Hawaiian Brian's was rocking on Friday and Saturday before the start of the Aloha Open, with head-to-head matches and ring 9-ball games played on many of the 39 Gold Crown pool tables. The fast-paced Aloha Open 9-Ball tournament features a double elimination, “race to two” format and regularly draws a full field of 128 players from all over the State and elsewhere. A dozen “Waiting List” latecomers waited hopefully for a cancellation or a no-show. Twelve female players were also entered in the field, including tournament defending champion Phoebe Choy.
When the smoke cleared in this shootout, only Rian Nouchi from Maui and Jason Collins from New York remained standing. In the well played “race to three” finals match that followed, Jason jumped out to a two game lead. Rian fought back to tie the score at two games apiece, setting up the “hill-hill” game. After Jason missed a safety, Rian coolly ran out the rack to claim the championship. The win was worth $3,500.00 plus a commemorative Hawaiian Brian's ring.
A complete list of winners and prize money won is on Hawaiian Brian's "Tournament Results" web page.
