Loretta Lindgren executed a come-from-behind victory in a 48 player field to secure the second stop on the WPBA sanctioned, Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Tour. Lindgren suffered an early loss to Belinda Lee, 5-3, and rebounded to meet hot seat winner, Yvonne Asher, in the finals. This was Asher’s debut in a Gulf Coast final, and a first-time, finals face-off for the pair. A seasoned Lindgren overcame Asher in overtime, 5-3, 5-1, to secure her second-ever, Gulf Coast Tour 9-ball title.
On February 27, 2016, the Gulf Coast Tour converged on Bogies Billiards West, in Houston Texas, and thanks to room owner David Richardson, tour sponsors Delta-13 Rack and the APA of North Harris County, the Gulf Coast women couldn’t have been more pleased with the success of this event. Great competition and impressive player numbers have set the tone for this year’s Gulf Coast Tour. In full swing for 2016, the “Coast” kicked off an amazing first quarter, with a running total of 53 official WPBA Members, averaging 44 players per event. Tour director, Kimberly Newsome, commented about the growing popularity of the tour. “I expected the tour to grow, but never this big, this fast. The WPBA has expanded our territory to include Louisiana and Oklahoma, and we’re currently in search of venues to host events in those states. We anticipate holding multiple qualifiers for the 2017 WPBA Masters and sending an increased number of invitees to the 2017 WPBA Regional Tour Championships. It’s going to be a year for the record books.”
The battlefield was explosive in this one-day, 9-ball extravaganza, as Lorna McEwan made her bid for the final four, with wins over Brandi Humber, D’Andrea McQuirter, Mercedes Vasquez, 5-4, and Toni Esteves, 5-4, while Robyn Petrosino powered through Kim Jenkins, 5-3, Ricki Casper, and Gail Eaton, 5-1. On her way as well, Yvonne Asher bested Angie Payne, 5-2, Natalie Rocha, 5-4, and Cindy Watson, 5-2, while Terry Petrosino (Robyn’s mother) defeated Mindy Williams, Jennifer Dooley, 5-1, and Belinda Lee, 5-1. As the winners’ side was shaping up, the one loss side witnessed 2015 tour champion, Ricki Casper, eliminate Mindy Williams, Tam Trinh, and Cindy Watson, by the same score, 5-1. Angie Payne had an incredible run after suffering a second round loss at the hands of Asher, 5-2, eliminating Mary Reyes, 5-3, Kim Pierce, Mercedes Vasquez, Sara Bork, and Belinda Lee, to face-off with Casper. Lindgren also made her way through the east side with victories over Karen Hughes, 5-0, Jennifer Dooley, 5-3, and Toni Esteves, 5-2, while Natalie Rocha defeated Liz Yorek, 5-1, and Michelle Yim, 5-3, to meet Lindgren. Back on the east side, R. Petrosino ousted McEwan, 5-2, and Asher slid by T. Petrosino, 5-4, ending the possibility of a mother-daughter, hot seat duel. Asher defeated R. Petrosino for the hot seat, 5-2, and it was anyone’s guess who would power down the one loss road to meet Asher at the end. Back on the west side, Casper ended McEwan’s run, and Lindgren eliminated T. Petrosino, by the same score, 5-4. Lindgren shut out Casper, 5-0, and R. Petrosino, 5-1. Asher was patiently waiting in the wings, anticipating her first final and possible tour title, while Lindgren was searching for second. In the finals, Asher remained vigilant, but Lindgren came on strong, taking the first set, 5-3. With a little extra wind in her sail, Lindgren picked up the pace, ending Asher’s impressive run for the title, 5-1.
The tour would like to welcome its 14 new WPBA members, and extend its deepest gratitude to all the Board Members and players who assisted in promoting and running the event. Gulf Coast is happy to announce that Veronica “Pistol” Perez is joining its Board of Directors. Ms. Perez has hosted a number of successful events at Skinny Bob’s Billiards in Round Rock, Texas, and with her assistance, the tour looks forward to increasing its presence in Austin, and surrounding areas.
