Pooky Delivers the Package at Children's Hospital Benefit Event

By Nick Prinsloo

The third annual Planet Pool RE/MAX Pros Children's Miracle Network Event o­nce again raised money for a great cause. It also raised awareness for o­ne man: Pooky Rasmeloungon.

Rasmeloungon celebrated his victory at the fundraising event by yelling, "UPS is in the house!" With the absences of tour points leader Ryan McCreesh, as well as Mike Davis and Keith McCready, the upcoming Planet Pool tour star felt little pressure in claiming the victory.

The event was held at Orange Ball Billiards in Rockville, MD, boasting a field of 40 and a large supportive crowd.  The annual fundraiser was also sponsored by KH Funding Company.

Rasmeloungon claimed the men's competition by "delivering the package," shaking off some close contests to ultimately leave with a $400 first prize.  His first match with tour newcomer Joe Scott was a scare, but Rasmeloungon pulled away late for the 7-4 win. 

Shaun Toni, who battled through left side of the bracket, defeated Tai Bui and Ryan Jones to reach the finals against Rasmeloungon. He too kept it close until the end, tying the score 4-4.  But Rasmeloungon proved the tougher competitor, winning the final three games for the 7-4 tournament victory.

On the women's side, Amada Page, a force o­n the Planet Pool tour, faced off against veteran Lois Scafone.  Page sent Scafone to the o­ne-loss bracket in the hot seat, but she battled back to the finals for rematch.  Scafone claimed two 5-3 decisions to come out o­n top.

Even the professional pool players of tomorrow competed in a kid's event.  Cisco Cifuentes Jr., the 13-year-old pool prodigy who won last year's event, defended his title against an up-and-coming 9-year-old billiards guru, Tyler Adolini. Both are players that could be a force in the future of the sport.

The biggest success story of the day wasn't played o­n a green-felted table-rather, it was the fact that $1,300 was raised for the Children's hospital in Washington, D.C.  And, with the additional contribution from RE/MAX Pros, the grand total came to $4,000.  Not o­nly did event raise money and awareness, but it also helped a few players earn some name recognition.