Players Billiards in Arlington, Texas
sponsored 1999's third stop of the year.
Thirty-three
women from Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Colorado came together to compete
for prize money and a WPBA Player's Choice Qualifier. Susan Dasher and
Dora Valdez, the Hunter Tour Founders, made a surprise appearance (after their
scuba class was canceled) and played in the tournament. Players Billiards
welcomed the ladies with open arms and 14 8-foot Brunswick tables. Our
bartender, Tanya, kept all the players satisfied with terrific drinks, donuts
for breakfast, and pizza for lunch. Tournament Director Randy Cole ran the
tournament smoothly and efficiently. We thank him for his time, energy,
and humor. We will definitely call you for the next Hunter stop in the DFW
area! Hunter Tour Board member Julie Stephenson made a great opening
speech and summarized the changes to the Hunter Tour.
All
events will now be qualifiers and we are looking for a sponsor for those
qualifying
The
prize money pay out has been changed (see the results of this tournament)spots.
Eligible players pay an extra $50.
The top 32
ranked players on the WPBA Tour are not eligible to play.
The players
ranked 33-48 pay a $55 entry fee ($30 for all others) in order to participate.
An annual
$15 registration fee is required in order to offset the cost of the mailings,
advertisements, etc.
We are looking
for business sponsors. If you or someone you know may be interested,
e-mail anyone on the Board (via the web site).
Congratulations
to Albuquerque's Judy Byam who won her first Hunter Tournament and did
so in authoritative fashion! She annihilated the field and won the
event undefeated. Judy and I drew opposite brackets and didn't have
to face each other until the winners bracket finals. Judy beat me
7-4 and sent me to the one-loss bracket to face Colorado's Melissa Little
who also had one loss thanks to Judy. I got another chance at the
final match beating Melissa 9-6. However, Judy played the best pool
of the weekend and had all the spectators cheering with her terrific runouts
and exciting jump shots. She won the event in a dominating 11-5 final.
The other players were especially happy for Judy. Not only is she
well-known but also well-liked. She started playing pool in 1993
and her first tournament was the Hunter Stop at Eric's Billiards in April
1994. She is a great example of the improved quality of play on the
Hunter Tour. Melissa placed 3rd and won the WPBA spot
(Judy was not eligible for the qualifier). Even with the stress of
organizing this stop, Julie Stevenson had a great tournament placing 4th,
losing to Melissa in a thrilling hill-hill match that was decided by the
last 9-ball.
There were
18 women in the 2nd Chance Event and was won by Rachel Ross who cashed
in both events. A big "Hurrah!" to Kelly Harmon who finished 2nd,
and Lucille Donahue who finished 3rd.
The next
Hunter Tour Stop is tentatively scheduled for Family Fun Billiards in Denver,
Colorado, June12-13. It is a qualifier for the WPBA Tour. Double-check
the web site or your newsletter before you make any travel plans.
