The Australian Women's Open is under way at Mounties in Sydney, and its compact group stage leaves little time to recover from a slow start. A record 29 players have entered the ranking event, with six of the world's top 10 in the draw. Reanne Evans is back in the competition for the first time since 2018, while former champions Onyee Ng and Mink Nutcharut are among the contenders. The format turns the opening days into a test of consistency as much as quality: group matches are best of three, and only 16 of the 29 entrants progress.
The published tournament format rewards a fast start.
A record field for the event as a World Women's Snooker ranking tournament.
Six of the world's top 10 are competing in Sydney.
Players are divided into six groups of up to five.
A short group match gives little room to recover after a poor start.
The top two in each group and the four best third-place finishers advance.