Jammed packed day of 9-ball action! Twenty dedicated pool enthusiasts were not deterred by the first winter storm of the season. These players traveled through harsh conditions to participate in tour stop #16 at beautiful Comet Billiards in Parsippany New Jersey. In the early rounds great players like Kevin Clark, Pat McNally, Scott Haas and Jack Colavita suffered their first loss. Their losses came at the hands of Steve Lillis, Carmen Lombardo, Jim Manno and Mike Miller. The #1 point leader Phil Sherman extended his point lead by finishing fourth. By the way, Sherman who is playing jam-up 9-ball just won the prestigious 2003 PA State Bar box 9-Ball Championship. This event drew 220 players and was directed by the legendary Coby Atkins.
The Easton assassin Mike Miller had a great performance by finishing third. The defending champion at Comet Billiards in tour stop #10, Miller showed that no lead was safe as he came back three of his four victories. Chris Laurino who is an avid weekly handicap 9-ball player also had an excellent tournament. Laurino earned his way to the final match by wins over Dave Jones, Scott Devecchio and twice over Mike Miller. But the player everyone was watching was Carmen Lombardo from Wayne New Jersey. Earning his way undefeated in the no-loss side, Lombardo's wins were over Pat McNally, Neil MacGregor, Phil Sherman and Chris Laurino. This set up the final match with these two New Jersey natives. Lombardo jumped out 4-0 lead before Laurino earned his first game. This was all she wrote as Carmen Lombardo won the next five games to close out the set and victory 9-1. Chris Laurino from Pompton Plains New Jersey had only a couple of opportunities. This was attributed to Carmen Lombardo's flawless final set. It was like watching the professional poolplayers on ESPN. Lombardo played perfect safes, broke the balls well and did not miss a ball throughout the match.
Carmen Lombardo who is a native to New Jersey has been playing pool for thirty years. Starting when he was seventeen years old, he has watched and learned from many great players. He has finished in the money in the US Open and the Joss Tour. Formerly the owner of Crown Billiards, Lombardo has dedicated his life to the sport we all love. Congratulations Carmen on your recent win and your future aspirations.
The NE Players Tour would also like to Congratulate Falcon Tour Point Champion Mike Davis and Finale Champion Keith McCready. The Falcon Tour deserves the highest recognition and praise on the great job they have done throughout the year!
Next Open 9-Ball Event is this Sunday December 14th at Alexandra's Billiards in Pottsville Pennsylvania. This field is limited! Go to the official website www.neplayerstour.com for early registration. See you there for the “Best Time Ever!”
Complete Payouts:
1st Carmen Lombardo $550
2nd Chris Laurino $350
3rd Mike Miller $200
4th Phil Sherman $125
5th/6th Kevin Clark, Pat McNally $50
7th/8th Neil MacGregor, Steve Lillis
