Jane O’Neill

It is with great sadness that World Women’s Snooker (WWS) can report that our world number 48 Jane O’Neill has passed away following a battle with cancer.

O’Neill, who was originally from England before moving to Spain in recent years, made her debut on the WWS Tour over 30 years ago, with her first recorded result being at the 1988 UK Championship in Leicester.

Following an 11-year break, she made her return to competition at the 2019 Belgian Women’s Open, reaching the last 16 stage of a ranking tournament for the fourth time in her career, as well as reaching her first Seniors final, losing out to Caty Dehaene.

Alongside her playing career, O’Neill also held many roles within the World Ladies Billiards and Snooker Association, including Company Secretary, Treasurer and Tournament Director on many occasions.

She would also play a key role in the introduction of women’s billiards tournaments and a ranking list, which was a passion of both her and her late husband John (pictured with Jane above), who was a keen billiard player himself.

Mandy Fisher, WWS President said: “I was extremely shocked and saddened to learn of Jane’s passing.

“Throughout her years involved with the circuit both as a player and an official, Jane was extremely diligent with her work and a much-loved member of the women’s snooker family.

“She will be greatly missed by her friends on the Tour and our thoughts are with her friends and family at this most difficult of times.”