Neena ready for the worlds

Playing the world championship is special for any player and Tamil Nadu cueist Neena Praveen is no different. Neena is part of the Indian contingent that participates in the IBSF world snooker championship to be held at Daugavpils, Latvia, from November 27.

 

This season has been a comeback of sorts for Neena as she was out of action for a brief period following a surgery last year. She worked her way back to No.2 spot in the country (in 6 red, 15 red snooker) and is now determined to do well at the worlds.

 

“I always believe that if you play to the best of your ability, the result will take care of itself. I have been putting in a lot of effort and training much harder than I used to,“ says the 30-year-old.

 

Neena says she has been working with her coach Rajmohan to strengthen her basics.

 

“In the past, I made some elementary mistakes which eventually proved costly. I lost some crucial games because of that. Now, I am determined to not repeat them,“ she adds.

 

Neena, like many others, started playing for fun but within a few months she realised she had a future in the sport. Lack of job opportunities and money has not slackened her interest.

 

“I do not not have sponsors at all. It would be easier for me to travel to international events if some corporate comes forward to help,“ she informs.

 

Neena, who has a 10year-old daughter, asserts that it is only because of her family members' constant motivation she remains on the circuit despite financial struggles. “I am indebted to my family for recognising my passion and letting me chase my dreams. I am from a middle class family and my husband is the sole bread winner,“ Neena says.

 

India coach Sanjay Sawant acknowledges that Neena's experience would come good at Latvia. “She knows how to handle a crunch situation,“ says Sawant.