John Morra
Shooters Snookers and Sports Club in Toronto hosted the 2013 Canadian Cue Sports Championships from June 21st to July 2nd. The combination of heat and heavy rain paved the way for sicky conditions in the crowded room of players and spectators.
The event kicked off with 51 players in the amateur 9-ball event. Ontario player Marc Godin took the title with a 11-10 win over Serge Therrien from New Brunswick. In the Junior 9-Ball event, Charles Guimont from Quebec was undefeated as he took his first national title. Charles was the runner-up in last year’s event.
In the ladies events, Kayla Jones from London Ontario marched through the amateur 8-ball event beating Angela Carringan in the finals 9-7. Brittany Bryant took her 3rd consecutive 9-ball title beating Naomi Williams in the finals. Naomi was not left empty handed as she overcame New Brunswick’s Angela Belding to win her 3rd consecutive 10-ball title.
In the Men’s Open events, Jason Klatt got the ball rolling with a 11-3 score over Calgary’s Dave Martin for his 3rd national 8-Ball title. In the 9-Ball event, Jeff Blais entertained the crowd with his fearless aggressive style. Jeff lost a heartbreaking match to John Morra 11-10 in the A-side finals, and then lost his next match to Jason Klatt hill-hill in the B-Side finals. Morra went on to win this event for his 1st national 9-ball title. In the 10-ball event, John Morra continued his excellent play. John outscored his opponents overall 63-26 for his 3rd 10-ball title.
In the snooker event, Ontario filled out the top four spots. Jason Williams had a long road to the finals which included an 8 hour match against Chris Wood. The steady young player is looking more impressive each year. Jason’s opponent in the finals was lefty Floyd Ziegler. Floyd has been in the finals of this prestigious event multiple times in the past. His experience likely gave him an edge over Jason. It’s was Floyd’s great play and shot-making that gave him the title with a 6-2 win.
In the senior’s snooker, Jim Whittaker came though the b-side to take the win over Paul Flemming in the finals. Live streaming was provided by Randall Morrison of the Alberta Billiards & Snooker Association.
Special thanks to the CBSA and Shooters Billiards for putting on another successful event. Congratulations to Justin Kluznik for winning CityTV News athlete of the week. Although Justin didn’t win a national title, he did win a box of Frosted Flakes.
