Michael's Billiards in Fairfield, OH played host to the latest Great Southern Billiard Tour stop the weekend of May 2-3, 2009. Forty five players showed for the $1,500 added guaranteed a/b amateur nine ball event. This was the first tournament that the venue has had in some time and tour director Shannon Daulton stated, "I think we had a successful tournament considering this is our first time stepping out this far to Ohio." The tour has expanded this year to new areas in hopes to promote amateur pool.
On top this weekend on the amateur pool scene was Kentuckian David Rice. He had a close battle his first match against Mike Cantrell, (9-8), bested Troy McCrary, (9-6), Arlo Walsman, (9-8), Ed Hancock, (9-4), Chris Bosse, (9-4), the hotseat match would go to David Grooms after going hill-hill with Rice. Rice would go to the one loss side and send fourteen year old Jr. National Champion, Landon Shuffett home with a third place finish, (9-7).
His opponent in the finals also showed that he was here to win. Mike Grooms, from Ohio, had a bye in the the first round, defeated Chris Hutchinson, (9-4), Mark Slye, (9-3), Mark Ritter, (9-8), Landon Shuffett, (9-6), and David Rice, (9-8).
The true double elimination finals would have Rice out for revenge. He would have to beat Grooms two sets to take home the $1,000 first prize. The first set showed Rice was in total control. He won 9-4 and they were off to the second set. This set went pretty much the same for Rice, he claimed his victory of the Buckeye Amateur convincingly by a score of 9-3. Grooms would have to settle for second place and $500.
The Nick Varner cue raffle was won by Chris Bosse. The GSBT would like to congratulate all players on their finishes. Also, an added thanks goes out to Mike Medley, the owner of Michael's Billiards. The room was very player/spectator friendly. Check out this location at: www.michaelsbilliards.com.
The GSBT will be back in action the weekend of May 16-17, 2009 at Palace Billiards in Greenville, SC.
