Chelsea Williams wins CAQ Women's Open Singles

From the seaside town of Queenscliff in Victoria to the sunny lawns of Queensland, Chelsea Williams brought both skill and spirit to the CAQ Women's Open Singles, and what a journey it's been.

At just 28, Chelsea is already making serious waves in the croquet world. What began as sideline curiosity, watching her husband play and deciding to "give it a go", has blossomed into something remarkable. She now holds a handicap of 1 and ranks as the second-best women's player in Victoria. Not bad for someone who once simply wanted to escape spectator boredom!

Her trip north wasn't just about competition. It was also a rare mini getaway. With two young children aged 3 and 4 at home, the three-day tournament offered a chance to focus, compete, and recharge. Chelsea thrives on the mental chess match that is croquet, relishing the challenge of facing new and highly ranked opponents in unfamiliar settings.

Playing in top-level tournaments like this is essential for anyone with their sights set on state selection, and Chelsea is clearly on that path. While there's no prize money on offer, just the honour of lifting a trophy, the rewards come in other ways.

In Chelsea's case, a little luck off the court didn't hurt either. During her Brisbane stay, she enjoyed an evening with friends and tried her hand at blackjack (something she has never played), walking away with winnings that nearly covered her travel expenses. Not quite a trophy, but certainly a story worth telling!

Chelsea finished the tournament lifting the winners trophy! Congratulations Chelsea!