Alex Olinger managed to dodge something of a bullet when he advanced to the hot seat and eventually won the Midwest 9-Ball Tour's $3,500-added, Open 9-Ball event on the weekend of November 15-18. The bullet was the "Kentucky Colonel" - Nick Varner, who, like Olinger, advanced to the winners' side final four, and eventually, battled in the event semifinals. Thanks to John Gabriel, who downed Varner twice, Varner never did reach Olinger, who went on to face and defeat Gabriel twice to capture the event title. The 9-Ball event of this Midwest 9-Ball Tour weekend, which drew 105 entrants, was held in conjunction with a One-Pocket and Ladies Tournament, and hosted by Shooters in Olathe, KS.
From among the winners' side final four, Olinger squared off against Chip Compton, as Gabriel faced Varner. Olinger survived a double hill challenge from Compton, as Gabriel was busy defeating Varner for the first time 9-6. In their first of two, Olinger sent Gabriel to the semifinals and waited for him to get back.
Varner moved west to draw Gabe Owen, who'd defeated Shane McMinn 9-6 and Joey Gray (who finished second in the One-Pocket event) 9-5. Compton picked up Skyler Woodward, who'd defeated Darryl Smith 9-4 and Anthony Garcia 9-5. Compton's run ended with a double hill victory by Woodward, while Varner eliminated Owen 9-7. Varner took the quarterfinal match over Woodward 9-6, and faced Gabriel for the second time.
Gabriel repeated the 9-6 score of his first meeting with Varner, among the winners' side final four, and got his second chance against Olinger. Gabriel got a single rack closer than he had in the hot seat battle, in the potential double set final, but Olinger closed it out 9-7 to complete his undefeated run and claim the event title.
