Mike Alonzo and Manny Chau (Photo courtesy of poolactiontv)
Peru's Manny Chau added another major victory to a list that's been growing for over a decade by going undefeated to claim the inaugural Texas Open 10-Ball Tournament, held on the weekend of February 28-March 1. The $2,938-added event drew 110 entrants to Skinny Bob's Billiards in Austin, Texas and was streamed live by Ray "Big Truck" Hansen's PoolActionTV.
The field featured an expected list of both Southwest and nationwide competitors, including Chau, the Davises (James, Sr. and Jr.), Charlie Bryant, Jeremy Jones, Shane McMinn, Robb Saez, Dave Henson, and Mike Alonzo, to name just a few of the 110 entrants who cashed in the event. The winners' side semifinals featured Jones versus Alonzo and Chau versus McMinn. Jones sent Alonzo west 7-5, as Chau was busy defeating McMinn 7-4. Chau claimed the hot seat 7-5 over Jones and waited on what turned out to be the return of Alonzo.
On the loss side, David Henson, following a double hill victory over Brian Sanders and a 7-2 win over Robb Saez, faced McMinn. Alonzo drew James Davis, Sr., who'd defeated Drew McCoy and Frank Ferrer, Jr., both 7-4, to reach him. James Davis, Jr. had bowed out in the matches that decided the six-way tie for 13th ($170). Henson eliminated McMinn 7-4 and in the quarterfinals, faced Alonzo, who'd ended Davis, Sr.'s tournament bid 7-5.
Alonzo and Henson battled to double hill in the quarterfinals before Alonzo finished it and advanced to the semifinals against Jones. Alonzo completed his three-match, loss-side winning streak with a 7-5 win over Jones. Chau, though, finished Alonzo 7-3 in the finals to claim the first-ever Texas Open 10-Ball Championship title.
Tour Director John Palmore thanked John Cielo and the staff at Skinny Bob's for their hospitality, as well as sponsors James Hanshew Custom Cues, Joe Salazar, Ray Hanson and PoolActionTV, and Ron Guyer. He also noted volunteer contributions by Kaye Watson and Emma Davis, without which, he said, the event could not have been done.
