Casper's Billiards, located in the laidback windswept Gulf Coast community of San Leon, Texas, has become the hotbed for pool activity in the Greater Houston area. In January, Casper's hosted the NCS 8-Ball qualifier; this month, it was the NCS 9-Ball qualifier. And during this period, Jui-Lung Chen has established himself as the hottest player in the area, by winning both championships.
Chen, Lanny Herrin, and Ernesto Bayau, who finished 1-2-3 in last month's NCS 8-Ball tournament, returned to play in this month's NCS 9-Ball event. Other pre-tournament favorites included: Andy Jethwa, Barry Stickland, Manuel Ayala, David Parker, and Dennis Strickland. Three top women players also competed: Kim White, Deanna Henson, and Courtney Peters.
The final four players to emerge were Jui-Lung Chen and Dennis Strickland on the winners side, and Manuel Ayala and Andy Jethwa on the one-loss side. Chen then dealt Strickland his first loss, 9 to 4, and Ayala eliminated Jethwa from the tournament, 7 to 4. Strickland then earned a rematch against Chen, by defeating Ayala, 7 to 5.
In the championship set, Chen defeated Strickland, 9 to 6.
Casper's Billiards is owned and operated by Roy and Kathy Robinson. Champion Promotions' Charlie and Heather Bryant promoted and directed this event.
