England #1 Women’s Snooker Player to Turn Pro

Reanne Evans, who is the world’s number one women’s snooker player with 12 world titles, has been offered the chance to turn professional for the start of the 2021/22 season in May. Evans, originally from Dudley, will be given a two year card and is to be joined by Hong Kong player Ng On-yee, who herself has won three world titles in the women’s game.

The historic agreement has already been lauded by some as being “one of the most significant days” for women’s snooker. When the new season starts in May, Evans and On-yee will have the chance to play their male counterparts week in, week out. It won’t be the first professional outing for Evans though, as she was previously given the chance to play against the men via a wild card back in the 2010/11 season, but was unable to retain her place.

Pandemic Break “Hellish” for Women’s Snooker

Due to the amtuer status of women’s sport, the World Women’s Snooker Tour is still on hold over a year after it was first halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Evans has spoken of her frustrations the prolonged pause, as she feels it halted the rising momentum of the women’s sport, now sending it backwards somewhat. She alluded to the fact that practising for women in snooker has been impossible for everyone other than those with their own table, due to snooker clubs being closed as well.

Lack of Support and Practice Time Leaves Women Behind

Evans and On-yee’s inclusion the male-dominated professional season does represent a massive step forward for women in snooker. However the lack of practice afforded Evans, and other women in the game, leaves her behind the men in terms of practice training and competitive matches - of which Evans has only played three of this year. On-yee is in a slightly better position, as the Hong Kong government does give some back to its professional women’s snooker players.

In a recent interview with Eurosport, Evans spoke of her desire for snooker to create professional spheres for both the women and the men. Unlike other sports, there’s no separate professional tours for men and women. Instead there’s the professional tour which is malke dominated, then the women’s tour, which is still technically amateur. Evans believes the women’s game needs more backing and resources before they can get on par and compete with the men.

Betting on the 2020/21 Season with TonyBet

Evans and On-yee will only join the pro tour for the start of the 2021/22 season in May. Before then, we still have plenty of events coming up with the Cazoo Tour Championship, the Irish Masters and the BetVictor Championship League all taking place later this month.

The WST Pro Series is on right now, and the best odds we’ve found are with TonyBet, who are currently offering £30 in bet credits when you sign up today. You can take a look at their Live snooker odds below: