The Shuff Show Rolls into VA Beach!

Jun 12, 2012

The Action Pool Tour (APT) held its 10th event of the 2011-2012 Session at Q-Master Billiards in VA Beach, VA on the weekend of June 9-10, 2012. In the midst of the early summer season when participation usually decreases, this 10-ball event drew a very respectable field of 58 players which included the likes of Brandon Shuff, Brian Deska, Chris Futrell and Eric Moore just to name a few.
Play began at approximately 1:15pm on Saturday, June 9th with no significant early upsets. By the end of Saturday, only twelve players remained; eight on the winners’ side and four on the one-loss side. The winners’ side final eight consisted of Bill Duggan, Chad Pike, Rafael Reyes, Mitch Sutphin, Brandon Shuff, Chris Futrell, Danny Mastermaker and Eric Moore while the one-loss side final four included RJ Carmona, Carey Dunn, Jesse Figueroa and Brian Deska.
Sunday began on the winners’ side with a thrilling live stream match between Shuff and Futrell. Futrell led the entire way but allowed just enough opportunity for Shuff to capture a close 8-7 win. Meanwhile, Pike easily defeated Duggan 8-3, Mastermaker handled Moore 8-5, and Reyes squeaked by Sutphin 8-7. The next round saw Reyes defeat Pike 8-2 while Shuff edged Mastermaker 8-6. This set up Reyes vs. Shuff for the hot seat. Although Reyes was having a great tournament, Shuff proved to be too much as he sent Reyes west 8-2 and earned his place in the finals.
Meanwhile on the one-loss side, Futrell demolished Carmona 6-1, Dunn easily defeated Moore 6-2, Duggan shut out Figueroa 6-0, and Deska defeated Sutphin 6-2. Futrell then cruised by Dunn 6-2 while Duggan eliminated Deska 6-5. However, Duggan was then eliminated by Mastermaker 6-2 while Futrell sliced Pike by the same score. This set up Futrell and Mastermaker in which the winner would face Reyes in the semi-final match. Although it was sure to be a great match, Futrell played rock solid and won easily by a score of 6-2. Just as determined as the previous four matches, Futrell then downed Reyes 6-2 to earn a rematch against Shuff in the finals.
Left to Right: Brandon Shuff, Ozzy Reynolds, Chris FutrellWith Brandon Shuff being the #16 ranked player in the BCA points standings and the #1 ranked Action Pool Tour player and Chris Futrell being the reigning Virginia State 9-Ball Champion, this was destined to be a fantastic match-up. The match was tight the entire way with terrific shot making and great safety play. The race to eight set was soon tied 7-7 with Shuff to break. He promptly took a restroom break to gather himself for this all-important game. When he returned, he shattered the rack but nothing found a hole. What remained is what many would call a “roadmap” for Futrell and he quickly ran through the rack to win the match 8-7. However, in this true double elimination format, Futrell would have to defeat Shuff again in a shortened race to 6. The 2nd set was no different than the first – it remained tight the entire way. Soon, the match was tied 5-5. However, the final rack of this match was no “roadmap.” A safety battle ensued and there wasn’t a dry hand in the room. Eventually, Suff won the safety battle and found himself with an open table. He took full advantage and ran the rack to win an unprecedented 8th Action Pool Tour stop. The complete bracket is posted on the Results Page.
Other notable results of the event include the top female finisher, the 2nd Chance Tournament, and the Break & Run contest. An APT record eleven (11) females: Ann Reynolds, Jackie Rivera, Daisy Blancaflor, Charlene Harvey, Kristen Goff, Shanna Lewis, Jackie Duggan, Nikka Angeles, Brittany Blair, Stacy Uffelman and Anastasia Zubar competed in the event in which the top placing female would earn a $100 cash prize. Shanna Lewis got off to a great start by defeating Mike Harvey and Lee Caldwell both by a score of 8-7. This proved to be too much of a lead for the other females to overcome as Shanna Lewis prevailed to win the top female honor and $100.
The Break & Run contest, which had a payout of $175 per ball, was conducted on Saturday night. Jackie Rivera had the winning ticket and the opportunity at the cash. However, she elected to have Brandon Shuff break and shoot on her behalf. Everyone crowded the table as Shuff plowed the 10-ball rack and pocketed a ball which allowed him to begin shooting for the cash. However, the one-ball was hidden, forcing him to play a long-table kick shot which did not fall. The total purse will progressively roll into the next event with a total payout of $205 per ball!
Finally, Tuan Chau showed up on Sunday to go undefeated in the 16-player 2nd Chance Tournament and take home $150. Coming in 2nd was Paul Helms who earned $100, followed by Nilbert Lim in 3rd with $50 and Mike McNaughton in 4th earning $25. The complete bracket is posted on the Results Page.
The Action Pool Tour would like to thank all of the players who came out to participate and Barry Behrman and his staff at Q-Master Billiards for providing a terrific venue, awesome tables and a great environment for this 10-ball event. We look forward to returning to this room many more times in the future for more great Action! Thanks also to our sponsors: Lambros Cues, Magic Ball Rack (CSI), AzBilliards.com, PoolActionTV, and Steve Lingafelter.
The next stop for The Action Pool Tour is July 21-22, 2012 at Breakers Sky Lounge in Herndon, VA.
The Action Pool Tour is continually looking for sponsors. If anyone is interested in placing an ad during our live stream, on our website, or any other sponsorship arrangement, please contact Tour Director Ozzy Reynolds at admin@actionpooltour.com.
By Tour Staff
Payouts
1 - Brandon Shuff $1300
2 - Chris Futrell $600
3 - Rafael Reyes $400
4 - Danny Mastermaker $250
5-6 - Chad Pike $150
5-6 - Bill Duggan $150
7-8 - Carey Dunn $100
7-8 - Brian Deska $100
9-12 - RJ Carmona $75
9-12 - Eric Moore $75
9-12 - Jesse Figueroa $75
9-12 - Mitch Sutphin $75
Top Female Finisher: Shanna Lewis – $100
Long Distance Travel Bonus: Lee Caldwell (Florida) $20