The one-pocket event at Fast Eddie's Sports Bar and Grill in Goldsboro, North Carolina, has finally come to an end. The semi-final round between Richie Richeson and Larry Nevel ended with a pretty convincing final score of 3-0. Although Richeson had a great tournament, he just could not hold off Nevel in the end. This allowed Larry Nevel to push forward into the finals to meet up with the awaiting, Earl Strickland.
The big story of the day is Earl Strickland – he is officially the 2007 Carolina Open One-Pocket Champion. The match started out with Strickland taking the initial lead with a score of 2-0. This only lit a fire under Nevel as he turned the tables and came back to win three games making the set count 3-2, Nevel. Strickland was able to acquire the next rack, but Nevel pulled ahead yet again the following game – score 4 to 3, Nevel. Strickland made his way back to the table and pulled out the tournament win after taking the next two games in a row.
Congratulations to all three players – Richie Richeson (3rd place), Larry Nevel (2nd), and Earl Strickland (1st).
In addition to a great demonstration of one-pocket play, the nine-ball event has been underway most of the day as well. The $6100 added event started shortly after the 12 pm player's meeting. This seventy-four player field will continue to work its way down to the 2007 Carolina Open 9-Ball Champion on Sunday evening. There are several recognizable players to add a little heat to the regional players, such as Johnny Archer, Mike Davis, Robb Saez, Sparky Ferrell, and Shannon Daulton. Some of the more memorable matches of Thursday would include Mike Davis' victories over Gabe Owen and shortly thereafter recently crowned one-pocket champion, Earl Strickland; and Rafael Martinez' win over one-pocket's tough competitor and second place finisher, Larry Nevel.
Play will continue at 11 a.m. on Friday morning and carry on throughout the weekend.
File photo courtesy of Diana Hoppe