Players, friends, and fans, the next Gulf Coast Tour 9-ball event will be held at Ariana’s located at 13802 Homestead Road, Houston, Texas, on Saturday, May 14, 2016. This is a bar table event, and the tables will be open. Free practice begins at 10am, and the players’ meeting begins at 11am. There will also be a Lone Star Billiards Tour 9-ball event beginning on Saturday, sign-up 11am-1pm. For more information about the Gulf Coast Tour, please visit www.GulfCoastWomensTour.com.
Ricki Casper (Photo courtesy of Michael Moon Photography)
It was a fiery start for Houston’s Ricki Casper who took the 41 player field by storm at the first Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Tour 9-ball event of 2016. Casper took on the formidable Terry Petrosino in the finals making it an all-out test of wills, and setting the tone for a brand new season on the Gulf Coast Tour.
On January 2, 2016, drawing a season opener, record number of players, the Gulf Coast Tour hosted its first, one-day event of the New Year at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar in Houston, Texas, and thanks to room owner David Richardson, and tour sponsors Delta-13 Rack and the APA of North Harris County, the Gulf Coast women started the New Year out with a bang! Tour director, Kimberly Newsome, reminisced about their 2015 accomplishments. “Gulf Coast finished on top last year, with the largest WPBA membership, procuring 11 invites to the 2016 WPBA Regional Tour Championships. Membership numbers increased 104% from 2014 to 2015, and I believe it’s a result of the competitive, atmosphere we provide, mixed with a little fun and craziness. It’s a perfect balance that allows players to take their game to the next level, and create friendships along the way. I think this positive “wave” is just another indicator of things to come.”
On the battle field, 2015 tour champion, Ricki Casper, fought her way through a distinguished field of talent, booking wins over Kay Mikolajczyk, 7-0, Gail Eaton, 7-2, and Yvonne Asher, 7-2, while “Texas Heat” Kim Pierce ousted Liz Mitchel, 7-4, Angie Payne, 7-4, and Sara Bork, 7-3. Former tour champion, Belinda Lee, overcame Mercedes Vasquez, 7-4, Mindy Williams, 7-2, and Stacy Mendrick, 7-2, while Tiffany Waters bested Liz Yorek, 7-4, Yvonne Garcia, 7-5, Teresa Garland, 7-6, and Toni Esteves, 7-3. Casper sent Pierce west, 7-2, and Lee made quick work of Waters, by the same score. Veteran player, Terry Petrosino, lost her second round match to Gail Eaton, 7-2, and secured a string of wins on the west side, eliminating Yorek, 5-1, Mikolajczyk, 5-2, Alicia Huff, 5-0, and Tangela Hunt, 5-1. Other one loss side action saw Garland defeat Asher, Natalie Rocha best Mendrick, 5-3, and Eaton overcome Esteves, 5-2. Petrosino made quick work of Garland, 5-0, and Waters, 5-2, while Eaton eliminated Rocha, 5-1, and Pierce, 5-2. Back on the east side, it was a hot seat duel between former Gulf Coast Tour Champions, Casper and Lee. As Petrosino charged on the west side, taking out Eaton, 5-4, Casper secured the hot seat over Lee, 7-4. When the dust settled, Petrosino had logged an astounding 9 consecutive wins, which included a final win on the one loss side, over Lee, for a shot at the title. Casper and Petrosino teed off in the final, competing for cash and tour points, in a true, double elimination format. Casper was determined to start her year off right, with a clean, undefeated record, and that she did. Petrosino fell to the former champion in the first set, 7-4.
The tour would like to thank Teresa Garland for running this event, and all those who assisted.
