They're quick, unhandicapped races to three on bar box tables; over before you know it. No time for long-term match strategies or tactics, you just get in there, win quick and move on. Or not. Marc Creamer went undefeated through a short field of 16 during the April 26 stop on the Western New York Tour. He got by tour director Nick Brucato early, and then faced him late, in the finals, winning both matches to claim the title. The $100-added event was hosted by the Main Place in Rochester, NY.
With Brucato at work on the loss side, Creamer advanced to a winners' side semifinal against Bob Simmons. Dave Grau faced Al McGuin in the other. Grau gave up only one to advance to the hot seat match, while Creamer survived a double hill battle versus Simmons to meet him.
Creamer gave up only one in the winners' side final against Grau, and waited for his re-match against Brucato.
Brucato was coming on, loss-side strong, giving up only a single rack, over two matches against Jeff White (0) and Phil Johnson (1), to pick up McGuin. Simmons drew Rick Cicotti, who'd gotten by Andre Ianello 3-2 and Jarid Sanders 3-1. Brucato and Cicotti advanced to the quarterfinals with identical 3-1 victories over McGuin and Simmons.
Brucato took the quarterfinal match, double hill, and then gave up only a single rack to Grau in the semifinals, earning his re-match against Creamer. In a single, race to 5, Brucato and Creamer battled to a 4-4 tie, before Creamer completed his undefeated, twice-against-Brucato run to claim the event title.
