Local Grinder Makes Finals in Ottawa, Hewitt and Klatt with Strong Showings State Side

Platon Liolios, another up and comer out of Rack-M-Up Billiards made his second finals appearance this past Saturday at Dooley's in Ottawa. This was the second last tournament of the ABO season which has 8 tournaments with a Grande Finale for those who play 4/8. Liolios was cruising until he ran into rival B player Christine Gauthier who has been enjoying her own success this year and showed why sending him to the one loss side 7-1. There he returned back to form eliminating myself and another A player Jim Moffat to earn his finals appearance. Unfortunately for Liolios, fate interfered as his opponent in the finals Gilbert Carrier, was not only playing well but had the rolls on his side as he fluked a few shots that stole some games. All in all it was another good showing for our locals at the ABO as it appears one of us is a threat every tournament to win. Next tournament for this Circuit will be held at Terminus located in Gatineau on March 15th.

Joss N/E Update

Once again Danny Hewitt took down a Joss tour stop without much difficulty. This particular field was not stacked with top players as Hewitt on paper was the run away favorite to win this event. However in 9 ball anything can happen and even if one is the favorite execution is still important. Hewitt charged through to the winners side final to meet Dave Hernandez. It was a close match that Hewitt lost 9-8, showing his experience Hewitt immediately played the losers side final finding his game and quickly won 9-0. This was a true double elimination tournament, meaning Hewitt had to beat Hernandez twice to win. Which he accomplished with ease after finding his game in the previous match and taking the $1,000  top prize.

Also at the Chuck Markulis Memorial Jason Klatt had an impressive 8th place finish out of a field of 128 top pros. His next stop is the U.S Barbox Championships in Reno this week where he will get a chance at 8,9 and 10 ball titles. Klatt is a contender in any tournament he enters but even more so in Reno as he is the defending  U.S 8 ball Barbox Champion, good luck to all out Canadians this week!