The Frost settles in at the DCT
Having completed all 8 tour stops of the 2009 Desert Classic Tour, the tour operators along with Kolby's Corner Pocket decided to hold a Players Appreciation Tournament. On November 14th-15th, 38 players came out to compete in the $500 Added Big Table 10-ball event at Kolby's.
The entire event was streamed live on the internet and some matches have been recorded for future viewing at http://www.desertclassictour.com/videos.html
In addition to this being an Appreciation Tournament for the players, the $40 Membership fee was reduced to $10 for any new players that hadn't yet played in one event this 2009 season.
After Saturday's play concluded, we were down to the final 8 players that would return on Sunday to compete for the big money. Paul Grande was one of the key players still left on the Winners Side of the board and had the chance to do what no other player had ever accomplished by reaching the finals of 3 straight tour stops.
Scott Frost and Paul both proceeded to the Hot Seat match with wins over
Mitch Ellerman and Pete Lhotka respectively. Paul scored wins against BYE,
Mike B., Steve W., Chris "The Weasel" Adams and Pete Lhotka before dropping the Hot Seat match to Scott Frost. Scott's run to the Hot Seat ran through wins over BYE,
Jeff W., Mike Pankof, Gus Briseno, Mitch Ellerman and finally Paul Grande.
One player that was very busy on the one lose side of the board was young gun, Bobby Emmons. After the BYE, Bobby won his first match against
David Wiseman before losing to Tour Operator Dennis Orender in the 3rd Round. From there he knocked off
Evan Beeson, Bernie Pettipiece, Chris Adams, Matt Kwasny, Mitch Ellerman and Pete Lhotka.
Gus Briseno the 2009 Point Leader was knocked out of the tournament in the first match on Sunday to the hands of Dennis Orender. Matt Kwasny's great run finally came to an end at the same point by way of Bobby Emmons. Gus and Matt both finished 7th/8th and $125 each. Mitch Ellerman lost to Bobby Emmons as well along with Dennis losing to Pete for 5th/6th and $190 each. Bobby scored one more knock out over Pete sending him back to Yuma with $200 in his pocket. After Paul's lopsided loss to Scott in the semi finals he was able to regroup and cool off the hot handed Bobby. Bobby took home $300 for 3rd place.
In the finals we saw a repeat of the hot seat match in which Scott Frost was getting out from everywhere. And when Paul got to the table, he wasn't shooting as well as he had all tournament long. Paul missed numerous shots late in the racks and that is not something you can do against a player of Scott's caliber. Paul was sent home with his 3rd consecutive 2nd place finish and $450. Scott captured this Bonus Tour Stop and $905.
I want to say Thank You to Kolby's for stepping up and offering to give yet another great tournament to the players of the Desert Classic Tour. Also, please visit www.desertclassictour.com to see a full list of sponsors that allow to have this tour right here in our back yards.
Please join us for a 2nd Bonus tour stop at Bullshooters for Barbox 8-ball on December 5th – 6th, 2009. Sign-up at 10 a.m. with the Draw and start at 11 a.m.
The Finale is scheduled for January 8th-10th, 2010 at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler, AZ. Full Press Release
