While there are no easy matches at the International Challenge of Champions, Thomas Engert certainly got over a major obstacle towards his attempt to defend the title today with his sudden death win over Efren Reyes.
Engert won the first set against Reyes 5-3, but dropped the second set 5-4 to force the single game sudden death tie-breaker. Reyes' lag stopped inches from the rail, but Engert froze his lag to the rail to give him the break in the deciding game and he took full advantage by running out the rack and elimination Reyes.
Engert will face defending US Open champion Gabe Owen tomorrow in one semi-final match, while Neils Feijen faces Fong-Pang Chao in the other. The winners of each semi-final match will then face off for the $50,000, winner take all, prize.
The Challenge of Champions is sponsored by Olhausen Billiards and Viking Cues. For the duration of the Challenge of Champions, get 25% off all Viking cues in our online marketplace. Simply use discount code 'COC2005' at the time of checkout.
Photo courtesy of Bill Powers
