The OB Cues Ladies Tour held their 1st stop of the 2010 year at Rusty's Billiards in Arlington, Texas and many players, fans, and supporters were on hand to help kick off the new tour season. Forty-eight players were chomping at the bit to get their game on including many new faces and new members for the tour. If you have never been to an OB Cues Tour stop, you really need to check it out. The hospitality and service from our host site is the best ever. Our supporters provide refreshments (Godiva chocolates, fresh kolaches, etc.) and encouragement all weekend. If you can't make it, we have live streaming available all weekend as well and you can view it wherever and whenever you like at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ob-cues-ladies-tour
Before the tournament began, during the player's meeting, special acknowledgment and thanks was extended to regular tour player Melissa Southerland who ran her own campaign to collect toiletry samples, accessories, etc. for DFW Metroplex Women's Shelters. Melinda Bailey, former tour board member, at each tour stop collects hotels samples and freebies for a co-worker who delivers the goods to various shelters. We wanted to extend special thanks and honors to Melissa and Melinda for all their work in contributing to this worthy endeavor.
Congratulations and well wishes were extended to those tour players representing OB Cues Ladies Tour in the upcoming Regional Tour Championship in California, February 19-21. All the best ladies and we will be watching and keeping tabs on your winning progress.
As the brackets were being drawn, right out of the gate for a 1st round match was 2008/2009 OB Cues Regional Tour Champion, Lisa Marr vs. Amanda “The Natural” Lampert. Over the years, these two top tour players have been paired up in competition but it is usually in the finals of a tour stop---not this early. All eyes were watching this hard fought battle and it would be Amanda taking the match in a tough 7-5 win. But Lisa, always a fighter to the end, knew she had a long day in store for herself if she wanted to win, so she rolled up her sleeves and won her next 4 matches to continue playing in the Main Event on Sunday.
One big surprise for the day was none other than Angela Garza from San Antonio. Angela, who has never played on the OB Cues Ladies Tour, decided she would start this year and what a wise choice it was. En route to Dallas with her travel mate, Helen Hayes, Angela was in for a pleasant surprise. As she won every match on Saturday, she earned her spot as one of four players remaining on the winner's side of the bracket. Winner's side matches on Sunday were local Ft. Worth player Tara Williams vs. Michelle Cortez from Austin, TX and Angela Garza vs. Jennifer Kraber also from Austin, TX. Even though the Austin contenders played their best to try to get to the hot seat, it would be Tara vs. first-time tour player, Angela to play for the rockin' chair. It was truly going to be an exciting race to the finish.
Also with a one-loss under their belts, the following Main Event matches would be played on Sunday for those hopefuls still shooting for the guaranteed 1st place prize of $750: Lisa-Henderson Major vs. Tracie Voelkering; Lisa Marr vs. Ashley Nandrasy; Kim Pierce vs. Amanda Lampert; and Orietta Strickland vs. Shayla Neris. Tracie, Ashley, Kim and Shayla finished 9th-12th; Lisa-Henderson Major & Orietta finished 7th-8th. Jennifer Kraber & Michelle Cortez finished 5th-6th. As luck would have it, Lisa Marr was still in it and would have a chance to avenge her 1st round loss against Amanda. But Amanda would not give in and handed Lisa her second loss and a 4th place finish.
In the hot seat match, it was Tara Williams, a tour veteran and previous tour stops winner vs. newcomer Angela Garza. For her first OB Cues tour stop, Angela seemed calm and collected and ready to take on anyone whom she faced. As the match progressed, it would appear that the tables were not cooperating with either player and the rolls were pretty evenly spread out. So whoever best capitalized on the other's mistake would be victorious and Angela secured her spot in the finals with a score of 7-5.
In the semi-finals, it would be Tara vs. Amanda. These two know each other's game and the crowd knew the match would be a grudge match. Once again though, as the pool gods were not favoring one player over the other, it came down to a hill-hill match. Unfortunately for Amanda, she came up short on an 8-ball shot and Tara was able to close out the match to force a rematch with Angela.
In true double elimination format, Tara would have to defeat Angela twice and that is exactly what she did. Tara was solid as a rock and pretty much kept Angela in her seat for both matches. Tara scored a first set win of 7-1 and a final set win of 7-0 and her 1st win of the 2010 season. Awesome job, Tara! Also congratulations to Angela for an awesome tournament. When asked at the end of her finals match, if she will be back for another tour stop. She was beaming and gave a resounding, “YES, indeed—I am coming back for sure.”
A second chance tournament was held with 21 players competing on Sunday. Monica Anderson took the top honors; Melinda Bailey finished second and Corina Campbell finished third.
Special thanks to Rusty's Billiard for hosting this event as well big hugs and thanks to OB Cues for their sponsorship and donation of two cues.
Next stop is at a new stop on our tour schedule--Casper's Billiard, weekend of March 6-7th in San Leon. Casper's Billiards was voted 2009 Billiards Digest Top 10 Pool Rooms in the country. Their balcony overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Hope to see you there for Good Pool, Good Friends, Good Times!!
Check us out at www.obcuestour.com
