Orlando Billiards Center was the stage for the latest Fury Amateur 9-Ball Ladies tour event on September 17th, 2005. Thirteen ladies showed up for a day of fun, rivalry and tournament action on the powder-blue Simonis.
Last week's winner, Jennifer Nelson, started the day off strong with 7-2 wins over Peggy Rowe and Helene Caukin, followed by a 7-3 win over Stephanie Mitchell. Points-leader Jessica Barnes wasn't far behind with two 7-4 wins over Mary Pendelton-Brown and Niki Rasmussen.
When Nelson and Barnes met up for the hot seat match, Nelson had a quick start with a run from the 1-ball and a break and run before taking a 3-0 lead over Barnes. Nelson was on her way to winning a fourth rack with another strong run out when she missed the 9-ball to let Barnes get on the board at 3-1. This turned the tide and Barnes went on to win five of the next six games to lead 6-4. Nelson pulled out another run to bring it closer to 6-5 but that would be the end as Barnes took a 3-9 bank combo for the win, 7-5.
Nelson moved on to the B-side for a rematch with Caukin who had fought her way through the bracket. This time, Caukin was the one to defeat Nelson with a 5-3 win to get into the finals.
Barnes and Caukin battled for the first few games with both players doing their work to secure racks to tie at 3-all. Barnes then made her move and charged ahead to win 5 of the next 6 games and get on the hill at 8-4. Caukin was staging a comeback with a run out but a missed 9-ball seemed to spell defeat until Barnes returned the favor and Caukin took the game to trail 8-5. The case was the same in the next game and the score moved to 8-6. The players had their work cut out in the next rack as balls were tied up and shape for the 7 was tricky. Caukin was the one to make the first move for the run but missed the ill-lying 7 leaving a shot for Barnes to win 9-6. The next ladies event will be on October 1st at Planet 9-Ball.
Results:
1st Jessica Barnes $280
2nd Helene Caukin $180
3rd Jennifer Nelson $100
