The Hampton Ridge 9 Ball Tour Championship was held at Drexel Line Billiards, In Drexel Hill PA. Special thanks to Bob Maidhof for hosting the event. I also want to take time out to thank all the sponsors; Hampton Ridge Billiards, AZ Billiards, Mike Mosley agency, Baby's Pro Shop, Joe Porper (Cases), Allen Hopkins Super Expo, Run Out Gear, Inside Pool Magazine, and JAB Cues and Things.
The championship was a 2 day event which started saturday with 35 players, and returning 12 player on Sunday. Jose Burgos and Hampton Ridge made sure that all 35 players went home with something. 1st thru 12th played for the money the rest of the field recieved a Hampton Ridge cue.
Awards that were given: Player of the Year Josh Brothers received a slot in the super Billiard 9 ball open Runner up Matt Krah recieve half price entree into any 9 ball pro event. Phil Sherman also received a slot in the Super Expo 9 ball open. This season was a big success next year we are working on a paid entree to 2006 Skins Billard Championship for the points leader.
On the first day there were 35 player with dreams of winning first place prize of $1500.00 and a slot in the US open. After the first day there were just 12 players left. 4 on the winners side; Josh Brothers, Phil Sherman, Lee Holt, Matt Krah. Phil Sherman beat Josh Brothers 9-6 and Lee Holt beat Matt Krah 9-5. Now the battle for the hot seat was set Phil Sherman vs Lee Holt.
8 players were on the one loss side; Mike Miller, Brandon Sluzalis, Tony Maria, Frankie Hernandez, Gerard Rodgers, Bob Maidholf, Eddie Abraham, Joe Scot. Brandon defeated Mike 9-7, Tony Maria Forfieted to Frankie, Bob Maidhof defeated Gerard 9-8, Eddie defeated Joe 9-4.
In the match that would determine 5th/6th it was Josh Brothers against Frankie Hernandez, Josh Brothers had an 8-6 lead with the break. A miss on the three ball cost him the game and the match because Frankie won the next three games and the match 9-8. On the other match for 5th/6th it was Eddie Abraham who just had back surgery taking on a tough Matt Krah. Eddie kept it close but at 5-5 but Matt pulled away winning the match 9-5.
Next up for Matt Krah was a rematch with Frankie Hernandez, Matt jumped into an early lead 5-0 but Frankie woke up and ran through Matt winning the next 9 games Frankie won the match 9-5 leaving Matt to settle for 4th place.
The fight for the hot seat was between Lee Holt and Phil Sherman, Lee Holt took an early lead and never looked back winning the match 9-6. This sent Phil to the one loss side where Frankie Hernandez was waiting. Phil jumped to a 4-0 lead but that lead was not enough. Frankie came back and Phil won only 2 more games before Frankie put him away 9-6, Phil Sherman had to settle for 3rd.
In the finals it was Frankie Hernandez vs Lee Holt this match was all Frankie. Lee had a 2-1 lead then Frankie ran the next 5 games making the score 6-2. Lee Holt won the next game making the score 6-3, but Frankie ran the next 3 games making the score 10-3, Lee ran the next three games but it was a little to late before Frankie finished him off 11-6 giving Frankie the championship and $1,500 and a slot in the US Open.
1st Frankie Hernandez
2nd Lee Holt
3rd Phil Sherman
4th Matt Krah
5th/6th Josh Brothers, Eddie Abraham
7th/8th Brandon Sluzalis, Bob Maidhof
9th/12th Mike Miller, Tony Maria, Gerard Rodgers, Joe Scott
