Transgender pool player in court battle after being banned from competing in women’s events

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A transgender pool champion is taking legal action against one of the sport’s governing bodies in England after she was banned from playing in women’s tournaments. Harriet Haynes, who is among the world’s top 10 best players in the women’s competition, was left stunned by the surprise decision of the English Blackball Pool Federation in August last year to restrict their ladies’ events to people who were born female, which disqualified her from competing in eightball games. Speaking to The Independent, Ms Haynes opened up about her battle to see the inclusion of trans women in the federation’s ladies’ competitions, saying: “All I’ve ever wanted is to be able to play like any other woman.“ The EBPF organises county competitions around the country, which are broken up into categories for women and men, as well as for various age groups. Absolutely nothing was mentioned.” open image in gallery Harriet Haynes is taking legal action against the English Blackball Pool Federation The EBPF’s position differs from two other pool organisations, the Ultimate Pool Group – which organises tournaments for eightball pool professional players – and the World Eightball Pool Federation, which oversees international tournaments.