A new format was introduced at the inaugural Southwest Amateur Tournament
(SWAT) at the E-Center in Harker Heights, TX, Feb 8-10, 2008. The
converted grocery store, which now normally hosts rock concerts,
was the perfect venue to host a TRIPLE elimination event. Most
everyone, especially those who battled through that newly introduced
3rd bracket, appreciated the opportunity of the extra round of play.
As
is the goal of all BCA Pool League sanctioned events, the playing
conditions were second to none. Consistency counts so the Simonis 860
Tournament Blue cloth, the Diamond 7' Smart Tables with tight, Pro cut
4-1/2” pockets and Red Circle cue balls with Super Aramith Pro balls
were much appreciated by all who competed.
The
Men's Singles solicited 66 entrants. The Women's Singles attracted 22.
The Scotch Doubles, though double elimination, drew 20 couples.
On
the Men's singles, Chris White played undefeated while Billy Sharp beat
Jeff Sorrell in the 1 loss bracket. This forced a rematch which
resulted on Billy going against Chris for the title, Alas, Billy
couldn't overpower the confident Chris and he finished second. Jeff
Sorrell, of the Dallas Southwest Eightball League, therefore, placed
3rd. Larry Nicholson, also from SWEL, celebrated 4th.
Rececca
Goodnight, from the Houston 8-Ball League, got through the winner's
bracket without a blemish. Melinda Bailey, a Southwest Eightball
League member, rallied thru the 1 loss bracket. In the Women's 2 loss
bracket, Michelle Yim defeated Austin APPLE league's Kim Pierce who
garnered 4th place,. The win took Michelle to the finals. Melinda
Bailey got the better of Michelle and the right to a shot at Rebecca.
Now, thanks to the triple elimination format, Melinda had to beat
Rebecca 3 times for the championship. Rebecca needed only 2 wins.
Undeterred, Melinda snatched the next 3 matches and the 1st SWAT
tournament of the year.
Scotch
Doubles winners Chris White and Michelle Yim are from Houston 8-Ball
League. Their competitors in the finals, Don Baker and Snowy Belt, play
out of SWEL in Dallas.
Upcoming events include,
The Texas BCA Pool League State 8-Ball Championship, March 13-16, 2008; Men and Women singles and teams events at the E-Center in Harker Heights, TX,
July
18-20 Triple elimination men and women's singles, MIXED. Scotch
Doubles, Seniors, and Masters are double elimination. 8-Ball
Oct.
17-19 Triple elimination men and women's singles, MIXED Scotch
Doubles, Seniors and Masters are double elimination. 9-Ball
Dec.
5-7 Triple elimination for men and women singles, MIXED
Scotch Doubles, Seniors and Masters are double elimination. 8-Ball
