Vaieke cruises through

By MELTON PAIS
DEFENDING champion Hane Vaieke got her title defence off to a great start with a 2-0 win over Melva McDermott on day two of the BSP National Women’s Snooker Titles at the Lamana Q Club, Port Moresby last night.
Vaieke, who ousted long reigning PNG number one Geua John 3-1 in last year’s semifinal and defeated Helen Samuel 4-1 in the grand final to claim her maiden title, proved a class above against a game McDermott 2-0 in a best-of-three frames format.
Vaieke said despite getting past her first opponent, she would taking a cautious approach and look at maintaining good form over the round robin fixtures.
She said her maintain aim was to pot the easy shots and lift her game as the tournemant progressed.
Vaieke next opponent is Ruby Oala, who also had her first win on Tuesday against McDermott.
She said Oala was a good player and their match up would be competitive.
“I’m hoping to maintain the form and make the playoffs so can dfend the title,” Vaieke said.
“That’s my ultimate target.
“I didn’t have much table time heading into this national titles but that won’t stop me from playing hard and focusing on every game.
“I played a few corporate games which has helped me and having a cue of my own as well is an advantage because you get used your own cue and that helps.”
Vaieke said if everything went to script she would meet Helen Samuel and Geua John in the first round of the playoffs which start on Saturday.
The women’s titles are being staged at three venues: Lamana Q Club, Laguna and Aviat Club. The event is sponsored by The National.
On day one, most matches went according to form with last year’s runner-up Samuel beating the only female junior Geua Vaieke.
Defending champ Vaieke is yet to play as is PNG women’s No.1 Geua John. There some upsets on the opening night with Perpetua Miliken defeating Dolly Berua 2-0 and newcomer Clara Navi beating the seasoned Madeline Kaina 2-0.
Tournament director Joe Chan tipped Kaina would shake off the rust and get back into the contest quickly.
“Madeline is a notoriously slow starter but she can’t afford to lose anymore games for fear of missing out on the knockout stages,” Chan said.