The Women’s Professional Billiard Association (WPBA), the governing body of women’s professional billiards in the U.S., celebrates its 40th birthday this year! The Gulf Coast Tour is a sanctioned, WPBA Regional Tour, one of 13 regional tours positioned across the U.S. which make up the grass roots system that feeds the WPBA Pro Billiards Tour. Amateur and semi-professional, female players, who aspire to play women’s professional billiards, must qualify through this elite system in order to attain the sought-after title, WPBA Exempt Professional. “The Gulf Coast Tour is proud to be sanctioned by the WPBA, four years running. We qualified Gail Eaton to play in the 2016 Soaring Eagle Masters held at Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, MI., February 3-7, 2016, and qualified 11 of our top players for the prestigious, annual, WPBA Regional Tour Championships (RTC). Needless to say, the women of this tour are highly motivated, making progress with their games, and doing it with a positive spirit, and I love it,” raves Newsome. The tour would like to recognize its top, 2016 RTC finishers; Gail Eaton, 3rd, and highest Texas finisher; Kim Pierce, Loretta Lindgren, Elizabeth Mitchel, 17th; Ricki Casper, 25th.
Players, friends, and fans, the next Gulf Coast Tour 9-ball event will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Bogies WEST (9638 Jones Road, Houston). Free practice begins at 10am, and the players’ meeting begins at 11am. There will also be a Lone Star Billiards Tour 9-ball event beginning on Saturday, sign-up 11am-1pm.
For more information about the Gulf Coast Tour, please visit www.GulfCoastWomensTour.com. Follow us on Twitter @gulfcoasttour. Find us on Facebook /gulfcoasttour1.
It was a slow start for Houston’s Ming Ng who lost a fourth round match to Gail Eaton, 7-6, and although Eaton went on to face 2014 Gulf Coast Tour Champion Belinda Lee for the hot seat, Ng reentered the scene to stake her claim, winning an impressive 7 straight matches to take home the title, 2015 Gulf Coast Tour 10-Ball Champion.
It was a choice weekend to win on the Gulf Coast Tour which hosted its first 2-day event on September 12th-13th, 2015, drawing a record 48 women, paying out close to $2,000 in prize money, and offering a qualifier spot for the 2016 WPBA Masters event. Thanks to an anonymous sponsor, room owner David Richardson, and tour sponsors Delta-13 Rack and the APA of North Harris County, the Gulf Coast women enjoyed their most successful event since the tour’s 2013 inception. “This tour is growing by leaps and bounds, and we look forward to building on this event, and our 52-player, WPBA membership”, says tour director, Kimberly Newsome. “This tour offers experience; it’s competitive, mixed with a little fun and craziness. It’s a perfect balance that allows players to take their game to the next level, and create friendships along the way.”
Although most of the competitors had never played a single game of 10-ball, everyone caught on very quickly, and had a great time doing it. On the battle field, veteran player Ming Ng fought her way through a distinguished field of 48 women with wins over Kim “Texas Heat” Pierce, Yvonne Garcia, and newcomer Sophie Salinas, 7-4, before losing to Gail Eaton, 7-6. Belinda Lee took down Cindy Cole, 7-1, Terry Petrosino, 7-3, and Liz Mitchel, 7-0. Daughter, Robyn Petrosino, made her own bid for the hot seat with wins over Karen Reilly, 7-3, Shannon Collins, 7-1, and newlywed Natalie (Esparza) Rocha, 7-2, until falling to Eaton, 7-5. Loretta Lindgren came out firing as well, ousting Bonnie Mason, 7-2, and Mandy Hood, 7-3, until losing a nail-biter to Lee, 7-6. On the one loss side, after losing her first round match to newby Theresa Mireles, 7-3, Ricki Casper won 6 consecutive matches, eliminating Darcy Whatley, 7-2, Mindy Williams, 7-5, Austin’s Erica Hanlon, 7-0, Mitchel, 7-5, Pierce, 7-2, and R. Petrosino, 7-3. Contender Tara Williams was taken down in the first round by Teresa Garland, 7-2, but went on to eliminate Toni Esteves, 7-3, Terry Petrosino, 7-3, and Tina Allen, 7-4, before being ousted by Ng, 7-3. Ng went on to defeat Rocha, 7-6, Lindgren, and finally Casper, 7-6, while Eaton made quick work of securing the hot seat match over Lee, 7-3. Ng overcame Lee, 7-4, the final obstacle standing between her, and Eaton. In the first set of the true, double elimination final, Eaton jumped to a 5-0 lead. Directly off a five-game winning streak, momentum unwavering, Ng came back to win the first set, 7-6. In overtime, Ng came on strong, closing out the final set, 7-5. Congratulations to Ming Ng on her 2015 Gulf Coast Tour 10-Ball title and to Gail Eaton who secured the WPBA qualifier spot.
