Sit back and relax! Pop-open a cold one and read about one of the year's most thrilling NE Players Tour open 9-ball events. Hosted by Comet Billiards in Parsippany New Jersey, the event drew many talented players from three different states. Three new arrivals to the tour made their presence known immediately: Chris Taormina, Steve Lillis and Jack Colavita cashed on their first try. By the way, it is a pleasure to see world class professionals participate on a regular basis. Three stops ago Jose Parica attended an event at Boulevard Billiards. Now to see the likes of Jack Colavita and Steve Lillis is exciting for all the involved players and the NE Players Tour.
To promote future professional competition entries for pros will be reduced to $75.00. Also to enhance the attendance of ladies in the events, membership for women will be free for the remainder of the season.
Back to the ACTION! In the semi-final match Frank McCracken from Media, PA jumped out to an early lead of 4-0 on Steve Lillis. As we all know, great players do not get rattled easily. They keep their composure and concentration throughout the race no matter what the outcome. This is what Steve Lillis from West Milford, NJ accomplished. Winning the next six straight games he propelled himself into the final match with the undefeated Mike Miller.
The finals kept everyone on the edge of their seats! Mike Miller "The Easton PA Assassin" took control with an early 5-1 lead. Steve Lillis once again showed he was up for the challenge. Tying the score on the hill at eight apiece, one remaining rack would determine the winner. In the final game the balls clustered after the break. This made for a few strategic safes, great artistic shot making and several difficult opportunities. Mike Miller fortunately had the final shot and the victory 9-8.
Mike Miller was a late bloomer in the sport. Starting when he was twenty-one he has accomplished a lifetime of achievements. In the last two years his charismatic style of firing-in any ball has landed him numerous top four placements in major open tournaments. Remember the 1980's commercial for Old Milwaukee, "It doesn't get any better than this". Michael Miller watching you play doesn't get any better than that! Keep up the good shooting!
The NE Players Tour would like to wish ALL the US Open participants the "Best Time Ever" in Virginia! Tour stop #11 is this Sunday September 21st at Hot Shots Billiards in Baltimore Maryland. Start time is 12:00 sharp and free practice starts at 10:00 a.m.
Complete Payouts:
1st Mike Miller $625
2nd Steve Lillis $400
3rd Frank McCracken $275
4th Carmen Lombardo $175
5th/6th Bob Whitfield, Jack Colavita $100
7th/8th Chris Taormina, Phil Sherman $60
