Sally Timko

Hlavachek Lacerates Field at Denver 10-Ball Open
By Samm Diep, PoolTipJar.com

On July 24 & 25, Tables Steaks South (soon to be known as Billiards Ink) in Englewood, Colorado hosted the Denver 10-Ball Open and Cue Show. This inaugural $1,500 added event boasted 47 of the best players from across the state, including a couple from New Mexico and Ontario, Canada. Chris Byrne Custom Cues and many other local cue makers and vendors also took the opportunity to display their handcrafted work.

Of the elite, Boulder resident Jay Hlavachek was crowned the Denver 10-Ball Open Champion. He has competed in several professional events in the past but this hometown victory was so sweet for many reasons. When Hlavachek arrived Saturday morning he was less than impressed with his warm up performance. The full-time real estate agent has been focusing more on his career than his pool game.

But once the tournament kicked off, the slimmer new healthier Hlavachek came alive and tore through the field to go undefeated into the finals. In the first match on Sunday, Hlavachek would send Bill Skinner to the B-side with a 7-4 victory. While there, the senior player eliminated Tony Piazza, Reuben Silva, and Kiko Ibarra for a chance at a rematch with Hlavachek.

Skinner came on strong claiming the first set 7-2. Now, in a shorter race to 5, it seemed he still had the momentum, taking the first game. The two kept it close, exchanging racks until 3-3 when Hlavachek pulled away to close out the set 5-3. “I’m excited. It feels good to win. This is something to improve on,” said the modest Hlavachek.

1st $1,330
Jay Hlavachek

2nd $640
Bill Skinner

3rd $330
Kiko Ibarra

4th $240
Reuben Silva

5/6th $150
Rick Field
Tony Piazza

7/8th $110
Nelson M
Chuey Rivera

9-12th $70
Mike D
Bill Meacham
Sam Cordova
ATM Andy