A recent pool championship in the UK featured a match between two transgender players, sparking discussions about inclusion in sports. Harriet Haynes and Lucy Smith faced off at the Ultimate Pool Women’s Pro Series Event 2, held at the Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan. Both players, who identify as women, had previously defeated four female opponents each to reach the finals.
The match was competitive, with Haynes initially leading 6-3. However, Smith made a strong comeback, closing the gap to just one point. In the end, Haynes secured the victory, but both players demonstrated impressive skills throughout the tournament. Smith has a remarkable record, winning 85 out of 113 matches and achieving a 62% success rate in frames since 2021. Haynes also boasts a strong performance, with a 75% winning rate over 241 matches.
This event highlights ongoing debates in the world of sports regarding transgender athletes. The European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) has allowed transgender women to compete in female categories, approving Haynes, who transitioned in 2014. The World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF) initially restricted its women’s category to players born female but later changed its policy, allowing transgender individuals who transitioned four years prior to compete.
The presence of transgender players in women’s events has drawn criticism. Notably, Irish pool champion Kim O’Brien withdrew from the European Pool Championships in 2024, protesting against Haynes’ participation. Similarly, Lynne Pinches opted to forfeit a match rather than compete against Haynes in a previous tournament, highlighting the tension surrounding this issue.
As the conversation continues, the policies regarding transgender athletes in sports are under scrutiny, reflecting broader societal discussions about fairness and inclusion.