The Tiger Bay Area Amateur Tour had its Grand Finale at Stroker's Billiards in Palm Harbor, FL, Saturday December 6th. The owner of Stroker's added $750 to the pot that has grown all season through raffles and player's fees. The total money added to this event was $2400!
With so much money up for grabs, the tour paid the top 12 players out of a field of 17. 9-12 place finishers recieving $75 each were Niki Rasmussen, Barbara Ellis (congratulations Barbara on your first time in the money!), Stephanie McFarlin, And Sabra McArthur Beahn. Moving on to take the 7th and 8th spots and $150 were Lisa Parsons with a 5-1 loss to Melissa Morlan and Leslee Davis Blaikie with a 5-1 loss to Michell Monk. They both fell to their opponents in the next round, Michell losing 5-3 to Stacey Lantz and Melissa losing 6-1 to Helene Caukin. They both earned $200 for their 5th place finish. Helene then went on to beat Stacey 5-0 leaving her with a 4th place finish and $275. The next round pitted a very focused Shanna Lewis, fresh from her first loss, against Helene. It was quite a battle with Shanna coming out on top with a 5-4 victory. Helene took home 3rd place honors and $375.This gave Shanna a shot at Jamie Toennies who awaited her return after besting her for the hot seat. Shanna showed great determination as she sailed through the first set with a 7-2 victory. Her focus became even more acute as she breezed through the second set 7-0. Apparently she decided since it was her first time in the money, she might as well get the biggest chunk. Jamie got $500 for her 2nd place finish and Shanna recieved $650 for coming out on top. Congratulations to Shanna for winning the Tiger, Bay Area Amateur Tour's Grand Finale event!
The tour would like to send out a HUGE thank you to all the sponsors who helped to make the innaugeral season a huge success. These wonderful sponsors are Tiger Products, www.FuryCues.com, BilliardScoop, Stroke It Wear, StrokInStyle gloves (and their new product the cue grabber), Ray Martin, and Old Chicago restaurant.
We also can't forget all the wonderful rooms and owners that welcomed us into their establishments. Stroker's (I and II), Capone's, Corner Pocket, Diamond's and Hammerheads.
We couldn't have done it without any of you, players, sponsors and room owners. We hope you will all continue to be a part of our tour in 2009!
