Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour National Championship Event Begins

Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour National Championship Event Beginsby InsidePOOL StaffA full field of 128 billiard players came out for the Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour’s National Championship event, being hosted by The Pool Room in Duluth, GA, this week. Featuring a $25,000 prize fund, this event is one of the biggest tournaments of the year and has attracted some of the top players in the country.Some of the top picks for this event include Player of the Decade for the 1990s, Johnny Archer; recent BCA Hall of Fame addition Earl Strickland; reigning U.S. Open champion John “Mr. 400” Schmidt (pictured); Southern slayer Steve Moore; Troy Frank; former U.S. Open champ Corey Deuel; local talent Paul Song; Dennis Hatch; and several-time Legends of One-Pocket Champion Shannon “The Cannon” Daulton.” Additionally, seven ladies have entered the event, including pros such as the WPBA’s number-three-ranked Monica Webb, Helena Thornfelt, and Sarah Rousey.
No upsets have occurred in the first few rounds. Strickland bested David Krolick of Albuquerque 11-2, while Frank did one better in defeating Terrell Lingerfelt 11-1. Florida Pro Tour champion Will Bilbrey defeated Mark Gregory 11-3, while last night’s mini event winner, Sparky Ferrell, won 11-5 over Dale Phillips. Up-and-comer Jerry Slivka defeated Sammy Odom 11-3, and Leil Gay Jr. bested Thornfeldt 11-8. Female pro Alice Rim came close against Tom D’Alfonso in a match where she only missed several balls, but she still fell short 11-8.Only two forfeits have occurred: Randy Moody and Scott Kelly. However, the action table set up for the players has been going strong throughout the event so far, with “Lil Jon” Macias holding court. The Pool Room will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the duration of the event, which ends November 19.Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news in the sport of billiards and pool.

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