Reanne Evans argues that the Snooker Shoot Out provides the perfect entry point for women looking to turn pro. Having already secured twelve women's championships, Evans etched her name in the record books in 2019 as the first female player to compete in the televised closing stages of a world ranking tournament.
Her past attempts were challenging, starting with a defeat to Jimmy White and followed by a first-round exit against Ian Burns a year later. This time around, Evans will be competing alongside professional newcomer Rebecca Kenna.
In an interview with Eurosport, Evans described the sport as a fantastic avenue for women. She noted that while the specific rules of the Shoot Out can be stressful, the unpredictability of the game means there's less pressure on the players, as a lucky shot can change everything.
The tournament's unique structure involves 10-minute, single-frame bouts. Players are under constant time pressure, with a shot clock limiting them to 15 seconds per turn for the first five minutes, which then drops to 10 seconds for the remainder of the match.
The event kicks off this Thursday and is being held in Milton Keynes to accommodate safety measures during the global pandemic.
Evans admitted she is simply thrilled to get back to the table. Although she anticipates that the absence of a live crowd will change the atmosphere, she remains eager. Looking back at her 2019 debut, she recalled the excitement of the initial invitation and the uncertainty of how the audience would react.
She credited her long-standing relationship with Jimmy White for helping her settle in, as he has offered her mentorship over the years. Even so, she confessed that the nerves were overwhelming because nothing truly prepares you for that level of competition.
By the following year, she felt more at ease, despite not getting many opportunities to strike. Interestingly, the tournament has a reputation for unpredictability; no top-16 ranked player has won it in 11 seasons. With heavyweights like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Neil Robertson, and Judd Trump missing from the lineup, the field is wide open for any of the 128 contestants to claim the £50,000 top prize.
Regarding the payout, Evans believes the outcome is largely down to luck and that any player in the draw has a fighting chance. Her goal is simply to enjoy the experience and put some balls in the pocket.