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Tessa Davidson
a woman playing snooker
Born (1969-04-22) 22 April 1969 (age 55)
Sport country England
Professional1992–93
Highest rankingWorld Women's Snooker: 4

Tessa Davidson (born 22 April 1969) is an English snooker player from Banbury, Oxfordshire. She competed on the women's tour from 1988 to 1995 and again from 1998 to 1999, during which time she won three UK Women's Championships and achieved a highest ranking of fourth in the women's rankings. She competed on the main professional tour during the 1992–93 snooker season.

After 1999, she took a 23-year hiatus from competitive snooker to raise her two children. She returned to the sport in 2022 and currently competes on the women's tour and the women's seniors tour.[1] Since her return, she has won a number of women's seniors titles, including the World Women's Seniors Championship in 2022 and 2024. As of September 2024, she was ranked ninth in the women's rankings,[2] as well as first in the women's seniors rankings.[3]

Biography

[edit]

Born on 22 April 1969,[4] Tessa Davidson is from Banbury, Oxfordshire.[5] Her father was a snooker coach and taught Davidson and her sister the game when they were aged about 13.[6] In the late 1980s, he managed a snooker club in London and his daughters would stay with him and play there.[6]

She started competing on the women's snooker circuit in 1988.[7] She gained her first ranking points in April that year after defeating Mandy Fisher.[8]: 139  In 1989, she won the UK Women's Championship with a 4–1 victory against Stacey Hillyard in the final.[9] Snooker Scene magazine described her as a "surprise winner",[10] and in the Benson and Hedges Snooker Year, Gaye Jones called the result the "undoubted sensation" of the women's snooker season.[8]: 138  Davidson had defeated 1987 world champion Ann-Marie Farren both in the round-robin and quarter-final stages, and her break of 84, made during her 4–1 defeat of Kim Shaw in the semi-finals, was the highest of the tournament.[10] After her UK Women's Championship victory, she decided to focus on snooker, and she played full-time for most of her 20s.[11] Her next significant success was winning the 1990 Western Ladies Championship, when she overcame reigning world champion Karen Corr 3–2 in the semi-finals and world number one Hillyard 3–0 in the final.[12] In 1991, she won the Pontins Ladies' Bowl.[12][13]

Davidson faced Corr in the semi-finals of the 1991 Women's World Snooker Championship. Corr won the first frame with a fluked pot on the black ball. She then won the second frame on a re-spotted black and the fourth with a fluked blue ball on her way to a 5–0 victory.[14] Later in 1991, Davidson made a break of 135 at the British Open, then the highest achieved on the women's tour.[15]

In 1992, she joined the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) when membership was opened to anyone who paid the relevant fee.[16][17] She competed on the professional circuit for the 1992–93 season.[18][7] She won her first professional match 5–1 against Russ Schister in the qualifying competition for the 1992 UK Championship, but a 5–4 defeat of Gary Skipworth in the 1993 British Open qualifying was her only other win as a professional.[18] She resigned her WPBSA membership at the end of the season, being one of 76 players to leave the Association around that time.[19] On the women's circuit, she won the 1992 UK Women's Championship on the last pink ball of the deciding frame against Hillyard.[20]

After an absence from competitive snooker from 1995 to 1998, the unseeded Davidson defeated world number 5 Lisa Quick and reigning world champion Corr on her way to the final of the 1998 Connie Gough Tournament, where she defeated second-ranked Kelly Fisher 3–1.[21][22] She also reached the final of the 1998 Regal Welsh Open.[22] She went on to win the 1998 UK Women's Championship, prevailing 4–1 in the final against Kelly Fisher despite losing the first frame. In the semi-finals, Corr lost her match with Davidson by going in-off the final black in the deciding frame. At this time, outside snooker, Davidson was operating a mobile fish and chip shop with her husband.[5] She was runner-up in three tournaments in 1999,[23] including the British Women's Open, which she lost to Lynette Horsburgh on the final blue ball of the deciding frame.[24]

After taking a 23-year break from competitive snooker to raise her children, Davidson returned to the tournament circuit during the 2021–22 snooker season and became a successful competitor on the women's seniors tour (for players over 40). Her recent tournament wins have included the 2022 UK Women's Seniors Championship,[25] the Eden Women's Seniors Masters in 2022 and 2023,[26][27] the Belgian Women's Seniors Open in 2023 and 2024,[28][29] and the World Women's Seniors Championship in 2022 and 2024.[30] She won the 2022 title after losing only one frame in four matches, and the 2024 championship after losing only one frame in three matches.[31][30]

