The second annual Arizona Seniors State 9-Ball Championships, held at Main Street Billiards in Tucson, were once again a huge success. Forty players, age fifty or over made up the field. Don Westbrooks, defeated last years State Champ Tommy Dilorenzo in this years semi's, then defeated Jim Kobashi in the finals to earn the distinction of the 2003 Arizona Seniors State Champion. Jim had won the hot seat while Don and Tommy fought it out to earn a shot at Jim and the championship. Don defeated Tommy 8-6 to advance to the finals and then won the tournament with a hard fought 11-8 win over Jim. In the finals, Jim jumped out to a 2-0 lead then watched as Don won the next seven games in a row to take a commanding 7-2 lead. Jim then charged back, winning five of the next six games to pull within one game as the score stood 8-7, Don.
The format of the tournament called for all players to race to eight games except for the finals which were a one race final and an extended race to eleven games. Don won the next two games to get on the hill. Jim bounced back for the second time by winning the next game to reduce Don's lead to two games, 10-8. Don then finally closed Jim out by winning the next game and the tournament.
Main Street Billiards owner Bob Jackson wishes to extend his congratulations to not only Don, Jim, and Tommy, but also to all the sixteen "cashers" including Dave Crowell who finished fourth and was the oldest player in the tournament at the age of 69.
Make your plans to attend next years Championship. The 2004 Arizona Seniors State 9-Ball Championships will be played in August, 2004 at Main Street Billiards.
Photo and article courtesy of Ron Merseal
