Southend based pool star Naiomi Wood produced a string of fine performances while on International duty at the World Championships in Bridlington.

The 32-year-old, who lives in Southchurch Road and practices at the Victoria Snooker Centre, helped England reach the semi finals of the team event before losing to a French opponent in the third round of the individual competition.

"We again lost a couple of valued players after winning the European title in October so we knew it was going to be a difficult challenge," she said.

And Wood, the county captain, was proved right as England endured mixed fortunes during the round robin group stages - winning and losing three games apiece.

But, despite the trio of defeats, the team of 11 still advanced to the semi finals where they faced France (FPA) gunning for revenge after a close defeat in the first meeting between the two sides.

"We rallied round to get the team's spirit up," said Wood. "We took a 13-11 lead into the third leg and were looking good with everyone playing well, however France stormed back to take the next six frames and win.

"We were very disappointed, but had lost out to the eventual winners as they beat Scotland in the final."

Wood won 58 per cent of her matches during the five days of competition, but is still forced to fund her own participation due to a lack of sponsorship.

"The England ladies team are not sponsored and receive barely any funding at all," she said.

Published Tuesday August 3, 2004

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