The First Annual Open Women's 9 Ball tournament at Hard Times Billiards (April 9th, 2005) was extremely successful. Loretta Chambers (Sacramento CA) took charge of this event. Ms Chambers (promoter and organizer of the event) got Hard Times Billiards to put up the $300 Added and then she got another $300 from Sacramento's billiard supplier Capitol Billiards. Loretta then took it upon herself to start calling the ladies to stir up the interest and set the date for the event. Hard Times Billiards' Tom Suarez (AKA, 'the name butcher') was the tournament director.
Ms Chambers' Emails, phone calls, arranging the Added Money, collecting the entry fees and running an excellent tournament paid off for all those that enjoyed this great 1st annual event.
The $600 Added event brought the total prize fund to $1,440 and paid through 12 places.
Women from all over Northern and Southern California and near by Reno NV, made the trek to Hard Times for a 'rocking good time'.
Eleanor Callado took 1st Place honors and a hefty $420 for her efforts. Ms. Callado went undefeated, besting here opponents with only one Hill-Hill match. Eleanor had wins over Revelina Morales (6-1), Caryl Powell (6-3), Gina Pitter (6-2), Mary Osborn (6-2) and for the 'Hot Seat' match (6-4) over Kim Benson.
Kim Benson had won 5 matches with scores of 6-1 over Varla Parks, 6-4 over Susie Miller, 6-2 over Loretta Chambers and 6-4 over Lisa D'Atri. Ms Benson met Eleanor Callado in the 'Hot Seat' match and had her hands full with the young lady from Daly City CA. Ms Benson lost the match 4-6 and went to the 2nd chance bracket to face 3rd place finisher Revelina Morales.
In a 'True Double Elimination format' Ms Benson had the chance for some revenge against Eleanor Callado, but Ms Callado had other plans. In the race to 6 match, Kim had here chances but in game 11 Eleanor wrapped up the event with a 6-5 win. Many of the women stayed to watch the finals and weren't disappointed with the level of play.
Once again, a huge 'Thank You' to all the women that entered. And, One VERY huge Thank You to Loretta Chambers for taking the time to help bring all this together. If this an indication of what it will be like for the 2nd Annual Hard Times Women event, LOOK OUT.. this just might be the start of a very long lasting tradition.
April 9th Hard Times 1st Annual Women's Jamboree
42 players $1,440 purse
$600 added by Hard Times Billiards and Capitol Billiards
1st $420 Eleanor Callado (Daly City CA)
2nd $280 Kim Benson (Reno NV)
3rd $180 Revelina Morales (San Lorenzo CA)
4th $120 Lisa D'Atri (Fairfax CA)
5th-6th $80 Mary 'The Wizard of Osborn' Osborn (Mill Valley CA) and Tracy Palma (Emeryville CA)
7th-8th $60 Patty West (San Francisco CA) and Linda Hinds (Moraga CA)
9th-12th $40 Michelle Rakin (Daly City CA), Vivi Chen (Cupertino CA), Mai Schieck (Sacramento CA) and Sher Ahola (Fairfield CA)
