Phoenix, Arizona- Bernie Pettipiece and Jimmy Mendoza earned their way into the upcoming Predator World 14.1 Championships by being the last two men standing at the qualifier held July 12th/13th at Kolby's Korner Pocket in Tempe, Arizona. The Predator World Straight Pool Championships will be held in East Brunswick NJ on Aug 24-30,2008 and is produced by Dragon Promotions. Pettipiece and Mendoza will be joining straight pool giants such as Ortmann, Hohmann, Schmidt, Hopkins, Souquet, Harriman, and many more.
Bernie, the 2008 Arizona State 14.1 Champion, and Jimmy had to play each other just two matches into the winner's bracket, with Jimmy advancing in that match by making an early 81 ball run, which held up as the high run for the tournament.
With matches running until nearly midnight, and Jimmy Mendoza already claiming the hotseat, as well as one of the two qualifying spots, the winner of the 2nd spot would have to be determined the following day. Notables left at the end of play on Saturday were Chuck Evans, Bernie Pettipiece, and Mike Williams.
Bernie won his first match of the day with a slug-fest against Mike Williams. Next up in his quest for the remaining qualifying spot was "Preacher" Ron Rutan, a player with whom Bernie has had countless battles with in recent years. After dispatching of "Preacher Ron", the stage was set for the last match of the tournament, with the winner earning their way into the 2008 Predator World 14.1 Championships. The match between Bernie Pettipiece and Chuck Evans was a repeat of the match to determine one of the contestants in finals of the 2008 Arizona State 14.1 Championship just 3 weeks prior. Once again, with both players very much in contention to win the last match of the tournament, Bernie showed why he's the reigning State 14.1 Champion by edging out the victory, and claiming the 2nd qualifying spot.
Special thanks to "Fast Lenny", of azbilliards.com fame, who was on-hand to live-stream matches to the Internet during Saturday's play.
The 2008 Predator World Straight Pool Championship is proudly sponsored by Dr.Michael Fedak of NYC, Joel Schapiro of NYC, The Predator Group, Diamond Billiard Products, Aramith Balls, and Simonis Cloth.
Tickets are on sale now at www.dragonpromotions.com or can be bought in person at these locations:
Amsterdam Billiards - New York City, NY 21299
Comet Billiards - Parsippany, NJ (973) 334-7429
Fans & Players reserve rooms at Hilton East Brunswick at 1-732-828-2000
The room code for the event is "POL" There are still limited amount of rooms available. Reserve ASAP.
For more details on qualifiers or the World 14.1 Championship go to www.dragonpromotions.com or email worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com
