GHT POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
S BILLIARDS
PHOTO BY WARREN KAHLE PHOTOGRAPHY ANNAPOLIS, MD
June 21 for the Seventh Annual Maryland Open 14.1 Straight Pool Championships
run, a miss and then he was out sending Zion to the showers. But never fear, smooth stroking Double Z, with lovely Miss Andoni at his side, will be back. And so into the finals marched Johnny Archer & John Schmidt. Not at all unexpected for two great seasoned pros. But as in a golf tournament with a slew of great players anyone can surge into the lead early. So it is hard to predict who the final two standing on Sunday afternoon are going to be, even given their Hall of Fame credentials, with such a strong field. But the fact that the two top players moved all the way through and on to the Sunday finals is a testimony to their true greatness; one a hall of famer the other a certain lock for the Hall as the years move along. The final match began on the tv table at 9:30 PM and Schmidt jumped out to a quick lead with a nice run, but this was Johnny’s night and he got back into
the match, and then a tough roll sat Mr. 400 down and Johnny managed to get out from there winning 125-74 to capture the first place trophy and a prize of $4,000. Something to help Johnny’s little seven year old guy through some tough months following major ear surgery. A tip of the hat to one of the games great ambassadors, Mr. Johnny Archer. And to a great event for John Schmidt, 2nd place prize of $3,000. And winner of the high run on Sat. with two 100 & outs, and again high run winner on Sunday with an 82. Two just great players! A terrific Maryland tournament once again. Always lots of debate among players and fans as to 14.1 format . . . Is this the best way, an old fashioned round robin, let the cream rise and then a handful of players play on in a single (14.1 continued on page 22)
August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 5