SWINDON ace Jodie Symes is set to return to the women’s snooker circuit at her home club following a two-year break.
But the 19-year-old is realistic about her chances in the Southern Classic, sponsored by the G2S Group, specialists in double and tripled glazed windows and doors.
Jesters Snooker Hall hosts the fourth leg of the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association tour on Sunday, February 23.
Among the high-quality international field are world number one Maria Catalano, defending champion Emma Bonney, five top players from Hong Kong and Latvia star Tatjana Vasiljeva.
Symes, who is studying criminology and psychology at Southampton Solent University and works weekends as a sales assistant in Matalan, Swindon, said: “I decided I wanted to play again because I missed snooker and missed playing competitively.
“Also, I can now drive, so I don’t have to rely on people for transport.
“I’m not expecting to do brilliantly as I’ve not practised much. I’m more entering for the experience and to regain some skill again.
“I thought that as this tournament was at my home club it was a good place to start.”
The draw will be made at 9.30am with play starting at 10am. An under-21 competition will also be held on the day.
WLBSA Southern Classic
Sunday, February 23
Jesters Snooker Hall
Greenbridge Industrial Estate,
Greenbridge Road
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN3 3JD
Tel: 01793 420660
ENTRIES
Maria Catalano (Dudley, West Mids)
Emma Bonney (Portsmouth)
Ng On Yee (Hong Kong)
Jaique Ip Wan In (Hong Kong)
Yu Ching Ching (Hong Kong)
So Man Yan (Hong Kong)
Tatjana Vasiljeva (Latvia)
Vicky Carter (Sandy, Beds)
Hannah Jones (Derby)
Laura Evans (Neath Port Talbot)
Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts)
Vicky Gibbs (Trowbridge, Wilts)
Jasmine Bolsover (Woking)
Wan Ka Kai (Hong Kong)
Jodie Symes (Swindon)
Tim Dunkley (WLBSA press officer)