Las Vegas Challenge maiden run
Las Vegas Challenge maiden run
By Ty Hughes
It was the 1st Annual Las Vegas Challenge, and though there were some bumps along the way, Rick Clark and Terrance Carter pulled it off without any major hitches.
Originally hoping for a full 64-team field, they ended up with forty-eight. Still impressive for the very first shoot and a brand new concept. They’re pretty sure this tournament will draw a full field next year after some key changes are made, including opening up the invitation to include a wider geographical base of players.
Four locations participated in sponsoring this event; Cloud 9, R Bar, Pickled Onion and Spectators. Each location hosted a qualifier tournament leading to the finals event. Three weeks of competition attracted players from all over the Puget Sound, packing each location as the teams were whittled down to half, then half again.
Eventually, they wound up with the Final Four; Pat Gorman/Mark Zimmerman, Tre Tremble/Mario Moreno, David Pender/Rob Mason, and Chuck Connor/Kevin Larson. Each team was guaranteed a stylish Las Vegas Challenge trophy, plus cash and prizes.
On Saturday, April 24, the Final Four brought their best game to Cloud 9 for an afternoon battle to the finish. They wasted no time jumping right into the tournament.
The Cloud 9 was quiet with hardly a soul besides those shooting.
Tre/Mario beat Pat/Mark, and David/Rob beat Chuck/Kevin. So, while Pat/Mark played Chuck/Kevin to determine 3rd and 4th place, Tre/Mario played David/Rob in the Final match two boards down. One would emerge the champion.
Pat/Mark took Chuck/Kevin, 7-2 in a best-of-7 format to land in 3rd place. They took home $400 cash, and Chuck/Kevin recieved $260 for 4th place.
Meanwhile, David/Rob were putting the hurt on Tre/Mario, and finally shut the door with a 7-3 victory. Tre/Mario picked up over $550 cash, plus entry fees to Medalist Worlds.
David and Rob, Las Vegas Challenge Champions 2010, were awarded over $230 cash, airfare to Las Vegas, plus entry fees into the tournament.
Congratulations guys – great shooting! Thanks to everyone who participated, and plan on entering the Las Vegas Challenge for next year!
