Although attracting a modest field of 46 players, from all over Australia, the Australian 9 Ball Championships played at Penrith Cuesports 7-9 March, provided a very high standard of play. There were many hill hill matches and tension was constant, with Phil Reilly(S.A.), winning his 1st National Title, after having a number of 2nds in the past.
He defeated Emile Reirra (S.A.), 9-7 in the final and had earlier eliminated the defending Champion Johl Younger in the Quarter Finals.
Winning the final has lifted Phil into contention for the 2003 World 9 Ball Championships in Cardiff. He has moved into 2nd place in the Oceania rankings, which are used to select the players going to Cardiff. Also moving was Greg Jenkins, who earned enough points to take up 1st place in the rankings and ensure a place at Cardiff. Greg Also has regained his No.1 ranking in Australia.
Other players now in the running are Glen Cootes(N.Z.), Emile Rierra(Aust), Brent Wells(N.Z.) and the 2003 New Zealand Champion Bruce Wilkinson. These are subject to confirmation.
Next on the Oceania Calendar is the Australian Open 9 Ball Championships played at the SAPA head Quarters in Adelaide, April 24-26. This is an IBC Qualifier and spots are closing fast.
This follows the Trans Tasman Cup Test match series between Australia and New Zealand, April 21 & 22.
