Johnson overcomes early loss

Feb 24, 2015

The 6th installment of the Shooters Amateur 9 Ball Event was held on the weekend of February 14 & 15 at Shooters Snooker and Sports Club in North York. Despite major competition from Cupid and “significant others” on Valentine’s Day the tournament was still able to boast a full board of 64 eager players. A player Calcutta typically preceded the tournament play although chocolates, flowers and other peace offerings likely had the effect of slightly impacting the player bidding.
This Valentine’s Day Amateur event was significant as it was the 11th “major” event held this year at Shooters between the Amateurs and the long running ‘404’s. Through these 11 events a milestone of sorts has been achieved with a total of 250 different players entering these competitions this season alone. Most fields have been at 64 capacity with the “holiday” version of the Amateur event attracting a massive field of 92 players with an additional waiting list. With a little bit of effort it is obvious that pool players can be coaxed in from the cold and good competitive tournaments still have a future in the GTA.
After Saturday play concluded, Rob Henry, Marc Dumoulin, Brittany Bryant and Dylan Ireland had navigated their way through the ‘A’ side of the draw undefeated. On the one loss ‘B’ side Nito Bucais, Chad Bishop, Al Porter, Rafiq Kassam, Rob Johnson, Shane Gummerson, Naomi Williams and Marco Sevilla were the survivors who returned for Sunday play.
In the ‘A’ side final Canada’s highest ranked female professional, Brittany Bryant, defeated Rob Henry sending Henry to the ‘B’ side and Bryant to the hot seat. Waiting on the ‘B’ side was Rob Johnson who had lost his first match of the tournament to Bryant in a tight hill/hill battle and then proceeded to win 9 straight matches to be able to qualify for the ‘B’ side final. Perhaps with a measure of revenge on his mind Johnson gained a 2nd chance to challenge Bryant by decisively topping Henry in the ‘B’ side final. In the tournament final Johnson was able to avenge his first round loss and emerged the victor (7-5) in another hard fought battle against Bryant.

Congratulations to Rob Johnson on his tournament win. Rob’s 11 consecutive match victories to win the tournament is a rare and very difficult feat to accomplish over 2 days of non stop tournament match play. Rob is a strong supporter of cue sports in Southern Ontario and his win is well deserved.
Many thanks again to those who participated.
The next Shooters Amateur 9 Ball Event will be held March 14 & 15, 2015. Register early as this event fills up quickly.



Finish
Player
Prize Money
Calcutta


1st
Rob Johnson
$800
$700


2nd
Brittany Bryant
$420
$430


3rd
Rob Henry
$280
$240


4th
Marc Dumoulin
$180
$130


5-6th
Dylan Ireland
$120
$50


5-6th
Nito Bucais
$120
$50


7th-8th
Al Porter
$75



7th-8th
Naomi Williams
$75



9th -12th
Marco Sevilla
$45



9th -12th
Rafiq Kassam
$45



9th -12th
Shane Gummerson
$45



9th -12th
Chad Bishop
$45