The Carolina Billiard tour held its inaugural event and WPBA Colorado Classic Qualifier at Burrkat Billiards in Monroe, North Carolina this past weekend. Many local fans came to watch 28 players compete, including 12 APA players and 4 top WPBA professionals. The sponsor and owner of the pool room, Max Terry, said that he was “very happy with the turnout and is looking forward to hosting another CBT event in 2010.”
There were several medals up for grabs from sponsor Bluemoon.com (Winner, Runner up, Highest APA Finisher and WPBA Qualifier).
Allison Fisher, who is widely regarded as the greatest woman player ever and also a 2009 Hall of Fame inductee, won the event by beating arch rival and fellow pro, Kelly Fisher, 9-6 in the final. Kelly beat Allison 9-8 for the hot seat but Allison came back after whitewashing another pro, Gerda Hofstatter, 9-0 in the semi-final.
‘I am delighted to win the first CBT tour stop in my state. I enjoyed meeting new players and performing for the locals who don't get to see top pros playing in major events. Max and his staff did a wonderful job and provided great equipment. I'm looking forward to next year.”
Both Allison and Kelly thoroughly enjoyed the event and praised the organizers for a smooth and successful tournament. On her loss in the final, Kelly said, ‘Allison's great play and a few bad kick shots lead to my downfall'.
Earlier in the tournament Kelly and Gerda fought a tough and intense battle with Kelly scraping through 9-8. Gerda recalled the turning point in game 15 when the score was 7-7. She had ball in hand on the 4, made it, but then missed the 5 ball allowing Kelly to run out and get on the hill first.
Dana Aft and Lara Rossignol of Atlanta, GA were the two remaining amateurs vying for the qualifying spot. Both players finished 5—6th in the main event so a play-off ensued with Dana coming from a 4-6 deficit to take the match 7-6. This was Dana's 2nd Qualifying event and she said that playing against the pros raised her game and was good experience for the upcoming WPBA tournament. The CBT wishes you good luck in your debut at the Colorado Classic.
The CBT owes a special thanks to Matt Carter from Sterling Gaming and KT Thompson, Charlotte Metro APA League Operator, who helped promote the event and get the word out to her players. KT not only encouraged her players to compete, but entered the tournament herself. She said she “had a lot of fun and was thrilled by the APA presence.” Matt came to watch and was very happy with the turnout. CBT awarded the highest APA finisher with a medal. It was a three-way tie between Gina Mashburn of Concord, NC, Lisa Cossette of Rockwell, NC and Sulli Sullivan of Pine Lake, GA. The three players took part in a mini-playoff with Gina coming out the winner. Gina is looking forward to the next event and was honored to play against the best players in the world. The CBT would like to thank the anonymous donor, who provided an additional $500 to be distributed between 1st and 2nd place. We appreciate your support!
The farthest traveled player was Veronique Menard of Quebec, Canada. She put her cue down several years ago to start her own business but now has the freedom to travel and get back to competing at the highest level.
12 players entered a second chance tournament on Sunday. The finals featured Holly Sholes of Charlotte, NC and Betty Sessions of Atlanta, GA. Holly won the final set 7-3.
