Western Canadian Friday afternoon update

Joanne Ashton

The days hilite at the IBC Western Canadian Open 9-Ball Championships was watching Joanne Ashton make it all the way to Friday with her strongest showing yet in the open event. We will probably see this young lady back even stronger next year.

11:00 matches are all over with the following results:

Earl Strickland continues his drudging through the b side with a romp over German Stefan Santl 11/2, sending the pleasant mannered European over to the C side, where the bartender has shooter specials on for two bucks.

Big kelly Lake Native and old Alberta favourite Claire Gauthier pulled off a tough but quick 11/7 decision over "Machine Gun" Luc Salvas who coinincentally was the only player haranguing the tournament organizers as to what the 33rd/48th payouts were. He will soon find out.

Larry Wilson of Victoria BC over Edmontonian Golf Pro Ian Turner 11/3.

Last year's champ, John Horsfall, had a solid victory on feature table 2 over house favourite Joanne Ashton 11/3.

Saskatchewan native and provincial champion Brad Poorman went 11/3 over Calgarian Mike Daniels.

Ex Calgarian and Duncan BC player Ronnie Woodward over Quebecor and Atlantic City 10 Ball Champ Danny Hewitt 11/8.

Rick Marshall put Fabian Louison to the bar side to try out the shooters by beating him 11/4.

Fabio Petroni of Rome, Italy, with his manager constantly phoning up Paul Hanson's daughter Jesse to find out how his man was doing every ten minutes, put Darryl Stephens of Calgary off 11/5.

Mike Vidas over Saskatchewan native Ray Carter 11/6.

Darcy Fulton of Lethbridge put the grandson of local legend "Indian Joe" Big Plume, Mr. Sonny Littlelight out 11/6.

New Brunswicker Jeff Kennedy over Darryl Wouters 11/8.

Mike Abou-Daher sent Cliff Thorburn - the events trick shot artist and handshake specialist away 11/8.

Home club pro Rob MacDonald is definitely back onto his game after a winters' absence with another slow but strong hill hill match over his home club rival Kevin Osborne.

Mr. Dan Louie of Mercer Island Washington sent the legendary Al Greenlee back home 11/9.

Young Calgarian Tyler Edey put Barry Hooey out in another hill/hill 11/10 heater.

Finally, our second last remaining trickshot artist and media favourite Mike Massey was sent shopping for teddy bears with Francine as Mexico ex-pat Ismael Paez continued his smiley way up the A side with an 11/8 victory.

Complete brackets are online as well as pictures from Diana Hoppe who is at the event. Look for more results tonight, as well as more pictures.

Photo courtesy of Diana Hoppe - Pool Pics by Hoppe

Article courtesy of Paul Hanson - Great White Billiards