David Matlock has defeated John Brumback to win the finals of the Derby City Classic Bank Pool event. Although both players had an equal shot in the finals, the two players took completely different routes getting there.
With the field narrowed to five players, Matlock drew a bye and was able to sit and relax while Truman Hogue eliminated Francisco Bustamante and Brumback eliminated Steve McAninch.
This cut the field down to three players and Matlock again caught the bye, while Brumback and Hogue fought it out to see who would be eliminated in third place and who would move on. Brumback took an early 2-0 lead in the race to three format, but Hogue came back with two wins of his own to tie the match at 2-2. The fourth game was especially noteworthy as Hogue went from a ball-count of -1 to the win with a 6 ball run. The run was for naught though, as Brumback won the case game to earn the right to play Matlock in the finals.
Matlock took an early 1-0 lead in the finals, but Brumback came back to tie the score at 1-1. Matlock took another 2-1 lead, with Brumback winning game four to tie the score again at 2-2. Both players tightened up a little in the final game not wanting to make a mistake that cost them the match. Eventually, it was Matlock pocketing the final ball for the win.
Matlock earned $7500 for first, while Brumback settled for $4200. Truman Hogue finished in 3rd and pocketed $2500.
The one pocket division is down to approximately 200 players with both Matlock and Brumback still alive with hopes of winning the $25000 Master of the Table award.
Check out our photo galleries from Day One and Day Two of the event, and look for Day Three photos later today.
Photo courtesy of Diana Hoppe - Pool Pics By Hoppe
