Jose Costa wins the Cue and Cushion Qualifier
Bob Page also qualifies, finishing 2nd

Jose Costa

Cue and Cushion Billiard Lounge in Hooksett, NH, owned by 2006 US Champion Mazin Shooni, hosted its first ever USBA Regional Qualifier on December 12-14, 2008. With two beautiful Chevillotte tables freshly covered with Simonis 300 Rapide cloth, the room was able to accommodate 12 players. The top 2 finishers receive $ 300.00 entry into the USBA Nationals on February 18-22, 2009 to be held at Carom Café in Flushing, NY, along with $ 200.00 expense money when they arrive at the Nationals. There also was some additional prize money for the top 6 finishers.

The players were divided into 2 groups of 6 players each, 20 point matches. The top three finishers in each group advanced to a six player round robin final, 25 point matches.

Click the name of the flight to view tournament chart.

In Flight A, local player Tim King went undefeated 5-0, handing Jose Costa his only loss of the tournament. Costa finished 2nd going 4-1 and local player George Allee finished 3rd, going 2-3 and barely edging out Paul Frankel (Professsor-Q-Ball) on points.

In Flight B, Bob Page wins the group going 4-1, his only loss to local player Tony Ferrara. Jim Shovak finished 2nd with a 3-2 record edging out Tony Ferrara who had the same record and the same total points but lost to Shovak in their head to head match. Rick Kirk also finished 3-2 but lost out on total points.

Finalists with Room Owner Mazin Shooni and Professor-Q-Ball: Tim King, Jose Costa, Tony Ferrara, Mazin Shooni, Bob Page, Jim Shovak and Paul Frankel (Professor-Q-Ball)

Finals: Jose Costa won all his matches, going 4-0. Bob Page, Tim King and Jim Shovak all butted heads and finished with 2-2 records, the only difference being total points scored. Bob Page finished 2nd, Tim King 3rd and Jim Shovak 4th. Tony Ferrara finished 5th and George Allee finished 6th. George Allee lost his first 2 matches on Saturday night and was unable to return on Sunday because of major power outages that affected much of New Hampshire. Luckily, both Cue and Cushion and the local Hotel were not affected.

Tim King (3rd), Jose Costa (1st) and Bob Page (2nd)

After the event, Paul Frankel (Professor-Q-Ball) dazzled the crowd with some spectacular magic tricks, mostly card tricks. Everyone, including the author, was laughing out loud and shaking their heads in amazement at his talent. Thanks, Paul!

Professor-Q-Ball befuddles the crowd!

Jose Costa would like to extend his thanks to Mazin Shooni who has spent time with Jose teaching him what he can about 3-Cushion Billiards. Apparently it has made a difference. Good work, Mazin!

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One player will be sent to the Nationals with 6 players.
Two players will be sent to the Nationals with 10-12 players.
Qualifying players will receive $ 300.00 entry into Nationals plus $ 200.00 expense money at the Nationals.

Hotel:

The Fairfield Inn & Suites
8 Bell Avenue
Hooksett, NH 03106
603-606-5485
603-606-5491 – fax
www.marriott.com/mhtho

RATE: $85.00 + 8% occupancy tax

AMENITIES: Continental Breakfast Included, Fitness Center, Indoor Pool, High Speed Internet, Marriott Rewards Points

CUT-OFF DATE:
The “cut-off date” for accepting reservations is on November 28, 2008. Reservations requests received after the cut-off date will be accepted on a space and rate availability basis. All reservations must be called into the hotel by November 28th to receive the negotiated rate. A credit card will be required. Guests shall be responsible for their guest room, tax and incidental charges.