Transgender pool participant Harriet Haynes ‘SUES’ governing physique after being banned from some female-only competitions – having received one on the weekend

Transgender pool player Harriet Haynes is reportedly suing one of the sport’s governing bodies over a ban from female-only competitions.

Haynes, who won a women’s event in Wigan on Sunday night, is taking legal action against the English Blackball Pool Federation (EBPF) in court this week, as per The Telegraph.

In 2023, the EBPF changed its eligibility rules so that only those who are ‘born female’ can compete on its ladies’ tour and in county competitions.

Haynes had historically competed in EBPF events registered as a woman and believes the ruling was discrimination, causing a ‘loss of opportunity’ and ‘injured feelings’. Haynes, now 34, transitioned at 23. 

The EBPF has maintained that biological males have an advantage, with a higher average break speed. However, Haynes says ‘my success in pool in general is down to my efforts.’

Haynes has been in the spotlight in recent days after beating another transgender player in the final in Wigan, with Piers Morgan calling the situation ‘preposterous’ and accusing the sport of ‘cheating bulls***’.

A trans pool star is reportedly suing a governing body in the sport for banning trans players

Harriet Haynes, who won a female-only tournament on Sunday, used to play in EBPF events

But the EBPF changed its eligibility criteria in 2023, meaning Haynes could no longer compete

Crowd members also protested against Haynes’ showdown with Lucy Smith, shouting ‘He’s a man and we stand with Lynne Pinches’.

Pinches is the star who forfeited the 2023 Ladies Champion of Champions national pool tournament, refusing to play Haynes in the final.

On Sunday, spectators also held up banners saying Save women’s sport’ and ‘he’s a man.’

The legal case between Haynes and EBPF is thought to be the first of its kind brought by a transgender athlete in the UK. 

Sarah Crowther KC, who is representing the EBPF in the legal case, said: ‘It is commonplace for competitors to be categorised. All categories are trying to do the same thing – to group competitors by their bodily characteristics.

‘The reality is that all sports are predominately male sports and there are very few where it can be said there is no sex-based advantage. Women have to fight to seek inclusion.

‘If girls and women do not have their own teams, they will lack the development pathway into sports and will give up.

‘All cue sports have protected women’s categories because the physique of male players means that male players have an advantage over female players.’

But Haynes hit back: ‘My success in pool in general is down to my efforts, whether in the women’s section or open section.    

‘Coaching helped me progress.’

However, when cross-examined and asked whether males had an advantage over females on average, Haynes replied: ‘I’m not an expert on it.’