A KEIGHLEY snooker player is set to test her skills against the very best in the game in a unique primetime TV event this weekend.

Rebecca Kenna has been drawn to partner up with four-time world champion Mark Selby at the maiden BetVictor World Mixed Doubles in Milton Keynes.

The pair are set to face Ronnie O’Sullivan and Reanne Evans, Judd Trump and Ng On Yee and Neil Robertson and Mink Nutcharut.

The four teams will compete, live on ITV, across the weekend in a round-robin format of four-frame matches before Sunday evening's final.

Kenna said: "I have been looking forward to it for the last couple of months now.

"It is a bit nerve-racking now we are getting closer but hopefully I can settle once I am there.

"It will be a packed Marshall Arena with people watching the four best players in the world from each gender.

"I really hope my natural game comes out and I can put in a good performance."

In the event, the first of its kind in over 30 years, the two players in each team will make alternate visits to the table (rather than alternate shots).

Kenna has had the honour of practicing with her partner to be and enjoyed every minute of it.

The 33-year-old even got the chance to witness Selby hit a 147.

Kenna added: "I have loved watching him play growing up, so it is an honour to partner him.

"I had a couple of days to get settled with him. He did not give me many chances but it gave me confident because at least I know my partner is playing well.

"It was a big learning curve playing against one of the top boys but that is what it is going to be like at the weekend.

"He had a few clearances, breaks of 100 and a 147. I wish they had caught it on camera because he played some right shots to keep it going.

"He has told me to play my own game and relax. He gave me some good words of wisdom."

Back in April, Kenna was met with the excellent news that she had been handed a two-year World Snooker Tour (WST) card.

It meant she could stop coaching players and become a full-time one in her own right.

More great news came earlier this month when the WST announced each of its players would earn a minimum of £20,000 during the 2022/23 season.

"It has been good to play full-time as my job for the first time," Kenna said.

"Before the season started if you didn't win a match, you did not win any money, so I was quite lucky to pick up a sponsor (Ox Billiards).

"I had to quit my job as a snooker coach so I could practice full time and give it my all.

"I knew it was going to be tricky so this £20k safety net is a bit of a relief. It is a bit of weight lifted off of my shoulders."

She added: "I have already played in a few qualifiers. Hopefully, I can stay on the tour after the two years.

"I know it is going to be hard to get those wins under my belt but I am just taking it all in my stride and enjoying the experience."

Kenna has also recently gained another sponsorship with KIA Motors in Keighley.

She has signed a two-year deal with them where they are going to give her a brand new car every six months.

"I am driving around in style now," she added.

"I did once break down going to an event so I am really thankful to them for the deal."