Jamie Hunter has won the Australian Women’s Open after a tense 4-3 victory over Jessica Woods in Sydney on Tuesday.
It marks the second tournament success in a row for Hunter, who secured a maiden triumph in the US Women’s Open in August.
The final was a close affair, with Australia’s Woods taking the first on the black before opening up an early 2-0 cushion.
Hunter won the next three frames with a high break of 41 only for Woods to force a decider in a closely fought sixth frame.
But it wasn’t to be a home victory as England’s Hunter compiled a timely run of 51 at the end to seal glory.
Earlier in the Australian Women’s Open, Hunter had breezed through the group stages with a 100% record from the seven matches played.
The 25 year-old then beat Australian duo Joey Tohme and Lilly Meldrum to secure a berth in the final.
In the absence of top women players Reanne Evans, Ng On Yee, and Mink Nutcharut, Hunter has dominated the women’s circuit so far this season.
The success has not been without controversy, with prominent women competitors including Maria Catalano having recently spoken out against Hunter’s participation.
Hunter came out as transgender in 2019 and began competing on the World Women’s Snooker Tour a year later.
Woods, meanwhile, became the first Australian woman to compile a competitive century break – with her superb contribution of 120 representing the highest break of the tournament.
Featured photo credit: WWS
