Fast Eddie's in Goldsboro, NC, hosted the second of two qualifiers for the 2007 Carolina Women's Billiard Classic, December 2nd and 3rd. Competing on Brunswick Gold Crown IVs and Iwan Simonis cloth, the players received the royal treatment from the staff and owners of Fast Eddie's, home of the Carolina Open. A previous such event had been held at Babineau's Billiards in Raleigh, NC.
In the first round, Melissa Goss defeated Rachael Abbink (7-4), but Abbink would have her chance at redemption as they would battle again in the championship match. First, however, Goss would have to get past Dianna Lane (7-3), Tracy Beck (7-2) and in a close match for the hotseat, newcomer Karen Webb (7-6).
Meanwhile, a determined Abbink posted wins over Michelle Johnson (7-5), Michelle Brady (7-2), Rachel Eliazar (7-3), Tracy Beck (7-1) and Shirley Lee (7-1). Finally, down 2-3, Abbink hit a gear to eliminate Webb (7-3) and earn the rematch with Goss.
The final match was to decide not only the tournament champion, but also the recipient of a $500 entry into the 2007 Carolina Women's Billiard Classic (CWBC), scheduled for February 22-25, 2007, at the Gateway Convention Center in Rocky Mount, NC.
The second meeting of Abbink and the undefeated Goss proved to be a walk in the park for Abbink. Despite her best efforts, Goss could not get anything going in the single race to 9. Abbink cruised to a convincing win over Goss (9-1).
Promoted by PrimeQuest Association in association with Rock City Promotions, both WPBA Qualifier events awarded an entry into the 2007 CWBC, which is the first stop on the 2007 WPBA Tour and will be televised worldwide on ESPN.
FINAL RESULTS
1st $400 Rachael Abbink*
2nd $200 Melissa Goss
3rd $125 Karen Webb
4th $75 Shirley Lee
*Abbink also earned qualifier spot ($500 value)
File photo courtesy of Diana Hoppe - Pool Pics by Hoppe
