Main Line Woman Ends 'Jeopardy!' Streak

MERION STATION, PA — The Main Line's representation on a national stage ended Thursday night as Merion Station's Melissa Klapper ended her win streak on "Jeopardy!"

Klapper, a Rowan University professor and published author, ended with a four-day total of $60,100.

She finished third Thursday, earning a $1,000 prize on top of her three-day winnings of $59,100.

Klapper's victory Wednesday seemed far out of her reach late into the Double Jeopardy round.

Klapper was trailing far behind competitor Karen Morris, of Virginia, going into the round with $3,500 to Morris's $6,200.

Things weren't looking good for Klapper to remain at the first podium, but Morris made large wager on a Daily Double that didn't pay out.

Morris had more than $20,000 but bet $10,000 and answered incorrectly, putting Klapper in a position to take the lead with $7,100 to Morris's $11,800.

Going into Final Jeopardy, Klapper had $8,700, Morris $11,400, and Zach Wissner-Gross $7,200.

The category was American Novelists, the clue:

He served with an airman named Yohannan in World War II & despite what readers might think, he said he enjoyed his service

Klapper and Wissner-Gross both answered correctly (Joseph Heller), but Morris did not.

With an $8,000 wager, Klapper's final total came to $16,700 and Morris ended with $6,001. Wissner-Gross wagered $0.

Klapper's fourth "Jeopardy!" appearance will air at 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC.