The Northeast Players Tour stop # 4 was exciting for the players as well as for the spectators. Thirty-nine players attended the event at Hot Shots Billiards in Baltimore, MD. The matches all day were close and competitive. Most results were coming in at either 6-4 or 6-5. There were many players who made their first appearance in the money this past Sunday: Sam Pearthree, Frank McCracken, Joe Worrell, Troy Whitfield and Wes Dobson. Congratulations Guys! The tour had a first time appearance by a woman player: Jade Domkoski from Cherry Hill, NJ. I hope more women follow Jade's example, because women play just as well as the men play!
The final match kept over fifty spectators on the edge of their seats. Phil Sherman from Havertown, PA won his bid to the finals by defeating Pat McNally, Jim Manno, Joe Worrell, Mark Ford and third place finisher Matt Krah from Newark, DE. Amazingly, first time player to the tour Henry Moore from Baltimore, MD lost his first round match and then battled TEN straight matches to earn his way to the finals! Defeating Robert Posash, Tim Tanana, Bob De Turk, Howard Backman, Jack Weltch, Joe Worrell, Pat McNally, Shawn Toni, Mark Ford and Matt Krah. In the one race to nine final match, Phil Sherman dominated early and presented an almost insurmountable lead of 7-4. Showing heart that got him to the final match, Henry Moore came back and took the lead 8-7. Phil won the next game and tied up the score at 8-8. In the last game three innings of safety play, banks and terrific shot making would determine the champion. Henry Moore proceeded to make a tuff 45 degrees rail to rail cut shot on the 9-ball for the game and the title.
After the match Henry's mother told us "This is Henry's first big tournament win and we are so proud of him"! Henry Moore we are also proud of you and I am convinced at this event Moore is better at Hot Shots Billiards in Baltimore, MD.
The next open 9-ball event is at The Billiard Club in Bel Air, Maryland on Sunday June 22nd. See you there for the "Best Time Ever"!
Complete Payouts:
1st Henry Moore $600
2nd Phil Sherman $400
3rd Matt Krah $300
4th Mark Ford $200
5th/6th Joseph Wright, Shawn Toni $150
7th/8th Pat McNally, Sam Pearthree $100
8th/12th Frank McCracken, Joe Worrell, Troy Whitfield, Wes Dobson $60