Forty-five players returned to Slate Billiards Saturday night to compete in the second Flamingo Billiards Tour handicapped 8-Ball tournament. Sponsored in part by Budweiser Black Crown, Z9 Billiards Cloth and Slate Billiards, this $500-added 8-Ball event drew lots of new faces. However, local favorite Sam Kantor was the one to beat. Several players tried, but Kantor was unbeatable.
This modified double elimination format, race to three, with three skill levels allows players in all levels to make the money. Players initially compete within their own skill level. The highest finishers in each level redraw into a final single elimination board of eight. At that point, the matches are handicapped.
Making the final board: Pedro Ramirez, Dilamar DiSilva, Tom McCloud, Sam Kantor, Scott Nodel, room owner Mike Bradford, Jeff Galon and Neil Vanek. Ramirez, DiSilva, McCloud and Kantor advanced to the semi-finals. The final match pitted McCloud against Kantor. McCloud forced Kantor to the hill, but Kantor topped off the night.
Not everyone left empty handed. T-shirts, key chains, and other prizes were given out, and all players received Budweiser’s new Black Crown.
Tournament matches can be viewed at Ustream.com (search “Flamingo Billiards Tour at Slate BIlliards”), the Palm Beach ACS Stream page, and the Flamingo Billiards Tour Stream page.
Thanks to everyone who came out to play, to room owners Mike Bradford and Joe Sistarelli, (www.slatebilliards.com), Z9 Billiards Cloth and Budweiser Black Crown.
