REPORT ON 2009 BERRI RESORT HOTEL OPEN 8-BALL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS HELD ON SATURDAY JULY 25TH & SUNDAY JULY 26TH
Barossa based player Adam Andretzke defeated former winner and favourite for the title, Mark Williams from Adelaide by 4 frames to 2 in the final in front of an appreciative audience of approximately 180 spectators. Competitors were playing for $15,000 in prize-money.
For his efforts, Adam who is affectionately known as “Junior” took home $3,500.00 in prize-money, together with a replica of the Perpetual trophy and also the much treasured distinction of having his name engraved on the Perpetual trophy. Mark fell just short of becoming the fourth dual winner in the 22 year history of this even. “The Machine” collected $1,700.00 plus a trophy, which will help relieve some of the pain of losing such a close final.
Three hundred and sixty three players nominated in this year’s tournament, which was slightly down on the 374 players that entered the 2008 event. The event consisted of players being divided up into 38 sections, with the sectional play being held at various Clubs and Hotels in the Riverland. At the conclusion of play on Saturday, 152 players had qualified for the finals on the Sunday.
The Friday night restricted knock-out competitions resulted in Don Colbert (Ballarat) and Sam Faehrman (Adelaide) defeating Jason Camielleri (Melbourne) and Kon Haritos (Loxton) in the final. The Friday night Invitational knock-out No. 1 resulted in Jake McCartney (Ballarat) defeat Ben Nunan (Melbourne) in the final. The Friday night Invitational knock-out No. 2 was a family affair with Mick Delahunty (Adelaide) defeat James Delahunty (Adelaide) in the final. All matches in this competition were high class and entertaining.
The Under 18 knock-out resulted in Kurt Dunham (Melbourne) defeat Nathan Nemes (Adelaide) in the final. 13 Under 18 players competed in this competition and the skills shown by all players were exceptional. This is the second year in a row that Nathan was runner-up in this event.
The Saturday night Pot out competition was won by James Mifsud of Melbourne. The Saturday night Ladies competition, which is always keenly contested, resulted in Tara Butte (Adelaide) defeat Joy Sullivan (Mildura) in the final. The “Non Qualifiers” knock-out on Sunday saw Greg Sumner (Elizabeth) defeat Michael Swift (Adelaide) in the final.
Quarter Final results were:
Adam Andretzke (Barossa) defeated David Rothall (Murray Bridge) 4/1
Steve Seebohm (Adelaide) defeated Russell Youlten (Adelaide) 4/3
James Levering (Adelaide) defeated Jamie Stevens (Ballarat) 4/3
Mark Williams (Adelaide) defeated Kym Saunders (Adelaide) 4/1
Semi Final results were:
Mark Williams defeated James Levering 4/1
Adam Andretzke defeated Steve Seebohm 4/2
All 38 tables used in the event were manufactured by event sponsor Beta Billiards. The excellent standard of tables supplied was appreciated by all of the players competing.
At the Official Presentation, Berri Resort Hotel’s Duty Manager Darren Baker assisted in the handing out of the major prizes.
Neil Lemmey
Tournament Director