Welcome to the club! The tour would like to welcome its newest members and recognize them for their tenacious character: Sophie Salinas, Theresa Mireles, Shannon Collins, Brandi Umber, Cindy Cole, Annette Moreno, Yvonne Garcia, Regina Gomez, Kristina Bevers, and Cierra Powell.
Derrell Montgomery, official tour referee, tour supporter, and pool philanthropist, awarded the 10-ball champ with a hand-crafted and engraved, trophy pen. Each one of Mr. Montgomery’s pens is one-of-a-kind, and it’s a Gulf Coast tradition to award a “Montgomery Trophy Pen” to each year’s tour champion.
Mr. Montgomery also donated two pens to the Emma Davis Memorial and Family Benefit, held this past weekend in conjunction with the Gulf Coast Tour event. Emma Davis, wife of famed Texas pool player, James Davis Jr., and mother to infant son, James Davis, Jr. III, passed in her sleep, on September 9th, 2015. Upon hearing the news, the women of the Gulf Coast Tour and the entire Texas pool community, donated numerous auction and raffle items to help raise funds for the family. Over the weekend, with a baked goods auction, silent auction, raffle, and donations, the group raised nearly $5,000. Emma Davis was an avid pool player herself, a Gulf Coast Tour member, and a conditional member of the Women’s Professional Billiard Association. Emma was the “sweetheart” of the Texas pool community, and at only 28 years of age, touched many lives, near and far. “Gone but never forgotten” echoes throughout social media, and has become a mantra for Davis’ family and friends. Numerous fundraisers have been scheduled to assist the family in their time of need. The next one will take place at Bogies West, 9638 Jones Road in Houston, this Saturday, September 19th, 2015, during the Viking Tour stop.
Players, friends, and fans, the final 2015 Gulf Coast Tour event (#6) will be held Saturday, October 10th, 2015, at Bogies Billiards & Sports Bar (FM 1960 location). The players’ meeting begins at 11:00am. All new players’ dues will be good through 2016! This event will take place alongside the final event for the Lone Star Billiards Tour.
The Gulf Coast Tour is a sanctioned, WPBA Regional Tour, one of (13) tours situated across the U.S. For information on hosting a Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Tour event, contact Kimberly Newsome at 713.825.1411 or email gulfcoasttour1@gmail.com. For more information about the Gulf Coast Tour, please visit www.facebook.com/gulfcoasttour (players’ page) or the new business page at www.facebook.com/gulfcoasttour1. Follow us on Twitter @gulfcoasttour!
The Fourth event of The 2015 Viking Tour, Presented by Bogies West Billiards in Houston Texas, was held on June 13th. Sylver Ochoa went undefeated and was crowned Champion. All events will now be 9 ball with $500.00 added. First Place is also awarded a new Viking Cue. The next event will be held July 11th.
Sylver Ochoa was awarded the first place cash prize and a New Viking Cue. Sylver defeated Darrell Taylor 7-2, David Richardson 7-1, Denis Strickland 7-5, Joey Torres 7-4 and Eric Hsu 7-1 to win the hot seat. Eric defeated Marc Garza 7-4, Sonny B 7- 1, Bob Guzik 7-5 before falling to Sylver 7-1 in the hot seat match. Eric then defeated Joey Torres 7-5 to reach the finals where Sylver was undefeated and decided the winner of the 4th stop at The 2015 Viking Tour and his First win at the 2015 Viking Tour.
Former U.S. Amateur National Champion Ernesto Bayaua decimated the 55 player field at the Poison by Predator 8-Ball Tour Event (PxP Tour) held this past Saturday, September 6th, 2014, at the brand new Bogies Billiards West located in northwest Houston. Players hailed from Austin, Victoria, and San Antonio to compete in the 8-ball event that wrapped up in one day and paid out a generous $3,410. The PxP Tour is title sponsored by Poison by Predator Cues, www.poisonbilliards.com and players enjoy using the Delta-13 rack, www.delta-13.com, official rack of the PxP Tour.
