Petrov Wins in Somersworth

Ivaylo Petrov took down the 32-player field of the New England Nine Ball Series stop in Somersworth, NH. This was a notable win as the field included such cues as Mike Dechaine, Mike Barbagallo, Andy Manard, Stewart Rainey, Philip Stevens and Dave Fernandez. In the finals of this handicapped tournament Petrov had to face Stewart Rainey. Rainey had just beaten Andy Manard for the honor to compete in the final round. That losers-side match was a race to 6 and Stewart won the first four games. But Manard came back on him and the match turned into a double-hill situation at 5-5. Rainey took the rack and the match and continued on to his final appointment of the evening with Petrov.

The finals was a match where, due to handicaps, Petrov had to win 8 games for victory while Rainey needed only 6. Plus, this was a true double-elimination tournament so Rainey needed to set wins to claim the title. It was too much of a hill for Rainey as Petrov won the first 7 games of the first set and then finished that up by winning the first set and the first place check 8-3.

The TD wishes to thank Frank Gravel for his hospitality at Busters.