Could Health Issues and Social Media Pressure Push Reanne Evans to Retire?

Reanne Evans, a 12-time women's world snooker champion, has made a remarkable start to the current snooker season after contemplating retirement at the end of the last campaign. Since June, she has already secured more victories than in the entirety of the previous season, attributing her success to a relaxed approach to the game and improved management of her essential tremor, which has long affected her performance.

Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Reanne Evans has adopted a more carefree attitude, reminiscent of fellow player Mark Williams.
• She has struggled with essential tremor, impacting her ability to play consistently.
• Evans feels her recent successes are due to reduced pressure and improved health.
• Despite past struggles, she remains determined and hopeful for the future of her career.
• Social media abuse has affected her confidence, but she is learning to manage it.

The Journey So Far

Reanne Evans’ career has been marked by significant highs and lows. As one of the most decorated players in women's snooker history, her achievements include 12 world titles. However, these accolades have not translated into widespread fame or financial success. The prize for her last world title in 2019 was a mere £5,500, a stark contrast to the substantial rewards available in men's competitions. This disparity in recognition and reward has often left her feeling undervalued in the sport.

Health Challenges

Evans has faced numerous health challenges, primarily an essential tremor that manifests as involuntary shaking, particularly when she is focused on making a shot. This condition can severely hinder performance, especially in a sport that demands precision and control. “I’ve had it years now,” she explained. “They can’t really do anything for it.” The tremor also tends to worsen with stress and anxiety, complicating her ability to compete at a high level.

In addition to her tremor, Evans has dealt with persistent neck and shoulder pain. These physical ailments have compounded her struggles, impacting both her mental state and her performance at the table. “I learned to play with my neck and shoulder pain, to a degree,” Evans shared, indicating her resilience in the face of adversity. However, she admitted that combining multiple issues has led to moments of self-doubt.

Turning Point of the Current Season

The current season has offered Evans a fresh start. With her newfound mentality of taking things less seriously, she has experienced a surge in confidence. “I’m trying to take a different attitude, a bit of a Mark Williams attitude,” she noted, highlighting her desire to focus on enjoying the game rather than fixating on the pressure of winning. This shift has reportedly led to her better performance on the table.

Evans has also acknowledged that her current form is a considerable improvement from last season. “I have been terrible, not bad, I’ve been terrible. I’m not going to lie,” she said, reflecting candidly on her struggles. The change in her mindset appears to be resonating positively with her results, as she begins to secure wins and regain her confidence.

Support and Challenges in the Game

Despite her successes, Evans has faced backlash from social media users, which can be disheartening. “Everyone gets it, but I get even more abuse when I win!” she remarked, expressing her frustration with the negativity that follows her, regardless of her performance. Evans has learned to navigate this landscape, recognising that the criticism often stems from individuals projecting their dissatisfaction. “I think, right, bless you. I feel sorry for you,” she stated, showing a level of emotional resilience.

Evans is also aware that her success can put pressure on her opponents, especially when her form is on the rise. “Winning matches helps, then your opponent knows that you’ve started to win a couple of games so it can get to them a little bit, maybe,” she explained. This understanding of the mental game adds another layer to her strategic approach to snooker.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, Evans remains focused on maintaining her current trajectory. She is pragmatic about her health and performance, acknowledging that her body will dictate how far she can go in the sport. “I’ll see how my body holds up, see how I’m feeling,” she said. “If you’re playing okay and getting a few wins and picking up a few titles on the women’s tour, it’s happy days.”

With the recent upturn in her form, Evans is hopeful that she can continue to compete at a high level while managing her health issues. The combination of her improved mindset and physical condition could pave the way for a successful season ahead.

Conclusion

Reanne Evans’ journey reflects the complexities of being an elite athlete, particularly within a sport that is still evolving and striving for equal recognition. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence despite the odds. As she embraces a carefree approach to the game, her continued success could inspire many, not just in snooker but across various competitive fields. The question remains: how will Evans’ story evolve as she navigates the challenges and triumphs of the snooker world?

#ReanneEvans #Snooker #WomensSport

FAQs

What is Reanne Evans known for?

Reanne Evans is known for being a 12-time women's world snooker champion, making her one of the most decorated players in the sport's history.

What health issues has Reanne Evans faced?

Evans has faced essential tremor, which causes involuntary shaking, as well as long-standing neck and shoulder pain that have affected her performance.

How has Evans adapted her mindset for the current snooker season?

Evans has adopted a more carefree attitude, aiming to enjoy the game rather than feel pressured to win, which has positively impacted her performance.

What has been the impact of social media on Reanne Evans?

Evans has experienced significant social media abuse that affects her confidence, but she is learning to manage this negativity and focus on her performance.

What does the future hold for Reanne Evans in snooker?

The future for Evans looks promising as she continues to improve her game while managing her health, and she remains optimistic about her performance this season.