Archer Triumphant in Scorpion Challenge

By Carlos E. Calvo

"The Scorpion" Johnny Archer traveled to Puerto Rico o­n January 29-30 to compete in "The Scorpion Challenge" against 16 of the island's top 9-ball players.  The event, which was held at the Players Pool Hall in Yauco, included the four-time national champion Alan Rolon and German Hernandez, who is the current national champ.

Even with a prize pot of over $2,500, the main motivation was to win the tournament and face the seven-time player of the year in the final match.  The tournament was set up with the 16 Puerto Rican competitors battling in out in two-day 9-ball tournament, with the winner facing Archer in the "challenge" o­n Sunday evening.

After two days of intense and competitive pool, the final match was set with Rolon taking o­n his most formidable opponent over the past few years, Edgardo "Puruco" Ramirez.  The match-up looked great, but it was Rolon who handled Ramirez to win the championship.

Rolon, who competed in the 2004 U.S. Open, showed no signs of nervousness in his match with Archer, but he had never faced such a top player with a home crowd behind him before.  The o­nly problem for Rolon was that Archer was o­n top of his game, displaying the shot-making ability and precise safety-play that has earned him the numerous player-of-the-year awards.  After a first-set score of 9-3, Archer finished off Rolon with a 9-5 win. 

Although Archer proved why is o­ne the best players in the world, he acknowledged that Puerto Rico has some great young players.  "The level of play in Puerto Rico is very good, and it keeps getting better.  They should come to the States and start playing more often.  They definitely have some talent."

Archer was asked if he'd like to come back next year for a second challenge, and he almost immediately said it was something he would definitely consider.  "My expectations were fulfilled to a level I couldn't have imagined.  I would definitely consider coming back again next year."

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