Helena and Monica Do Some Housecleaning
WPBA stars Helena Thornfeldt and Monica Webb stopped through Denver last month on their way home from the Reno IPT event. Together with Denver’s own Megan Minerich, an all day pool school was scheduled for Saturday, September 16. Since they were in town, they figured, “Why not hit some local tournaments and, in fact, why not throw one for ourselves?” After taking first and third in the Thursday night Paradise tournament, a pro-am tourney was scheduled for Friday night.
The format would be big table 8 Ball, $50 entry, race to five, winner breaks, IPT Rules (8-ball-break is a win, scratch on the break is ball-in-hand anywhere, and 3-foul rule in effect). Terry McFadden of Paradise Billiards was gracious enough to match the $400 pot. At 7o’clock on a calm, fall evening, the board was drawn and balls were lagged.
In an eight player bracket, the field consisted of Monica and Helena; Denver’s pros Megan, Laura Smith, and Melissa Little; and top amateur players Bonnie Plowman and Deb Winter. IPT player, Jackie Broadhurst was the original eighth player but when she was unable to attend, yours truly (sponsored by Table Steaks East) was honored to be asked to fill in.
With such a small board, after only three rounds, the bracket was whittled down to the final four. Monica and Helena would duke it out for the winner’s side while Megan and Bonnie played for third and fourth. An early exit by me was disappointing but handy for covering these matches with front row seats.
Monica and Helena’s match for the driver’s seat was nearly flawless. In a short race to five, losing the lag cost Monica three quick games as Helena broke and ran the first two racks and sank the 8 on the break in the third rack. After a dry break in the fourth rack, Monica ran the next two tables. After another table run by Helena to make the score 4-2 in her favor, the first shot was actually missed in the seventh rack. After a brief safety battle in the final games and a scratch on the break by Monica, Helena won the match, 5-3 for the winner of the winner’s side.
Making it the furthest of the non-pros was Denver’s own multi-time champion, Bonnie Plowman. Her match with Megan started off with a bang. Some early misses by Megan and some outstanding work and table runs by Bonnie put her at an early lead. However, some goofy rolls and Megan’s second wind would leave us all at the edge of our seats as she pulled through with the ninth game of the hill-hill match. Thanks for the nail-biter, ladies!
As Monica watched Megan and Bonnie’s brawl, she quietly hit some balls to prepare for her own match. The first four games of Monica and Megan’s match appeared to be a rerun from Monica’s last match. A ball was not missed until the fifth rack where Monica stood ahead at 3-1. Pulling out the next game made it 4-1. With a scratch on the break by Monica, Megan ran that rack and while fighting to stay alive, found herself hooked with two balls left in the final rack. Monica won that game for the match. By this time, it was nearly 2o’clock and traveling buddies Monica and Helena took their first and second prize money and ran.
It was a pleasure having Monica and Helena in town. There are not many sports that allow us to meet and play with the professionals we admire and see on TV. It was a true honor for me and a tremendous learning experience. “They were professional and handled themselves very well. It’s was fun to watch,” says Dave Hughes. A HUGE THANKS goes out to Terry McFadden & Paradise Billiards for hosting the event, Monica & Helena for the invaluable tips, and to everyone that came down to support this great game!
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