Paula Judge Wins Stars Academy Masters RILSA Ranking 2 at Sharkx Newbridge

The Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association held their second National Ranking the Stars Academy Masters at their Academy in Sharkx Newbridge recently.

Paula Judge from Dublin was back in action at Sharkx and had a great day winning the Stars Academy Masters in a close contested final against Cathy Dunne also from Dublin.

In the quarter finals Annette Newman from Carlow was pitched against Joanna Ward from Kildare with Annette taking the first frame comfortably however frame 2 was a scrappy affair and went down to a black ball which Joanna won to level the match at 1-1.  Annette had to get back into the match in the 3rd and final frame to make sure of a semi final spot which she did after a slow start to finish strong on the colours to win.

Paula Judge was playing well against Margaret Browne from Meath and took the match 2 nil with a few small breaks in the mid 20’s to meet Annette in the semis.

In the other half of the draw we saw Michelle French from Kildare up against her daughter Katie in the quarters where Michelle was in good form to take the match 2 nil for a place in the semis.

Cathy Dunne took on the youngster Jennifer Earle in their quarter final match to win comfortably to go through to complete the semi final line up.

In their semi final Paula started well against Annette taking frame 1 with a 53 break, in frame 2, Annette kept it close all the way to the colours and had a chance to level but Paula replied well once in and picked the colours needed to secure the win and a place in the final.

Cathy upped her game against Michelle in their semi final match taking frame 1 comfortably and replied with the same form in frame 2 to win the match and meet Paula in the final.

The final was a very close affair as both players played great snooker throughout and the result could have gone either way as there was two black ball frames in this best of 3 final which Paula potted to take the win and title of Stars Academy Masters Champion 2019.

On the National Rankings, Annette remains in  number 1 spot after the event while Cathy remains in second place, Michelle and Christine are in 3rd and 4th place both holding onto their top 4 places as the season progresses.  Dan Carroll the Tournament Director reminded all those present that the rankings will dictate the teams for future International events and that it was very important to support the ladies ranking events so as not to be disappointed at the end of the season when players are selected, also that the top 32 will qualify for the National Championship in 2020.

Margaret moves up to 5th spot while Jennifer is at 7th place making it into the top 8 for the first time.  Katie is up from 24th to 9th while Joanna is into the top 16 from 42nd spot holding 13th provisionally and Paula’s win brings her up from 43rd to 11th spot on the provisional rankings.  A number of strong players have gone down the rankings and will need to get back into future events if they wish to finish within the top 32 (National C/Ship) top 16 for the Maureen Butler Cup and top 8 if they are to be selected for future International events, so a lot yet to be played for as the season heats up.

Congratulations to Paula on a great win and to Cathy on a fine performance throughout.  Thanks to all the players for their participation and support.  Thanks to Bernie of Sharkx for supplying great food and soup and fantastic facilities on the day.  Thanks to Dave Earle for refereeing the final and helping out over the day at Sharkx

TOP 64 PLAYERS PROVISIONALLY AFTER STARS ACADEMY MASTERS 2019