It was all business for Bayaua, taking down former Lone Star Tour Champion Andy Jethwa in the final, 4-1. It seemed like a difficult road for the veteran PxP player, but he handled it in stride. Bayaua bested Lupe Sanchez, 4-3, Blaine Barcus, 4-2, and Mike Alonzo, 4-1 while Ferrer went through Wendell Moser, 4-0, and newcomers Floyd Amador and Benny Nava, 4-3, 4-1, respectively. Alex Cardenas made his way to the final four winners’ side with wins over David Taylor, Danny Lee, 4-2, and Mike Singleton, 4-1. Jethwa took out Sonny Bosshamer, 4-1, David Chow, 4-0, and Manny Chau, 4-2. The next winners’ side round saw Bayaua beat Ferrer, 4-1, and Jethwa overcome Cardenas, 4-1. As the hot seat shaped up, the one loss side was well underway. Sylver Ochoa, who suffered a first round upset at the hands of Mike Singleton, 4-3, went on to win four consecutive matches until he was stopped by Joey Torres, 4-2. Torres, who suffered an early 4-2 loss to Chau, pressed on to the final four, but suffered a final blow by Lee, 4-2. Barcus and Chau faced off with Chau advancing, 4-2. Cardenas eliminated Lee while Chau made quick work of Ferrer. Back on the east side, Bayau took down Jethwa and secured the hot seat, 4-0, while Cardenas fell victim to Chau by the same. Jethwa tore through Chau, 4-1, for another stab at Bayaua. Jethwa, no stranger to the pressures of tournament play, brought his usual intensity and focus to the final table. After an unforced error by Bayaua, a struggling Jethwas secured his first game, bringing the score to 2-1. Despite his best efforts, the powerhouse Bayaua was simply too tought to overcome. Bayaua secure the next two, consecutive games, securing his first PxP Tour victory of the season, 4-1.
Congratulations to Houston’s own Michelle Yim who took home $50 for “Top Lady” finisher and Frank Ferrer, Jr. who won the Poison VX cue raffle!
Many thanks to Bogies Billiards West owner David Richardson, GM Stephanie Verron and staff, for hosting another first rate event. To find out more about Houston’s newest pool room, visit www.facebook.com/bogiesbilliardswest.
The final PxP Tour Event will be held November 1st, 2014, at Bogies Billiards & Sports Bar located at 3040 FM 1960 E., Houston. For more information, visit www.PxPTour.com.
Rafael Martinez went undefeated at the second Poison by Predator stop defeating Chase Rudder in the final, 4-1. Martinez conquered a talented field of 36 players in the one-day, $500 added open 8-ball event, which yielded a purse in excess of $2,500. Players ventured from far and wide to compete against the likes of Sylver Ochoa, Manny Chau, and Sam Manaole, but it was business as usual for flamboyant pool superstar Martinez who “wowed” the crowd, coasting to a near flawless victory.
Winners’ side action saw hot seat contender Manny Chau tear his way through Ben Zamudio, 4-0, Blaine Barcus, 4-3, Chase Rudder,4-1, and Bill Fain, 4-0, while Martinez made quick work of Sylver Ochoa, 4-0, Eppie Madrigal, 4-2, Sam Manaole, 4-1, and Ricky Hughes, 4-0. On the one loss side, Ochoa captured an incredible 6 consecutive matches including wins over Chris Villanueva, 4-0, Sam Manaole, 4-2, and Bill Fain, 4-1. On a mission of his own, Rudder ousted Jack Cavalier, 4-2, and Ricky Hughes, 4-1, for a third place face-off with Ochoa. Rudder took full advantage after a couple of unforced errors by Ochoa, ending the set, 4-2. East side, hot seat action saw Martinez best Chau, 4-1, presenting Rudder with a chance at redemption. Little time passed as Rudder quickly, calmly, and confidently, claimed the set, 4-1. Holding strong, Martinez had lost only 4 games heading into the finals. Going toe to toe with 3x PxP event champion Rudder, the finals were shaping up to be a sheer explosion of wit and skill. In the final set, it was more of the same for Martinez, who came out firing, and on this day, proved a bit much for the PxP champ. Not only did Martinez take home $500 for his first place victory, but also a free entry into the Space City Open III 9-Ball division, coming December 4th-7th, 2014, to Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar, Houston, Texas. For more information on the Space City Open, visit www.facebook.com/spacecityopen.
