On May 9th, 2026, Ella O’Connor, her mother Vanessa, and I began our journey to Dongguan, China, for the World Women’s Snooker Championships. As Irish Ladies National Snooker Coach, I had the privilege of accompanying and supporting Ella as she prepared to represent Ireland in both the Under-21 and Senior Women’s events. The trip involved approximately 30 hours of travelling from Ireland to southern China, including flights, airport transfers and waiting times, but from the moment we arrived, it was clear we were attending one of the most significant events in women’s snooker.
From the official opening ceremony through to the final day of competition, the organisation, professionalism and attention to detail were simply outstanding and reflected the importance China places on cue sports and player development.
The championship attracted 78 players from across the world, including competitors from China, Thailand, England, Australia, India, Singapore, Mongolia and Germany. For Ella, it was an opportunity to test herself against some of the best female players in the world and gain invaluable experience on the biggest stage in women’s snooker. For Vanessa, it was the opportunity to witness her daughter represent her country at a World Championship, and for me as a coach, it provided a unique opportunity to observe elite-level competition, study coaching methods and player development systems, and gain insights that can benefit the continued growth of ladies’ snooker in Ireland.
The standard of play throughout the championship was exceptional. Players demonstrated outstanding cue-ball control, tactical awareness, break-building ability and mental resilience under pressure. Watching the top players perform highlighted the importance of strong fundamentals, quality coaching and years of dedicated practice. It quickly became apparent that Asia, particularly China and Thailand, is producing an impressive generation of highly skilled young players.
One player who particularly impressed me at an early stage was Panchaya Channoi of Thailand, who enjoyed a remarkable championship by winning both the Under-21 World Championship and the Women’s World Championship. Despite her young age, she displayed exceptional composure, outstanding cue-ball control, intelligent shot selection and tactical maturity throughout the tournament.
Her performances demonstrated the confidence and professionalism of a seasoned champion and were a clear reflection of the quality of coaching and player development systems currently operating throughout Asia. Watching her progress from winning the Under-21 title to lifting the Women’s World Championship trophy was one of the highlights of the entire event and provided a glimpse into the future of women’s snooker.
Ella’s championship campaign provided many valuable lessons and experiences. Ella’s opening match in the main event was against a talented Chinese player, highlighting the quality of opposition present throughout the tournament from the very first round. The standard of play was extremely high, with many of the Chinese players demonstrating excellent tactical awareness, cue-ball control and matchplay experience.
Competing against players of this calibre provided Ella with valuable international experience and important lessons that will undoubtedly benefit her future development. Ella also competed against experienced international opposition, including India’s Anupama Ramachandran, gaining valuable exposure to different playing styles, match situations and competitive pressures.
In the Under-21 Championship, Ella faced a highly talented 14-year-old Chinese opponent who proved to be a formidable challenge. Although the scoreline ended in a 3-0 defeat, Ella potted a number of excellent balls throughout the match and competed with determination and professionalism. However, she came up against what could only be described as a young “potting machine,” whose scoring power and consistency were exceptional.
While disappointing at the time, the experience provided valuable insight into the standard being achieved by many of Asia’s emerging junior players and reinforced just how important international competition is for player development.
Throughout the event, Ella conducted herself professionally, embraced every challenge and represented both Ireland and her club with pride. The experience gained from competing against some of the world’s best players and young prospects will undoubtedly contribute to her continued development in the years ahead.
As a coach, it was rewarding to see her compete with confidence, determination and a willingness to learn from every match.
Beyond the matches themselves, one of the most striking observations from the trip was the scale of investment being made throughout Asia in the future of snooker. By observing the structures already in place, it became evident that countries such as China are investing heavily in junior academies, grassroots programmes, coaching systems, talent identification initiatives and high-performance facilities.
Young players are being introduced to professional coaching at an early age and are progressing through structured pathways designed to maximise their development and long-term potential.
The commitment and resources being invested are substantial and clearly focused on the future. In my opinion, Asia is setting itself up to dominate world snooker in the coming years. The foundations currently being built through their junior academies and player development programmes are likely to produce the next generation of world champions in both the men’s and women’s game.
