 Pedro Castro, Dustin Gunia and Jeremy McCue |
The January 19-21 weekend featured six 2006/2007 McDermott All American Tour stops around the country, three of them being part of the $1,100 added “Nebraska State Invitational” (Open 8-ball, 9-ball and Women's 8-Ball events), hosted by owners Clare and Mel Marsh and director Jill Nagel at Fort Crook Billiards in Bellevue, Nebraska. Blizzard and heavy snow conditions outside minimized participation, but the action inside was high-caliber. The American CueSports Alliance-produced event featured a double-elimination format in all divisions on Valley bar boxes.
In the 9-Ball Singles, Dustin Gunia (Omaha, NE) ran undefeated to the finals. In the hot-seat match, Gunia – rated a “7” on a regional handicap system used – out-pointed Pedro Castro (Omaha, NE), rated a “6”, 7-4. Earlier in the A-bracket semi-finals, Dustin had clipped Zack Willis [6] (Omaha, NE), 7-5, and Pedro Castro outlasted Jeremy McCue (Lincoln, NE) [5], 6-5. McCue regained his momentum in the B-bracket by eliminating Sirino Caniglia (Omaha, NE) [5] 6-3 in the quarterfinals, Zack Willis [6] 6-4 in the semifinals; and Pedro Castro [6] 6-5 in the finals. The tourney finals match was a tight tussle for Dustin Gunia, but he prevailed on the hill in the first set for the title win over Jeremy McCue – 7-5!
In the 8-Ball Singles, Dustin Gunia again took the undefeated march to the finals. In the hot-seat match, Gunia – rated a “6” on a regional handicap system used – clipped Joe Adino (Sioux City, IA), rated a “5”, 6-4. Earlier in the A-bracket semi-finals, Dustin had eclipsed Pedro Castro [5], 6-4, and Joe Adino [5] outlasted Joe Shanks (Omaha, NE) [5], 5-4. Shanks then narrowly escaped the B-bracket by eliminating Brad Florian (Omaha, NE) [5] 5-4 in the quarterfinals; Pedro Castro [5] 5-3 in the semifinals; and Joe Adino [5] 5-4 in the finals. The tourney finals match was close again, as Dustin Gunia prevailed over Joe Shanks on the hill in the first set for the title – 6-4!
The Women's 8-Ball Singles witnessed Jill Nagel [4] (Omaha, NE) claim the hot seat via a 4-2 decision over Amy Hughes (Omaha, NE) 4-2. Earlier in the B-bracket finals, Hughes eliminated Becky Anderson [4], 4-3. The tourney finals showcased Jill Nagel and Amy Hughes, and Hughes fell short by one game again, as Nagel claimed the crown by a 4-3 margin!
By virtue of Dustin Gunia, Zack Willis and Jill Nagel being the highest-finishing ACS members in their respective divisions, each qualified for a free singles entry into the 2007 ACS Nationals in Las Vegas – courtesy of the ACS. The ACS wishes to thank sponsors McDermott Handcrafted Cues, Silver Cup Chalk, Billiard Wholesalers and Pro Series Cases for their support in donating “Value-In-Kind” product for this and all stops on the McDermott All American Tour. Sponsorship opportunities are still available by contacting the ACS.
Click here for Men's 9-Ball Payouts.
Click here for Men's 8-Ball Payouts.
Click here for Ladies 8-Ball Payouts.
