Star Suzie shines on ladies night

HAMPSHIRE golden girl Suzie Opacic regained the Chandler’s Ford SC Ladies Championship after a late-night stand-off with Romsey raider Lynda Gussin.

Ladies championship line-up: Left to right: Lorraine Colliss, Rebecca Woods, Lynette Woods, Marie Osgood, Claire Brand, Lynda Gussin, Sarah Osgood, Caroline Opacic, Suzie Opacic, Paula Owens.

It was gone midnight when 2005 champion Opacic potted the final blue after a long safety battle to leave her opponent needing snookers. 

“It’s great to get the ladies’ title back after missing last year’s competition,” said Opacic, 19. “Lynda played some good safety. I had to keep focused and take my chances when they came.”

In the semi-finals, surprise package 20-year-old Rebecca Woods, a former Southampton Ladies Academy footballer who now plays midfield for Chichester University, knocked in a 15 break but lost to Opacic.

And Gussin, who picked up a cue again after a gap of 20 years to partner son Matt, 14, in the club’s family doubles and has played regularly ever since, ended the hopes of reigning champion Paula Owens.

Despite conceding handicap starts, Opacic eased through the group stages unbeaten. She saw off twin sister Caroline, Gussin, 2006 finalist Lorraine Colliss and Winchester League player Sarah Osgood.

In the opening match, Osgood, 28, beat Colliss, 46, on the final black. Owens, 35, eased past Claire Brand, Marie Osgood, 52, and Rebecca and Lynette Woods.

Picture: Kevin Legg