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 Kim White (2nd place) and Melissa Herndon (1st place).
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The 5th tour stop was held at Pool Sharks in Las Vegas, NV. 37 very talented women competed in this event. Almost half of the field was in contention for the WPBA qualifier spot. 12 of the 16 ladies that paid for the qualifier came back to play on Sunday.
The tournament started on Saturday at 10am with play lasting until 5pm to pare down the field to 16 players. A large contingent of very strong players from the Arizona Women's Tour attended this tournament. Many of the AZ players were in the top 16. Also, congratulations to Andrea Boese of Denver, CO for her outstanding 5th/6th place finish - she prevailed over many tough players. In addition - a special mention goes to Holly Gilbert of Boulder, CO for coming back to play on Sunday.
On Sunday, it was a mix of Hunter Classics Tour veterans and new players to the tour. All very determined and talented ladies. The final 4 ladies were all focused on the 1st place/qualifier spot.
It appeared that Kim White was on a mission to capture her 3rd win of the year. While Melissa Herndon, newcomer to the tour, was determined to make her mark and win the qualifier. Jennifer Prost, a very talented player from Michigan, coming off a qualifier win in Ohio, was looking for her first Hunter win. Susan Mello, an AZ player with an excellent track record, was also coming on strong after losing her first match of the tournament and battling back through the 1 loss side.
Kim and Melissa played for the hot seat. It was a close match with Kim winning the hot seat 7-6 - sending Melissa to the 1 loss side while Jennifer Prost and Susan Mello battled it out. Jennifer prevailed against Susan and took the semi-final match with Melissa hill-hill. Bound and determined Melissa won that last game for a re-match with Kim White.
The final match was a nail-biter. It was a see-saw match back and forth. Melissa reached the hill first. 10-9. Kim was on the 9 ball to take it hill-hill, and did not make it leaving Melissa the win. Congratulations to Melissa on her first Hunter win! Also, congratulations to Kim White. Of the 4 events she has played in, her lowest finish has been 4th place! Her second place finish now puts her in a tie for the tour championship.
On Sunday, the 2nd Chance tournament started at 11am. Congratulations to Amy Peterson for her win and $120. Finishing 2nd and 3rd were Judi Wickelgren ($70) and Juli Ekman ($40) respectively. Also, a special congratulations to Nancy Goodwin, long time Hunter tour player, for her highest finish yet - 4th place and $20.
The winner of the beautiful Hunter Classics Custom Cue valued at $2,200 was J'Lene Barnes!
Thanks to the owners of Pool Sharks Joe Cannella and John Kutcher. Also thanks to Susan Conlee for helping organize the tournament. The very handsome tournament director, Bruce Prince, did a great job keeping things going. Thanks to Kurt Lehr and Rich Walkuski for all their help. A special thanks to J'Lene Barnes and Bullseye Billiards for all the prizes donated.
Thanks to Lou (Machine gun) Butera. He is Pool Sharks' previous owner and dropped by both days. He was nice enough to give autographs and take pictures. He currently is playing on the senior tour.
Last by not least - thanks so much to Wes Hunter of Hunter Classics Custom Cues- who has made this tour possible.
MAIN EVENT:
1st Melissa Herndon - $750 + WPBA Qualifier
2nd Kim White - $575
3rd Jennifer Prost - $425
4th Susan Mello - $300
5/6 Sara Miller - $200
Andrea Boese
7/8 Brenda Plantz - $100
Julie Stephenson
9/12 Melinda Huong - $50
Katie Gray
Debra Cerchi
Annie Gray
13/16 Regina Girardo - $30
Holly Gilbert
Katie Moses
Lucille Donahue
SECOND CHANCE:
1st Aimee (Fox) Peterson $120
2nd Judi Wickelgren $70
3rd Juli Ekman $40
4th Nancy Goodwin $20
By: Cynthia Ferrer