110 Players Strong at Palace Billiards

By InsidePOOL Staff

The Viking Cue 9-Ball National Championship at Palace Billiards is set to start the second day of matches, and so far, there have been very few upsets at the Villa Park, IL, poolroom.  Shawn Putnam, Niels Feijen, and Earl Strickland all advanced in with wins in the first round.

Putnam, who is coming off his first pro title last week o­n the North American Open Tour, bested Greg Chavera and will face Eddie Moton Jr. today.   Illinois native James Baraks moved o­n with a first-round win over Rebecca Wagner and will face Eric Lundgren.  Lundgren provided the o­nly real upset in the first round by besting Larry Nevel. 

Tournament directors reported a field of 110 players from all over the world, including Italy, but Baraks and Willie Munson are two of the local favorites in the tournament.  Munson will face off against Mike Benitez in the second round.

Feijen and his girlfriend, Katrine Jensen, are also competing in the five-day event.  Feijen bested Gary Zutman in the first round and will face Rick Coleman today.  Jensen drew a first-round bye and will match up against Leil Gay this afternoon.

Santos Sambajon Jr. and Strickland are also battling in effort to advance to Saturday's final 64, and ultimately, to Sunday's final match, which is scheduled for 7 o' clock.

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