The title sponsor for the PxP Tour is Poison by Predator cues. Find your Poison at www.poisonbilliards.com. The official tour rack is Delta-13, www.delta-13.com and the official league is the APA of North Harris County, www.facebook.com/apanorthharriscounty. Finally, the tour would like to thank David Richardson and Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar for their continued support. For more information about the PxP Tour, please visit www.pxptour.com.
Charlie Bryant (Photo courtesy of Michael Moon Photography)
In only its second run, the Space City Open proved even more successful this year drawing twice the players and nearly doubling its inaugural purse, paying out right at $40,000. The amount of talent that encompassed this four-day billiard event was unsurpassed, a breathtaking demonstration of ability, enthralling countless fans and at-home viewers tuned in to the live, internet broadcast. To that point, in a display of astounding skill and reserve, Charlie “Hillbilly” Bryant defended his open 9-ball title against Jeremy “JJ” Jones, blitzing Jones from the one-loss side 9-0, 7-0. Renowned player Justin Hall took no prisoners on his path to winning the elite, One Pocket division with a final win over counterpart Joey Gray, 4-3. Former U.S. Open Champion Jeremy Jones went undefeated in the new, 9-ball banks division conquering famed Richie “Richie Rich” Richeson in the final, 3-1, to clench his first-ever 9-Ball banks title. Ming Ng rebounded from the one loss side in the ladies 9-ball division, cresting Kim Pierce, 7-4, 5-1, in the final, to join an illustrious group of Space City Open title holders.
On December 5th-8th, 2013, Space City Open followers braved unseasonably cold temperatures due to a powerful, slow-moving storm that brought ice, snow, and bitter cold to North Texas, the same system prompting 1,650 U.S. flight cancellations and leaving tens of thousands of people without power. The weather deterred very few, if any, from attending the annual event held at host and sponsor room, Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar in Houston, Texas. Other businesses behind the brawn of this year’s Space City Open included OnSitePool.com, APA of North Harris County, and GreatAmericanCues.com. Zachary Goldsmith of OnSitePool.com provided the impeccable 4-day live stream and professional event photos were captured by Michael Moon Photography. This year the Space City Open embraced its newest sponsors, HanshewCustomCues.com and OzoneBilliards.com. Ron Geyer Cue Repair, Joe Salazar Connoisseur of Custom Cues, and Great American Cues, were on-site, along with officiating referee, Derrell Montgomery of Conroe, Texas.
The 9-ball division drew 90 players competing over two days for almost $20,000 in purse money.
Tournament upsets included Justin Whitehead over Justin Hall, 9-5, Bob Guzik over Gabe Owen, 9-6, and Danny Roland over Cliff Joyner, 9-7. Joyner went on to eliminate Hall, John Lentini, 7-3, and Chase Rudder, 7-5, before being discharged by Bryant, 7-4. Bennett bested Port Arthur’s Randy Davidson, 7-4, and in turn was ousted by Richeson, 7-1. Joey Barnes won an impressive 7 straight matches including wins over Whitehead, 7-6, and Owen, 7-5, after losing his second round to Woodward, 9-7. Kentucky’s Robert “The Snowman” Frost won 6 in a row after losing his first round to James Davis Jr., 9-4. Frost suffered a final loss at the hands of Woodward, 7-1, who went on to eliminate James Davis Jr., 7-5, Joey Barnes, and Joey Gray, 7-2, while Bryant claimed Guzik, 7-1, Richeson,7-2, and Ochoa, 7-4, earning himself a face to face with Woodward.
