement.
Verhass hung up his white gloves with immediate effect when he released a statement on social media.
The leading referee said he could no longer “give it the full 100 per cent” and felt it was the right time to retire and pursue other World Snooker Tour (WST) duties.
In 2003 he became the first referee from outside the UK and Ireland to take charge of the World Championship final. He went on to referee five other Crucible finals in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2017.
But Verhass said he was struggling to deal with the physical aspects of refereeing following a motorbike accident “which still give me a lot of discomfort”.
He said: “During my whole career I have always set myself the highest standards in all aspects of the job. I nowadays struggle to maintain full focus and sharpness when I am out there refereeing and I feel I cannot give it the full 100 per cent anymore which, in my opinion, is necessary at this level.’
‘Lovely man’
“I also think it is unfair towards the players and against my beliefs to carry on when I can’t always practise what I preach anymore.”
BBC snooker commentator Virgo was full of admiration for his contribution to snooker.
He posted on X: “Sad to hear that Jan Verhaas is hanging up his white gloves. Lovely man and one of the best referees the game has ever had. Enjoy my friend.”
Asked to name his favourite memory, Verhaas told WST: “My first world final in 2003 (Mark Williams vs Ken Doherty) was a dream come true, that’s the same for any referee. It was nerve racking but I look back on that as a real achievement. It has been a fantastic career, I loved the big occasions and the big finals.”
Main Image: Jan Verhass – World Snooker Tour
