Stew Warnock Crowned at Castle Billiards

By NYCgrind.com Contributor Danny Cintron

The Tri-State Tour attracted 41 brought a host of talented players to one of Castle Billiards in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  In attendance were notable players such as John Alicea, Gary Murgia, Brian Hunter, up and coming Rhio Anne Flores, and Dan Cintron just coming off of a win his last event.  This stop, which was #38 in the Tri-State Tour 2008-2009 season, with seven remaining events left prior to the Invitationals.

Leading the top half of the bracket was Stewart Warnock starting with a first round bye, winning over Tony Eglesias 7-5, Pat DiBuono 8-5, and Rhio Anne Flores 8-5.

Heading the bottom half of the bracket was Teddy Lubis, also catching a first round bye, won 2 consecutive hill-hill matches over Dan Cintron 7-6, Beau Baer 7-6, then besting Christian Smith 7-4.

Playing for the hot seat was Stewart Warnock vs Teddy Lubis.  This was a great match that went double hill, with Lubis sending Warnock to the one-loss side.

Waiting for Warnock on the one-loss side was Brian Hunter.  This match went rack for rack until Warnock regulated Hunter to a 3rd place finish with a 7-6 win.

The finals were a rematch of the hot seat match.  However, Lubis was put on ice as he got cold waiting 5 hours to play in the finals.  Warnock, having a loss, needed to reach 7 first in order to force an extended finals, but he easily cruised through Lubis for a 9-2 win.

Congatulations Stewart!  The Tri-State Tour wishes to thank John & Minnie Trobiano of Castle Billards and the sponsors (Sterling Gaming, Viking Cues, Ozone Billiards and Phil Capelle).

Payout: 

1st: Stewart Warnock - $630
2nd: Teddy Lubis - $400
3rd: Brian Hunter - $250
4th - Pat DiBuono - $150
5th/6th: Rhio Anne Flores, Christian Smith - $100
7th/8th: Dan Cintron,  Mark Pantovic - $75