Champion on and off the Table: Reanne Evans' Impact on Women’s Snooker

Snooker star Reanne Evans is proud to have played such a pivotal role in raising the profile of the women’s game. But the record 12-time women’s world champion has stressed she will continue to do everything in her power to help the women’s game grow ever further.

Making History at the 2024 English Open

Evans also continues to make history at the ongoing 2024 English Open, competing in the first ever match between two female players on the professional World Snooker Tour, as Thailand’s Mink Nutcharut claiming a 4-2 victory.

“When I think back to how the tournaments were when I started, we have moved forward leaps and bounds,” Evans told SportsBoom.com. 

A Global Career and Milestone Events

Evans has travelled the planet playing snooker since she first became a competitive player in her teens.

Earlier this year she competed in the World Women’s Championship in Dongguan Changping, China, a location which raised the bar for World Women’s Snooker with a superb venue, facilities and support from fans in the arena and in the global audience.

“Snooker has given me the chance to travel the world and meet so many interesting people,” added Evans.

“To play in the final stages of the event in Saudi is a great chance to see somewhere new and meet the fans there. The event in China this year was brilliant, we were so well looked after.”

“When we arrived at the venue and saw massive banners everywhere it was fantastic, it was really exciting to play on that stage and I hope the women’s tour will keep moving on to bigger and better things.”

Finding Inspiration in Serena Williams

But where has Evans found the inspiration to dominate the green baize game for over a decade?

The acclaimed 38-year-old potter won an incredible ten world titles in a row between 2005 and 2014.

“Serena Williams was a real inspiration for me,” revealed Evans.

“You don’t really realise it when you first start watching her, I just loved watching her play.”

“But then what you think about what she’s been through and what she’s done for black women and women in sport in general is amazing.”

“When you think of away from the court, being a mum and playing sport, that’s something I can really relate to.”

“The Williams sisters came along and took the game to new levels.”

“I don’t think it, but some people say I did the same in snooker.”

“When you first start out you concentrate on you and your performance because you want to win things for yourself. Once you get older you realise, you’re not just doing it for you, you’re doing it for young girls coming up and even women who have left the sport.”