Article by Cynthia V. Ferrer

WPBA Touring Pro – Ramona Biddle wins first Hunter Classics Amateur event Of 2001 – Melanie Koger wins qualifier spot.

The 1st stop of the year was an exciting event.  42 ladies from across the USA and world competed for the top spot at Corner Pockets in Albuquerque, NM.  The tour was happy to host Sarah Ellerbee from England and Noriyo Yurino from Taiwan/Japan.  

Wes and Cindy Hunter were in attendance all weekend at this event.  This gave the players a chance to thank them in person for sponsoring the tour.  The Hunter Classics tour is very appreciative for the many years of support from Wes and Cindy.  The quality and beauty of the Hunter Classics Custom cues make winning one of them a coveted event.  

As usual, it was a fierce battle for the top prize and qualifier spot.  Anna Kostanian, a local player and only 13 years old was the talk of the tournament. This young lady showed stamina and the talent of a veteran player.  Her hometown support was very visible and audible during all her matches – a tough distraction for her opponents in addition to Anna’s level of play.

Play commenced at 10am on Saturday.  Play went on until only 12 players were Left for Sunday.  On the winners side was: Ramona Biddle, Anna Kostanian, Sarah Ellerbee, and Melanie Koger.  On the one loss side – Julie Stephenson, Leslie Rogers, Noriyo Yurino,  Miriam Martinez, Gail Lave, Susan Mello and Judi Wickelgren

Ramona made her way to the winner’s bracket match starting off with a bye, then by winning matches against Melinda Luerco (7-3), Cynthia Ferrer (7-4), Susan Mello (7-5),   Anna Kostanian (7-6), and the win for the hot seat by defeating Sarah Ellerbee (7-6).

Sarah Ellerbee made her way via a first round bye and wins over Lucille Donahue (7-0), Noriyo Yurino (7-4), Gail Lave, and Melanie Koger (7-2).

Melanie determined to win the qualifier spot eliminated Leslie Rogers after her loss to Sarah.  A special congratulations to Leslie Rogers for an outstanding tournament.  She held her own through several tough matches with hometown favorites on Sunday to finish 4th.

The match for 3rd place was a fierce one.  Both players were in contention for the qualifier spot.   It was a see-saw match with Melanie reaching the hill with a 8-7 lead.  Melanie left Sarah with an incredibly tough cut shot on the 9 which would bring the match hill-hill.  After studying the shot, Sarah calmly fired in the 9 and then dropped her shoulders in disappointment as the cue ball
promptly scratched in the corner pocket.   Congratulations for Sarah for a 3rd place finish in her first Hunter Classics Tour event.

The finals was a marathon match that lasted almost 3 hours.  Ramona prevailed with a win over Melanie.  

Due to a technicality Ramona Biddle was able to play in the Albuquerque, NM Event.  Newly enforced rules from the WPBA stipulate “no touring pros”; however Due to the “lateness” of the information from the WPBA – the Hunter Classics Tour held to the “old” rules – disallowing the top 32 for this tournament only.
 Ramona is currently ranked 34 on the WPBA tour.

On Sunday a smaller field then usual played for in the 2nd chance event.  Sherri Hudson came on strong to defeat Melinda Bailey for the win.  Brenda Plantz finished 3rd and Mindy Williams finished 4th. Congratulations to Melinda, Brenda and Mindy for consistently strong showings in recent 2nd chance events.

Congratulations to local player Evelyn Hampton for winning the Hunter Classics Cue in the raffle.  This beautiful Hunter Classics Custom cue is valued at over $1900.  Thanks again to Wes Hunter for his continued support!  Many thanks to Corner Pockets, owners and staff.  Local players Rachel Rumschlag and Evelyn Hampton ran the boards.  Many thanks for a job well done.
 

2nd Chance Tournament Results:
      $100 added, 
 

1st	Sherri Hudson	$120
2nd	Melinda Bailey	$80
3rd	Brenda Plantz	$30
4th	Mindy Williams	$20