Shannon Daulton, Billy Thorpe, & Mike Medley (owner of Michael's Billiards)
Billy Thorpe battled for years to chalk up his first win on the Great Southern Billiard Tour, and on the weekend of July 14-15, he won his second in a little over a month. He won his first on June 3, and let one slip by him in Myrtle Beach before winning the second. He went undefeated both times. In his first GSBT win, he faced the same opponent in the hot seat and finals; Alex Olinger. This past weekend, he faced an opponent, Steve "Cupcake" Dillon, who'd won seven on the loss side to meet him in the finals. The $1000-added 9-ball event, on 9-ft. Diamond tables, and held concurrently with an 8-ball bar box tournament, drew 34 entrants to Michael's Billiards in Fairfield, OH.
From among the winners' side final four, Thorpe squared off against Lucas Hawkins, who'd placed second in the bar box 8-ball tournament. Adam Glover, in the meantime, met up with Tim Baron. Thorpe survived a double hill battle versus Hawkins, and in the hot seat, faced Glover, who'd defeated Baron 7-2. Thorpe got into the hot seat with a 9-4 victory over Glover, and watched Dillon's march back to the finals.
Dillon, who'd been sent to the loss side by Corey Morphew (5/6th in the 8-ball), won four in a row to hook up with Hawkins, including a 7-5 victory over Chris Collins and a 7-4 win over Leo Kincannon, who finished both tournaments in the tie for seventh place. Baron drew Mike Burnette, who'd defeated Bill Trimble 6-2 and Dave Cross 6-4. Dillon and Hawkins battled to double hill before Dillon prevailed, advancing to the quarterfinals. He was met by Burnette, who'd survived his own double hill match against Baron.
Dillon ended Burnette's day with a 7-2 win and then, dropped Glover into third place 7-4. Thorpe, though, spoiled Dillon's bid for a successful, loss-side comeback with a 9-5 win in the opening set of a true double elimination final to secure the event title.
"We always appreciate the support and hospitality that is shown here at Michael's," said tour directors Shannon and Marge Daulton. "(Owner Michael Medley) has a very player/spectator-friendly room and we're all thankful to him and his staff."
The Daultons also thanked sponsors Andy Gilbert Custom Cues, Nick Varner Cues and Cases, Mike Davis Exterminating, Tiger Products and Delta-13 racks.
