CRUCIBLE REMAINS IN EVANS’ SIGHTS

REANNE EVANS still believes she can become the first woman to play in the World Championship at the Crucible.

The reigning and 12-time women’s world champion (right) lost for the second year in a row in qualifying, 6-2 to veteran Andy Hicks.

It was the latest bitter disappointment for Evans, 35, in her efforts to make it to the spiritual home of the game for the blue riband tournament in Sheffield.

But Evans, from Dudley, can look forward to two years on the main tour from this summer after being awarded a tour card when the women’s game was given development status and spots on the circuit.

Handicapped by a lack of competitive action after the women’s tour was suspended for more than 12 months, Evans also did not get the rub of the green.

A controversial refereeing call went against her in frame two against Hicks when official Colin Humphries adjudged that she had fouled by hitting the pink first – and she soon fell 4-0 adrift.

Evans said: “I still think I can make it to the Crucible one day.

“It isn’t my main focus – I want to improve my game and my preparation first.

“But if I do everything right and get more consistent, it is possible – although that is not my only goal.

“I have been given a big opportunity with this tour card for the next two seasons.

“I am going to play in just about every event and I won’t hold back.

“Of course it is very disappointing not to make the Crucible this year.

“I come here hoping to win matches and have a run and I have worked really hard ahead of this. It is just such a different environment.

“The women’s tour has been suspended so we haven’t had the regular events while Andy has been playing regular tournaments and I think that showed.

“But the next two years will be a learning curve for me.”