2nd Stage
of
Maryland State
Bar Box Bonanza
July 14th & 15th
A strong field of 32 players came from all around including PA, MD and Delaware. Taking their shot at the $700.00 first place prize. Some of those participants were Danny Bell, Wayne Hardy, Steve Lingafelter, Adam Kielar, Coby Atkins and Mike Joy. Some of the local players were Tony long, Mark Ford, Stephen Stienbaugh and Joe Wright.
In the top half of the bracket there were some heavy hitters in the second round Dominic Noe who’s been winning and placing in the money in past events matched up against Steve Stinebaugh. His win over Steve put him up against Wayne Hardee from Delaware. Wayne took advantage of errors on Dominic made giving him a tough match up against Joe Wright in the next round. Joe was on a roll himself with wins over Steve Lingafelter, Scott Fullwood, and Keith Sutton for his shot for the hot seat.
The bottom half of the bracket also had some heavy hitters. Dave Stem battled it out with Tony Long earning a home room match up with Dave and Mark Ford. It was back and forth until Mark made a great shot to win curving the cue ball around the table to cut the 8-ball in for the win.
Danny Bell was running on all cylinders making his way thru Tim Wilders, Billy Bickford and Jerry Shepard and earning his hot seat spot with a win over Mark Ford for his match up against Joe Wright.
Joe played cool and showed why he was one of the favorites from the beginning. Danny fought well but missed some key shots giving Joe some momentum.
On the losers side players are in a win or go home situation Tony Long rattled off 3 wins then suffered a loss to Dominic Noe. Adam Kielar made his own push toward the finals but was stopped by Billy Kluczynski who proved he deserved a place in the money.
Dominic and Wayne both fell short against Mark Ford who was making his run for the 2nd win of the Bar Box Bonanza. With those wins he set up a rematch with Danny Bell.
Danny was still having some trouble getting thru the racks but Mark was in stroke. Breaking well and taking full control over the errors made by his opponents.
Mark continued his strong play while Joe was waiting to find out who his opponent would be in the final match race to 10. Joe started the match slow with the alternate break format he had a little trouble catching rhythm. Mark started to run away with it. Joe was able to get back in the game trading game for game until the score was 8 to 8.
Joe had a tough layout and playing thru the rack with perfect touch ending up with 2 balls left on the table. Joe found himself on his last ball before the 8 needing a bank shot in the side to get on the 8-ball, which was hanging in the side pocket.
Joe was able to make the bank but hooked himself behind two balls near the corner pocket. It is shots like this that win tournaments. He jacked up and masse around the two balls with left hand english. There was enough on the cue ball to hit the rail, hook around the balls, hit the side rail then cut the 8-ball in the side for the win.
The next rack Mark had his chance to tie the score but fell short giving Joe Wright his first title in the Bar Box Bonanza.
A great thank you goes out to the room owners Chris and Gary, their staff at The New Green Room, Charlie’s Pro Shop and Robert for shooting some pictures during the event. Last but not least all the players who came out to play.
Thank you,
B.N.N.R. STAFF
