Bryant Wins Second Straight Tidewater Event

By Bill Rosenberger

Leroy Bryant won his second straight Tidewater Tour event o­n October 16 at Sharks N Shooters in Rocky Mount, NC.  This time, though, he had to battle back from a second-round loss and work his way through the west side to take the tournament.

Bryant's early oust to the o­ne-loss side came from Joe Whaley, a newcomer to the Tidewater Tour, but not to the game.  Whaley, who is in his 60s, used his experience to get him all the way to the finals.  First, he would have to meet up with Robert Ray in the hot seat.

The two players traded games back and forth, with neither ever getting more than a o­ne-game lead.  Whaley went up 6-5, and Ray won to put the match o­n the hill, but it was Whaley would be sink the final 9 ball to take the match.

Meanwhile, Bryant was moving along steadily in the o­ne-loss side.  He met Steven Page in the quarterfinals and won 5-3.  Bryant advanced to the semifinals to meet Ray, but Ray couldn't find his rhythm, as Bryant won easily 5-1. 

The finals pitted Bryant and Whaley in a rematch.  Whaley had won the first time, but Bryant was determined win the tournament.  Bryant jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead.  The two traded a few games, but Bryant maintained at least a two-game lead until he pulled away for the 9-6 victory. 

Results:1st Leroy Bryant $4052nd Joe Whaley $2453rd Robert Ray $1654th Steven Page $85