The Canadian Cue Sport B.C. 8/9 ball championship had its largest field of amateur players at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Casino Feb.25 to March 1.
In the eight years Penticton has hosted the championship, it’s the first time more than 500 players signed up.
“We filled pretty much every bracket and every table that we have in the room. It was barely standing room,” said co-organzier Gord Monteith.
Attracting players from B.C. and Alberta, Monteith said the increase is because the popularity of the sport is growing. After being down for the better part of a decade, the sport is making a resurgence.
“This year we had waiting lists on several of the events,” he said, adding there was also an increase in female players. “It will be the same next year. We’re going to try and figure out ways to increase our numbers.”
One option they are considering is extending the event by a day. He doesn’t believe they can fit more than the 40 tables they have in the ballroom.
As the number rises, so does the players’ talent level. Monteith said it was excellent having skills ranging from near pro to beginners. Several players were competing for the first time. Playing with a mix of talent, Monteith said is a good experience.
Among the visiting players taking advantage of that factor was Prince George’s Crystal MacDonald, who enjoyed not facing the same people all the time.
MacDonald saw improvement in her play and said she was pleased with how things went. She also noticed how good the other players were.
“That’s what you need to improve your game,” said MacDonald, who plans to return next year.
Penticton’s Char Wold, who plays with Four Play, said the week was amazing.
“There is a great amount of skill here,” she said. “Gord and Subrina (Monteith) do an amazing job running this. Every year we get a little bit of a bigger crowd. It’s amazing.”
Among the locals performing well were Alec Gabriel, who pocketed $650 after finishing second in men’s singles 9 ball action. In the 8 ball C final, Dave Holmberg earned $500 for taking third. Nick Kruger cashed in for $1,600 for winning the men’s 8 ball A final. Ninon Smith was fourth in women’s 8 ball A final, Out of Order took second in the men’s team 8 ball B final and Bottom Left was fourth in men’s team 8 ball final.