She competed in the 2024 World Seniors Championship at the Crucible Theatre, becoming the second woman, after Maria Catalano in 2022, to take part in the main event of the World Seniors Championship.[32] Her opponent, Igor Figueiredo, won the opening frame, but Davidson took the second, becoming the first woman to win a frame at that stage of the tournament.[32] Figueiredo secured a 3‍–‍1 victory and went on to win the tournament.[33][32] She won four of the eight events in the 2023/24 Winchester Women's Open Series. In the Grand Final for the top eight players in the series, she defeated 2022 women's world champion Mink Nutcharut 3–0 during the group stage.[34][35] She faced Mink again in the final. After Mink had levelled at 1–1, Davidson took the next two frames to secure the title.[34]

As of 1989 she was married to Mark.[8]: 139  In about 2022, she was awarded a coaching scholarship by the WPBSA.[36] In 2023, she was working as a self-employed gardener and coaching at Fast Eddie's Pool and Snooker Hall.[1] The Banbury Guardian named her as their Sports Personality of the Year for 2023.[1] Her highest ranking on the women's circuit was fourth place[7] which she held at the end of the 1992–93 and 1993–94 seasons.[37] Although she has not reached the final of the World Women's Snooker Championship,[38] she was a semi-finalist in 1991, when she was eliminated 0–5 by Corr,[39] and in 1994 when she lost 3–6 to Allison Fisher.[40] She gained the top place in the women's seniors rankings after the Winchester Women's Open in 2022.[41]

Titles and achievements

[edit]
Women's snooker finals contested by Tessa Davidson
Outcome No. Year Championship Opponent in the final Score Ref.
Winner 1 1989 UK Women's Championship  Stacey Hillyard (ENG) 4–1 [9]
Runner-up 1 1989 Pontins Ladies' Bowl  Ann-Marie Farren (ENG) 0–3 [38]
Runner-up 2 1989 Northern Ladies' Championship  Allison Fisher (ENG) 0–4 [38]
Winner 2 1990 Western Ladies' Championship  Stacey Hillyard (ENG) 3–0 [12]
Winner 3 1991 Pontins Ladies' Bowl  Ann-Marie Farren (ENG) 4–2 [13][42]
Winner 4 1992 UK Women's Championship  Stacey Hillyard (ENG) 4–3 [20]
Runner-up 3 1993 Saffron Classic  Karen Corr (NIR) 0–3 [43]
Runner-up 4 1993 UK Women's Championship  Stacey Hillyard (ENG) 3–4 [44]
Runner-up 5 1993 Connie Gough Memorial  Kelly Fisher (ENG) 1–3 [45]
Runner-up 6 1994 James Brooke Classic  Kelly Fisher (ENG) 2–3 [23]
Runner-up 7 1998 Regal Welsh  Karen Corr (NIR) 0–4 [23]
Winner 5 1998 Connie Gough Memorial  Kelly Fisher (ENG) 3–1 [23]
