Orange Ball Billiards in Rockville, MD played host to the 3rd Annual Planet Pool RE/MAX Pros Children's Miracle Network Benefit Event, jointly organized by Mike Ricciardella of RE/MAX Pros and sponsored by KH Funding Company. 40 players came out for a day of fun and fundraising, making this a successful event once again.
In the absence of tour points leader, Ryan McCreesh, Mike Davis and Keith McCready, there was little preventing Pooky Rasmeloungon from "delivering the package" and thus claiming the Men's event. "UPS is in the house," the outspoken Rasmelongon said, signalling that he'd be going home with first place at the end of the day. He did so with relative ease, shaking off an early 7-4 scare by tour newcomer Joe Scott in the first round, but then sailing through the rest of the field to claim the $400 first prize. Up-and-comer, Shaun Toni held Pooky to 4-4 in the final before he broke free to wrap things up 7-4. Ryan Jones and Tai Bui filled out 3rd and 4th positions. Matt Krah won the elimination bracket from Paul Adolini in this modified double elimination event, effectively giving them 5th and 6th places respectively.
The women's event saw Amanda Page, winner of several Planet Pool events, facing it off against veteran Lois Scafone. Page settled into the hot-seat, but Scafone was determined to give her a run for the money. In the end that run turned into a victory, and Scafone claimed two 5-3 decisions to come out tops.
In the kids event, last year's winner, 13-year old Cisco Cifuentes Jr. proved that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years. Cifuentes, who has featured strongly in regular Planet Pool Tour events, defended his title successfully against another child prodigy, nine-year old Tyler Adolini. Remember these names folks, you will hear them again.
Overall, the day was a successful one. Planet Pool would like to thank KH Funding and everyone who supported this event to help raise $1,300 for the Children's Hospital in Washington, DC, and especially RE/MAX Pros, who rounded off that amount to bring the total to $4,000.
The next Planet Pool 9 Ball Tour stop will be at Bill & Billies Cuesport in Arnold, MD on October 23-24. This will be a $2,500 added event. For more information about the tour and its sponsors, go to www.planet-pool.com.
