Robb Saez chalked up his first (recorded) major win in two years with an undefeated run on the Midwest Open 9-Ball Tour's Open event on the weekend of July 8-10. Though far from inactive over the last two years, cashing in 23 events, Saez' last two major event victories were in the 2014 Texas Tornado Open and in the Music City Classic's Open Division. The $3,300-added Midwest 9-Ball Tour event, run concurrently with a One Pocket and Ladies event (separate stories), drew 118 entrants to Shooter's in Olathe, KS.
The event drew a prestigious list of not only the Midwest's most recognizable competitors, but strong players from around the country. Among those who didn't make the final 12 cut were Justin Bergman, Chip Compton, and John Gabriel. Among those who did were Saez, Sky Woodward, Jason Klatt, Shane McMinn, Dustin Gunia, Tommy Tokoph, Joey Gray, Sergio Rivas and 'young gun' Taylor Anderson.
Saez advanced to a winners' side semifinal versus Rivas, while Woodward took on Klatt. Saez sent Rivas to the west bracket 9-6, while Woodward downed Klatt 9-3. Saez claimed the hot seat in a double hill battle over Woodward, and waited on what turned out to be Klatt's return.
Over on the loss side, Rivas picked up Gunia, who'd survived two straight double hill matches against Devin Poteet and Anderson to reach him. Klatt drew Shane McMinn, who'd eliminated Lloyd Moreland 9-5 and Tokoph 9-6. Klatt and McMinn locked up in a double hill fight that eventually sent Klatt to the quarterfinals. He was joined by Gunia, who'd defeated Rivas 9-5.
Klatt took the quarterfinal match 9-4 over Gunia to earn himself a re-match versus Woodward in the semifinals. Woodward put up a double hill fight against him, but Klatt prevailed to face Saez in the finals. Saez claimed the event title with a 9-5 victory over Klatt in those finals.
