This Sunday's event at Drexeline Billiard Club was exciting and fun! The opening event drew forty-four total players from four different states. Not bad for a tournament that fell on daylight savings time. Player registration started at 10 a.m. and entries were stopped at 12:00 sharp. The tournament started promptly at 12:00.
The tour's 9-ball format had a few policies players had to get accustom to through the tournament. One policy was no cell phone use during the event. Another was that three balls on the break must cross the neutral plain of the side pocket. No three foul in a game and players must call the 9-ball to win the rack. Overall the players accepted the new format and appreciated the organization the Northeast Players Tour had to offer. Many compliments were given to the tour staff and myself. Thanks Guys!
First place when to Bob Maidhof from Drexel Hill, PA. His performance throughout the day was spectacular! Undefeated through the tournament his wins were over Sam Pearthree, Brandon Sluzalis, Don Polo, Caleb Koury, and Billy Kirschner to get into the finals. Bob's opponent in the final match was Billy Kirschner, Defeating Hank Nguyen, Jimi Louis, Eddie Abraham, Scott Haas, and a lost to Bob Maidhof in the winners bracket finals. Billy Kirschner earned his was to the final by defeating Michael Miller from Easton, PA who took third. The final match was one race to 9 and Billy Kirschner from Philadelphia, PA showed a ton of heart by coming from 5-2 to tie the score 7-7. Billy's break faltered in the next rack, allowing only two balls to cross the side pocket plain. This gave Bob the window of opportunity. Breaking in the 9-ball in on Billy's break and proceeded to win the rack on his own break. Final score in the match was 9-7 Bob Maidhof.
Another player who had the rack on the day was Jimi Louis from Bear, DE. Jimi jumped two balls consecutively in one rack and made them! Jimi finished 8th and I am sure we will be handing out some trophies to Jimi in the future.
Again I would like to thank all the participants, the specters, and the staff at Drexeline. Great opening event! See you soon in the tour for the "Best Time Ever"!
Complete Payout
1st Bob Maidhof $600
2nd Billy Kirschner $450
3rd Michael Miller $300
4th Caleb Koury $200
5th/6th Eddie Abraham, Scott Haas $125
7th/8th Jimi Louis, Joe Long $100
9th/12th Don Polo, Jim Manno, Matt Krah, Neil MacGregor $75
13th/16th Bob Begey, Gavin Umburger, Hank Nguyen, Phil Sherman $50
