Hildebrand Sweeps Through Finals

By R.T. Mechling

The Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour went north of the border o­n April 30 and May 1, as Color of Money Billiards hosted the last tour event of the season.  Niagara Falls, o­nT, was the host city for the event that featured 49 players competing for a prize fare of $9,800, including a $2,800 prize to the tournament's winner.

The double-elimination tournament was highlighted by the outstanding play of two teenagers, 15-year-old Eric Hildebrand and 19-year-old John Morra, who both climbed their way through an experienced field to meet in a thrilling tournament finale.  Don Kolacz, who took home third place in the event, defeated Hildebrand 9-4 o­n the winners' side before meeting Morra in the hot seat.  Kolacz appeared to be in control at the match's o­nset, but Morra refused to capitulate and came roaring back for a 9-7 win, vaulting himself into the final match.  Kolacz's arrival o­n the "B"-side placed him opposite Hildebrand in a rematch and a chance to take o­n Morra in the finals.  Unlike the first time the two met in the tournament, Hildebrand took control and turned the tables with a 9-4 victory, the same score by which he had lost to Kolacz earlier in the tournament.   

The all-teenage finals proved to be nothing short of spectacular.  Hildebrand's momentum gave him a solid 8-2 lead in the first set, but Morra ran four racks to get back into the set at 8-6.  However, Hildebrand closed the door o­n Morra by taking the next game and winning the set 9-6.  In the final set, the 15-year-old used a 2-1 lead to his advantage to eventually take the match and the tournament by a score of 9-5. 

Results:
1st Eric Hildebrand
2nd John Morra
3rd Don Kolacz
4th Bob Chaperon 
5th Chris Jenkins, Al Lougheed
7th Adam Smith, Al Logan
9th Jim Forsythe, Danny Basavich, Brad Grasso, Jason Holdaway

Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news in the sport of billiards and pool.