Hatch Still Playing Like a Pro

Hatch Still Playing Like a ProBy Bill RosenbergerJust five years ago Dennis Hatch was on top of his game. After a hiatus from the sport, he is again taking his game to its highest level.Hatch continued his winning ways on October 16-17 in Glens Falls, NY, at Adirondack Billiards on the Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour stop. He not only went undefeated against a strong field of 33 players, but tournament director and player Mike Zuglan described him as unstoppable. "Dennis could do no wrong this weekend and against me in the hot seat." Zuglan, who himself had a strong tournament, met up with Hatch in the hot seat on Sunday, but the closest he got was tying the score at 1. Hatch pulled away easily for the 9-3 victory. Teddy Garrahan then took on Zuglan in the semifinals, and right away it looked like Zuglan was on his way back for a rematch with Hatch. Up 6-0, he slowly worked the score to 8-2. What happened next is even a mystery to him. "Hmm-what happened?" Zuglan replied when asked how he lost the big lead. "I made some mistakes, and he really hung in there. It really was a great comeback." Garrahan pulled off seven straight racks to win 9-8. "I've done it to people before, too," said Zuglan, "so I guess it was my turn."Garrahan must have been savoring his comeback in the semifinals, because he wasn't ready for Hatch in the finals. Hatch, who didn't let an opponent win more than five games against him, took the finals and the first-place payout 9-2. Results:1st Dennis Hatch $13002nd Teddy Garrahan $10003rd Mike Zuglan $7404th Dave Varano $5005th Mike Hurley, Norm Pomainville $3507th Dick Cappotto, Pete Jorgenson $200 Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news from the sport of billiards and pool.

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