The vision, planning and commitment to nurturing young talent were one of the most impressive aspects of the entire championship and provided a model that many countries may look to in the future.
The event also reinforced several important lessons that can contribute to the continued development of ladies’ snooker in Ireland. International competition remains one of the greatest teachers. For players like Ella, competing against world-class opposition accelerates learning, builds resilience and provides experiences that simply cannot be replicated at the domestic level. Strong technical foundations, mental resilience, quality coaching and structured development pathways remain essential ingredients for long-term success.
Outside of the competition arena, the trip provided opportunities to experience Chinese culture, meet players and coaches from around the world and strengthen relationships within the international snooker community. The hospitality shown throughout the championship was exceptional. The accommodation, transportation and tournament facilities were all of a good standard, creating a positive environment for players, coaches and officials alike. The mobile phone helped bridge language barriers and made communication far easier than many might expect.
For Ella and me, the journey to Dongguan was about far more than results. It was an opportunity to learn, observe, develop and gain a deeper appreciation of where the women’s game is heading internationally.
The experience highlighted the standards required to compete at the highest level while also providing inspiration and motivation for the future.
As Irish Ladies National Snooker Coach, I returned home with renewed enthusiasm and valuable insights that can help support the continued development of ladies’ snooker in Ireland. I am equally confident that Ella returned home with greater experience, increased confidence and a clearer understanding of what it takes to compete successfully on the world stage.
My journey to Dongguan alongside Ella O’Connor and her mother, Vanessa, was an unforgettable experience. It provided the opportunity to support an Irish player representing her country, observe world-class competition, learn from international coaching systems and witness first-hand the remarkable investment being made in the future of snooker throughout Asia.
The experience reinforced the importance of giving Irish players opportunities to compete internationally and gain the exposure necessary to continue raising standards within our game.
It was a journey filled with learning, inspiration, friendship and optimism for the future of Irish ladies’ snooker.
Report by Cathal Moore
Irish Ladies National Snooker Coach (SBI)
My experience of snooker in China
It was an unreal experience especially at such short notice. This time last year I wasn’t playing snooker and to play the Women’s World Championship less then a year later is unbelievable wouldn’t of been able to do it with out the support of SBI and the events they run for us ladies.
Also wouldn’t have been possible without my club the Transport Club and the people in it who have all been behind me since day one when I started playing pool and then fell in love with Snooker. Aswell my parents and all my family and friends who show their unconditional support for me.
The environment in China was incredible the tables were immaculate tight pockets but only improve your game. Everyone was so welcoming to lifts to and from venue as well as the shuttle bus. The venue was unreal and it’s not even fully complete it’s only temporary set up this year. They had 8 tables for us to use while we waited to be called by referees to go to the match tables. The city was full of posters and billboards of the competition I was amazed by it all.
It was an unforgettable experience being announced and to walk out into the playing arena. Was lucky I got to play two matches on the streaming tables. There were plenty of people to watch and to add to the atmosphere!! Cameras everywhere you looked was overwhelming at times but once you get over the first match you settle in a bit. I got to sign my signature onto a camera lense. Got a lovely gift of some cookies from the cutest 2 year old heartwarming experience.
Off the table the culture was incredible plenty of street food being sold and lots of little stalls with everything you can imagine from bags to phone cases to socks. Also ventured out to Shezhen on the bullet train to do some shopping!!
Overall I was happy with myself and my performance all though I only won one match it was the highlight for me and the players over here have been playing for many years with top class coaches. I gave a good battle in all the other matches I played couldn’t have asked for much more of myself. Just have to keep up the hard work and come back stronger next time against them. It’s been an incredible trip seeing another side of the world all while playing snooker. It would be great if we see some more ladies join us on the SBI tour next year and grow the numbers some more.
Cathal Moore
Irish Ladies National Snooker Coach (SBI)
World Women’s Snooker Championship, Dongguan, China
