England’s Karl Read wins US National 9-ball Wheelchair Championships

The tropically warm and friendly environment of Tampa, Florida played host to the 2007 NWPA U.S. National Wheelchair 9-Ball Championship. On September 28-30, 2007, over forty wheelchair cue artists assembled at Planet 9 Ball in the hope that each would have his or her hands wrapped around the championship trophy at the conclusion of this highly competitive tournament.

Following a rousing players meeting, the draw was conducted by Tournament Director, Jeff Murray and NWPA President, Jeff Dolezal.

There was a high level of anticipation on the part of the players, as each competitor prepared for battle, chomping at the bit for an opportunity to be crowned the National Champion. Many of these players had travelled thousands of mi1es to compete, solidifying their recognition as die-hard steadfast billiards enthusiasts:

Takahiro Terada was recognized as the athlete who travelled the longest distance coming all the way from Osaka:

Japan. Other countries represented included Austria Belgium, Canada, England,

Germany, Ireland, Norway, Scotland, Slovenia, Sweden, Wales and the United States of America.

During the three days of competition, Kenny Robinson, the Manager of Planet 9 Ball, and his very efficient staff ensured that each player, official and volunteer was supplied with plenty of food and drink.

As the field of players narrowed, a second tournament was initiated to provide those players eliminated from the main event with the opportunity to remain competitive in another tournament environment. This 2nd Flight event came with its own trophies and prize monies, as well.

Towards the end of the second day of competition, six players remained in the main event, including Bill Frisby, Terry Guess, Nick West and Charlie Hans (all USA),

Fred Dinsmore (Ireland) and Karl Read (England)

Four players remained in the 2nd Flight event, including Tai Volkmer (Germany), Terry Darling, Ken Force (both USA) and Roy Kimberley (England). These ten competitors would come back Sunday morning to continue their individual quests to climb to the top.

Saturday night's rainstorm cleared the air for Sunday's heated matches. In the 2nd Flight event, the no loss side semi-final match saw Terry Darling sending Ken Force to the one loss side (5 games to 3). In the no loss final, Terry Darling handed Roy Kimberley his first loss (5 games to 3), placing Terry in the 'hot seat'. In the first semi-final, Tai Volkmer knocked out Ken Force (4 games to 3). Ken finished in fourth place. In the second semi-final, Tai Volkmer took out Roy Kimberley (4 games to 3). The championship match witnessed Tai Volkmer blitzing Terry Darling (7 games to 2), effectively capturing the championship title of the 2nd Flight event. Congratulations, Tai!

In the Main event, Charlie Hans handed Terry Guess his first loss (9 games to 8) and Karl Read did the same to Fred Dinsmore (9 games to 6). Then; Nick West knocked out Fred Dinsmore (7 games to 6) and Bill Frisby eliminated Terry Guess (7 games to 5). Fred and Terry finished in 5/6^th place.

In the battle for the 'hot seat',  Charlie Hans beat Karl Read (9 games to 5). Meanwhile, in the first semi-final, Nick West handed Bill Frisby a 4th place finish (7 games to 2). In the second semi-final, Karl Read finally stopped Nick's charge (7 games to 2), handing Nick a highly respectable 3rd place finish. In the final Karl Read proved too much for Charlie Hans with a convincing victory (11 games to 4).

Charlie Hans captured 2nd place. Karl Read captured his first ever NWPA title; that of the 2007 NWPA U.S. National Wheelchair 9-Ball Championship! Well done Karl!