Justin Hall Photo courtesy Dave Thomson - Mediumpool.com
There was plenty of excitement for the fans at the Harrah's Casino and Hotel, in Tunica, MS, as the One Pocket tournament got down to the last four players standing.
The run to the finish was very tricky with some players having a buy back option, and others that had used up all their lives so to speak, and the last four players standing were Shannon Daulton, Ryan Stone, Justin Hall, and the local player who seemed to sneak under the radar, Daniel McKenney from Meridian, MS.
SHANNON DAULTON VS DANIEL MCKENNEY
It would be the job of the established Maestro of this discipline, Shannon Daulton, to end young Daniel's run in the event. Although he played well enough to get to the last four, Daniel just did not have a game to match the experience of the seasoned player that he was matched up against, and quickly saw himself on the wrong side of a 3-0 score line. Daniel told me that he only started playing One Pocket four years ago, obviously will be a force to be reckoned with in future events.
SHANNON DAULTON VS RYAN STONE
In the next draw it was Justin Hall who got the bye, so we saw Shannon Daulton up against Ryan Stone. If Ryan lost he would be out of the tournament as he had used up his buy back, whereas Shannon who was still on the winners would go straight into the final against Justin if he won, but still could buy back if he lost.
On paper the pundits seemed to think that this would be a walk over for Mr. Daulton, but were we in for a surprise! Young Ryan defied the critics by coming back from 2-1 down and with Shannon only needing one ball at 7-3 in the fourth game. Shannon made an uncharacteristic mistake and Mr. Stone took down the match 3-2 with some gutsy or should I say non standard procedures. But, non the less got the job done, and forced Shannon to get his wallet out and buy his way back into the event.
SHANNON DAULTON VS JUSTIN HALL
This time the draw put Ryan Stone through with the bye, and now we had Justin Hall who had been praying that Shannon would win the previous match, and guarantee himself second place, but now found himself in a match he had not expected.
It seemed as though Shannon was still in the shock mode from his loss in the last match, as he never really established any authority in this match and soon found himself on the wrong side of a 3-0 score line. It must be said that Justin Hall played great shot after great shot to get the win, and looked to be in fine fettle to take down not only the One Pocket title, but clinch the All Around Southern Classic Title as well.
JUSTIN HALL VS RYAN STONE (FINAL)
This final match was all Justin Hall from the outset, and it was obvious who wanted this title the most. It must be said that it looked as though Ryan fizzled out in the final and settled for second place, as he had a good chance to level the match to 2-2, but made just too many mistakes that allowed Justin to win the Title with a score of 3-1.
Not only has Justin won the Bank Title and the One Pocket Title, but has clinched the All Around Title as well, and still has a very good chance to take down the 9 Ball event, which is actually his best game.
Congratulations to Justin Hall on what will be an event that he will never forget, and It's not over yet.
