Rick Scarlata, Brandon Shuff, Steve Fleming and Loye Bolyard (Erwin Dionisio)
It has been a long time coming, but after many years of relentless tour-grinding and dogged determination, local favorite and all-around nice guy Steve Fleming lifted the trophy in victory at the Champion Billiards Sports Bar in Frederick, MD on June 30th.
The summer months historically produce lower turnouts as many prefer to spend time outdoors. This event had fifty-seven players, which is unusually low for a Maryland State event, but it was not without its share of world beaters. Local professionals such as Shaun Wilkie and Brandon Shuff were on deck, as well as the Russian sensation Kristina Tkach, along with Scottish champion Del Sim.
Steve played like a man possessed all weekend and was handed his first loss in the sixth round by the seasoned veteran Brandon Shuff. Undaunted, Steve proceeded to eliminate none other than Shaun Wilkie to advance to the winner's bracket. It was here he exacted his revenge on Brandon and marched to victory in the final match.
Steve has been a frequent flyer in many regional and professional events, including the US Open and the Turning Stone Classic Events. Nicknamed "The Ice Cream Man," he certainly did not hesitate to celebrate accordingly!
Many thanks to the owners of On The Hill Productions, Rick Scarlato Jr. and Loye Bolyard for hosting another top-quality event. This event was also made possible by the following sponsors:
Billiard Sports Network
Lights Out Billiard Apparel
McDermott Cues
Phillippi Custom Cues
TAP Pool League – Chesapeake Region
On The Hill Productions would also like to thank the owner Gary Allen & staff at Champion Billiards for hosting another State event and for their continued support.
Brandon Shuff, Loye Bolyard, Shaun Wilkie, Jake Lawson, Kenny Ruttman and Rick Scarlato
In yet another action-packed weekend of competitive pool, Brandon Shuff emerged as the winner of the Maryland State 9-Ball Championship. The event, which is owned and managed by On The Hill Productions, was held at the Champion Billiards Sports Bar in Frederick, MD during the weekend of May 4th-5th. This has been a successful year so far for Brandon. He recently finished 4th in the Barry Behrman Memorial in April and the VA State 10-Ball in February. In this tournament, he sailed through the field and dropped only one set to Shaun Wilkie, who came back from the B-side to try and claim the title. Brandon held firm and was able to lift the trophy in victory.
Not to be left out, the young guns also made their presence felt. Tournament-regulars Dylan Spohr and Coen Bell were there to stir the pot, but the young man who stood head and shoulders above the rest was Justin Martin from Wilmington, NC. He had a very strong finish of fourth place and impressed everyone with his display of fundamentals, technique, and poise. Don't be surprised if he snaps off one of these big events very soon!
The recent champion of the MD State 9-Ball Bar Table Championship, Brandon Sluzalis was also there, but his efforts to repeat were cut short first by Kenny Rutman, then by the straight-shooting Bobby Pacheco. He had to settle for 9th. place.
Congratulations to all who finished in the top 24 places this weekend.
This event owes its success to the following sponsors:
McDermott Cues
Billiard Sports Network
Lights Out Billiard Apparel
Phillippi Custom Cues
TAP Pool League – Chesapeake Region
Many thanks to the owner Gary Allen & staff at Champion Billiards for hosting another successful event. The high-quality free stream was provided by Jake Lawson and Josh Setterfield of Billiard Sports Network. Tour directors Rick Scarlato Jr. and Loye Bolyard continue to provide great tournaments with the utmost professionalism and quality.
