U.S. Amateur Championship - Men's Division

Brian Parks: 2009 U.S. Amateur Champion

(L to R): Chris Walls, Daniel Gambill, Travis Gunn, Brian Parks, Joseph Cole, Dean Vince

Brian Parks of Bakerfield, Calif., defeated Joseph Cole of Pelham, Ala., 11-10, in the finals of the 2009 U.S. Amateur Championship.  The hill-hill battle was a nail-bitter, much to the delight of a large audience of spectators.

The players split the 8-Ball set 4-4.  In 9-Ball, they continued to trade wins through the first eight games.  Parks gained a narrow edge with consecutive wins in the 9th and 10th games of 9-Ball.  The 20-year-old Cole responded well under pressure, coming back to win the next two games and sending the match hill-hill.

In the 13th and final game of 9-Ball, it was Parks, the seasoned West Coast shooter, winning his first U.S. Amateur Championship title.   Cole finished as Runner-up and is no doubt a name you’ll be hearing more in the future.

Defending champion Travis Gunn of Hewitt, Texas, finished in 3rd Place, losing only to Parks and Cole.  Dean Vince of Wesley, Chapel, Fla., finished 4th.  Daniel Gambill of Hickory, N.C., and 2008 Runner-up Chris Walls of High Springs, Fla., tied for 5th Place.

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