Paula Judge is Dublin Open Champion 2018

The Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association’s 4th Ranking event of the 2017-2018 season, The Dublin Open got underway at Joey’s Snooker Club recently.

Paula Judge from Dublin had a good 2 nil win over the ever improving Tina Keogh from Laois in the quarters and again produced good snooker to overcome Susan Hanlon from Dublin who is fast approaching Amateur status in the sport, with a 2 nil win in the semis for a place in the final.

Cathy Dunne from Dublin was in fine form against Christine Carr from Kildare to win 2 nil in their quarter-final clash, Cathy came up against the current Irish number 1 Annette Newman from Carlow and again produced the goods to win 2 frames to nil against Annette to meet Paula in the Final.

Annette now has enough points to secure her the number 1 spot for a 3rd season in a row, this is the first time in the history of ladies snooker that a player has held number 1 for 3 years in succession. Congratulations to Annette

The final was nip and tuck for most of the time but Paula held firm to win the two frames needed to give her the title of Dublin Ladies Snooker Open Champion 2018 and this secures her a 6th place spot on the National Rankings.

As the players compete for vital points as the season nears its end in March, the last ranking the Kildare Open will be the last chance for those who hope to qualify for the Maureen Butler Cup and National Championship in May.  Top 16 players qualify while the top 8 will automatically qualify for the Inaugural Pink Ribbon event scheduled for May 19th 2018 at Sharkx Newbridge where they will compete with some of Ireland’s top Amateur and Professional players for a €1,500 prize pot, not to mention the 4th International Open at Joey’s Dublin in August.

Congratulations to Paula on her win and to Cathy for a great performance.  We wish Paula the very best of luck in Malta at the World Ladies Championship in March and everyone else taking part we wish them a most enjoyable Championship.

Thanks to all our players for entering the Dublin Open and we look forward to seeing you all again in March.  Thanks also to Dave Seales who refereed the final and thanks to Derek Fagan, Derek Walsh and all the staff of Joey’s Club for looking after us and providing excellent facilities.

Thanks to Daniel Harkin of Dublin City FM for reporting on the event, we really appreciate the promotions.  With interviews from our President Margaret Browne, Secretary Tina Keogh and current Irish Champion Paula Judge.

Our Annual fundraiser will be held in the Teach Dolmain Pub in Carlow on Friday 9th March and we look forward to seeing you all there.

QUARTER FINALS

Annette Newman (Carlow)      2      Emirjeta Doda (Dublin)      1

Cathy Dunne (Dublin)              2      Christine Carr (Kildare)       0

Paula Judge (Dublin)                2      Tina Keogh (Laois)             0

Susan Hanlon (Dublin)             2      Margaret Browne (Meath)  0

SEMIS

Cathy Dunne                            2      Annette Newman               0

Paula Judge                              2      Susan Hanlon                     0

FINAL

Paula Judge                             2      Cathy Dunne                       0

PROVISIONAL TOP 32 PLAYERS AFTER DUBLIN OPEN RANKING 4 2018