Jose Lora Takes Tri-State Tour at Comet Billiards

Jose Lora Takes Tri-State Tour at Comet BilliardsBy Larry KendallJose Lora defeated Steve Warnock in the Tri-State Tour Open’s B,C, D double-elimination 9-ball tournament for top honors. The event was held at Bill Haley’s Comet Billiards on December 27, 2003, in Parsippany, NJ, and tournament director Bill Focaccia provided all with a smooth-flowing event that was enjoyed by both players and spectators.A total of 34 players entered this $500-added event. The first eight places were paid in this handicapped event, which was open to all B, C, and D players. Games were spotted to lesser-rated players, one game per handicap increment. Game/race totals also increase as handicap ratings increase.
C+-rated player Stewart Warnock waited in the hot seat for the winner of the one-loss side bracket to be determined. Warnock defeated Mario Sohatjian, who boasts a B+ handicap, to earn that seat, while Sohatjian awaited the outcome of the semifinals on the one-loss side between Jose Lora (C+) and Christian Smith (B+). Lora prevailed in a nail-biting match that finished at 7-5. Lora then faced off against Sohatjian and was victorious with a 7-3 score.One-loss winner Lora now faced undefeated Warnock for the tournament final. This was an even race to 6 between the two C+-rated opponents. Tri-State rules for a one-day tournament such as this provide for a two-game extension should the undefeated bracket player be defeated in the initial race. The players traded wins to tie the score at 3 apiece when Lora took off with 3 consecutive games to take the win at 6-3. Now the two-game extension rule kicked in for the benefit of the undefeated Warnock. Lora nailed the next two games, winning the match and tournament with a 2-9 combo. The final score was 8-3. In addition to prize money, trophies were awarded to both men.Results:1st- Jose Lora2nd- Stewart Warnock3rd- Mario Sohatjian4th- Christian Smith5th- Jim Malfeton, Rich SaccoVisit InsidePOOL for the latest in the sport of billiards and pool.

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