Features

Lone Unbeatens Square-Off in 3:30 Round

Only four players remain undefeated in the 2007 U.S. Amateur Championship – all four veterans of past tournament competition. Former champion Robert Hall handed Brian Belobradic of Whitby, Ontario, Canada his first loss, while Jason Ritchko of Trinity, Fla., defeated Eddie Little of Salisbury, N.C.

In the Women’s Division, defending champion Michell Monk will be pitted against last year’s 3rd Place finisher Betty Sessions.

The winners of both matches will advance to the final round this evening.

Young Gun Capturing Attention in Atlanta

At just 18 years of age, Joseph Cole of Birmingham, Ala., is the youngest competitor in this year’s U.S. Amateur Championship. Despite his age, he’s playing as well, if not better than, many of the seasoned veterans.

Perhaps it’s his youth that’s allowed him to play pressure free against men two and three-times his own age, or maybe he’s just THAT good.

“This is the first year I’ve been able to play, and I love it. Obviously there’s always pressure, but I’m just trying to play my game and stay confident,” said Cole after his third victory of the tournament.

Cole may be the next in a long line of great U.S. Amateur Championship competitors from the state of Alabama. Former champions David Rowell (2000) and Robert Hall (2001) both hail from Alabama, as does last year’s Runner-up Richard Andrews.

Cole is proudly sponsored by BumperNets (www.bumpernets.com).

Better Late than Never for Defending Men’s Division Champion

After being a no-show for his first match Friday evening, defending champion Bill McCollim arrived on Saturday morning. Despite taking the early round forfeit, McCollim showed up in top form and has won his first three matches.

The one-loss bracket might not be a bad place for McCollim after all. In 2006 he lost his second match of the tournament and then cruised to the finals where he eventually defeated Richard Andrews.

McCollim is fresh off his appearance at the U.S. Open in October where he managed to win his first match before losing his next two.

Gambill Brothers Betting On Themselves

Newcomers Allen and Daniel Gambill of Hickory, N.C., are hoping to make the family name proud in the 2007 U.S. Amateur Championship. The brothers qualified at the Preliminary Round in Greenville, S.C. in September. Allen, the older of the two, admits his brother is likely the better player.

“I started playing in 1999, and he just started three years ago,” said Allen who also admitted its nice having his brother at the tournament for moral support.

If the two were to meet in the finals, Allen thinks it’d be a cordial match. “We’d probably be rooting for each other to win, but it’d be a great match. I’m not sure who Mom would root for,” he added.

Former Champions on Collision Course

Defending U.S. Amateur Champion Michell Monk and former champion Tina Larsen (2003) are on a potential collision course in the winner’s bracket. Standing in the way of the showdown between past champions however is some stiff competition.

Monk faces Lee Coffman of Decatur, Ala. Coffman is coming off a big win against Suzanne Osborne of Edgewood, Wash.

Larsen will be pitted against the always dangerous Samm Diep of Aurora, Colo. Diep defeated former U.S. Amateur Championship Runner-up Amy Poulter in the 1st Round and newcomer Norma Vestey in the 2nd.

Both matches take place Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. (EDT).

The Men’s Division is well represented by a championship breed by defending champion Bill McCollim of Freedom, Pa., and former winners Robert Hall (2001) and two-time champion Henry Brodt (’98-’99).

2006 Runner’s Up Back with a Vengeance

Melinda Huang of Los Angeles For some, 2nd Place is an outstanding finish. For others, it’s just not good enough. That could be said for both of last year’s U.S. Amateur Championship Runners-Up. Melinda Huang of Los Angeles and Richard Andrews of Harvest, Ala., both had outstanding runs in last year’s competition. However, the memory of what might have been still lingers. It’s that memory that has brought each of them back to Mr. Cues II hoping to prevail from this year’s competition as THE U.S. Amateur Champion.

“I really wanted the trophy last year. Second place is good, but it’s just not good enough. I’m tired of always being the ‘bridesmaid,’ I want to marry the 1st Place trophy this year,” said Huang.

