Local players raved about the talent in the ninth annual Canadian Cue Sports British Columbia 8/9 Ball Championships at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Casino last weekend.
With more than 525 players making incredible shots, the local competitors had spectacular accomplishments, said organizer Subrina Herbst-Monteith.
“The competition was stiff, yet we pulled together to win or place in almost every division and event,” she said.
In eight-ball team standard, Penticton’s Nuther Shot won, while Cue’s Angels finished third in the ladies team event, while Char Wold helped another team finish second. Dan Moran finished fourth in the nine-ball singles, while Sam Marlow was fifth. Jeremiah Kruger and Ninon Smith took second in the advanced Scotch Doubles, while Kim Hunt and Karen Mair took fourth in the scotch doubles open division. In 8-ball advanced, Nick Kruger won and captured the nine-ball team event with Killer Krugers and a Lezard. Out of Order took third in the open eight-ball team event. Tim Lezard took third and Jack Ramsay fourth in eight-ball advanced 8 ball. En route to taking the eight-ball championship, Kruger defeated his cousin, Tim Lezard. Kruger won 5-4 after trailing 4-2 in games.
“It was a little different,” said Kruger after the match on playing his cousin. “You have to put yourself in that mindset because we are really close. It’s different than playing someone that you don’t know or don’t like. It’s hard.”
Kruger said he and Lezard don’t face each other a lot in competitions, but do play for fun and practice together.
“He’s always tough,” said Kruger, who advanced to play in the western Canadian Championships.
During the game Kruger had an angry game face on. He admitted to being upset with himself.
“It’s just being competitive that’s all,” he said.
Kruger was able to win thanks to some missed opportunities by Lezard.
“I played well,” said Lezard. “I got three breaks, three bad breaks, two dry breaks and a miscue. That was it, the TSN turning point.”
Herbst-Monteith received positive feedback from players about the event, held for the seventh time in Penticton. Prior to the tournament, she said that players referred to Penticton as a mini Vegas.
“Penticton pool players were also complimented on their amazing sportsmanship and for being great hosts,” she said.
