Jessica Claims Another Title
/Jessica Woods has certainly been the form player of women’s snooker in 2013 and has continued on her winning way with a successful title defence of the NSW State Women’s Snooker Championship.
This year’s Championship was once again held at the popular Mingara Recreation Club on the Central Coast, where the event has now been staged for the past 9 consecutive years. Woods retained the title following a 3-2 victory over 8 times Champion Kathy Parashis in a gruelling Final which duly highlighted the skills and experience of both players.
Since claiming her first NSW State Women’s Snooker title 12 months ago Woods has certainly been enjoying a golden run in the major women’s snooker events. This has included a runner-up effort at last years Australian Open prior to victories in 2013 Oceania and 2013 Australian National Championships. This is a considerable achievement and would indicate that Jessica is now starting to harness the undoubted natural ability she has always shown.
Woods and Parashis were worthy combatants in this year’s State Final with both emerging undefeated from the round robin stage to top their respective groups. Woods then recorded a comfortable 3-1 win over Jenny Budd in the semi, whilst Parashis had to work a lot harder to claim her spot in overcoming an early 2 frame deficit against last year’s runner-up Jenny Budd before going on to a determined 3-2 result.
Although both players were slightly below their best form in the Final it was still an absorbing contest with neither able to establish any real ascendancy. It was grafting snooker, punch and counter-punch and frame for frame, which saw honours shared at 2-2 going into the 5th and deciding frame. The trend continued, but mid way through the reds it was Woods who knocked in a seemingly innocuous break of 20 to establish a small lead. As the frame played out this break proved to be vital with Parashis unable to make up the leeway and saw Woods go on to claim her 2nd NSW Championship.
Special thanks to all referees who officiated at this event and also to major sponsors Mingara Snooker & Billiards Club.
The club and its members have been staunch supporters of the NSW State Women’s Snooker Championship now for 9 consecutive years via sponsorship and hosting. This ongoing assistance and support is vital to the success of all major Championships conducted regularly at their venue and is acknowledged.
Gary Knight
Tournament Director
