Mike Grooms used two double hill victories in his final two matches to win the Great Southern Billiard Tour stop on the weekend of November 20-21. The $1,500-added event drew 49 entrants to Michael's Billiards in Fairfield, OH.
From among the winners' side final four, Grooms moved into the hot seat match with a 9-4 victory over Mark Sly, Jr. He was joined there by Jay Copeland, who'd sent Joe Pierce west 7-3. Grooms gained the hot seat with a double-hill, 9-6 win, and waited for what turned out to be Pierce's return.
Pierce's march back to the finals opened against Steve Hancock, who'd defeated Justin Lazarro 7-7 (Lazarro needing to reach 9), and Chris Bosse 7-4 to reach him. Sly, Jr. met up with James Smith, who downed Alex Olinger 7-6 and Chris Kaiholz 7-4. Sly and Pierce advanced to the quarterfinals; Sly with a 9-5 win over Smith and Pierce 7-4 versus Hancock. With Sly going to 9, Pierce survived a double hill, 7-7 battle in those quarterfinals, and turned to face Copeland.
Pierce's final match proved to be his 7-4 victory over Copeland, that set him up to face Grooms, waiting for him in the hot seat. Grooms survived the double hill struggle that ensued, completing his undefeated weekend.