Andrews got off to an easy start after his opponent failed to show and forfeited the match. Huang has her work cut out for her after losing her first match to Michelle Wrightson of Baltimore.

Local Players Hoping for Home Field Advantage

Seven players from the Atlanta area are competing in this year’s U.S. Amateur Championship. Daniel Cash (Marietta), Michael Keat (Marietta), Kristine Malone (Atlanta), Chris McDonald (Dacula), Lara Rossignol (Atlanta), Betty Sessions (Dunwoody) and Andy Stewart (Duluth) all qualified for this year’s event. Last year Sessions represented her hometown well with a 3rd Place finish.

Plenty of New Faces in 2007 U.S. Amateur Championship

There are generally quite a few familiar faces in U.S. Amateur Championship. However, this year more than 42% of the tournament field are first-time qualifiers. And while former champions like Henry Brodt, Michell Monk, Robert Hall and Tina Larsen look to add another title to their resume, 64 players are looking to take home the title of U.S. Amateur Championship their first time.

Last year, champions Michell Monk and Bill McCollim won the event in their first appearance.

Who will this year’s champion be???

U.S. Amateur Championship Returns to Mr. Cues II

For the third consecutive year, Mr. Cues II in Atlanta has been selected to host the nation’s most prestigious amateur tournament. Only a handful of the nation’s top pool rooms have ever been selected to host the U.S. Amateur Championship.

Mr. Cues II houses 20 9-ft and 18 8-ft Kim steel tables as well as a 1923 Thurston English 12-ft snooker table.

The location also offers a restaurant and full-bar, in addition to a pro shop. The location has hosted its share of well known billiard stars including Jeanette Lee, Allison Fisher and many of the top players on the WPBA tour. Men’s top pro player Johnny Archer is the resident house pro. Mr. Cues II hosts over 100 APA Pool League teams and hosts in-house tournaments.

To learn more about Mr. Cues II, visit them online at www.mrcues2.net.




