Sakai Wins JPNEWT Opener

Runner-up Caroline Pao, Winner Miyuki Sakai, and Room Owner Bill Haley

Miyuki Sakai put the women's pool world on notice that 2005 would be the year she makes a run for the WPBA by winning the Pechauer NorthEast Women's Tour's first event at Comet Billiards in Parsippany, NJ.

Miyuki went undefeated in her quest and posted wins over Charlotte Reeder, Morgan Steinman, and Caroline Pao. Miyuki then matched up with JPNEWT newcomer and 2004 Super Billiards Expo Open Women's Amateur winner Zinnie Panju for the hot seat. Zinnie could not stop Miyuki's march for the WPBA Qualifier in a 7-2 loss.

On the left side of the chart JPNEWT perennial Caroline Pao lay in wait for Zinnie. Caroline posted wins over Barbara Stock, Abigail Marcus-Hong, Brenda Heras, and Erin McManus before leaving Zinnie in third place in a 7-4 match.

In her second match with Miyuki, Caroline could not make any headway as Miyuki steadily built up her lead to 8-3. But in the 12th rack Caroline got her on 3 fouls to cut the lead by a game. However, it was Miyuki in the end with a 9-4 win.

JPNEWT thanks the ever-accommodating Bill and Marcia Haley and Comet Billiards for hosting this event and we look forward to returning on June 4th for another event.

1st - $500 + Qualifier - Miyuki Sakai
2nd - $400 - Caroline Pao
3rd - $275 - Zinnie Panju
4th - $125 - Erin McManus