By Larry Eans: The 2009 BCA League Championship Series started this weekend at Metro Sports Bar with the men’s and women’s 8-ball singles. The two day event started with 42 men and 8 women challenging for the titles.

The women’s division had 3 master level players compete with only one of them finishing in the money. Relative unknown and occasional AWBT player Teresa Eibner found herself in the hot seat after beating National Master Diana Clayton 4-2 then Leandrea Gaff 4-0. The other hot seat opponent needs no introduction. Bernie Store, also a National Master Player beat the up and coming Sophia Morquecho 5-0 and the formidable Sara Miller 4-1. Teresa’s first shot at Bernie went over the bow as she dropped the hot seat match by the score of 5-1. Leandrea defeated Diana Clayton to get into the cash rounds, but lost once again to Teresa and settling for 3rd place.

The first set of the finals was not like the first match as Teresa put up a fight and got to the hill-hill game. With only four balls left on the table and Bernie hidden behind the 8-ball, Teresa decided to be aggressive and go for the out. The first shot was the most difficult in the run, and proved to be the costliest as she missed it and left Bernie the 2 ball out for the win and title. Congratulations to Bernie for her win and Teresa for an outstanding finish.

1st Place	Bernie Store	$340
2nd Place	Teresa Eibner	$150
3rd Place	Leandrea Gaff	$50

The men’s division saw 42 competitors come from 5 of the 14 BCA League Systems in the state of Arizona. The make-up of this year’s event saw players come from these leagues; Prescott Billiard Association (4), Paradise Pool League (9), Arizona Hot Shots (18), Rack ‘Em Upp (3) Border Hustlers of Yuma (8). Many thanks go out to all of Arizona’s league operators in providing the league players an outlet to enjoy the game and progress in the sport of pocket billiards. Your efforts will not go unappreciated today!

The men’s divisions had 5 master caliber players with only one cashing in the money. With many strong 8-ball players entered it was hard to pick a favorite out of the gate. But it soon became apparent who was the force to be reckoned with. Going undefeated to the hot seat was Dick Rice. ‘Doc’ as he is known locally started off with wins over Willie Horton (5-2), Tony Flores (5-2), Robert Barry (5-3), Paul Vasi (5-4), and Derrick Thoman (5-1). The bottom half of the board was being conquered by Burt Balancad. Burt’s travels included stops at Todd Dilley (5-2), Terry Tucker (5-4), Steve Stowers (5-4), Ed Parker (5-2), and Travis Kennedy (5-0). The hot seat match was played on Sunday with Doc taking Burt down by the score of 5-3.

On the left side of the board there was one man making his move. This player happened to be the 2006 BCA National Champion Derek Cumm. After his loss to Derrick Thoman in the third round everybody just wrote him off. Starting with a bye, win over Bob Soto and his first loss, Derek started his path of destruction with wins over Steve Maddox (5-1), Alex Arox (5-0), Larry Olson (5-1) and a forfeit from Robert Barry. The rematch with Derrick Thoman went different the 2nd time with Derek winning 5-2. Next were wins over Travis Kennedy and Burt Balancad to get to the finals match.

Doc won the flip and got to the table first but miss-cued in the middle of rack 1 and Derek ran out that one and the next one. Rack 3 Doc ran 6 and missed leaving Derek the easy run-out for a 3-0 lead. Derek breaks in rack 4 and scratches. Both players trade innings in this one with Doc coming away with game 4. The 5th rack saw a brief safety battle with Doc kicking in his last ball and banking the 8-ball for a 2-3 score. Game 6 Derek scratched once again on the break, however, Doc can’t capitalize and Derek gets a 4 ball out. (4-2) Doc gets his first break and run taking him to 3-4. Derek breaks dry in game 8 and Doc runs the table to make to score 4-4 and be on the hill. Game 9 is the pivotable game of the set as Doc comes up dry on the break. After Derek misses the 2nd ball, Doc studies the table and decides to play a safe. Derek pockets the only ball possible but finds himself hooked. He them kicks in a tough shot and is rewarded with the 8-ball getting tied up. Derek stays composed and runs his last two balls and gets shape to bank the 8 in the only pocket it could but is off target with his attempt. Doc plays a safe with 4 balls on the table and doesn’t hide Derek leaving him with a difficult bank shot for the first set win. Derek plays aggressive and confident and fired the bank in as if it were a practice drill. Unfortunately the spectators weren’t treated to a final set as Dick retired giving Derek Cumm the championship.

1st Place	Derek Cumm	$750
2nd Place	Doc Rice	$510
3rd Place	Burt Balancad	$300
4th Place	Travis Kennedy	$130
5th Place	Aaron Purdy	$80
	Derrick Thoman	$80
7th Place	Michael Clough	$40
	Robert Barry	$40
9th Place	JoseGonzalez	$20
	Paul Vasi	$20
	Ed Parker	$20
	Larry Olson	$20

I want to thank all the sponsors and league operators for their support and allowing us to help prepare our league players for the upcoming national tournament.

Metro Sports Bar

·         Sparks / Miller Brewing

·         Paradise Pool League: www.paradisepoolleague.com

·         Border Hustlers Pool League – Yuma

·         Prescott Billiards Association

·         Rack Em Upp Pool League

·         Arizona Hot Shots Pool League: www.azhotshotsonline.com

Tournament Director – Larry Eans

BCA League 8-Ball Mixed Scotch Doubles Championships - April 4th & 5th

Northern Lounge 5008 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale (51st ave and Northern)

Contact Larry Eans for entry requirements (602)677-4220