Teruko Cucculelli and Janet Atwell
Janet Atwell went undefeated on the MissCues Regional Ladies Tour on the weekend of October 15-16, but not before being challenged by Teruko Cuculleli, who'd been sent to the loss-side in the event's opening round, and battled through six wins on that side of the bracket to face her in those finals. It was Atwell's third win on the 2011 MissCues tour, and the second time she defeated Cuculleli in the finals. They'd met in the finals in June, as well, but Cuculleli ended up on top in that Louisville, KY event. This most recent $500-added event drew 15 entrants to 8-Ball Sports Bar & Billiards in Columbus, OH.
Following victories over Tracy Cantrell and Buffy Jolie, Atwell moved among the winners' side final four, where she faced Marianne Merrill, who'd sent Cuculleli west in the opening round. Atwell and Merrill were joined among the final four winners by Tina Meraglio and Lynn Parsons. Atwell and Meraglio advanced to the hot seat match with identical 7-2 victories over Merrill and Parsons. Atwell kept the 7-2 score going in the hot seat match that sent Meraglio to the semifinals.
Meanwhile, on the loss side, Cuculleli was working on her journey back to the finals. She got by Samantha Patton 7-2, Jessica Human 7-1, and Cantrell 7-3 to pick up Merrill. Parsons drew Jolie, who'd defeated Melody Kuty 7-1, and Stephanie Goens 7-3 to reach her.
It was Cuculleli and Jolie advancing to the quarterfinals; Cuculleli with a 7-5 victory over Merrill, and Jolie 7-4 over Parsons. Jolie fought tooth and nail in those quarterfinals, forcing a 13th deciding game that was eventually won by Cuculleli, who followed that win up with a semifinal shutout over Meraglio.
It was the 'rubber match' of three finals that Atwell and Cuculleli had played against each other on the MissCues tour, dating back to June. Atwell won their match title tie-breaker 9-6 to win her third MissCues title in 2011.
Tour director Becky Todd thanked Richard Whaley and his staff at 8-Ball Sports Bar & Billiards for their cooperation, support and assistance in hosting the event.
