Gatlin Askins punctuated a March, undefeated win on the Viking Cues' Q City 9-Ball Tour by shutting out his opponent, Ron Frank, in the finals of that event. On Saturday, September 10, Askins went undefeated again, though he allowed his opponent, Chris Baumann, three racks in the final. The event drew 34 entrants to the Corner Pocket in Fayetteville, NC.
Askins and J.C. Autry advanced to the hot seat match, once Askins had downed Brian Pate 8-1 in one winners' side semifinal, and Autry sent Daniel Adams west, double hill, in the other. Askins chalked up another 8-1 victory to claim the hot seat over Autry.
After a defeat at the hands of Adams in a winners' side quarterfinal, Baumann embarked on a five-match, loss-side streak that would give him a shot at Askins in the finals. He got by J.R. Post, double hill, and Earl Davis 6-3 to pick up Pate. Adams drew Matt Oxindine, who'd gotten by Chad Weachter, double hill, and Harold Locklear 6-4.
Baumann and Oxindine handed Pate and Adams their second straight loss; Baumann downing Pate 6-2, as Oxindine just did get by Adams, double hill (6-6, with Adams racing to 7). Baumann ended Oxindine's streak in the quarterfinals 6-3.
Baumann then eliminated Autry 6-2 in the semifinals to get his shot at Askins. Askins, though, ended Baumann's streak with an 8-3 win in the only set necessary in the finals.
Tour director Herman Parker thanked the ownership and staff at Corner Pocket, as well as title sponsor Viking Cues, Delta-13 racks, and Ruthless Billiards Apparel. The next stop on the Viking Cues' Q City 9-Ball Tour, a $250-added event, scheduled for September 17-18, will be hosted by Mickey Milligan's in New Bern, NC.
