Mink Nutcharut is women's world number one and regains professional status

A last 16 victory for Mink at the campaign-concluding Landywood British Open meant that she could no longer be overtaken at the summit of the WWST rankings, a position she has held since August last year. Mink initially became the first Thai world number one in February 2023.

The end of term accolade is rewarded with a two-year professional tour card, meaning 24-year-old Mink will immediately return to the sport’s top tier in the coming weeks having been relegated from it only last month.

Mink first qualified for the pro tour after winning the 2022 World Women’s Snooker Championship, although life on the premier circuit was very tough as she picked up only two match wins across the two seasons. However, a more experienced Mink now has another opportunity.

Since claiming the world crown over two years ago, Mink has won four other big titles on the women’s scene - the Masters, back-to-back Belgian Opens and the US Open.

A few months ago in China, Mink was close to regaining the world title but lost in the final to home hero Bai Yulu in an epic deciding frame.

World champion Bai is set for her debut on the professional circuit in the coming months and will play alongside fellow women Mink, Reanne Evans and Baipat Siripaporn on the tour.