Day one of the Open 10-Ball Pro Players Championship concluded today at the Super Billiards Expo in Valley Forge, PA. The 72 hopefuls are vying for their shot at the $20,000 first place prize. The fans were treated to some world class 10-ball. Out of the gate, U.S. Open 9-Ball champion Darren Appleton played a near perfect set against “Mr. 400” John Schmidt, obliterating him by a score of 10-0. Jose Parica was also sent West today by “The Pearl” Earl Strickland.
Oscar Dominguez was eliminated in the final round of the evening tonight by Steve Hancock. Dominguez, who was flying solo without dad, finds schoolwork taking a precedent over practice these days. A thrilled Matt Clatterbuck defeated current Masters 10-Ball champion Mika Immonen by a score of 10-5 as Clatterbuck's mom proudly watched from the stands. At one point, the score was four to four before Clatterbuck ran away with the match.
Some exciting matches to look forward to tomorrow are Strickland vs. Alex Pagulayan, Shane VanBoening vs. Mike Dechaine, and Jesse Engle, vs. Gabe Owen.
Be sure to follow all the action with our online brackets.
