No Surprise-Ussery Dominates Carolina Finale

By Bill Rosenberger

The Fury Carolina 9-Ball Tour wrapped up its 2004 season o­n Saturday, December 4 at Babineau's Billiards in Raleigh, NC.  B.J. Ussery, who is no stranger to wins this year, took home the victory in the finale. 

Besides the exciting action o­n the tables, there was also a festive atmosphere, as players and fans enjoyed a small holiday party sponsored by the owners.  And players also welcomed back the 2003 tour champion, Larry Faulk, who finished a respectable fourth place.

Meanwhile, Ussery was working o­n a dominant record in the winners' bracket, as he faced Johnny Griffin in the hot seat match.  Early o­n, it looked like it was either player's game, but Ussery's late surge brought him a 7-4 win and a spot in the finals. 

Griffin's opponent in the semifinals was Robert Ray, who was working o­n a comeback from an early-round setback 7-6 to Ussery.  Griffin never had a chance to get control in the match, as Ray dominated for the 5-0 win.

In the finals, Ray tried to wrestle the undefeated victory from Ussery, and at the same time, complete his own comeback.  But Ussery was hardly ever in the chair, as he controlled the table much of the time.  He opened up with a break and run and then took ball in hand after Ray scratched o­n the 3 ball in the second rack.  Ray's o­nly win came in the seventh rack, spoiling the shutout, but at 8-1, Ray conceded the match, giving Ussery the victory.

Results:

1st B.J. Ussery $610

2nd Robert Ray $355

3rd Johnny Griffin $255

4th Larry Faulk $130

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