Trevor Heal, Yomaylin "Smiley" Feliz and Teddy Lubis
Trevor Heal went undefeated on the Tri-State Tour's stop on Sunday, October 10, but had to fight off a pesky Yomaylin “Smiley” Feliz twice, including in an extended race-to-9 final. The $750-added event drew 20 entrants to Eastside Billiards on 86th St. in Manhattan, NY.
The two met up for the first time in the battle for the hot seat. With victories over Mike Davie (8-4) and Alan Chan (double hill) behind him, Heal was among the winners' side final four. He shutout Teddy Lubis, as Feliz was busy sending Paul Everton west in a double hill match. Heal hung on to gain the hot seat in a double hill match, as well, and waited for Feliz' return.
On the one-loss side, Lubis picked up John Stiles, who'd defeated Rene Villalobos 7-6 and Mike Harrington 7-5. Everton drew Wilfredo Albay, who'd gotten by Alan Chan 7-2 and Scott Bannon 7-3. Lubis got into the quarterfinals with a 7-4 victory over Stiles. Everton joined him after a 7-5 win over Albay. A 7-3 victory over Everton in those quarterfinals put Lubis up against Feliz in the semifinals. Feliz got her second chance versus Heal with a 7-4 win over Lubis.
Heal had his hands full in the extended race-to-9 finals. Feliz, two games ahead at the outset, won the first two racks to go up 4-0, before Heal responded with four to tie things up. They traded racks to a 5-5 tie and then, Feliz won two in a row, forcing the match extension to nine games. Heal responded immediately to win the next two and complete his undefeated day.
Tour representatives extended thanks to Eastside Billiards owner, Jerry Shipman and his staff for the “excellent conditions and generous support of the players and the sport.” Thanks went out, as well, to tour sponsors Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Viking Cues, Ron Tarr Cues, Phil Capelle, Blue Book Publishing, and Dr. Dave Billiards Instructional Products.
