Arr, me mateys! A lass o' th' billiards be losin' 'er chance at th' prize, fer fear o' a trans lass!
2023-11-14
Avast ye scallywags! 'Tis said that a fine lass o' the billiard table did surrender the title of Champion of Champions Ladies Single to another, claimin' that her opponent be a transwoman. Arr, me hearties, the seas be stormy with controversy!
A female pool final match in Denbighshire, Wales, took a humorous turn when one player decided to forfeit the game rather than compete against a transgender woman. Lynne Pinches, the player who walked away, received applause from the spectators, who seemed to support her decision. In contrast, Harriet Haynes, the transgender woman, ended up winning the match and was pictured with the trophy on the English Pool Association's website. Pinches, despite her forfeit, still posed for a runner-up picture with a bright smile.Initially, it seemed that Pinches and Haynes would face each other, as they both hit balls to determine who would go first in the match. However, when Haynes was chosen to go second, Pinches walked up to the referee and announced her decision to walk away. The crowd erupted in applause, with one spectator exclaiming, "Yes, Lynne!" Pinches collected her belongings while Haynes looked on in disbelief.
Haynes had performed exceptionally well in previous competitions, according to the English Pool Association site. She held titles such as World Masters Champion, World Scotch Doubles Champion, European Champion, and European Team Champion in 2023. Additionally, she was named the National Ladies Singles Champion in 2022 and the International Pool Association World Champion in the same year.
The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes participating in women's sports. While Pinches' decision may have been lighthearted and humorous, it raises questions about fairness and inclusivity in competitive sports. The topic remains contentious, with even the White House punting on a definitive answer regarding transgender athletes playing in female sports. For now, players like Haynes continue to excel and face challenges within the realm of competitive sports.