John Jacobson Photo courtesy of Mike Fieldhammer, BilliardCoach.com

John Jacobson Triumphs at the Minneapolis Billiard Club

By Tim Gardner

MBC hosted an 18 player open tournament September 18-20, 2009. Three flights of six played to 20 on two Verhoevens. The top two finishers from each advanced to Sunday’s final flight with matches to 25. Featured guests included former American champion George Ashby, billiard author Bob Byrne, and USBA Secretary Jim Shovak. Players traveled from six states.

Click on the name of the flight to see PDF chart:

Flight A. Halfway through the flight it looked possible that Bob Byrne, Fred Lamers, and Jim Shovak could all end up 4-1 as each had a single loss to one another. Jim’s loss was with the fewest points so he’d be the odd man out. But then began an interesting series of events. First Jim defeated Gary Eake to indeed finish at 4-1. Second Bernard Kapinos played his best game to earn his first victory which left Fred at 3-2. This put Jim into the finals and it looked like Fred would be the odd man out. Next up was Bob who needed at least 18 points to wrap up the second spot. Bob’s previous game was a tournament best 1.250 so his chances of advancing looked good. This was not to be. Craig Gullett played his best game and made Bob the odd man out. Jim won the flight at 4-1 and Fred finished second at 3-2.

Flight B. George Ashby went 5-0 to sweep the flight. Steve Gullett, Pat Preziuso, and Carl Nelson fought for second place with the outcome not decided until Carl beat Pat and held him below 15 points. Carl advanced with a record of 3-2.

Flight C. John Jacobson won with a record of 4-1. Second place turned into a battle between Brad Vollmers, Bob Jacobson, and Tim Gardner. Tim earned the second spot with his victory over John to also finish 4-1.

Finals. Midway through the bracket, George was undefeated and Jim, Fred, and John each had a single loss. John and Fred’s loss came at the hands of Carl and Tim, each shooting their high game of the finals. Jim’s loss resulted from Fred’s tournament high run of 11 and out. John subsequently defeated both Jim and Fred to remain with only a single loss. Fred handed George his first loss with the finals high game of 1.136. George then beat Jim which set up the final match between George and John. The winner would take first and the loser third since Fred had second wrapped up based on points. The match was a tightly fought contest with John prevailing 25-20. Congratulations to John Jacobson!

The total prize fund of $3,900 ($1,800 entry + $2,100 added) paid as follows:

1st Place John Jacobson $1,250
2nd Place Fred Lamers $900
3rd Place George Ashby $600
4th Place Tim Gardner $425
5th Place Jim Shovak $300
6th Place Carl Nelson $225

High Run Out of the Money Bob Byrne $100
High Average Out of the Money Bob Jacobson $100
Schuler cue raffle winner Jamie Sibley

MBC thanks sponsors David Levine, Rene duCret, Mickey Campbell, Troy Thoennes of All About the Game Room, and Craig Gullett. We also thank Goerge Bisonnette for preparing and delivering Saturday night’s feast; Bob Jacobson for tournament assistance; and Jim Larson of Billiards Unlimited for use of his club. Most of all, we thank the players for making the tournament a success and a fun event for all.

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FALL CLASSIC
BILLIARD TOURNAMENT
@ Minneapolis Billiard Club

September 18-20th 2009

Limited to 18 players. 20 or 25 point games
in the prelims depending upon number
of players. Finals will be 25 point games.

Must be USBA member to play.

$105 entry fee-100% payback-money will be added.

Advancement to finals based on W/L,
total points, head to head.

Players meeting will be held on
Friday, September 18th at 10am.

Have entries in by September 15th

Send to:
Minneapolis Billiard Club
1101 Stinson Blvd. NE
Mpls. MN 55413
Contact info: Fred Lamers
Fred.lamers@yahoo.com
(763)300-6370

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