Rachael Abbink Wins IL State Championship

Rachael Abbink Wins IL State ChampionshipCue-Can-Do Billiards of Schaumburg, IL, hosted the third qualifying stop of the Midwest Women’s Pool Tour – the Illinois State Championship – on December 13-14, 2003. Proprietors Pete and Amy Kalamaris graciously received 17 women from Illinois, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, and Canada to compete for a qualifying spot in the 2004 U.S. Open. Thanks to Shuler Cues, the purse sported $300-added cash to further motivate the players.The first day of the tournament eleven players were escorted to the one-loss side of the bracket, and in due time, out of the tournament. Assured of cash, the remaining six players returned on the second day. In the first round of the one-loss matches, Tara Davis of Lansing, MI, the Midwest Women’s Pool Tour’s number-one ranked player to date, was defeated by Helene Caukin of Orange City,FL. Julie Melman, of East Lansing, MI, a newcomer to the tour, defeated another newcomer - Cathy Metzinger of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Davis and Metzinger tied for fifth place at $58 each. The second round saw Caukin and Melman match up. Melman won, cinching Caukin’s taking fourth place for $92.
Meanwhile, on the winners’ side, a close match had ensued between tour members Sarah Rousey and Rachael Abbink. Ultimately, Abbink defeated Rousey, sending her to battle it out with Melman to determine who would be advancing to the finals. Melman was victorious, and Rousey cashed in at $149 for third place.Abbink and Melman’s match began with Abbink winning the lag but scratching on the break. Despite the rough beginning, Abbink grabbed the first two games. Melman managed to squeeze in a win, but Abbink was having none of that and won the next three. With the score 5-1 Abbink, Melman bore down to win two more. Unfortunately, Melman was unable to muster another game. Abbink won the next two games and the tournament. Melman took home $276, while Abbink took the trophy, the U.S. Open spot, and $517. Good shooting, ladies!1st Rachael Abbink $5172nd Julie Melman $2763rd Sarah Rousey $1494th Helene Caukin $ 925th Tara Davis $586th Cathy Metzinger $58

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