	Features Lone Unbeatens Square-Off in 3:30 Round Only four players remain undefeated in the 2007 U.S. Amateur Championship – all four veterans of past tournament competition. Former champion Robert Hall handed Brian Belobradic of Whitby, Ontario, Canada his first loss, while Jason Ritchko of Trinity, Fla., defeated Eddie Little of Salisbury, N.C. In the Women’s Division, defending champion Michell Monk will be pitted against last year’s 3rd Place finisher Betty Sessions. The winners of both matches will advance to the final round this evening. Young Gun Capturing Attention in Atlanta At just 18 years of age, Joseph Cole of Birmingham, Ala., is the youngest competitor in this year’s U.S. Amateur Championship. Despite his age, he’s playing as well, if not better than, many of the seasoned veterans. Perhaps it’s his youth that’s allowed him to play pressure free against men two and three-times his own age, or maybe he’s just THAT good. “This is the first year I’ve been able to play, and I love it. Obviously there’s always pressure, but I’m just trying to play my game and stay confident,” said Cole after his third victory of the tournament. Cole may be the next in a long line of great U.S. Amateur Championship competitors from the state of Alabama. Former champions David Rowell (2000) and Robert Hall (2001) both hail from Alabama, as does last year’s Runner-up Richard Andrews. Cole is proudly sponsored by BumperNets (www.bumpernets.com). Better Late than Never for Defending Men’s Division Champion After being a no-show for his first match Friday evening, defending champion Bill McCollim arrived on Saturday morning. Despite taking the early round forfeit, McCollim showed up in top form and has won his first three matches. The one-loss bracket might not be a bad place for McCollim after all. In 2006 he lost his second match of the tournament and then cruised to the finals where he eventually defeated Richard Andrews. McCollim is fresh off his appearance at the U.S. Open in October where he managed to win his first match before losing his next two. Gambill Brothers Betting On Themselves Newcomers Allen and Daniel Gambill of Hickory, N.C., are hoping to make the family name proud in the 2007 U.S. Amateur Championship. The brothers qualified at the Preliminary Round in Greenville, S.C. in September. Allen, the older of the two, admits his brother is likely the better player. “I started playing in 1999, and he just started three years ago,” said Allen who also admitted its nice having his brother at the tournament for moral support. If the two were to meet in the finals, Allen thinks it’d be a cordial match. “We’d probably be rooting for each other to win, but it’d be a great match. I’m not sure who Mom would root for,” he added. Former Champions on Collision Course Defending U.S. Amateur Champion Michell Monk and former champion Tina Larsen (2003) are on a potential collision course in the winner’s bracket. Standing in the way of the showdown between past champions however is some stiff competition. Monk faces Lee Coffman of Decatur, Ala. Coffman is coming off a big win against Suzanne Osborne of Edgewood, Wash. Larsen will be pitted against the always dangerous Samm Diep of Aurora, Colo. Diep defeated former U.S. Amateur Championship Runner-up Amy Poulter in the 1st Round and newcomer Norma Vestey in the 2nd. Both matches take place Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. (EDT). The Men’s Division is well represented by a championship breed by defending champion Bill McCollim of Freedom, Pa., and former winners Robert Hall (2001) and two-time champion Henry Brodt (’98-’99). 2006 Runner’s Up Back with a Vengeance For some, 2nd Place is an outstanding finish. For others, it’s just not good enough. That could be said for both of last year’s U.S. Amateur Championship Runners-Up. Melinda Huang of Los Angeles and Richard Andrews of Harvest, Ala., both had outstanding runs in last year’s competition. However, the memory of what might have been still lingers. It’s that memory that has brought each of them back to Mr. Cues II hoping to prevail from this year’s competition as THE U.S. Amateur Champion. “I really wanted the trophy last year. Second place is good, but it’s just not good enough. I’m tired of always being the ‘bridesmaid,’ I want to marry the 1st Place trophy this year,” said Huang. Andrews got off to an easy start after his opponent failed to show and forfeited the match. Huang has her work cut out for her after losing her first match to Michelle Wrightson of Baltimore. Local Players Hoping for Home Field Advantage Seven players from the Atlanta area are competing in this year’s U.S. Amateur Championship. Daniel Cash (Marietta), Michael Keat (Marietta), Kristine Malone (Atlanta), Chris McDonald (Dacula), Lara Rossignol (Atlanta), Betty Sessions (Dunwoody) and Andy Stewart (Duluth) all qualified for this year’s event. Last year Sessions represented her hometown well with a 3rd Place finish. Plenty of New Faces in 2007 U.S. Amateur Championship There are generally quite a few familiar faces in U.S. Amateur Championship. However, this year more than 42% of the tournament field are first-time qualifiers. And while former champions like Henry Brodt, Michell Monk, Robert Hall and Tina Larsen look to add another title to their resume, 64 players are looking to take home the title of U.S. Amateur Championship their first time. Last year, champions Michell Monk and Bill McCollim won the event in their first appearance. Who will this year’s champion be??? U.S. Amateur Championship Returns to Mr. Cues II For the third consecutive year, Mr. Cues II in Atlanta has been selected to host the nation’s most prestigious amateur tournament. Only a handful of the nation’s top pool rooms have ever been selected to host the U.S. Amateur Championship. Mr. Cues II houses 20 9-ft and 18 8-ft Kim steel tables as well as a 1923 Thurston English 12-ft snooker table. The location also offers a restaurant and full-bar, in addition to a pro shop. The location has hosted its share of well known billiard stars including Jeanette Lee, Allison Fisher and many of the top players on the WPBA tour. Men’s top pro player Johnny Archer is the resident house pro. Mr. Cues II hosts over 100 APA Pool League teams and hosts in-house tournaments. To learn more about Mr. Cues II, visit them online at www.mrcues2.net. The competition is relentless...
© 2007, American Poolplayers Association