3-Cushion Regional Qualifier at World Class Billiards

Joe DeAmato - 1st Place

It started just as any other 3-cushion tournament would, with everyone hopeful and everyone wishing each other the best. Early on in the tournament however, it was clear this would not be just another tournament.

Ten players registered for this qualifier but only 9 players were present. Jim Shovak signed up for the event, but was unable to make the trip to Boston. He insisted that his entry fee be kept in order that this tournament would send 2 players to the Nationals, rather than just 1.

We’ll try to set the table for what ended as one of the more unusual, unexpected and exciting finishes ever at World Class Billiards.

Alex Morin, one of the better pool players at WCB, was playing in his first 3-cushion qualifier and though he finished 1 and 7, his one win would prove huge (we’ll explain later). He averaged .400 and made a very respectable showing.

Next, at 1 and 7 and also in his first qualifier, was Mike Elkin. He averaged .434 (well below his established average) but was an on-going concern for all those looking to take home the top prize.

At 2 and 6 and now considered a veteran to these wars (though he’s been playing only a handful of years) was Chris O’Brien. Averaging .430 along the way, he put a scare into a few players who played their last matches of the tournament with a chance to win.

Finishing a deceptive 6th was Ben Parker. After a tough first game loss to Bob Page, he rebounded to beat Joe DeAmato in Joe’s first game. Ben went on to beat 3 other players, going 4 and 4 while averaging .552. Three of Ben’s losses were to players who averaged over .950 in their games against him.

Fifth was Scott Hewitt. Scott finished 5 and 3 averaging .572 while losing to the top 2 finishers. Scott had won a qualifier here a few years ago and was looking to take it down again.

The top 4 finishers of the tournament all had their fate resting on their last 2 games.

At one point Bob Page was undefeated at 5 and 0 and playing Dave VanLokeren. Joe DeAmato had 2 losses in his first 3 games and another loss would prove fatal to his chances, which appeared slim anyway. Joe handed Tom Rossman his 3rd loss but both of them still had important matches to play.

Bob Page had a 19 to 12 lead on Dave VanLokeren (20 point matches). One more point and Dave would have 2 losses while Bob would remain undefeated. Joe DeAmato, with 2 matches to play was figuring a Bob Page win would mean he’d have to beat Bob to have a shot. Dave VanLokeren dug in and battled the rest of the way. Bob missed the game point by a hair and it cost him. Dave won the match 20 to 19 and now both players had only one loss.

Bob Page and Joe DeAmato were scheduled next and now the task had changed. Considering tie breakers, Joe would have to not only beat Bob, but hold him to 12 points. With Bob having clearly the best average of the tournament, it seemed impossible. Bob and Joe played and with seemingly everything going Joe’s way, Joe went out in 17 innings (tournament’s best game) holding Bob to a mere 7 points.

Now DeAmato had one game to play and seemed to be in the driver’s seat if could he win. VanLokeren, with one loss, had a huge game with Tom Rossman. Bob could only sit and await his fate at this point not realizing initially that he had a glimmer of hope.

VanLokeren meanwhile was coasting along with a 15 to 10 lead against Tom Rossman but Dave was concentrating hard knowing this game could turn at any time. Tom Rossman was also giving it his all though his chance of finishing in the top 2 was dead. Along the way the gallery realized that Dave VanLokeren needed only 18 points to finish ahead of Bob Page, win or lose. Almost on cue, Tom Rossman started on the high run for the tournament. He made 8 crisp billiards and got kissed out of what would have been the 9th to take an 18 to 15 lead. Dave kept his composure and fired back 2 more points before Tom could score again. Dave now needed just one point to determine his and Bob Page’s fate. Tom Rossman went out, holding Dave at 17 and handing him one of the toughest losses ever taken at WCB.

DeAmato won his match against Chris O’Brien, a recent nemesis of his, 20 to 9 to lock up first place. He had to win his last 5 matches and hold opponents down along the way, especially Bob Page.

Bob Page - 2nd Place

We’d be remiss if we neglected to cite the class and sportsmanship Dave VanLokeren exhibited in congratulating the winners and wishing them well in January.

It was at that point everyone realized that Tom Rossman’s loss to Alex Morin cost HIM a shot at qualifying and of course more scenarios were unveiled at that point involving many players.

In summary here’s how the top 4 finished.

1st Joe DeAmato, 6-2, 152 points, averaged .625
2nd Bob Page, 6-2, 146 points, averaged .737
3rd Dave VanLokeren, 6-2, 145 points, averaged .693
4th Tom Rossman, 5-3, 145 points, averaged .525

World Class Billiards thanks and congratulates all the players. Best of luck to DeAmato and Page in Kentucky.

Special thanks to the USBA and in particular Jim Shovak who had a huge hand in making this qualifier a reality.

Good luck to everyone who participates in the 2008 National Championship.

 

Original Announcement:

USBA REGIONAL QUALIFIER

World Class Billiards - Peabody, MA

November 10, 2007

Entry fee $105

Format: round robin, flights determined by number of entries.

World Class Billiards
82 Newbury St
Peabody, MA 01960
978-535-7000

Contact John Magulas, Joe DeAmato or Mazin Shooni