Runner-up 8 1998 Ladies Regal Scottish Masters  Kelly Fisher (ENG) 3–4 [23]
Winner 6 1998 UK Women's Championship  Kelly Fisher (ENG) 4–1 [23]
Runner-up 9 1999 Regal Welsh Open  Lisa Quick (ENG) 1–4 [23]
Runner-up 10 1999 Connie Gough Memorial  Kelly Fisher (ENG) 1–3 [23]
Runner-up 11 1999 British Women's Open  Lynette Horsburgh (SCO) 3–4 [23]
Winner 7 2022 British Women's Open (Seniors)  Izabela Łącka (POL) 2–0 [38]
Winner 8 2022 World Women's Seniors Championship  Ewelina Pislewska (POL) 3–0 [38]
Winner 9 2022 Winchester Women's Open (Seniors)  Mary Talbot (ENG) 2–0 [38]
Winner 10 2022 UK Women's Snooker Championship (Seniors)  Sarah Dunn (ENG) 2–0 [38]
Runner-up 12 2022 Scottish Women's Open (Seniors)  Diana Schuler (GER) 1–2 [38]
Winner 11 2022 Eden Women's Masters (Seniors)  Mary Talbot (ENG) 2–1 [38]
Winner 12 2023 Belgian Women's Open (Seniors)  Mary Talbot (ENG) 2–0 [38]
Runner-up 13 2023 British Women's Open (Seniors)  Mary Talbot (ENG) 1–2 [38]
Runner-up 14 2023 2023/24 Winchester Women's Open Series – Event Two  Mink Nutcharut (THA) 2–3 [38]
Runner-up 15 2023 UK Women's Snooker Championship (Seniors)  Mary Talbot (ENG) 0–2 [38]
Runner-up 16 2023 2023/24 Winchester Women's Open Series – Event Three  Emma Parker (ENG) 2–3 [38]
Winner 13 2023 2023/24 Winchester Women's Open Series – Event Four  Sarah Dunn (ENG) 3–1 [38]
Winner 14 2023 Eden Women's Masters (Seniors)  Sarah Dunn (ENG) 2–0 [38]
Winner 15 2023 2023/24 Winchester Women's Open Series – Event Five  Daisy May Oliver (ENG) 2–1 [38]
Winner 16 2024 2023/24 Winchester Women's Open Series – Event Six  Emma Parker (ENG) 2–1 [38]
Winner 17 2024 Belgian Women's Open (Seniors)  Mary Talbot (ENG) 3–0 [38]
Winner 18 2024 2023/24 Winchester Women's Open Series – Event Seven  Jasmin Bolsover (ENG) 2–1 [38]
Winner 19 2024 World Women's Snooker Championship (Seniors)  Han Fang (CHN) 3–1 [38]
Winner 20 2024 2023/24 Winchester Women's Open Series – Grand Finals  Mink Nutcharut (THA) 3–1 [38]
Runner-up 17 2024 English Women's Snooker Championship  Rebecca Kenna (ENG) 2–3 [38]
Winner 21 2024 British Women's Open (Seniors)  Sarah Dunn (ENG) 2–0 [38]
Winner 22 2024 US Women's Snooker Open (Seniors)  Maryann McConnell (CAN) 2–0 [38]
Winner 23 2024 UK Women's Snooker Championship (Seniors)  Sarah Dunn (ENG) 2–0 [38]
Team events
Outcome No. Year Championship Team/partner Opponent in the final Score Ref.
Winner 1 1992 Home International Series England Kim Shaw Round-robin[a] [46]
Winner 2 2024 EBSA Women's Team England Rebecca Kenna Portugal Vania Franco
Portugal Sarah Rocha		 3–2 [47][48]

