Transgender Athletes Dominate Ultimate Pool Women's Championship Final

Harriet Haynes defeated Lucy Smith in a closely contested final, reigniting debates over fairness and inclusivity in women’s sports.

Harriet Haynes claimed victory over Lucy Smith in the Ultimate Pool Women’s Pro Series Event 2 final, held at Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan, UK.
Both Haynes and Smith, transgender athletes, advanced to the final after defeating four female competitors each during the tournament.
The World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF) currently allows transgender athletes to compete in women’s categories if they meet specific conditions, including a minimum of four years identifying as female and testosterone level requirements.
Critics, including broadcaster Piers Morgan and former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, have called the event unfair, arguing that transgender athletes have a competitive advantage even in precision-based sports like pool.
Haynes has defended her participation, asserting that pool is not influenced by gender-related physical differences and that expert evidence supports her claim of no unfair advantage.