Local pool tournament sees big draw with thousands on the line
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — While most people were focused on the weather over the weekend, there were others who showed up to a massive tournament with the hope of claiming a cash prize.
Par-T Golf & Billiards held the Silver Dollar 8 Ball Open on Saturday, attracting some of the biggest names in pool from across the area.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Despite concerns they might need to delay the event, owner Jerry Lacato decided to move forward after hearing back from those who signed up.
“We had considered postponing it,” Lacato said. “Thursday night, we had an in-house league. In that league, a number of participants in the tournament were adamant about playing. Looking at the forecast, I started the tournament earlier in hopes of getting it done earlier so that what looked to be the worst of the weather was going to be coming in later in the evening.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
A total of 34 competitors showed up, all seeking a part of the $6,000 prize pool. The top four finishers and top female each earned a prize while first place would get just under half of the total reward. Par-T holds tournaments regularly, but Lacato says this was the most talented field they’ve had since opening back in August.
Among the competitors was Mike Davis, who is ranked around 250th in the world. The Raleigh native has made a decades-long career out of the game and “Iron Mike” made the trip to take part in this event.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
“I love pool,” Davis said. “You can be 80 and still play, you can be a little kid and play. But to me, it’s creative problem solving. There’s no game that combines a physical aspect and a mental aspect quite like pool.”
The tournament featured a double elimination format. Those still unbeaten competed in best of sevens while the loser’s bracket featured best of five matches. It took around ten hours to get through the entire event.
When the championship match was set to take place, the best of nine ended up not happening at all. That is because the final two competitors decided to split the winnings evenly without playing, resulting in co-champions.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
David Krenzel of Leland was the only person to reach the finals undefeated, which he says was a massive accomplishment.
“I feel good about it,” Krenzel said. “It’s been a while since I’ve been able to compete in a local tournament. I always work on Saturdays, so it felt good. I took a day off and had fun.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Sharing the top spot was David Tickle, who Krenzel beat earlier in the tournament. Tickle was in town on business from Gibsonville, North Carolina, and was glad he didn’t have to face his good friend with so much on the line.
“He beat me like 4-1,” Tickle said. “I don’t get beaten twice. What a nice guy. I build cues for a living. I had to bring a couple down and I was already in the tournament. I already paid my entry fee. I just figured I’d come on down and maybe get away from the weather too.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Both say they intend to use their winnings to take their wives out for dinner.