The caliber of play in the open 9-ball division easily rivaled that of any top, men’s event where one mistake can cost you the set. Players strung numerous racks, closing out sets, and sometimes shutting out their opponents. The final four players were no exception. On the east side, Jones and Saez made their way through their respective brackets with impressive numbers. Although both players seemed at the top of their game, the resident Jones pulled ahead of Saez resulting in a final score of 9-5. On the flip side, Bryant appeared unstoppable as he teed off for his eighth, straight match against a young, impressive, Woodward. In the first game, a missed opportunity by Woodward remanded him to his seat for the remainder of the set. These turn of events staged an all too familiar scene between Texas players Jones and Bryant. The crowd zeroed in on the two, pool powerhouses and watched intensely as Bryant jumped to a 4-0 lead. Following a brief, safety exchange, Bryant secured the fifth game. From that point on, Jones never made it back to the table. In the second set, Jones reached the table only once, in the third game. Bryant played flawlessly, stringing the first two racks and closing with the last four.
The 32 player One Pocket field featured an all-star cast with phenomenal talent going head to head in a test of wills and stamina. On the final four winners’ side, Joey Gray and Joey Barnes crossed paths while Robb Saez went head to head with Justin Hall. Gray’s wake of destruction included Cliff Joyner, David Parker, and Sylver Ochoa, as Hall defeated Richie Richeson, defending champion Jeremy Jones, and Skyler Woodward, none of which made it past 2 games. Upsets included Robert Frost over Gabe Owen, 4-1, and Roy Payton over Billy Sharp, 3-2. Owen eliminated Payton, and in turn, was sent home by Joyner. Barnes dealt Charlie Bryant a third round blow, 4-3, who then vanquished Joyner from the one loss side, 3-1. Ochoa overcame Jones, 3-2, and followed with Bryant, 3-0. After his first round loss, Richeson came back with 5 straight matches including wins over Frost and Woodward. Back on the east side, Gray dismissed Barnes, 4-3, and Hall reigned over Saez, 4-2, yielding a television worthy, hot seat match-up. On the one loss side, final four action saw Ochoa eliminate Saez, 3-2, and Richeson win his sixth, consecutive match against Barnes, 3-2. During the hot seat match, with two, true professionals at the helm, the moves were tight and controlled. Relentless in his pursuit, a disciplined Hall derailed Gray, 4-2. On the one loss side, Ochoa stopped Richeson in his tracks, 3-1, only to be eliminated by a resilient Gray, 3-0. During the final match, Gray appeared eager to take control, but Hall was persistent. Tied at 3, it was down to the wire with both players fighting for every, last ball. In similar fashion, Hall overcame Gray, 4-3, winning his first Space City Open One Pocket title.
The new, 9-ball banks division (originally limited to 16) drew 25 entrants on Thursday afternoon, kicking off Space City Open. Jeremy Jones made his way to the hot seat with wins over Joey Barnes, 3-1, and Cliff Joyner, 3-1, while Tom Mooney defeated James Davis Jr., 3-2, and Chase Rudder, 3-0. After a third round loss to Rudder, Robert Frost terminated Joey Gray, 3-0, and Joyner, 3-0, while Richie Richeson was on a roll, again, winning 4 consecutive matches after a first round loss to Justin Whitehead, 3-1. Frost made number 6 on Richeson’s hit list. The hot seat match saw Jones defeat Mooney, 3-2, who was subsequently eliminated by Richeson, 3-1. Richeson’s raid lasted 7 straight matches, but no more. Jones commanded the final set, besting Richeson, 3-1.
Rounding out the event, 21 women battled it out on Sunday for the ladies 9-ball title. After decimating the field, players Teresa Garland and Kim Pierce overwhelmed Heather Bryant and Ricki Casper, 7-3, 7-4, respectively, to face-off for the ladies hot seat. Ming Ng took a first round hit from Belinda Lee, 7-6, who in turn lost the following round to Bryant, 7-6. Framing up the one loss side final four was Nayla Hoak who took an early 7-3 hit from Garland, and Lorna McEwan, bested by Bryant in the same round, 7-2. Ng went on to defeat Lee, 5-1, and Bryant, 5-3, culminating 5 straight match wins. Hoak beat McEwan, 5-3, but fell to Casper, 5-4. The seemingly indomitable Pierce defeated Garland for the hot seat, 7-3, while Ng made Casper her sixth victim, 5-4. Ng eliminated Garland, 5-3, staging a premier match between two of the division’s finest players. You could cut the tension with a knife as both players traded innings, and racks. Ng dealt Pierce a blow, winning the first set, 7-4. Finding it difficult to regroup, Pierce lost the second set, 5-1.
