Chohan Takes One-Pocket Crown at Summer Jamboree
Tony “T-Rex” Chohan devoured the competition in the one-pocket division of the Summer Jamboree, which culminated June 15 at Hard Times Billiards in Sacramento, Calif. In a field of 37, Chohan remained at the top of the food chain, remaining undefeated after a 5-1 victory in the final over Dennis Orcollo.
Chohan has issued challenges in one-pocket in the past, and held true to his claims that he could beat any player under 50, west of Oklahoma. He began with wins over Gandy Valle, 3-0, Ed Ames, 3-1, and David Reljic, 3-1. In the next to matches, he didn’t allow his opponent on the scoreboard, beating Mark Haddad, 3-0, and administering a quick-and-painless 3-0 loss to Richard Burns in 11 minutes to take the hot-seat.
Meanwhile, Reno Open champion Dennis Orcollo was battling it out on the one-loss side, where he was sent by Ames. Orcollo came back with wins over Valle, Billy Palmer, Lance Salazar, Haddad and Burns to earn his place in the finals against Chohan.
Though Orcollo has been on a hot streak, his lack of one-pocket experience was apparent against Chohan, who jumped out to a 4-0 lead. Orcollo was able to get on the board with one game before Chohan finished off the match in the next game for the 5-1 win.
Chohan pocketed $2200 for first, while Orcollo settled for $1500. Richard Burns and Mark Haddad filled out the top four spots. The $10,000-added Summer Jamboree 9-Ball Division will kick off today at noon.
Complete Results:
1st Tony Chohan $2200
2nd Dennis Orcollo $1500
3rd Richard Burns $1000
4th Mark Haddad $700
5th/6th Lance Salazar, Santos Sambajon $450
7th/8th Billy Palmer, Ed Ames $300
9th/12th David Reljic, Gandy Valle, Tyler Edey, Trevor Smith $225
Haddad Sends Orcollo to the Losers’ Side at Summer Jamboree
The Hard Times Billiards hosted Summer Jamboree began June 14 and will continue through June 19, with 38 players currently competing in the $5,000-added one-pocket division.
Held annually after the Sands Regency Reno Open, the Summer Jamboree features many of the same players, including Reno Open winner Dennis Orcollo, Jose Parica, Santos Sambajon, Warren Kiamco, Tony Chohan and Tyler Edey, all playing in the one-pocket event. Even more top players are expected for the 9-ball event, which will commence this weekend (June 17).
The first day of one-pocket competition was full of upsets, as Frank Nordmann beat Parica, 3-0, and Ed Ames beat Sambajon, 3-2, in the first round. The hot-handed Orcollo was handed defeat in the third round by Mark Haddad, 3-1.
Haddad remains undefeated, and will face Tony Chohan today. Also remaining on the winners’ side are Richard Burns and Lance Salazar, who will also match wits today.
On the one-loss side, Ames knocked out Parica, 3-1, and could continue to foil the favorites when he meets Sambajon again today. Orcollo is staying alive with a win in his first one-loss side match against Gandy Valle, 3-2. He will face Billy Palmer today.
Buddy Hall Wins Hard Times Summer Jamboree One-Pocket Title
Buddy Hall won the One-Pocket division at the Hard Times Summer Jamboree, June 16, at Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, Calif. Hall went to the one-loss side at the hands of Billy Palmer, but then fought his way through the likes of Greg Sullivan and Tony Chohan, among others. Hall faced Jose Parica in the race-to-5 final; The Rifleman won, 5-1, and collected $3,000.
The Hard Times event goes from June 14-19, and also features a $10,000-added 9-ball division, which concludes on Sunday. For more information and complete brackets, check www.azbilliards.com.