Junior shines in third round

JUNIOR 2016 plate winner Geua Vaieke beat Cassandra Kinder 2-0 in the third round of the BSP Women’s National Snooker Titles at the Q Club Lamana last night.
The 17-year-old student from Hanuabada, and the daughter of defending champion Hane Vaieke, beat Kinder with an impressive 58- 21 and 55-13 over two frames.
Vaieke, a grade 10 student at Badihgwa Secondary School, maintained a steady hand against an experienced opponent.
Vaieke said last year she did not play because of school commitments but was keen to return to the nationals this year.
“I lost my first two games and it was a relief to win this one against Kinder,” Vaieke said.
“Winning this was good for me and I hope I can keep winning until the final round.
In Group C, 2017 runner-up Helen Samuel beat Janet Mallian 2-0 to finish on top in her group.
The result means there is a three-way tie for second place in the group with Vaieke, Mallian and Kinder to playoof for the finalk spot today.
In Group B, newcomer Claire Matai beat Vaine Gavera 2-0.
Matai said that it was her first time playing competitive snooker and dedicated the win to her sponsor Cinnar Kopyoto.
“I’m feeling more comfortable now after the opening two games,’ Matai said.
“I did not except to win this match against an experienced opponent but I’m happy.”
The top ranked competitors are defending champion Hane Vaieke, former champ Geua John, Helen Samuel, May Vare, Waisina Laho Chan and Ruby Oala. Defending champion Hane Vaieke has qualified for the playoffs along with Oala in Group A.
The top 16 will compete over a best-of-three frames format today.
The quarterfinals, which follow the top 16 playoffs, and semifinals tomorrow will see the competitors play a best-of-five frames format.
The grand final tomorrow will be played over a best-of-seven format.