 Chris Orme |
Strokers Billiards in London, Ontario provided a stellar opportunity the weekend of September 22nd and 23rd for players of the area to make their stand and take home not only the title of 1st Annual Molson Classic Champion, but cash prizes and a qualifier spot for the U.S. Open. The $2000 added event encouraged thirty-nine participants to make the trek.
After a very bumpy start for his weekend, it became apparent that Chris Orme was taking no prisoners from then forward. Orme lost his first match of the tournament and diligently made his way through the one-loss side for his chance at the final round. As if Orme had not had a tough enough road to the finals, his competitive nature was tested with the weekend running well into the early morning hours on Monday.
Along the way, he defeated Gary May in the quarter-finals 9-4 and in the semi-finals he bested Al Laugheed 9-7. The finals would not only keep all remaining spectators on the edge of their seats, but tested the endurance of both Harvey Schnouch and Chris Orme immensely. Since Orme captured the one-loss side of the bracket, he had to beat Schnouch twice in races to nine. When all was said and done, that was exactly what he did with a dramatic final ending of 9-8, 9-8. Good luck to Chris Orme at the U.S. Open!
We would like to recognize Strokers for hosting the event; tournament director, Ronda Drew; and Judy May and the entire staff of Strokers for their assistance throughout the long weekend.
File photo courtesy of Carol Whiteside
