Derby City Classic Wrap-up and Local Finishes

January 3rd through the 13th marked the 10th Annual Derby City Classic held in Louisville, Kentucky. Players from all over the world gathered to try their hand in the three main events: Bank Pool, One-Pocket, and 9 Ball. But those weren’t the only events going on. “The Extras” included: a $15,000 Bank Ring Game, a $15,000 10 Ball Game, $1,000 Added Mini Tournaments, and a $10,000 Straight Pool Challenge. Just across the street were professional Artistic Pool and 3 Cushion Championships, and a few miles away was a regional bar table event for amateurs. You could find a game at just about anything you were in the mood for.

On the fourth day of the tournament, the Bank Pool event wrapped up with veteran banking champ, Larry Price ousting Texas State 9 Ball Champion, Sylver Ochoa. As the One Pocket event came to a halt, Gabe “The Babe” Owen prevailed over Larry “The Truth” Nevel in a hill-hill showdown, leaving Gabe in the points lead for the Master of the Table title. That is, until, with six players left, Gabe met up with second place in the point standings, Francisco Bustamante in the 9 Ball event. Francisco took down Gabe and kept firing all the way to the finals with Ralf Souquet, playing as many matches as possible until Ralf’s tenacity paid off.

Some local faces that made appearances were Jessica and Jared Frideres, Tony Hilla, Beau Runningen who finished in round six of the One Pocket, and Ty Wilson who made it to the fifth round of the 9 Ball. Demetrius Jelatis and I both finished in round six of the 9 ball after drawing each other in round five. He won in a rout. We also finished in the fourth and fifth rounds of One Pocket. It was nice to see so many familiar local faces at the event.

Some history was made at this year’s Derby. The WPBA allowed their touring members to participate, giving Karen Corr and Allison Fisher their first taste of the Derby. It was the first year ever that Efren Reyes competed, but did not win the One Pocket event. 2008 was the first time the three finalists in the 9 Ball event were all undefeated and it was by far the latest any 9 Ball finals have ever gone. By this time next year the Executive West Hotel will be renovated and the event will most probably be moving to a new location. Wherever it will be held next year, I hope to see you there.