Alicia Melton Claims Landmark Third Queensland Ladies Classic Title
By Matt Stevens
Melton Makes History with Third Queensland Ladies Classic Title – and Second Consecutive Women’s Division Ranked Win
Alicia Melton has etched her name deeper into Queensland Ladies Classic history, claiming her third title at Caboolture Bowl to join Kelly Warren, Ann Maree Putney and Bec Whiting as the only three-time champions of one of the most prestigious events on the TBA Women’s Division calendar.
The result caps a remarkable stretch of form for the Queenslander. Having claimed the Vic 150 scratch title in April, Melton now holds back-to-back Women’s Division ranked event victories in 2026 – a run of dominance that puts her firmly at the top of the season conversation.
The road to the title wasn’t straightforward. Logan Tenpin’s Minhee Kim led the field after Stage 2 and held the advantage deep into Sunday’s 7-game matchplay finale. It took a decisive 239 in the final match for Melton to overturn the deficit and seal a 37-pin winning margin.
At A Glance
| Event | 2026 Queensland Ladies Classic |
| Dates | 16-17 May 2026 |
| Venue | Caboolture Bowl, Morayfield, QLD |
| Division | Women’s |
| Status | 2026 TBA Nationally Ranked Event |
| Edition | 27th edition |
| 2026 Champion | Alicia Melton (QLD) |
| Full Results | View Here |
Overview
Dena Buxton & Minhee Kim Set the Early Pace
The 12-game qualifying field was headlined early by Dena Buxton, who posted the strongest scratch performance of any bowler across the weekend. The senior rankings leader finished Stage 1 on top with 2,535 – averaging 211.3 over 12 games and posting a high game of 255. Minhee Kim sat second on 2,515, while Bek Martin, Yvette Green and Siarn Ottaviano rounded out the top five. Melton, finished Stage 1 in sixth on 2,341.
Stage 2 reshuffled the deck.
Four additional games with pinfall carried, and Kim emerged as the clear leader – her 243-opener setting the tone for a 3,327 total that placed her 28 pins clear of Buxton (3,299). Junior High Performance Squad member Brianna Walsh bowled superbly surging to third with a closing 265, while Melton moved to fourth on 3,153. The top 8 were Kim, Buxton, Walsh, Melton, Martin, Buckingham, Green, Ottaviano.
Melton Hunts Down Kim in Final-Game Finish
With pinfall cleared and a 7-game matchplay round robin deciding the champion, Melton was composed from the opening exchanges – posting 246, 192, 223, 226, and 239 across her seven matches, winning five games for 100 bonus pins.
Minhee Kim was electric and consistent throughout, her 241 in Game 2, 238 in Game 5, and 246 in Game 6 keeping her in front. Going into the seventh and final match, she held the lead.
Then Melton delivered. A 239 to Kim’s 203 in the decisive final game swung the title – Melton finished on 1,625 combined (1,525 matchplay pins + 100 bonus), 37 pins clear of Minhee’s 1,588. Buxton claimed third on 1,526 with Walsh fourth on 1,521.
A Name Among Legends
With three Queensland Ladies Classic titles now to her name – 2012, 20244. And 2026 – Alicia Melton joins a very short list. Kelly Warren won the event three times (2000, 2001, 2002) Ann Maree Putney won the event three times (2004, 2005, 2009). Bec Whiting won it six times. Melton is now firmly in that elite company.
Bowling at her home centre in front of a home crowd, it was a fitting venue for the moment.
Results
Podium
| Position | Athlete | Total |
| 🥇 | Alicia Melton (QLD) | 1,625 |
| 🥈 | Minhee Kim (QLD) | 1,588 |
| 🥉 | Dena Buxton (VIC) | 1,526 |
Top 10
| Position | Athlete | Total |
| 1 | Alicia Melton (QLD) | 1,625 |
| 2 | Minhee Kim (QLD) | 1,588 |
| 3 | Dena Buxton (VIC) | 1,526 |
| 4 | Brianna Walsh (NSW) | 1,521 |
| 5 | Bek Martin (VIC) | 1,355 |
| 6 | Siarn Ottaviano (WA) | 1,328 |
| 7 | Yvette Green (QLD) | 1,304 |
| 8 | Brooke Buckingham (QLD) | 1,282 |
| 9 | Tiana Whalen | N/A |
| 10 | Jamie Phelan (SA) | N/A |
Please note that only the Top 8 competed in the third stage matchplay finals which the scores above reflect. Positions 9-10 did not advance to matchplay finals.
Performance Highlights
HIGH GAMES
268 – Yvette Green (QLD)
Acknowledgements
Tenpin Bowling Australia congratulates Alicia Melton on her third Queensland Ladies Classic title and thanks Brian Bates, Dylan Lucas and the team at Caboolture Bowl for once again delivering a superbly run event. Thanks also to Tournament Director Dylan Lucas, all officials, volunteers, and to every competitor who made the trip to Morayfield for what proved to be a compelling 27th edition of this event.
Past Champions
| Year | Name |
| 1999 | Kirstie Mills |
| 2000 | Kelly Warren |
| 2001 | Kelly Warren |
| 2002 | Kelly Warren |
| 2003 | Sam Warby |
| 2004 | Ann Maree Putney |
| 2005 | Ann Maree Putney |
| 2006 | Natalie Shelley |
| 2007 | Kate Wilton |
| 2008 | Kara Triulcio |
| 2009 | Ann Maree Putney |
| 2010 | Rebecca Whiting |
| 2011 | Rebecca Whiting |
| 2012 | Alicia Melton |
| 2013 | Kate Pilkington |
| 2014 | Rebecca Whiting |
| 2015 | Emma Walsh |
| 2016 | Bec Martin |
| 2017 | Rebecca Whiting |
| 2018 | Rebecca Whiting |
| 2019 | Rebecca Whiting |
| 2021 | Bianca Flanagan |
| 2022 | Rebekah Commane |
| 2023 | Rebekah Martin |
| 2024 | Alicia Melton |
| 2025 | Samantha Clifton |
| 2026 | Alicia Melton |
