The bet per game rose from $100 to $200 to $400 to $600 up to $1,000, and Alex Pagulayan stayed ahead of the rest for most of the match. Eventually, Schmidt was eased out by the two Pinoys and Reyes and Pagulayan were left to compete for the winner-takes-all $18,000 prize in the 36th and final rack. The 2004 world champion Pagulayan had the break but after making the 2, he missed a thin cut 1 down side rail. Reyes looked set for the run-out, but a poor positional shot caused him to miss the 3 down the rail to the corner pocket. Sensing blood, “The Lion” drilled in a couple of glorious bank shots and ran out for the victory. “Diapers money,” screamed the delighted Pagulayan to his girlfriend Phoebe Choy as he sank the winning 10 ball in reference to their new-born baby.

Saturday night will see the first 9-ball banks ring game, with Shannon Daulton, Truman Hogue, and Grady Mathews among the contenders. 

Visit InsidePOOL for the latest o­n the Derby City Classic.

Photo courtesy BCn