Parica and Putnam Chase Nevel at Derby City

The Derby City Classic just wrapped up Round 10 of the 9-ball event, which is the final of the three events for the tournament. Max Eberle was fortunate enough to have a bye for this round. Rodney "The Rocket" Morris eliminated Eric Durbin 7-1. Their match was the first to finish in Round 10. Shawn Putnam, who has been playing incredibly strong, had a rematch with Johnny Archer and defeated him 7-4. Archer was responsible for Putnam's loss in the previous round. Jose Parica and Shannon "The Cannon" Daulton were matched up; Parica looked as though he would pull it off, quickly taking the lead, but Daulton came from behind to win the match 7-6.The featured match was between Ralf "The Surgeon" Souquet, winner of the 2002 U.S. Open, and dark horse Jamie Farrell. Farrell hadn't played in a major tournament since 1986 before Derby City. He had a nice game and got a bit lucky, but Souqet's methodical, precise style took over. The match was tied 3-all when Souquet made his move, winning the next four to take the match 7-4.
A precedent was set by Scott Smith in the Souquet/Farrell match when Farrell racked the 9 ball on the corner of the rack by mistake. Souquet, who has been making at least one ball on the break consistently, made the 9 when he broke. Play ceased when they figured out what happened, and Smith was called. After consulting the rule book, he decided that since the rack was illegal in the first place, the game would be re-played.The points race for the world all-around champion has come down to three players: Larry Nevel, Jose Parica, and Shawn Putnam. Nevel finished the tournament with 196 points, unofficially. Parica had 120 points at the beginning of the 9-ball event. Putnam had 77 at the beginning of the 9-ball event. Parica needs only to finish third or higher to retain his title as world all-around champion. Putnam needs Parica to finish in fourth place or lower while at the same time winning the 9-ball event.

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