Knight Finally Has Her Day
/Well-known Central Coast player Rhonda Knight has claimed her first State title following a determined victory in the 2012 NSW State Women’s “Minor” Snooker Championship which was staged at Club Toukley RSL on 16th – 17th June.
It was a popular and well deserved win by Rhonda, who defeated Toukley local Joy Perkins 2-0 in an entertaining Final. Both ladies had displayed solid skills during the round robin stage and emerged as the top ranked players in their groups. Their good form continued into the knock-out stage with results setting up a fitting showdown in the Final.
Having reached their first ‘big game’ Final both players were noticeably tense – and understandably so, which resulted in a close and hard-fought 1st frame with several missed opportunities by both players. However the spectators were treated to some excellent safety exchanges which clearly highlighted both players’ level of finesse and committed approach. After narrowly taking the first frame Rhonda then took control of the game in the second by limiting Joy’s opportunities and capitalising on her own with some consistent potting.
It was a convincing overall performance by Rhonda who never lost a frame throughout the Championship and also recorded the highest break.
The Women’s “Minor” Snooker Championship is a traditional stepping stone for women to become more involved in the game at a tournament level. Unfortunately, a lot of lady players express the opinion that they are “not good enough” to go in tournaments and the ranks of women players are dwindling as a result. With support and encouragement to try the ‘Minor’ format they soon see it can be a fun experience and not as daunting as first thought.
Such was the case again this year and, although entries were low overall at 9, it was pleasing to see another 3 new players involved at this level for the first time. Numbers are ever so slowly increasing each year and it is the aim of the BSA NSW to encourage this trend of increased participation in women’s snooker at every opportunity. The event also proved to be very popular with spectators over the two days of competition.
This was the 4th consecutive year that the Women’s ‘Minor’ Snooker has been hosted and sponsored by Club Toukley RSL. Many thanks to their Board of Directors, management, staff and members for their ongoing hospitality and highly valued support.
Gary Knight
Tournament Organiser
