Big Apple 9-Ball Classic Underway

Johnny Archer

A field of 68 players are competing for the $15,000 in added prize money at the 3rd Annual Big Apple 9-Ball Classic being held at Master Billiards in Queens NY this week.

Some of the top stars have not player their matches yet, due to their participation in the International Challenge of Champions. Most of the rest of the players have player their first match, with very few upsets. Possibly the biggest upset so far being Al Lapena's 2nd round victory over Santos Sambajon. Another great match on day one was Danny Basavich's 10-7 win over WPBA star Melissa Herndon. Melissa's fellow WPBA star Jennifer Barretta has yet to play her first match.

Other players advancing into the third round included defending champion Johnny Archer, Robb Saez, Frankie Hernandez, Tony Robles, Ralf Souquet, Jose Parica, Teddy Garrahan, Danny Harriman, George San Souci and Francisco Bustamante.

Brackets are online and will be updated all week. Look for photos from Diana Hoppe starting on Friday.