Notes

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  1. ^ The tournament was played as a round-robin against teams from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man

References

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  1. ^ a b c Ingham, Jack (1 December 2023). "Snooker Champion Tessa Davidson Announced as Banbury Guardian's Sports Personality of the Year". Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  2. ^ "World Rankings". World Women's Snooker. Archived from the original on 27 September 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Seniors Rankings". World Women's Snooker. Archived from the original on 3 October 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Tessa Davidson - Players". snooker.org. Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Snooker: Davidson Cashes in Chips to Catch Fisher". The Independent. London. 30 November 1998. Archived from the original on 15 December 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  6. ^ a b Shabnam Younus-Jewell (7 June 2024). "Tessa Davidson: It's an Exciting Time for Women's Snooker". BBC Essex (Podcast). Event occurs at 4:23–4:56. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  7. ^ a b c "Tessa Davidson". World Women's Snooker. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  8. ^ a b c Jones, Gaye (1989). "Ladies in snooker". In Smith, Terry (ed.). Benson and Hedges Snooker Year (Sixth ed.). Aylesbury: Pelham Books. pp. 136–139. ISBN 978-0-7207-1944-4.
  9. ^ a b Hale, Janice (1991). Rothmans Snooker Yearbook 1991–92. Aylesbury: Queen Anne Press. p. 381. ISBN 978-0-356-19747-0.
  10. ^ a b "Tessa Davidson Wins UK Women's Title". Snooker Scene. Everton's News Agency. May 1989. p. 37.
  11. ^ Shabnam Younus-Jewell (7 June 2024). "Tessa Davidson: It's an Exciting Time for Women's Snooker". BBC Essex (Podcast). Event occurs at 5:03–5:23. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  12. ^ a b c "Davidson Returns to Form". Snooker Scene. Everton's News Agency. January 1991. p. 20.
  13. ^ a b Yates, Philip (July 1991). "Hallett Wins Pontins Open". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. p. 19.
  14. ^ "Allison Fisher Regains Forte Hotels Women's World Championship". Snooker Scene. Everton's News Agency. December 1991. pp. 28–29.
  15. ^ "Women's World Record". Snooker Scene. Everton's News Agency. December 1991. p. 28.
  16. ^ Acteson, Steve (13 October 1990). "A Motley Cast of Hundreds Waiting for the Cue – Snooker". The Times.
  17. ^ Yates, Phil (22 February 1992). "High Hopes of a Fresh ITV Deal – Snooker". The Times. London. p. 31.
  18. ^ a b Hayton, Eric; Dee, John (2004). The CueSport Book of Professional Snooker: The Complete Record & History. Lowestoft: Rose Villa Publications. p. 322. ISBN 978-0-9548549-0-4.
  19. ^ "Resignations". Snooker Scene. Everton's News Agency. July 1993. p. 19.
  20. ^ a b "UK Championship". Snooker Scene. Everton's News Agency. October 1992. p. 27.
  21. ^ "Davidson Inflicts Rare Defeat on Corr". Snooker Scene. Everton's News Agency. May 1998. p. 29.
  22. ^ a b Potter, Sarah (5 February 1998). "Corr Delighted to Be Leading Renaissance – Snooker". The Times. London. p. 45.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i WLBSA Hall of Fame, World Ladies Billiards and Snooker Association, archived from the original on 21 March 2012, retrieved 1 December 2019
  24. ^ "Sporting Digest: Snooker". The Independent. 12 April 1999. p. 11.
  25. ^ "WPBSA SnookerScores – 2022 UK Women's Snooker Championship (Seniors) – Results". snookerscores.net. Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  26. ^ "WPBSA SnookerScores – 2022 Eden Women's Masters (Seniors) – Results". snookerscores.net. Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  27. ^ "WPBSA SnookerScores – 2023 Eden Women's Masters (Seniors) – Results". snookerscores.net. Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  28. ^ "WPBSA SnookerScores – 2023 Belgian Women's Open (Seniors) – Results". snookerscores.net. Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  29. ^ "WPBSA SnookerScores – 2024 Belgian Women's Open (Seniors) – Results". snookerscores.net. Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  30. ^ a b "World Titles for Bai Yulu and Tessa Davidson in China". World Women's Snooker. 14 March 2024. Archived from the original on 15 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  31. ^ Watterson, Ryan (14 March 2024). "Laokiatphong and Davidson Crowned Champions in Sheffield". World Women's Snooker. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  32. ^ a b c "Doherty Survives Opening Day Scare to Join Wattana, Watson and Figueiredo in Last 8". World Seniors Tour. 9 May 2024. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  33. ^ "Match Sheet: Last 16 – Igor Figueiredo Vs Tessa Davidson". World Seniors Tour. 8 May 2024. Archived from the original on 13 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  34. ^ a b "Tessa Davidson Wins Winchester Grand Finals". English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards. 21 May 2024. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  35. ^ "2023/24 Winchester Women's Open Series – Grand Finals – Results". WPBSA SnookerScores. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  36. ^ Ashton, Zoe (12 April 2022). "Banbury's Snooker Star Tessa Davidson Is Now the World's Number One". Archived from the original on 21 May 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  37. ^ Nichols, Peter, ed. (1994). The Radio 5 Live Sports Yearbook 1995. Brighton: Oddball Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9524044-0-8.
  38. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z "Player: Tessa Davidson". WPBSA Snooker Scores. Archived from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  39. ^ "Sport in Brief: Snooker". The Guardian. 9 November 1991. p. 20.
  40. ^ Everton, Clive (21 May 1994). "Sport in Brief: Snooker". The Guardian. p. 20.
  41. ^ "World Rankings – Winchester Women's Open 2022 Update". World Women's Snooker. 5 April 2022.
  42. ^ "1991 Pontin's Ladies Spring Bowl – Results". WPBSA SnookerScores. World Women's Snooker. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  43. ^ "1993 Saffron Classic – Results". WPBSA SnookerScores. World Women's Snooker. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  44. ^ "1993 Pontins UK Championship – Results". WPBSA SnookerScores. World Women's Snooker. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  45. ^ "1993 Connie Cough Memorial – Results". WPBSA SnookerScores. World Women's Snooker. Archived from the original on 3 December 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  46. ^ "UK Championship". Snooker Scene. Everton's News Agency. November 1992. p. 28.
  47. ^ Kiely, Derek (16 October 2024). "Clean Sweep for England so far here in Portugal". EBSA.
  48. ^ "European Team Double Snooker Championships Women - Albufeira / Portugal 2024". EBSA. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
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