The 3rd Women’s World Billiards Ranking Tour event, the Irish Masters was won by the current World Champion and now World number 1, Anna Lynch representing Australia at the RILSA Academy Sharkx Newbridge recently.

With a great turnout from the Irish contingent on the day made for a very successful event.

SESSION 1

At the round robin stage of the competition, group A got off to a start in these 45 minute timed matches with Valerie Maloney (Ireland) just pipping Joanna Ward (Ireland) on the alarm by 1 point 66-65.  Anna Lynch (Australia) was in fine form against Tina Keogh (Ireland) making consistent small breaks to finish on the clock 153-46

In Group B Annette Newman the current Irish Champion and World number 3 played steady billiards against Stephanie Foley (Ireland) to finish on the alarm 90-37.  Newcomer to the billiards tour Louise Maher (Ireland) played good billiards in her first World event to take the win over Christine Carr (Ireland) 85-55

SESSION 2

Group A.  Anna again kept up her good form against Valerie who struggled in the early part of their match to get going but with the clock ticking down it was going to be difficult to catch Anna who took the win on the alarm 149-57.  Joanna had to dig deep to keep with Tina in their match and with just a minute to go, Joanna scored a 5 pointer to take the win on the alarm 68-64 in a close encounter

Group B.  Annette went up a gear against Louise in their match scoring well every time at the table to finish on the alarm 126-61.  Christine got her first win against Stephanie in a hard fought match to keep alive in the competition finishing on the clock 70-49

SESSION 3

Group A.  Anna would finish her group matches in a flourish making consistent small breaks each time at the table but Joanna had chances to build her score at times but it was not to be on the day with Anna taking the win 180-61

Tina had to up her scoring against Valerie in their match, as the first 20 minutes produced low scoring but in the end Tina closed out the win on the alarm 62-33

Group B.  Annette struggled against Christine with the balls in difficult positions each time she was at the table and for both players it took some time to get into the match.  Annette would take the win on the alarm in a very close contest 71-68

Once the results of the round robin were in, we saw Anna and Annette top both their groups.  Tina would take second in group A and Louise would qualify in second in group B

Semi Finals 60 minute matches

Annette was in good form against Tina who had chances to improve her score but Annette finished strong to take the win 85-66 and into her second World Ranking event Final

Anna continued her form also and took the win against Louise with good scoring 197-70 to once again meet Annette in the final.

FINAL 60 minute match

In the final Anna got off to a good start in the first 15 minutes however Annette came back with some good play to keep level with her and went ahead for a while until Anna came back to keep in touch with her.  The last 10 minutes would decide the outcome in this match with Anna taking advantage scoring small breaks when at the table to finish on the alarm 166-114 taking her 3rd World Ranking event in a row.

Congratulations to Anna on her win and well done to Annette on a fine performance.  Well done to all the girls for their participation and congrats to Tina and Louise on reaching the semis of the event.

Anna now holds the World number 1 spot while Annette is World number 2 after 3 events, a fantastic result for both ladies on tour.  While we are delighted for Anna, we at RILSA are extremely proud of Annette on achieving the number 2 spot and so well deserved for all her hard work in getting her to this stage.  We are proud of all our girls who have supported the tour both in Ireland and the UK and we hope to meet everyone in the new year as we continue our promotions in female billiards throughout the World.

Congratulations to Christine who won the Challenge Cup and well done to Stephanie on reaching the final.

Thanks to Chris Coumbe, Phillip Welham and Brittany Chambers of the Sub Committee of the WBL who are tasked with the promotion and development of female billiards.  Thanks to the Board of the WBL for all their help and support

Thanks to Aidan Murray who officiated throughout the day and refereeing the final.  Thanks to Dave Earle and Joe Lyons for officiating during the event, their help is very much appreciated.

Thanks to Bernie, Paul and staff for providing excellent facilities which made to the very smooth running and success of the event.