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Trobiano Takes Tri-State Tour at Spin City Billiard Club

The gorgeous new Spin City Billiard Club in Great Neck (Long Island), NY, hosted a $500-added, B-C-D handicapped 9-ball Tri-State Tour event on Sunday, March 21, 2004.

C+ rated player John Trobiano sailed into the hot seat, waiting for a player to emerge from the one-loss side.

En route to the hot seat, Trobiano enjoyed victories over B-rated Don Sparling 7-6; C-player D'Jamison Jenson 7-4; B+-rated Ray Mendez, Jr. 7-6; and B+-rated Romana Dokovic 7-5.

Currently ranked 18 on the Women’s Professional Billiard Association, Dokovic locked a spot in the semifinals after her match with Trobiano.

In the meantime, Ray Mendez, Jr., who suffered a loss to Trobiano, was working his way to the semifinal match with Dokovic.

Mendez fought a tough match to win over C-rated Pablo Sanz 8-7 and then proceeded to defeat B+-player Michael Gasper 7-2 to earn a rematch with Dokovic.

Having gained momentum from his wins on the one-loss side, Mendez steamrolled through the semifinal match 7-2.

Mendez now faced undefeated player Trobiano in the final match. This race required Mendez, a B+, to give Trobiano, a C+, a two-game handicap in a race to 7.

The Tri-State rules for a one-day tournament such as this event provide for a two-game extension should the undefeated player not reach their designated match winning score; which in this case was five games, plus the handicap.

The final match proved to be quite exciting.

Both players traded games until they tied at 6-all.

In the next rack, the balls opened with a difficult spread.

After a lengthy safe battle, with the 8 and 9 balls left on the table,

Mendez made a terrific kick safe attempt but left just enough of the ball for Trobiano to make the shot and run out for the 7-6 victory.

Results:

1st John Trobiano
2nd Ray Mendez, Jr.
3rd Romana Dokovic
4th Michael Gasper