It certainly wasn’t all the “luck of the Irish” that propelled Las Vegan Ed Kelly to an undefeated record and the championship in the Inn Zone Cheyenne Open 9 Ball Tournament.
Playing against what Kelly described as “the best players in Las Vegas and a top star from California, ” the former world champion breezed through five matches en route to a $450 first- place finish over a field of 12.
Greg Monteiro, another Las Vegas resident, played tough throughout and took home second-place prize money of $200 in the event hosted by Russ and Cam Jacoby, owners of both the Inn Zone Cheyenne and Inn Zone Rainbow restaurants and lounges.
Entry fee in the tourney was $50. Russ Jacoby originally had indicated the house would add $250 based on 32 entries, but he graciously decided to sweeten the pot by that amount despite the limited turnout.
The format was double-elimination, all races to 7, except the finals of the losers’ bracket and the overall finals, which were races to 9. Rules included winner breaks, one foul — ball in hand, cue ball only fouls.
Strengthened by the arrival of Keith McCready of Santa Ana, CA, acclaimed as one of the top 9-ball players in the West, the field began play at 7 p. m.. Friday, Dec. 16, resumed action at noon, Saturday, Dec. 17 and the tourney was concluded that day at approximately 5 p. m.
Mike Hendrickson of Las Vegas pocketed third-place money of $100, followed by Las Vegan Dick Miles, fourth ($50), McCready and Tom Cyr of Las Vegas ($25 each) in a tie for fifth and sixth places.
For Kelly the win was the first of any significance since he became the first in the world to win all three major games in a professional event — 9-ball, 1-pocket and straight pool
His last major win was in the 1971 Los Angeles Open where he captured the all-around title by winning the 1-pocket competition.
Following a self-imposed retirement of 10 years, Kelly has returned. He says he has played in some major events but as yet has failed to do as well as he would like.
“I’m going to play in Red Walling’s Houston Open for my good friend Red in the last part of January, ” Kelly revealed.
“I was a little fortunate here in spots, but overall, I’m satisfied. It’s coming back s-l-o-w-1- y, unfortunately, ” Kelly replied when asked about his performance.
The longtime Las Vegas resident who admits to being “39 plus, ” added that, “I don’t think I’ll ever play the way I’ve played in the past. I can’t pocket balls like before. I must rely on knowledge.
“No, I don’t think I can get near there (his old ability). Why? I’m not 20 years old any more! ”
Kelly may not be 20 but he played with the enthusiasm of a teenager in claiming victory. Following a first-round bye he encountered what proved to be his toughest match against another Las Vegan with professional experience.
Tom Cyr offered some resistance before falling 7-5, sending Kelly against McCready, who had knocked tournament coordinator Albert Gomez into the losers’ bracket. Gomez entered to fill out the bracket when it became obvious the turnout would be much lighter than previously expected.
McCready mowed down first- round foe Miles, 7-4 and overcame longtime rival Gomez, but fell victim to “Father Time” in his expected duel with Kelly.
When Gomez arrived at the Inn Zone Cheyenne Saturday morning at 11: 10 he returned a phone call to McCready and explained to Keith that he would have until 12: 15 p. m. to avoid a forfeit against Kelly.
At 12: 15 p. m. Assistant Tournament Coordinator John Cash relayed a message from Gomez to McCready’s intermediary Billy Trask that “Ether” would have 15 minutes or until 12: 30 p. m. to make his match.
When McCready failed to arrive at the 12: 30 p. m. grace period Cash announced the forfeit. Two minutes later Keith appeared. After considerable, lengthy grumbling and a refusal by Kelly to waive the forfeiture,
McCready resumed play in the losers’ bracket against Miles.
“Salt Lake Dick” would not be denied this time. He gained his revenge by rocketing to a 6-0 advantage and won the match 7-2. McCready groused throughout the contest and his complaints continued for some time thereafter before he finally settled down and accepted his $25 prize money.
“I have forfeited games myself, ” Kelly admitted. “You have to have rules like that. Otherwise the tournament suffers. These rules are there in all tournaments, not just this one. If the Dallas Cowboys don’t show up. they lose. That’s it, ” he explained succinctly.
Action was brisk throughout the event. Kelly. Gomez and fellow Las Vegans Rick White and Joe Cannella received first- round byes through the blind draw procedure.
Eventual runner-up Monteiro and Cannella waged the most exciting tussle of the tournament in a second-round or quarter-final round winners’ bracket faceoff. Cannella had the break with the match tied at 6, but he faltered and Monteiro advanced.
The 38-year-old native of Seakonk, MA sent Hendrickson to the losers’ bracket with a 7-3 victory before reeling himself against Kelly in the winners’ bracket finals, 7-2.
However, Monteiro, a multiple winner in weekly 9-ball and 1-pocket local events at the Crystal Palace, once again prevailed over Hendrickson in the losers’ bracket finals, 9-8.
In that contest Monteiro raced to a 5-1 lead, but “Iron-Mike” roared back to tie the match three times, at 6, 7 and 8 before Greg ran to the 9 and Hendrickson conceded the ball.
That set the stage for a return between Kelly and Monteiro in the overall finals. In order to claim the title Greg would have to defeat Ed twice in races to 9.
He never had an opportunity. Kelly grabbed a 5-0 lead and moved out to 6-1 before Monteiro closed to 6-4. That was as close as he could get. Kelly applied the pressure and won the next three to finish off his friend, 9-4.
“I’ve been back playing the good game for two years after a 10-year layoff, ” Monteiro explained. “Overall I’ve been playing for 20 years.
“This is the first “money” tournament I’ve played in. I’ve played back east in some, but they were for trophies and cue sticks. Things like that. I don’t mind getting beat by Ed Kelly.
“This tourney was pretty good, ” Greg added. “I didn’t think the forfeit on Keith McCready should have been allowed. He was here just after the time limit and they waited until 7: 30 p. m. Friday for some people to play. ” However, rules are rules as Ed Kelly explained. Just ask Keith McCready. On second thought, don’t.
