Williams Wins Silver Tip Queen of the Rack

Naomi "Cruncher" Williams took home the Silver Tip Queen of the Rack title at Silver Tip Sports Bar and Billiards o­n October 17, 2004, in the final event of the season o­n the Canadian Women's Pool Tour.  Williams dominated a field of 20 ladies and emerged as the season points leader as well.

Williams' hunt for the victory and title started early, knocking off Terri Mason 9-3 and Dorothy Brown 9-4.  She then played newcomer Terri Lynn Bruce, who had ousted Carolina Fernandez and semi-pro player Denise Belanger. 

The two talented ladies played a tight match, but Bruce's amazing three-ball combinations forced Williams to the o­ne-loss bracket.  They would meet up later, though, in the semifinals in an even better rematch. 

Meanwhile, Bruce took her game to the hot seat against Krista Walsh.  Walsh was also o­n fire after defeating semi-pro Lynne Martin, Cathy Lefrenier, and Anne Beatti.  It looked as though this match would be just as tight as the others, but Walsh's safeties and smooth stroke sent Bruce to the left side 6-1.

Williams was already doing damage in the o­ne-loss bracket, knocking out Penny Devos 9-6 and Beattie 9-0.  The rematch was set between Williams and Bruce for a shot in the finals.  Williams was determined not to let her opponent gain control, as she had in the first meeting.  She opened the match by sinking the 9 o­n the break and continued her domination by playing great defense.  In her 9-2 win, Williams barely let Bruce touch the table.

The finals pitted two great competitors, both of which had dominated most of their matches all day.  While the ladies are aware of each other's abilities, they have rarely played head-to-head.  In their o­nly match, Walsh defeated Williams in the BCA 8-Ball Championship. 

Even before the match started, the audience knew it would be a great contest.  The two ladies agreed to an extended single-knockout match, with Walsh racing to 8, and Williams racing to 11. 

Walsh opened up strong but missed two shots early, leading to a 2-0 lead for Williams.  She came back to tie it at 3-all, after Williams rattled a 9 ball around the pocket.  o­nce tied, both players turned to their defense with safeties and kick shots.  After trading a few games, Williams took the lead at 10-7.  Because of the altered rules, the match was o­n the hill. 

In the decisive game, Walsh broke but didn't sink a ball.  After a miss by Williams, Walsh sunk a few balls and played a safe o­n the 4.  Williams turned right around and made the 4, then she played a safe o­n the 5, forcing Walsh to foul.  It was an easy run for Williams from then o­n, taking the tournament, the Queen of the Rack, and the points crown. 

Results:

1st Naomi Williams $440
2nd Krista Walsh $275
3rd Terri-Lynne Bruce $165
4th Anne Beattie $110
5th Penny Devos, Terri Mason $55