He's been working his way up the ladder on the Action Pool Tour, and on the weekend of July 6-7, Danny Mastermaker chalked up a victory on the Great Southern Billiard Tour. The hard way, so to speak; dropping his opening match, and winning nine on the loss side to eventually meet and double dip hot seat occupant, Wendell Thompkins in the finals. The $1,000-added Amateur event drew 33 entrants to Shore Thing Bar & Billiards in Myrtle Beach, SC.

 

With Mastermaker out of the way, temporarily, having been sent west 7-5 by Shawn Miller, Thompkins remained at work and advanced among the winners' side final four and a match against Brock Walker. B.J. Hucks and Kevin Brown squared off in the other winners' side semifinal. Thompkins defeated Walker 9-3, and in the battle for the hot seat, met Brown, who'd sent Hucks west 7-5. Thompkins gained the hot seat 9-3 over Brown and waited there for the return of Mastermaker.

 

With four down and five to go on the loss side, Mastermaker defeated Matt Collins 9-5, and Trey Frank 9-2 to pick up Walker. Hucks drew Kris Bailey, a C player, who'd gotten by two Bs; Trent Talbert, double hill and Chris Tuten 6-3. Bailey then eliminated A player Hucks, Mastermaker was busy ending Walker's weekend 9-2. 

 

Mastermaker chalked up his eighth, loss-side win by downing Bailey 9-5 in the quarterfinals. He then completed his trip back to the finals with a 9-3 win over Brown in the semifinals.

 

Mastermaker and Thompkins battled to double hill in the opening set of the true double elimination final, before Mastermaker prevailed to force a second set. The second battle stayed close, too, but Mastermaker pulled out in front by two at the end, claiming the event title with a 9-7 victory.

 

Shannon and Marge Daulton thanked the ownership and staff at Shore Thing Billiards for their ongoing hospitality and support, as well as sponsors Nick Varner Cues & Cases, Delta 13 Racks, Andy Gilbert Custom Cues, Tiger Products, & Lomax Custom Cues. The next stop on the GSBT is a $1,000-added, Amateur 9-Ball event, scheduled for July 20-21 at Johnny Archer's room, The Marietta Billiard Club in Marietta, GA.