Controversy Sparks Debate Over Fairness in Women’s Sports at Wigan Event

WIGAN, UK – A firestorm of controversy has erupted following the Ultimate Pool Women’s Pro Series Event 2, held on April 6, 2025, at the Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan, where two biological males, Harriet Haynes and Lucy Smith, faced off in the championship final. The match, which saw Haynes emerge victorious with a £1,800 prize, has ignited widespread backlash from athletes, fans, and women’s rights advocates who argue that the inclusion of transgender women in the competition undermines fairness in women’s sports.

The event, part of the prestigious Ultimate Pool Women’s Pro Series, saw Haynes and Smith outcompete all female participants to secure their spots in the final, a development that has fueled heated discussions online and at the venue. Social media platforms buzzed with outrage, with many calling the outcome a “mockery” of women’s athletics. Critics pointed to perceived physical advantages, such as height and reach, which they claim gave the transgender competitors an edge over their female counterparts in a sport requiring precision and stability.

Protests were not confined to the digital realm. A group of women’s rights activists gathered outside the leisure centre during the event, brandishing signs with slogans like “Save Women’s Sports” and “Fairness First.” One prominent activist, Jean Hatchet, was reportedly removed from the venue after attempting to confront players during practice sessions, highlighting the intensity of the opposition.

Harriet Haynes, who has previously topped the women’s rankings in 2022 and 2024, defended her participation, emphasizing her identity as a woman and her right to compete. “I’m just trying to live my life and play the sport I love,” Haynes said in a statement. Lucy Smith, who finished sixth in the 2024 season, also stood firm, though neither directly addressed the growing backlash following their championship clash.

Supporters of their inclusion argue that sports should prioritize inclusivity and that both athletes met the eligibility criteria set by the Ultimate Pool Group. However, detractors, including some former female competitors, expressed frustration over what they see as a dilution of the women’s category. “This isn’t about hate; it’s about fairness,” said Lynne Pinches, a vocal critic and former player, who joined the protests. “When two men are in the final of a women’s event, it’s hard to call it a women’s championship anymore.”

The Ultimate Pool organization has yet to issue an official response to the controversy, though past statements from governing bodies like the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF) have emphasized a commitment to balancing inclusivity with competitive integrity. Meanwhile, the prize money distribution—£1,800 for first place and £900 for second—has drawn additional scrutiny, as it equals the combined earnings of the next 14 female finishers, amplifying claims of inequity.

As the dust settles on Event 2, the incident has reignited a broader debate about transgender participation in women’s sports, with calls for clearer policies growing louder. For now, the victory of Harriet Haynes stands, but the conversation it has sparked shows no signs of quieting down.