The events actually began last Tuesday night with the single-elimination, race-to-7 mini tournament. The roster for that showdown included 64 of the main tournament's complement. And Baraks continued his march through Tennessee, winning the top prize of $500, along with a piece of the $1,000 he drew from the mini auction. He bested Chad Vilmont, who had run consecutive 7-0 skunkings in his previous two matches, o­nly to hit the Baraks buzzsaw and fall like all the rest. Third/fourth place went to David Broxson and Eric Haul, while Brandon Ashcraft, Joe Bowman, Bilyeu, and Mike Williams split the 5-8 proceeds.

The tournament begins in earnest starting at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, double-elimination race-to-11. It will continue at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The ladies' division will kick off at 7:00 p.m. Friday, with a limit of 32 players in a double-elimination, race-to-7 format; it already looks to have an impressive field, judging from the early arrivals.

A Scotch doubles tourney, limited to 16 teams, will take place starting at 11 p.m. Friday, in a race-to-5, alternating break format.

Finally, the traditional winner-take-all "Midnight Madness" tournament, limited to eight players, single elimination and race to 11, commences at midnight o­n Saturday/Sunday.

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