Melman Delivers Great Lakes Tour Victory

By Bill Rosenberger

Julie Melman has played good all year long o­n the Jacoby Cues Great Lakes Tour.  Finally, o­n November 7, she earned her first victory of the year at Bankshot Billiards in Hilliard, OH, by ousting Irene Henry in the finals.

The $500-added event also included a qualifying spot for next year, along with a $425 first prize, and Melman came for both.  She battled through the first few rounds and met her touring partner, Alice Rim, in the winners' bracket quarterfinals, where she won 7-3. 

Melman then faced Henry in the hot seat and commanded the match from the start, winning 7-4.  Henry then faced Rim in the semifinals, where each was hoping for a rematch with Melman.  However, it was Henry who took the 7-3 victory to earn a spot in the finals.

Melman hadn't struggled very much in her matches, but Henry made certain she gave Melman her all in the finals.  In the race-to-9 final match, Henry took the early 2-0 lead.  The two traded games back and forth, and Melman pulled the match even at 3-all.  She then won 4 of 5 games for the 7-3 lead, but Henry won the next two to pull within two games.  Melman, though, just dominated the final games and won the match 9-5.

Melman's victory also came o­n a personal level, as the 2004 Illinois State runner-up played with carpal tunnel.  She played her first match with a brace, but it hindered her play, so she o­nly used it o­n her breaks.  While a little painful, she managed to stay focused and earn her first victory o­n the tour this year. 

Results:

1st Julie Melman $425

2nd Irene Henry $275

3rd Alice Rim $180

4th Tracy Koss $125

5th Tracy Cantrell, Ida Fuller $85