Josh Burbul, Sergio Rivas and Jonathan Strzezewski
Josh Burbul traveled a long way–on the road and through the bracket–to claim his $1,000 paid entry to the 2020 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships. Driving from Eagen, Minnesota, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Burbul competed in the North Central Pool Tour’s final stop of the year at Romine’s High Pockets. The event was part of the U.S. Open Global Qualifying Series from Matchroom Multisport.
In his first match, Burbul lost 7-2 to Tyler Styer, fresh off a team win for the Mosconi Cup. But Burbul regrouped and cruised undefeated through the B-side. He notched wins over tough players like Pablo Diaz (6-2), Mark Berry (6-4), Andrew Mackey (6-2), and Wilson Dorsey (6-0). He even faced Tyler Styer again, making a 9 on the break in the last game to advance.
In the finals, Burbul faced undefeated Sergio Rivas. Rivas had put on quite a show with his stellar play. But the final race proved to be a battle. Both players traded wins for most of the set, keeping the score tight. In the hill-hill game, Rivas broke dry. He returned to the table, though, after Burbul missed a safety on the 1 ball. Unfortunately, Rivas gave up the out when he miscalculated a shot on the 6 ball, handing Burbul the final game.
The NCPT’s 10th stop included 32 players from the region. You can watch streamed matches by RailbirdsTV on NCPTplay.com.
The NCPT’s first stop of 2020 will be another U.S. Open qualifier. It will be held on Saturday, January 18, at Chris’s Billiards in Chicago–known for its cameo in the Color of Money. Visit NCPTplay.com to register.
