Ben Woollaston, a 37-year-old snooker star, is set to make his long-awaited return to the World Snooker Championship on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, after a 12-year absence. The Leicester native will face off against local rival and four-time champion Mark Selby in the first round at the iconic Crucible Theatre. This match is not just significant for Woollaston due to its competitive nature, but it also marks a personal milestone as he battles through health challenges that have plagued him for several months.
Woollaston has been open about his struggles with an undiagnosed illness that has caused him to experience blackouts during matches. For an extended period, he found it difficult to perform even the simplest of tasks, such as standing or staying awake for any length of time. These health issues began after he received a Covid vaccination in May 2021, which he believes triggered a series of debilitating symptoms. "It's from the vaccine, it happened from that day, May 2021," Woollaston reflected earlier this season. "I passed out after having it. I couldn't stand for about six months. I'd never passed out in my life but I had that same feeling for about six months."
Despite these challenges, Woollaston has managed to maintain his position on the professional snooker tour, currently ranked 44th in the world. His determination to compete at the Crucible is palpable, and he is eager to prove himself against Selby, a fellow Leicester potter. Woollaston has expressed his desire to return to the top 32 ranks, a position he held for six consecutive years prior to his health struggles.
In his own words, Woollaston described the impact of his illness: "I couldn't sleep enough. I literally woke up to eat because I was sleeping 18-20 hours a day. I put loads of weight on because I was just eating and sleeping. It was awful. I'd hit the ball and forget, just for a split second. I could miss absolutely anything, it was a bit of a lottery. I was playing with closed eyes on a few shots." While he has seen some improvement in his condition, the unpredictability of his symptoms remains a source of frustration.
Woollaston's wife, Tatiana, who is also a prominent figure in the snooker world as a referee, has been a pillar of support throughout this challenging time. She made her Crucible debut at the 2020 tournament and has since officiated significant matches, including a semi-final at the 2024 World Championship and a Triple Crown final earlier this season. Tatiana noted that she has seen improvements in Ben's health, stating, "It's been a tough, tough time. It's taken a long time. At the start of this, he would always complain about the way he felt... But now he feels better in himself, he can practice longer hours, he can play with the kids more. It's been slow progress but he is definitely getting there. We can see that from his results."
Despite Tatiana's commitments as a referee and her full-time job as a merchandiser for Next in Leicester, the couple manages to support each other’s careers while parenting their two sons. Tatiana shared, "Ben’s career is immensely important but he would never say no to me going to any snooker events because he knows how much I love it. If he’s out of the event, he’ll take over doing school pick-ups and homework. We work around each other while Ben’s mum plays a big role helping us with the kids."
As Woollaston prepares for his match against Selby, he acknowledges the physical toll that snooker takes on him. "I never feel full of energy, ever," he admitted. "It's a struggle to play with my kids, although I try. My son's into cricket and I try to bowl to him. I'm not even running in but I'll bowl two or three overs, then need a lie down. Anything more than walking is a lot."
Woollaston's journey has not only been about competing but also about resilience in the face of adversity. He has undergone numerous tests and scans, yet medical specialists have yet to identify the exact nature of his condition. "To be honest, they don't really have a clue. It's been hard on my wife. Only my wife and my mum genuinely grasp what it's like," he said. Woollaston remains hopeful for a clearer diagnosis, stating, "I don't know if it's chronic fatigue syndrome... Something's made me poorly from the vaccine but I don't know what."
As the snooker world turns its eyes to the Crucible, all eyes will be on Ben Woollaston as he steps onto the stage against Mark Selby. This first-round match is more than just a game; it represents a significant moment in Woollaston's career, showcasing his determination and passion for the sport despite the challenges he has faced. With his wife Tatiana by his side, both in spirit and in their respective roles within the snooker community, Woollaston aims to make a memorable impact in his return to the World Championship.
As the match unfolds, the excitement and anticipation will undoubtedly resonate throughout the arena, as fans rally behind Woollaston in his quest for success. Will he be able to pull off an upset against the seasoned champion Selby and advance in the tournament? Only time will tell as the action kicks off at the Crucible.
