Down to the Knockouts in Sydney
The 2023 Australian Women’s Open has reached its halfway stage with eight players through to the knockout rounds at the Mounties Club in Sydney.
The fourth staging of the world ranking event has seen the players contest an initial group phase, with the top two from each progressing to Monday’s quarter-finals.
Among those to enjoy smooth passage to the last eight are world number one Mink Nutcharut and three-time world champion Ng On Yee, both former winners of the event since 2018.
Thailand’s Mink particularly impressed as she compiled a majestic break of 100 exactly during her final group win against Australian Krystal Aw. The break represents her sixth century break on the World Women’s Snooker Tour to date and her third at the Mounties venue at which she won her maiden ranking title in 2019.
Next up for the 23-year-old will be a clash against Australia’s Carlie Tait, who came through Group A with two wins from her three matches played.
Hong Kong’s Ng On Yee is looking to end a ranking title drought that stretches back to April 2022 and also made smooth progress without the loss of a frame to secure her place as second seed in the knockout draw.
She will now face an intriguing clash with talented youngster Lilly Meldrum, who will be looking to reach her third ranking event semi-final on home soil.
There is also a place in the knockout draw for last year’s finalist Jessica Woods, who hit a high break of 53 and did not drop a frame in defeating compatriot Christine Firth, China’s Shuangyu Jia and Louise Foster of Scotland to top Group D as she looks to go one better in 2023.
She will now face Hong Kong debutant Yuk Fan Lau, who came through her group in second place to secure her place in the final stages.
Finally, India’s Amee Kamani, has continued her strong run on the circuit by topping Group C and has now reached back-to-back quarter-finals following her recent run to the same stage of the UK Championship last month.
The 2023 World Cup winner has hit the second-highest break of the tournament so far with a run of 80 and will next take on Australia’s Christine Firth in the quarter-finals as she bids to reach her first Tour semi-final.
The action continues on Monday from 10:00am local time, with the latest scores and results available via WPBSA SnookerScores.
