Left to right: Jim Mansmith, fourth; Randy Smith, first; Dominic Borland, second; Tom Kaliski, third
Competitors and spectators enjoying the action.
Joe Giammarino
Pool Players of the Brooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch Billiards Club want to thank SaddleBrooke Ranch and our sponsors: It’s Greek to Me, Temperature Control Inc. and Karl Knight.
On January 28, 2017 SaddleBrooke Ranch hosted an 8-Ball Tournament. Tournament directors were Dominic Borland and Joe Giammarino. The following field of 16 players gathered to play competitive 8-Ball: Jim Kauffman, Tom “Half Jacket” Barrett, Dominic “The Doctor” Borland, Larry Tipton, Cliff Terry, Paul “Bankster” Callas, Jim Mansmith, Karl “English” Knight, Randy “Thin Man” Smith, Terrence Sterling, Les Brown, Tom “Ski” Kaliski, Fred “The Baker” Dianda, Richard “Loose Rack” Galant, Jim “Shooter” Fabio and Jim “Rocket Man” Donat.
Results: 1st Randy Smith, strategically sound all day! Seven wins, one loss; 2nd Dominic Borland, so close! Four wins, two losses; 3rd Tom Kaliski, as always, in the hunt. Three wins, two losses; 4th Jim Mansmith, the Ranch’s top player today. Four wins, two losses.
Sponsors Gifts:
It’s Greek to Me – Certificate – Paul Callas
Temperature Control Inc. – Certificate – Jim Fabio
Karl Knight – Jose Cuervo Tequila – Randy Smith
Recap: Randy “Thin Man” Smith was on the waiting list for this event, but lucky for him a player dropped out early Saturday morning and Randy filled that spot in the tourney. He started the tourney with a win over Paul Callas. He was then sent to the loser’s bracket by Jim Fabio. While in the loser’s bracket he outplayed Richard Galant, Cliff Terry, Fred Dianda, Jim Mansmith and Tom Kaliski to get to the finals against Dominic Borland who was undefeated on the hill waiting for someone to come out of the loser’s bracket. Remember, Randy would have to beat Dominic twice to win this tournament. Randy won the flip and deferred the break. Dominic broke and the game went back and forth; then Dominic got in stroke and started to run out until he got down to the 8-ball where he uncharacteristically missed. This opened the door for Randy to win the first game, and he did just that. The final game was for all the marbles. Dominic controlled this game from the beginning and again was running out when he got a little out of line on the final 8-ball. He paused to assess his shot because the 8-ball was close to the side pocket, and it would be difficult keeping the cue ball from scratching. Dominic got down on the shot, pulled the trigger and the 8-ball went right into the corner pocket like it had eyes. Unfortunately the cue ball found the side pocket and Dominic lost the game. Randy had outlasted a field of 16 to take the championship. Congrats, Randy “Thin Man” Smith.
Thanks to all the participants and the ladies of the Bistro Viente Restaurant for their great service.
A fun day was over after three and one-half hours and 32 games of 8-ball. Sixteen participants competed and met some new friends that shared their passion. That is a good day! Rack ‘em up!