Tatum Returns to Clear Capone’s

KBP Amateur 9-Ball Tour / Spring Hill, FL

by Rick Davis

The second of two offerings from KBP over the March 31-April 1 weekend played out at Capone’s in Spring Hill, FL, where John Tatum came back from a late loss to claim the event, besting the field of 38 players.

Surviving the fight to the hot seat match was Tatum and Jeff Miller, who dominated the winners’ side. Each received a first-round bye then ground through another four matches. In the hot seat match the score tipped towards each player, but at double-hill Miller was able to surge ahead, taking the final rack to become king of the hill.

A surprise on the winners’ side was seen as none of the favorites made their way past the second round except for Brian Davalos, KBP and Florida Pro Tour regular, who just missed the hot seat match after a double-hill thriller against Tatum. Others to be sent west early included Dan Lavoie and Jason Richko, both well-known Southeast players, along with Josh Lewis, a consistent top tour finisher, who all took a defeat within the first couple rounds.

On the one-loss side it was a free for all as everyone scrambled to inch closer to the finals. Little Louie and Lewis were clearly in control of the western bracket, each taking six match wins, including multiple shut-outs, after their early loss. Although both were playing well Lewis continued to pound the tables and drilled Louie 5-0. Just before the quarterfinals Lewis eliminated Jeremy Bell 5-3, while Davalos swooped in to knock out Billy Moses 5-2. With only a few rounds to go Lewis made his way past Davalos 5-3 in the quarterfinals but was stopped dead as Tatum drilled him 5-0 in the semifinals.

With only one match left Tatum came back for a rematch against Miller in an extended race to 9 and this time was more than ready for him, taking the match with room to spare at 9-4.

Results:
1st John Tatum
2nd Jeff Miller
3rd Josh Lewis
4th Brian Davalos
5th Billy Moses
Jeremy Bell
7th Dan Lettau
Little Louie

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