The Bay Area Amateur Tour found itself at Strokers Billiards in Palm Harbor, Florida the weekend of June 14, 2008 for its latest $500 event. Although the turnout was a bit lighter than anticipated, the caliber of competition was fierce.
Up-and-comer Yu Ram Cha dropped in for the event and ended the weekend taking home top honors as she made her way through the field quite handily. Some of the scores from her matches reflected victories of 9-0 over Barbara Ellis, 8-0 over traveling partner Shanelle Loraine, and 8-1 over Stephanie McFarlin. The hot-seat match saw Cha and Tour Director Stephanie Mitchell battle it out with Cha coming out on top 7-2 and eventually finishing out the weekend over Mitchell once again in the finals 7-1. So, starting off with the highest handicap on the tour (a nine) did not slow down her momentum in the least.
Third place went to Peggy Rowe due to her 7-1 loss to Stephanie Mitchell. Rowe made it to the semis with Mitchell by getting past prior tour event winner Leslee Davis-Blaikie which ended her tournament life forcing her to settle for fourth place. Before Davis-Blaikie, Rowe had a tough trek through Lisa Parsons, Shanelle Loraine, and Michell Monk.
The tour would like to send thanks out to Jose (of Strokers) and to their supportive sponsors Tiger Products (www.tigerproducts.com); Fury Cues (www.furycues.com); Stroke It Wear (www.strokeitwear.com); Billiardscoop.com (www.billiardscoop.com); and idxpress.net
The next stop for the tour will be held at Capone's Billiards in Spring Hill, Florida, July 12, 2008. For more information, visit www.baattour.com
