Finnie Crowned Ladies' NJ State 8-Ball Champion

Val Finnie defeated Romana Dokovic 7-6 to win the Fourth Annual New Jersey State 8-Ball Championship and the U.S. Open Qualifier.  Finnie went undefeated to land in the hot seat at Herbert's Billiards in Secaucus, NJ, July 17-18, 2004.

Carol Clark had some tough competition to face in order to get to Finnie for the hot seat.  Battling it out with and defeating WPBA Touring Pro Dokovic set Clark up to face snooker extraordinaire Kelly Fisher, whom she defeated 5-4.  Finnie won the hot seat over JPNEWT tour favorite Clark, 5-1.  After giving up the hot seat to Finnie, Clark then rematched with Dokovic.  This time Dokovic came out o­n top with a 5-1 victory, moving her into the finals. 

The final match was a battle between the Glaswegian Finnie and RomanianDokovic that went hill-hill.  Finnie was down to her last ball when she wasforced into a straight-shot with no angle to get o­n the 8 ball.  Attempting to power-stroke a table length draw shot, Finnie scratched into the opposite corner pocket.  Dokovic then had ball in hand o­n her last ball but failed to get position o­n the 8.  Having to do an extreme cut into a corner pocket, she dangled the 8, which Finnie pocketed for the win.

JPNEWT wishes to thank Herbert's Billiards and owners Mel and Merideth for a great tournament, as well as the staff.  Thanks also go to promoter Rich Sacco for organizing this event.  And finally, we thank all of our sponsors, Pechauer Cues, The Billiards Workbook, and InsidePOOL Magazine for their continued support.

Results:

1st Val Finnie $500 + Qualifier to US Open

2nd Romana Dokovic $350

3rd Carol Clark $250

4th Kelly Fisher $140

5th Morgan Steinman, Caroline Pao $50

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