Belinda Calhoun, Lisa Cossette, Tiffany Finnan and Christy Norris
The Press Box in Charlotte, NC, one of the most beautiful pool rooms in the country, was host of the Charlotte 9-Ball Classic September 12-13, 2015. Tiger SMART kicked off its Fall season in style. Owner, Chris Babilonia and family, again showed utmost hospitality as they continue to add features designed for functionality and aesthetic.
During the players meeting, Tiger SMART members paid homage to Emma Stewart Davis, OB Cues Tour member, with a moment of silence to honor our dear sister in pool who was unexpectedly taken last Wednesday. Our prayers go out to the family.
The field may have been the toughest thus far. Day 1 saw Tiffany Finnan and Kathleen Lawless make it to the final four on the winner’s side with wins over Marianne Merrill 7-5 and Lisa Cossette 7-3 for Tiffany and wins over Caitlin Elie 7-1 and Buffy Jolie 7-2 for Kathleen. Joining Finnan and Lawless in the final four in the winner’s bracket were Belinda Calhoun and Dana Aft with wins over Holly Sholes 7-6 and Teresa Moore 7-0 for Belinda and wins over Cheryl Pritchard 7-4 and Christy Norris 7-4 for Dana. This left two matches which were won by Finnan over Lawless 7-3 and Calhoun over Aft 7-4.
It would be Norris and Cossette who would make it back for Sunday with wins over Merrill 7-3; Teresa Moore 7-3; and Kathleen Lawless 7-2 for Christy and wins over Pritchard 7-6; Sholes 7-6; and Dana Aft 7-6 for the trifecta of hill-hill matches for Lisa.
The first round saw Norris defeat Cossette 7-0 leaving Cossette in fourth place. In the hot seat match, Calhoun defeated Finnan 7-3 setting up the semi-final match between Norris and Finnan won by Norris 7-2.
The final is one set, race to 9. Norris got off to a quick start and led 3-0. Calhoun tied it at 3. Racks were exchanged for 4-4. Norris then went in the lead by two 6-4 and Belinda cut it to one 5-6. It was Norris all the way from there for a 9-5 victory and a successful defense of her Charlotte 9-Ball Classic title.
The final in the second chance event final was played by Buffy Jolie and Marianne Merrill. Jolie won 5-1 over Merrill.
Congratulations to all the players for such fine performances. Tiger SMARTs next tour stop will be October 24-25 in Hickory, NC at Randolph’s Billiards.
Many thanks to The Press Box, Tiger Products, Simonis Cloth, Aramith Balls, Ozone Billiards, and Quick-Clean for your continued support and for allowing Tiger SMART to grow.
