Women's billiards heads for Cambridge

[snookerdad]

SEVEN-time world champion Emma Bonney will be the one to beat in the International Ladies Billiards Championship at Cambridge Snooker Centre on Sunday.

The three-ball aficionado from Portsmouth is one of a field of eight chasing the anonymously donated £500 prize money.

Also in the draw for the event organised by the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association are Norfolk teenagers Rochelle Woods, 15, and Josie Wright, 13.

Play commences at 11am with two round-robin groups of four. The top two from each group qualify for the semi-finals and the remainder will contest the Plate.

2013 International Ladies Billiards Championship
Sunday, September 22
Cambridge Snooker Centre
Coldhams Road
Cambridge
CB1 3EW
Telephone: 01223 249661

ENTRIES

Emma Bonney (Portsmouth)
Hannah Jones (Derby)
Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs)
Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts)
Kim O’Brien (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk)
Trudy Lambert (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk)
Josie Wright (Thetford, Norfolk)
Rochelle Woods (Kings Lynn, Norfolk)

Tim Dunkley (WLBSA press office)

[philip in china]

£500! That is a move in the right direction.

[snookerdad]

LACK of practice did not prevent seven-time world champion Emma Bonney stamping her authority on the International Ladies Billiards Championship.

Bonney broke the resistance of her teenager opponent Hannah Jones with a run of 50 halfway through the hour-long final at Cambridge Snooker Centre.

The 37-year-old from Portsmouth pocketed £200 prize money donated by an anonymous sponsor.

“It was close after the first half hour and then I made a 50,” said Bonney. “That changed the game. I got away in the second half.”

Bonney, who notched up a 108 break in her local league over the summer, added: “I’ve made a few breaks in the league but I’ve not had time to practise.”

“It’s very nice to have another event, as well as the World Championship.”

In the semi-finals, 17-year-old Jones (Derby) pipped Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs) by just three points while Bonney accounted for Kim O’Brien (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk).

Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts) claimed the Plate title.

The World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association event saw the debut of Norfolk teenagers Rochelle Woods, 15, and Josie Wright, 13.

Bonney said: “It’s good that young players are coming up.”

And WLBSA chairman Mandy Fisher added: “Rochelle and Josie were both immaculately turned out. They’re lovely youngsters.

“They certainly could be forces to be contended with in the future. I’m hoping to see them at more events.”

Fisher thanked Cambridge Snooker Centre for hosting the tournament and added that it was “wonderful” the sponsor has agreed to back next year’s event.

RESULTS

Round robin Group A: Emma Bonney (Portsmouth) 249-94 Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts), Bonney 242-156 Hannah Jones (Derby), Bonney 322-53 Trudy Lambert (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk), H Jones 266-63 G Jones, H Jones 189-67 Lambert, G Jones 121-76 Lambert.
Breaks: Bonney: 52, 43, 38, 35, 30.

Round robin Group B: Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs) 246-103 Rochelle Woods (Kings Lynn, Norfolk), Palmius 216-85 Josie Wright (Thetford, Norfolk), Palmius 226-57 Kim O’Brien (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk), Woods 148-101 Wright, O’Brien 124-96 Wright, O’Brien 127-108 Woods.
Breaks: Palmius: 45, 30.

Semi-finals (£50): Bonney 363 (32, 33, 37, 43)-96 O’Brien, H Jones174-171 Palmius.

Final (£200/£100): Bonney 259(50)-160 H Jones.

Plate semi-finals (£10): Woods 118-116 Lambert, G Jones 105-96 Wright.

Plate final (£40/£20): G Jones 119-97 Woods.

Tim Dunkley (WLBSA press office)

[thecuecoach]

Congratulations to Emma on her victory, and hard luck to Hannah who will keep improving at Billiards.

[wyt147]

Yes well done Emma - relentless winner - and well done Hannah.

Considering that Hannah only practices billiards twice a year for about a week then she has coped remarkably well. She does try to play the billiard shot over the snooker shot but more practice at the game will help her see more options during her matches.

She won a coaching session with English Champion Rob Hall so we will utilise that a few months before the WLBSA World Billiards championship and see how she gets on.

[Terry Davidson]

Tim:

Do you know why there are no women from England, Scotland or Wales competing in the IBSF World Championships?

I initially thought it was because they are considered lady professionals but now I'm not sure as Tatjana is playing (although she is from Latvia) and I thought it was only the WPBSA pros who can't compete.

Is it more a matter of funds or is there a rule that lady pros can't play in the IBSF championships?

Terry

[snookerdad]

No, they are not professionals and they are eligible. I believe it is a lack of funds.