Dyno into last 16
Yorkshireman Darren Appleton survived what was described as one of the most exciting and suspenseful matches of the tournament so far, as his opponent, Canadian Jason Klatt, ran seven racks to take a commanding 7-2 lead. Appleton’s break was very productive, often making three balls on the snap, but he always seemed to be unable to see the lowest remaining ball on the table. Despite this he managed to pull the score back to 10-7… Still trailing, but at least a glimmer of a chance. Rack by rack, “Dynamite Daz” proved to be worth his glamourous nickname, his post break view improved, enabling him to bring the match to a thrilling hill-hill decider, and holding his nerve to run out the final balls. This victory propelled him into the Last 16 Stage of the winner’s side of the draw, where his good performance continued with a more comfortable win over Dennis Haar (USA). Appleton, still without loss, now awaits US Open legend, Johhny Archer in the Quarter-Finals.
Founded in 1976 by Barry Behrmann, this year marks the 36th Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships – widely considered to be the most significant annual pool tournament held on US soil, and this year they are celebrating a near full 250 player field, including a good contingent of European players, allegedly vying for vital Mosconi Cup ranking points.
The tournament is open to all-comers, although the $500 entry fee keeps the standard high, and in a unique twist all previous champions are given free entry to this tournament for life. There is still $50,000 added to the prize fund – guaranteed, no matter how many entrants had enlisted, and there’s seating for up to 300 fans to watch in the playing arena.
Women play alongside the men, and Europe is well represented in this event, not least because it figures highly in the rankings for the Mosconi Cup team selection process – in recent years it has been won by Finland’s Mika Immonen – twice, and the reigning champion is no less than Yorkshire’s Darren Appleton, so we’ve all got our fingers crossed for another scintillating performance from our European players this year.
Article from www.pro9.co.uk
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