Alex Popov went undefeated to become champion of the 6th Annual Robert Dionne Memorial Tournament, held under the auspices of the Lucasi Hybrid New England 9-Ball Series, on Sunday, January 22. The $1,140-added event, which drew 41 entrants to Legends Billiards in Portsmouth, NH, was organized to memorialize Tour Director Marc Dionne's father, who passed away the day before the first event in 2007. A portion of the proceeds are slated for the St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
From among the winners' side final four, Popov had to first get by his eventual finals opponent, Corey Tapley, and then, last year's champion, Choneyi Tenzin. Popov sent Tapley over in a 5-5 (handicapped) victory, and was met, in the battle for the hot seat, by Tenzin, who'd sent Joey Meuse west 7-2. Popov prevailed again in a handicapped match 4-6 to sit in the hot seat, awaiting Tapley's return.
First up for Tapley was Laddie Mills, fresh off a 5-5 victory over Rich Britt. Meuse drew Will McDonald, who'd just defeated Mark Holmes 5-1. Tapley advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-4 victory over Mills, and was joined by Meuse, who'd defeated McDonald 7-2. Tapley gave up only a single rack in his quarterfinal victory over Meuse and turned to face Tenzin, looking to repeat as event champion. Tenzin battled him to double hill, but Tapley had a two-game, handicap advantage and advanced to the finals with a 5-6 win.
It was a straight-up race to five in the true double elimination finals. Popov took the opening set to secure to become the 6th Robert Dionne Memorial champion.
