Chase Rudder
Chase Rudder went undefeated through an impressive field of 41 players at the Poison by Predator Tour 8-ball event held Sunday, July 7th, 2013 at Bogies Billiards in Houston, Texas. This was not a first for Rudder who captured the PxP Tour season 8-ball opener earlier this year, besting 53 top players including BCA Champion, Mike Alonzo, in the final. This time around, Rudder’s 8-ball game proved just as deadly. Rudder faced-off with formidable 8-ball veteran Rene Rendon for the hot seat, and the crowd was torn. It was youth versus experience in this race to 4, winner break format, that generated a plethora of 4-0 matches throughout the day. This wouldn’t be one of them.
On his way to the final four winners’ side, Rudder bested veteran Sonny Demetro, 4-1, and David Taylor 4-3, to meet BCA State Champion, Billy “Big Tyme” Sharp. On the winners’ south side, Rendon came on strong with wins over Marc Garza, 4-1, and APA Amateur Nationals Champion Ernesto Bayaua, 4-2, to meet Lone Star Tour Champion, Andy Jethwa. It was Rudder over Sharp, 4-1, and Rendon over Jethwa, 4-2, which set the phenomenal hot seat stage. After losing his third round to Sharp, 4-1, Will Felder eliminated Bill Fuller, Sonny “The Boss” Bosshamer, and Bayaua, until Sharp dealt him a final blow, 3-1. After losing to Bayaua, 4-1, Marvin Diaz made a run for the money winning 4 consecutive matches with wins over Taylor and Louisiana’s own Mike Singleton, only to be eliminated by Jethwa, 3-0.
Hot seat action saw Rendon take an early 2-0 lead over Rudder, but the young gun knew all too well that getting on the board may put him back in the driver’s seat. Rudder answered back with a win, taking control, and winning 3 more consecutive games to clench the set. On the one loss side, Sharp slid by Rendon, 3-2, earning himself a rematch with Rudder. With two champion 8-ball players at the helm, this wasn’t going to be easy pickings. Chase jumped to a quick 2-0 lead against Sharp. In the third game, Rudder’s cue ball skidded and he foiled a two ball out to go up 3-0. The old saying, “one always costs you two”, rang true for Rudder as Sharp tied the score at 2. Rudder took the next game as Sharp returned fire. It was now hill hill and Sharp was breaking. With control and speed, the final rack spread perfectly for Sharp as he waited patiently for a ball to find a pocket. To his own demise, each ball remained in perfect position for Rudder, who took full advantage, and the set, 4-3.
Teresa Garland, Brittany Koon, Marie Rodriguez, and Darcy Whatley all competed for “Top Lady” amidst a field of tough PxP Tour competitors. Teresa Garland took home the honors and $120 for her efforts.
Thanks to the fans, players, sponsors, and room owner David Richardson, this one-day event paid out in excess of $3,000. The PxP Tour is title sponsored by Poison by Predator Cues www.poisonbilliards.com , sponsored by Delta-13 Rack www.delta-13.com and the APA of North Harris County www.facebook.com/apanorthharriscounty. The next PxP Event is 8-Ball on September 14, 2013 at Bogies Billiards in Houston, Texas.
