The 2025 Empower Snooker Invitational showcased yet another fantastic weekend of snooker, camaraderie, and the continued growth of the women’s game in New South Wales. Hosted at Hornsby RSL Club, the event brought together a strong field of 18 competitors, from seasoned players to many making their tournament debut.

It was outstanding to see our experienced players offering their support and advice to the newer players and welcoming them with open arms. This is the culture of women’s snooker we have been building in NSW, and it's something to be very proud of. The enthusiasm of all the first-time competitors was also a highlight - there were a few nerves, but even more smiles, as they embraced the experience and became part of this fantastic community.

The event was geared towards building participation among existing, returning, and new players. A low entry fee - which included membership, prizes, and gift packs - along with a relaxed dress code, helped remove barriers and make the tournament more accessible. This handicap-format competition at Hornsby RSL was all about fun, camaraderie, and encouragement, ensuring that everyone, regardless of experience level, felt welcome and supported.

Champion Crowned

Congratulations to Rhonda Knight, who claimed victory in the final against Annette Clifford with a commanding 2-0 win. Rhonda displayed outstanding consistency throughout the tournament, proving herself a worthy champion. Annette also had a fantastic run to the final, demonstrating great skill and determination in her return to women's snooker after several years away.

In the Plate event, congratulations go to Dianne Spring, who secured the win, with Kerrie Spindler finishing as runner-up.

Tournament Results

Quarter-Finals:

Linda Larrea def. Lisa Bulmer 2-0
Rhonda Knight def. Monica Brettle 2-0
Milla Lynch def. Ella Nash 2-0
Annette Clifford def. Huntah Lynch 2-1

Semi-Finals:

Rhonda Knight def. Linda Larrea 2-0
Annette Clifford def. Milla Lynch 2-0

Final:

Rhonda Knight def. Annette Clifford 2-0

Rising Stars & Notable Performances

A special mention goes to our two youngest competitors, Huntah (14) and Milla (17) Lynch. Huntah dominated her round-robin group, winning every frame before falling in a hard-fought quarter-final match. Milla, despite suffering from food poisoning the night before the event, showed incredible resilience. After forfeiting her first match, she bounced back to finish equal first in her group, ultimately making it to the semi-finals. Their performances highlight the promising future of women’s snooker in NSW.

Two first-time competitors, Joey Leung and Wai (Sharon) Ho, also put on a strong showing. Both narrowly missed out on reaching the quarter-finals due to a three-way tie in their groups, which led to tense black-ball deciders.

Acknowledgements & Thanks

A tournament of this calibre would not be possible without the dedication and support of many individuals and organisations. A huge thank you to NSW Director of Coaching, Andy De Haan for his assistance throughout the event and for his ongoing coaching, which continues to encourage more players to take up the game.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Hornsby RSL Club for their strong support and fantastic facilities, which provided the perfect setting for the event. A huge thank you also to the Snooker & Billiards Club, in particular Richard Hunter, for their support and giving up their room for the weekend.

We also appreciate the continued backing of Jason and The Snooker Shop, whose sponsorship, generous prize donations, and pop-up shop added to the success of the event. A special thanks as well to ABSC Women’s delegate, Theresa Whitten for her thoughtful contribution of a Commercial Club voucher as a prize donation.

Our referees deserve immense appreciation for their tireless efforts, patience, and professionalism, ensuring a great experience for all players, especially those newer to competitive snooker.

NSW Government Support

This event was proudly supported by the NSW Government, whose funding played a crucial role in making the event a reality. Their investment in women’s sport is instrumental in fostering participation & development.

Looking to the Future

The enthusiasm and sportsmanship on display throughout the tournament were truly inspiring. Seeing new players embrace the challenge and experienced competitors fostering a strong sense of community and setting a wonderful example reaffirms the strength of women’s snooker in NSW.

Snooker & Billiards NSW is committed to supporting this growth and ensuring that the Empower Snooker Invitational continues to be a key event in the women's snooker calendar for years to come. We’re excited for what the future holds and look forward to welcoming even more players next year!