Matlock Continues His Midwest Dominance

By Bill Rosenberger

The McDermott Midwest 9-Ball Tour took a week off, but tournament director Harvey Hibner didn't.  Hibner, who owns Break-and-Run Billiards in Chillicothe, MO, held a house tournament o­n December 18, 2004, that drew 23 of the area's best players,including Dave Matlock, Chuck Reed, and Scotty Boley.

Matlock, who dominates the best the Midwest has to offer, also took control of this event early.  But Hibner didn't do so bad either.  Both players reached the hot seat match unscathed, and the contest was a lot closer than even Hibner thought it would be.  Matlock jumped ahead 4-1, but Hibner battled back with three break-and-runs to get the match even at 4-all.  In the ninth rack, Hibner had a chance to go ahead but miscued, giving Matlock the table and the match 7-4. 

Marty Heldenbrand, another local player found himself battling through the o­ne-loss side early, but he came up with wins over Boley and Reed to reach the semifinals against Hibner.  After falling behind 3-1, Heldenbrand put together three straight wins to take the lead, but it was short-lived, as Hibner bounced back to win 7-4. 

The finals featured Matlock and Hibner in a rematch, but it was completely different from how the hot seat match went.  Hibner o­nly got to shoot twice-the opening break and after Matlock played a safe.  Matlock controlled the match and won easily 7-0. 

"When he's breaking the balls right, you can't stop him," said Hibner.  "I o­nly got to shoot twice.  That's how good he is."

Results:

1st Dave Matlock

2nd Harvey Hibner

3rd Marty Heldenbrand

4th Chuck Reed

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