Labonte Double Dips Cote in Buster’s Open Event

Story by Marc Dionne
New England 9 ball series
November 25, 2007

16 of the strongest players came out on a sunny cold Sunday afternoon for a chance at the $500 Custom cue and the $300 first prize.

Here were some of the notables that attended: Dave Fernandez, Shane Cote, Mike Dechaine, Randy Labonte, Chris Leal, Dave Lemay, and Rick Gata.

I saw great 9 ball matches and some upsets. Tournament favorite Mike Dechaine dropped his first match to Randy Labonte by the score of 7-3. Another upset was by the hands of Rick Gata - he took Mike Dechaine out as well by the score of 7-5. His next match was another giant that was Chris Leal, Rick beat him by the score of 7-3. His winning streak would come to an end when he faced Randy Labonte and Labonte cooled him down 7-5.

Winners side Finals Dave Fernandez vs. Shane Cote
This match was thought to be a grueling match but it was a one sided one. Shane would take the match 7-3 and put Fernandez on the one loss side.

Losers side Finals Randy Labonte vs. Dave Fernandez
This match was a great match - I saw a lot of great shot making and safety play but Labonte would prevail by the score of 7-5 and take his place in the finals against Shane Cote.

The FINALS Shane Cote vs. Randy Labonte
It is true Double elimination the loser must beat the winner twice and that’s what Randy did. He won the first set 7-6 being down 4-2. The second set it was like a boxing match - it would go back and fourth for the fist 10 games until Shane made a shooting error and Rand capitalized and it and would win that game and go ahead 6-5. He would break and run out the next game for his first victory of the season. Great shooting Randy.

Pay outs:

1st Randy Labonte $300 + $500 McDermott custom cue

2nd Shane Cote $185.00

3rd Dave Fernandez $100.00

4th Rick Gata Free Entree + Entry into Robert Dionne Memorial Tournament