Under the Texas heat, while other visitors were riding roller coasters at Six Flags, 45 women were vying for top prize at the Fourth Hunter Classics Stop of the year indoors at Speed's Billiards in Arlington, TX. Also in contention was a WPBA Qualifier for the Cuetec Canadian Classic in October. Eight women paid the qualifying fee and in the end it was Terri Kelley winning the WPBA Qualifier by eliminating Leslie Anne Rogers 7-1 in the semi finals. Leslie placed 3rd and won $375. Orietta Strickland won the tournament and claimed the top prize of $750. By placing second, Terri Kelley earned $550 and regained her top stop on the points standings, only losing it for one event (the last event) to Phoebe Choy who did not show up to this tournament.
Orietta defeated Lisa Henderson-Major Sunday morning 7-3 and then sent Terri to the one-loss side only 7-6. After Terri eliminated Leslie, Terri had to beat Orietta two sets in this double elimination tournament. Being down 5-2 didn't phase Terri as she came back and claimed the first match 7-5. The second match almost like the same because Terri started coming back again at 5-2. But, Orietta eventually won the match and the tournament with a 7-4 win.
Orietta's last Hunter Classics Tour win was at this same pool room last year in July. We asked her how the win felt and she said, "it feels wonderful, considering I wasn't even going to come play." Orietta (who is sponsored by Hawley's Billiards) was speechless, but finally added, "I didn't expect to win and so to come this far, I'm thrilled. I had some tough matches so I am pleased and happy."
The Hunter Classics Tour would like to thank the host room Speed's Billiards and sponsor of the tour Wes Hunter.
The Hunter Classics Tour will be at Legend's Billiards in League City August 9-10, a WPBA Coors Light Qualifier for the WPBA Nationals. Visit the Tour on the web at www.hunterclassics.com.
