Emma Powers-Richardson Q&A

The Belgian Open in Bruges marked the second anniversary of current world number 42 Emma Powers-Richardson making her debut on the World Women’s Snooker Tour. We sat down with Emma to reflect on her story so far.

Emma, we last saw you at the Belgian Open in Bruges – how was the weekend for you?

“It was my second time travelling to Belgium for the event and both competitions have been great – it is a very enjoyable weekend at a well-established venue.

“I was in a very tough group this time around and, unfortunately, I was unable to progress beyond the group stages. However, I was very happy with how I played overall – especially when winning a frame against Tessa Davidson, who is an incredible player.”

You mentioned in a social media post following the event that you are happy with your improvement and looking forward to developing as a player. What areas of your game do you feel have improved the most recently?

“I would say the most noticeable difference in my game recently is my decision making. In the past I have tended to rush things and, while it still creeps into my game now, I find I have improved this greatly.

“My break-building has also improved, although I am not making breaks as big as I’d like, but there is definitely more consistency with both my break-building and safety play.

“I think the improvement comes from challenging myself and playing against better players as much as possible in competition and practice.”

The event in Bruges marked two years since your first appearance on the Tour at the 2022 British Open – how do you find competing and how much have you learned as a player since then?

“Competing was something that I had to adapt my game to as I didn’t have much competitive experience prior to joining the tour.

“I really enjoy the competitive side of it now as it has progressed and improved my game so much. I have had the opportunity to play against some of the top female players in the world which has been an incredible experience. Watching them play has taught me a lot about the game.”

Your introduction to competitive snooker at this level came through competing in a national event staged by the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards (EPSB). How important are tournaments like this for new players who want to dip their toe into the water in competition?

“These events are a great start for anybody considering competitive snooker. There was an EPSB event set up in Kings Lynn, which is local to me, so I decided to take part and I haven’t looked back since.

“I met some of the top players at this event, who encouraged me to start playing more competitively. Discovering their love for the game was infectious and I was soon hooked.”

You have also had some strong performances at the Winchester Women’s Open Series events this season. How welcome have these events been as additional regular competition?

“It has been great to play competitive snooker more regularly as it has given me something to look forward to and focus on each month. I travel for around two hours each to time to play in these events.

“The regular women’s competitions are much appreciated by everybody as it is not easy for us all to get competitive snooker. I also take part in local club competitions when I can, but it is nice to play regularly in women’s competitions.”

As well as the competitive action on the table, there is also a great atmosphere away from the baize. How important is this to you?

“This is incredibly important to me. Since attending the ESPB event for the very first time, I have felt nothing but welcomed. This continued on the tour, and I have made so many friends through snooker. It has made my love for the game greater, and it has really encouraged me to continue to play competitively and improve my game.”

Are you working with a coach at the moment or are you self-taught?

“My coach is currently Colin McCarthy. Colin works out of Woodside Snooker Centre in Dereham (Norfolk).

“I haven’t had as many coaching sessions recently but in the near future I would like to get more booked in as my game has improved a lot since my last session. At the moment, I am practising either solo or with friends.”

You are based at the Woodside Snooker Club in Dereham – tell us about the venue and the local support that you receive?

“Yes, I mainly play at Woodside Snooker Centre in Dereham, but I have attended local club competitions in Norwich as well.

“They’re both great clubs, who have supported me for the past two years since I started playing competitively on the tour. They sponsor me for a lot of events, helping me with fees and practice time which is greatly appreciated and this has really helped me with my progress. They are welcoming clubs with many good players.”

Where does your interest in snooker come from? Have you always been a fan of the sport?

“I haven’t always been a fan of snooker. I was a football player up until 2020 at a high level, but sadly I suffered a serious injury which left me out of the game for a long time. When everything started to re-open after Covid, I found myself picking up a cue and my love for the game has just grown from there.”

When did you first pick up a cue?

“I was always playing pool when I was much younger and then when I was around 20, I started to play snooker socially just with friends and my brother. I attended a women’s snooker taster day at Kings Lynn prior the EPSB competition where I met Jan Hughes and Clare Gamble – this was where I really picked up a cue properly for the first time.”

What are your interests away from snooker? 

“My interests away from snooker consist mainly of attending different comedy, music, and horror events! I also enjoy taking my dog out for nice scenic walks and travelling or watching movies with my partner.

“Football is my first love. My team is Southampton FC, who are on a great run at the moment. I try to get to as many games as I can and will hopefully be attending Premier League games again next year!”

What are your ambitions for the future in the game, do you have any particular goals or targets?

I would love to see myself higher up in the rankings, but I know this takes work and for now, I’m just focused on getting out of the group stages at a big event and getting into the knockouts. I often have little goals for myself, such as making a 50-match break, or a practice century – neither of which have happened yet, but I am getting close.”

Thank you to Emma for speaking to us – we look forward to seeing her back on the baize later this season! View the latest WWS events calendar.