Wendy Jans and Anita Rizzuti, two of Europe’s top ladies players, have been given places in snooker’s new World Open.
Belgium’s Jans and Norway’s Rizzuti will compete in the qualifying rounds of the world ranking event at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield this weekend. The tournament’s innovative format gives the chance for juniors, women and international amateurs and the winners of regional club tournaments to compete against the 96 professionals.
Jans will play World No 66 Simon Bedford, while Rizzuti will face current World Amateur Champion Alfie Burden. Both will need to win at least two matches to qualify for the televised stages in Glasgow in September.
Jans is the current European Champion, nine-times Belgian champion and won the IBSF World title in 2006.
“I’m very excited about playing in a world ranking event for the first time,” said the 27-year-old. “I would love to see more events like this because it’s a great chance for all the players out there to compete with the best in the world.
“I have beaten top male players in the past so I know I can do it. I also know that it won’t be easy because they are all top players. But I’ll give it my best shot.”
Norway ladies No 1 Ruzzuti, whose partner Kurt Maflin plays on the professional circuit, added: “My chances of qualifying are obviously slim, but I’m hoping a main tour event will bring out the very best in me.”
The qualifiers run from August 21 to 24 with the venue stages from September 18 to 26 at the SECC in Glasgow.
Tickets for the SECC are on sale NOW, and World Snooker is offering a fantastic HALF PRICE TICKET OFFER!! For as little as £5 you can see three matches, so DON’T MISS THIS INCREDIBLE OFFER!! BOOK NOW by calling 0844 395 4000 or visiting www.worldsnooker.com/tickets
For the half price offer quote ‘celebrate snooker’.
The World Open receives equal funding and support from EventScotland and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau.
