Chapman Earns NC Senior Event

By Bill Rosenberger

Younger Chapman outlasted a field 23 over-50 players at the North Carolina Senior 9-Ball Open at Babineau's Billiards o­n November 13-14.  The Raleigh, NC, poolroom is a regular stop o­n many Southeastern tours, and owner Paul Babineau said this is something he has wanted to do for while.

"Even with a small field, it was a success," he said.  "I'm already working o­n another event for the spring." 

Chapman was o­ne of many well-known Southern players including Lee Bryant and Jack Stenner, who both placed in the money and both fell to Chapman.  Bryant was the first to face Chapman in the hot seat match.  The two long-time players battled back and forth, with neither gaining much of a lead.  Chapman grabbed a late advantage and rolled with it, winning the match 9-7. 

Bryant went to the west side to face Stenner in another tantalizing match.  Both competitors played offensive-minded 9-ball, but it was Bryant who took an 8-7 lead.  With three balls left o­n the table, though, Bryant miscued o­n the 7 ball, leaving Stenner an opportunity to run out the rack.  Stenner put to the match o­n the hill and proceeded to run out the rack in the decisive match to earn a spot in the finals. 

The double-elimination final match appeared like it could be as thrilling as the previous two matches, and while they were great to watch, neither of the sets was very close.  Stenner opened the first set with two consecutive break and runs, and he carried the momentum all the way to a 9-3 win.  Chapman broke first in the second set and sank the 9 right off the break for a 1-0 lead.  He, too, carried the momentum of a fast start to the tournament victory 9-2. 

Also deserving of recognition were A.T. Thigpen, 60, and Steve Smith, 62, for placing in a respective tie for ninth place.  The two gentlemen were the oldest and highest finishers of the field, and each received $70 for their play. Results:1st Younger Chapman $1,0002nd Jack Stenner $4003rd Lee Bryant $2004th Cletus O'Dell $100