Michaela Tabb court case against World Snooker begins in Bristol

Michaela Tabb refereed two World Championship finals - in 2009 and 2012

Former referee Michaela Tabb's court case against World Snooker has begun in Bristol and will conclude next week.

Tabb, 47, appearing under her married name of McInnes, is claiming sex discrimination, unfair dismissal and breach of contract.

Snooker's highest-profile female referee left the circuit in March having officiated in two world finals.

World Snooker, the body that runs the professional tour, denies the allegations.

Having been fast-tracked by World Snooker - the commercial arm of governing body the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association - Tabb became the first woman to referee in a ranking tournament at the 2002 Welsh Open.

A statement on behalf of Tabb, who captained the Scottish ladies' pool team before becoming a referee, read: "Michaela will be allowing the judicial process to take its course and will be making no comment during the case."