Defending champion Johnny “The Scorpion” Archer, who won the title both in 2003 and 2004, bested Shannon Daulton in a hill-hill nailbiter in the first round this afternoon, sending “The Cannon” to the o­ne-loss side early.  Recent North American Open Tour victor Shawn Putnam defeated Tom Drapeau 10-4 and will face Jason Cruz in Friday’s evening round.  Viking Tour championship winner Niels Feijen of Holland won his match against Dave “The Wave” Hemmah 10-9 and will face Jeremy Jones o­n Friday, while Glass City Open champ Charlie Bryant squeaked by 10-9 against Nate McGaha and has Brandon Ashcraft as an opponent in the second round.

Filipino Al Lapena came through with a 10-4 win over fellow countryman Santos Sambajon Jr., and “Earthquake” Keith McCready sent his first opponent, Tony “The Silent Assassin” Robles to the o­ne-loss side with a 10-7 win.  Joss Tour frequenter Dennis Hatch played a tough match against Evan Broxmeyer in which from being tied at 4 apiece, Hatch sped away with a 10-5 win.

The elimination round begins at high noon o­n Friday, while the winners’ bracket matches will commence at 7 p.m. 

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