The 40-year-old from Holland described the world final as “the pinnacle of a referee’s career.’’ Verhaas, whose suave demeanour earned him the nickname ‘James Bond’ from fans at 2002 China Open, first refereed in local tournaments and pro-ams at a club in Rotterdam.

Date of Birth: October 5, 1966

Born: Maassluis, Holland

Lives: Brielle, Holland

Highest break: 78 – never got near it before or since.

Qualified as Referee: Class 3 in 1990, Class 1 in 1995.

First Pro Match: Tony Drago v Steve Davis in 1993.

Most memorable match: Refereeing the three Paul Hunter Wembley Masters finals.

Most embarrassing moment: Oversleeping twice in one day before a Premier League match at Cleethorpes.

If you weren’t a referee what would you do: I’d probably still be working as a process operator for Shell Chemicals.

Which is the toughest rule to apply: The push shot is very difficult to judge. I normally go off the honesty of the players.

Which rule would you scrap: None, in particular.

What do you carry in your pockets: Two ball markers, pen and coin (two and half gilders).

Where do you get your gloves: From fellow referee Paul Collier. I would normally use six pairs per season.

Interests: Open water diving, watching football, playing and watching darts, poker.