SO, the biggest event of the snooker year is almost upon us.

But before the women’s world championships kick off in Cambridge on May 3, the little-known but traditional curtain-raiser is taking place in an old theatre in Sheffield.

Not many people realise that men also play the sport which has traditionally been dominated by female superstars.

But while three-time champion Reanne Evans, ‘Sicilian Assassin’ Maria Catalano, Katie ‘Hooray’ Henrick, Portsmouth’s 'Queen of the South' Emma Bonney and our very own 'Golden Girl' Suzie Opacic prepare to be the centre of attention for the world’s media for six days, spare a thought for the poor old men who have to live in the women’s shadow.

Although they’ll never reach the standard of the ladies, players such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Maria Catalano’s cousin, and Mark Allen, Reanne Evans’ partner, will continue to travel up and down the country playing in deserted clubs for prize money that won’t pay the overnight hotel bills.