The 2014 Space City Open is already scheduled for December 4th-7th. Venue owner David Richardson, who recovered all 29 tables prior to the event, vows to make each year better than the last. Tournament directors John and Kim Newsome were ecstatic over player turnout and payouts, sharing this final sentiment. “For those who came out to the Space City Open, especially those who drove a long way to support the event, thanks for making the tournament a huge success. For those who missed it, we hope to see you next year!”
Chase Rudder went undefeated through an impressive field of 41 players at the Poison by Predator Tour 8-ball event held Sunday, July 7th, 2013 at Bogies Billiards in Houston, Texas. This was not a first for Rudder who captured the PxP Tour season 8-ball opener earlier this year, besting 53 top players including BCA Champion, Mike Alonzo, in the final. This time around, Rudder’s 8-ball game proved just as deadly. Rudder faced-off with formidable 8-ball veteran Rene Rendon for the hot seat, and the crowd was torn. It was youth versus experience in this race to 4, winner break format, that generated a plethora of 4-0 matches throughout the day. This wouldn’t be one of them.
On his way to the final four winners’ side, Rudder bested veteran Sonny Demetro, 4-1, and David Taylor 4-3, to meet BCA State Champion, Billy “Big Tyme” Sharp. On the winners’ south side, Rendon came on strong with wins over Marc Garza, 4-1, and APA Amateur Nationals Champion Ernesto Bayaua, 4-2, to meet Lone Star Tour Champion, Andy Jethwa. It was Rudder over Sharp, 4-1, and Rendon over Jethwa, 4-2, which set the phenomenal hot seat stage. After losing his third round to Sharp, 4-1, Will Felder eliminated Bill Fuller, Sonny “The Boss” Bosshamer, and Bayaua, until Sharp dealt him a final blow, 3-1. After losing to Bayaua, 4-1, Marvin Diaz made a run for the money winning 4 consecutive matches with wins over Taylor and Louisiana’s own Mike Singleton, only to be eliminated by Jethwa, 3-0.
Hot seat action saw Rendon take an early 2-0 lead over Rudder, but the young gun knew all too well that getting on the board may put him back in the driver’s seat. Rudder answered back with a win, taking control, and winning 3 more consecutive games to clench the set. On the one loss side, Sharp slid by Rendon, 3-2, earning himself a rematch with Rudder. With two champion 8-ball players at the helm, this wasn’t going to be easy pickings. Chase jumped to a quick 2-0 lead against Sharp. In the third game, Rudder’s cue ball skidded and he foiled a two ball out to go up 3-0. The old saying, “one always costs you two”, rang true for Rudder as Sharp tied the score at 2. Rudder took the next game as Sharp returned fire. It was now hill hill and Sharp was breaking. With control and speed, the final rack spread perfectly for Sharp as he waited patiently for a ball to find a pocket. To his own demise, each ball remained in perfect position for Rudder, who took full advantage, and the set, 4-3.
Teresa Garland, Brittany Koon, Marie Rodriguez, and Darcy Whatley all competed for “Top Lady” amidst a field of tough PxP Tour competitors. Teresa Garland took home the honors and $120 for her efforts.
Thanks to the fans, players, sponsors, and room owner David Richardson, this one-day event paid out in excess of $3,000. The PxP Tour is title sponsored by Poison by Predator Cues www.poisonbilliards.com , sponsored by Delta-13 Rack www.delta-13.com and the APA of North Harris County www.facebook.com/apanorthharriscounty. The next PxP Event is 8-Ball on September 14, 2013 at Bogies Billiards in Houston, Texas.
