GRAVESEND'S Katie Henrick begins her bid to win the World Snooker title this weekend as she takes part in the group stages of the competition at Jesters, Swindon.

The current world number eight, who faces Temple Geayley on Saturday afternoon in her opening group match, is expected to make it through to the last 32 of the tournament.

But, despite meeting players like seventh seed Maria Catalona, who is Ronnie O'Sullivan's cousin, Henrick is confident of going even further in the competition. She said: "I'm definitely looking forward to it. I've been playing quite well recently, although the build-up is a bit frustrating because I just want to play now.

"I've been averaging about four to six hours per day on the practice table, with an hour with my coach in the evening so preparations have gone really well. I'm aiming to get into the semi-finals.

"Although I haven't made a semi this year, I'm trying to be as confident as possible. If I do that, it should cement my place in the top eight in the world."

If Henrick makes it through to the last four, she will have the honour of playing at the Crucible Theatre as the tournament switches to the famous venue in conjunction with the men's competition.