Klatt Double Dips Bergman to Win Memphis Open 10 ball

Photo provided by Rick Hansen 

By :Markus Noé

This past weekend the Memphis Open took place at High Pockets in Tennessee, July 23-27. The events included One Pocket Open, 10 Ball Open and Amateur 9 Ball. These tournaments were all well attended and the two open events featured some world class talent.  It is no wonder why, as this tournament has a substantial amount of added money. $2000 added $500 entry One pocket, $4000 added $500 entry 10 Ball, plus $500 added Amateur 9 ball.

The 10 ball event began play on July 25th. Canadian Jason "Klatticus" Klatt had a bye that lead right to Mosconi Cup team member Brandon Shuff. Klatt set the tone for his tournament here winning this match and continuing on to beat Dennis Hatch and Ruben Bautista. In the winners side final Klatt met up with another Mosconi Cup team member, Justin Bergman. Here Bergman put a stop to Klatt's run and continued his own, winning 17-7.

Bergman overpowered some big names on his way to the final as he dispatched Sky Woodward,  Johnny "the Scorpion" Archer and Justin Hall. Klatt waited in the losers side final as Johnny Archer made his way through the bracket. On this day the Scorpion was no match for Klatticus as he regained his earlier form and won 17-8, against a visibly frustrated Archer.

Photo by Kenneth Lawson 

 This was a true double elimination event, meaning Klatt had to beat Bergman twice in order to win. The first set was a tightly contested affair. At 15-14, Klatt won this game and never looked back to take the first set 17-14. The second set once again was a close affair between these two young talents. However Klatt bested Bergman once again winning 17-13 and claiming the $6,200 top prize and his most prestigious title to date. When talking with Klatt today via Facebook chat, he gave full credit for the win to his mental toughness. "What won me the tournament was my mental game. I just try to keep my head in the game the whole match. Tough to do in long race." said Klatt.

In a classy move Bergman went to Facebook after his match and gave credit to his opponents great play. For those who were unable to watch the live stream, Bergman gave some good insight to how well Klatt played when stated,"Well I'm disappointed I lost didn't play bad Jason Klatt played flawless and broke great."

After being in Vegas for the BCAPL, then heading right to Memphis for this event Klatt is not sure what is next. For now he will take a few days off to relax and enjoy this win. There is a flurry of big tournaments coming up including the return of the Turning Stone Classic and the U.S Open. With his playing getting better with each tournament it promises to be an exciting fall for Klatt fans.

Top 3
Jason Klatt- $6200
Justin Bergman-$3300
Johnny Archer-$2000

The results of the One Pocket and the Amateur 9 Ball will be updated later. Thank you to Ray Hansen and Kenneth Lawson for their help in piecing this story together.