Melman Delivers Great Lakes Tour Victory

Melman Delivers Great Lakes Tour VictoryBy Bill RosenbergerJulie 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 Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news from the Great Lakes Tour.

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