Billiards tables filled the Penticton Curling Club over the weekend for the sixth annual Canadian Open Series 8-ball tournament.
In total, there were 181 entries for men’s open singles, men’s advanced/masters singles, men’s open team entries, men’s advanced/masters teams, women’s open singles, women’s advanced/masters singles and women’s teams. Also played were a men’s nine-ball, a women’s nine-ball, a Scotch Doubles tournament and second chance tournaments for the men’s singles and teams.
Tournament administrator Vicky Rose had several players thanking her and her husband Paul Sapp for putting it on.
“Players are always thankful and telling us they will come back,” said Rose, who won the nine-ball tournament.
While the tournament attracts players from all over, locals get in on the action and enjoy success. Nick Kruger placed second in the men’s advanced/masters singles, while Mike Issack was seventh. In the men’s open teams, Stix and Stones won, while Out of Order was eighth. In the men’s advanced masters teams, Bottom Left won. In women’s open singles, Lois Hiltz took first while Char Wold was third. Ninon Smith was fourth in the women’s advanced masters singles.
There was also 16 players from the BC Eh! Junior Division, who play out of Cue’s Game Room Grill and Pizzeria. After the round robin action, Cue’s Natural Talent was first.
Sapp, who’s involved with the youth players, said the kids were thrilled to play in the tournament. As impressed as they were being near masters players, Sapp said the adult players were impressed with the group.
“People liked watching the kids,” said Sapp, who praised the groups’ playing etiquette. “The people were amazed. They made great shots.”
After playing for five hours, they headed for Cue’s Game Room and Pizzeria for an awards ceremony.
“It was a good finale,” said Sapp, who was then asked by the kids if they could have a summer league.
Sapp said it could be done, but suggested they take a few weeks off. Any players interested in joining are asked to go to Cue’s Game Room and Pizzeria to ask for information.