Dale Deroser went undefeated through a field of 42 entrants, on hand for a stop on the Lucasi Hybrid New England 9-Ball Tour on Sunday, November 27. Deroser had to get by Nick Conner twice to capture the $600-added event, which was hosted by Legends Billiards in Portsmouth, NH.
The two met first among the winners' side final four, with Deroser surviving a double hill match to send Conner to the loss-side. Joining Deroser in the battle for the hot seat was Rick Bowden, who'd also survived a double hill match; his, against Gill Stadig. Deroser gained the hot seat with a 5-3 victory over Bowden, and waited for Conner's return.
First up for Conner on the loss-side was Eric Firckey, who'd defeated Tim Perry 6-5 and Kevin Bauccio 6-3. Stadig picked up Eric Bourgeous, who'd defeated Ivo Petrov and Gareth Steele, both 5-3. Conner downed Firckey 6-3, as Stadig took advantage of a handicap to eliminate Bourgeous 4-4.
Conner prevailed in the quarterfinals that followed by shutting out Stadig 8-0, and then survived a double hill semifinal versus Bowden. His three-match streak on the loss-side came to an end in the finals, where he was defeated by Deroser 4-2.
