Matlock Emerges Undefeated at Break Billiards

By Bill Rosenberger

The Midwest 9-Ball Tour stopped at Break Billiards in Cahokia, IL, the weekend of September 18-19, where David Matlock claimed top honors.  Matlock went undefeated during the weekend, ending with a 9-7 final match victory over Mark Wilson.

Break Billiards, which always hosts a great event, set up charcoal pits outside and cooked up 200-300 steaks over the weekend. They also added $2,500 to the total prize fund. While the food was grilling outside, the players were cooking o­n the tables inside.  Tournament director Evelyn Dysart said the field of 91 was very strong, bringing competitors from as far away as Georgia.

On the way to his undefeated weekend, Matlock had to go through Wilson in the winners’ bracket finals.  In control from the start, the hot seat match went 9-4 in favor of Matlock.  After jumping out to an early lead, he cruised through to his ninth and final rack with Wilson making minimal noise.

The semifinal match featured Wilson and Darren Everett in what may have been the most entertaining match of the day.  The match went back and forth, with neither man going 2-up.  Finally, it went to double-hill at 8 apiece before Wilson emerged the victor.

Matlock and Wilson geared up for the rematch, and this time Wilson wouldn’t go down without a fight.  Matlock gained a two-game advantage midway through the match, but Wilson came back and tied it up at 7.  Wilson then played a safety across the table off o­ne rail, but Matlock made a great shot and eventually went up 8-7. He then broke and ran the final rack.

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Results:

1st David Matlock $1,0002nd Mark Wilson $6003rd Darren Everett $4004th James Baraks $2205th Jay Pettlon, Shane Jones $1757th Brad Levine, Rich Cunningham $125