Crucible cues up Ladies’ Day to woo more women

But, for the first time this year, the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield will have a Ladies’ Day, in a bid to get more women interested in the sport.

Taking place this Friday, when players including Shaun Murphy, Barry Hawkins and Michael White will take to the tables, the event will also raise money for World Snooker’s official charity, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Rotherham.

There will be a purple theme, using the colour of Bluebell Wood’s logo, and purple cakes and cocktails will be on sale.

There will also be free snooker coaching for women in “Cue-Zone” in the Winter Garden, provided by leading players Katie Henrick and Reanne Evans.

World Snooker chairman Jason Ferguson said: “We’re very keen to get more women involved with snooker, and that’s why we decided to stage Ladies’ Day during the World Championship for the first time.

“Snooker is one of the few sports with total fairness in terms of who can participate.

“Anyone can play on the World Snooker tour, regardless of age, nationality or gender.

“Hopefully Ladies’ Day will capture the imagination of women and encourage them to get involved in snooker.”