- The crowd at Pontins in Prestatyn seemingly backed Lynne Pinches’ forfeiture
- 2023 Ladies Masters Champion Harriet Haynes has had an impressive year so far
- Pinches’ controversial decision met with praise from some on social media
Lynne Pinches walked away from the final of a tournament in Wales, refusing to face trans-identified male opponent, Harriett Haynes, retiring in controversial circumstances.
The final of the Women’s Champions of Champions tournament in Denbighshire, Wales, took place on Sunday, but saw a perhaps unexpected ending as Pinches ceded the result before the first break.
Pinches was drawn to take on Haynes in the showpiece at the weekend, with her opponent holding a slight height and reach advantage going into the clash, with each player paying a £70 entry fee.
Video from the shocking moment shows Pinches take to the table where both players took warm up shots, before Haynes went to sit down.
Pinches then approached the referee to seemingly inform them of her decision to forfeit the game, and wave goodbye to a shot at the prize money on offer.
Lynne Pinches (left) refused to face Harriet Haynes on Sunday, with her opponent left stunned
Haynes was awarded the Women’s Champions of Champions title by default after Pinches’ withdrawal
Pinches then went back to her seating area and packed up her cue before leaving the arena in north Wales.
Despite the surprising end to an event fans had paid to come and see, the supporters appeared to be in favour of the decision.
Cries of ‘yes, Lynne’ could be heard from supporters gathered at the Pontins resort in Prestatyn.
Haynes was clearly taken aback by the move, and appeared surprised at the call, while the crowd applauded and cheered Pinches’ forfeiture of the title.
Double H – Haynes’ nickname on the circuit – has already had an impressive 2023, picking up the 2023 Ladies Masters Champion title.
Pinches’ controversial decision received support from the X account FairPlayForWomen, who wrote: ‘A principled and popular decision with the crowd.
‘Lynne Pinches refuses to play in this women’s pool tournament because her opponent is a trans-identifying male. Fairness matters in sport. Well done Lynne.’
Lynne Pinches stayed on site to pose with her runners-up trophy despite her retirement
Haynes was also crowned the 2023 Ladies Masters Champion in what has been an impressive 2023
The sentiment was echoed on social media, with one account writing: ‘Harriet Haynes is a male. Why are you allowing males to take female prizes.
‘This is going to kill the women’s game Males competing against females is cheating in my opinion and the opinion of most people. Cowards the lot of you.’
And a second critic posted: ‘The top women get nowhere near the top men, whether its because of hand-eye (co-ordination) or whatever, I don’t know.
‘What I do know is that Harriet Haynes was a bang average county ‘b’ player before transition.’
