THE OX SPORTSBAR; PHOENIX, AZ
Several surprises at Ox $1,000 Tourney

By Kelli Wise

On Saturday, August 27th, The Ox Sportsbar sponsored an incredible $1,000 dart tournament. Sixty-eight players showed up to get in on the action and the top eight teams were paid for their efforts at the dartboards.
Tobin Crouch, Troy Vending, is the reigning Tournament Director for large tournaments around Phoenix and as always, he did a superb job in making sure that everything ran smoothly.
Ox bartenders, Michelle and Kristi, kept everyone well lubed with aiming fluid to keep them shooting well. Ox owners, Julie and Rick were also on hand, cheering on the players. They were gracious enough to add additional money to the pot, making the total payout a whopping $1,160. They also invited the “Pucker Girls” out to pass out Pucker shots and free gifts!
Throughout the tournament, there were those favorites and a few surprises. Both teams of Chicago Bob and Tee, Yianni and Alan lost their first matches, but fought their way through the loser’s bracket to take seventh and fifth place, respectively. I knew for sure I would be in the winner’s circle with my partner, Kurly, but was eventually knocked out by Angie and Bill.
Here’s how it all went down and who took home the cash:

1st; Joel Haines, Miguel Lozoya
2nd; Jimmy Damore, Wendi Stone
3rd; Ron Merrill, Bob Castillo
4th; Kix Alcala, Dean Sitzler
5th; Mike Cunningham, James Roberts; Yianni Linaris, Alan Aldano
7th; Pete Linaris, Jon Elliot; Bob Bretz, Teresa “Tee” Arreola

Even though Jimmy and Wendi ended up in second place, Wendi did an awesome job keeping the game alive with three double bulls during the Cricket match!
Great shooting to everyone! Thanks for coming out and supporting the game.
As noted in many publications over the years, Phoenix people always step up and help out a family in need, regardless if they’re a dart player or not. During the week prior to this tournament, Carla, one of the bartenders from Sixshooters Phoenix, unexpectedly passed away.
Although many of the players were headed to Sixshooters afterwards for a benefit shoot in her behalf, everyone thought something special should be done at The Ox as well. So, a 50/50 drawing was held and over $200 was raised for Carla’s family!
If you are anywhere near The Ox during the week, check out their “Ox Idol” karaoke contest. Every Monday through Thursday night, you can qualify to win. Each Thursday, whoever qualified during the week will have an opportunity to win $25 and automatic entry into the Grand Finale contest, which will be held on November 3rd. The grand prize is $500 in cash!
Plus, don’t forget, Wednesday nights from 5pm-8pm at the Ox, Mike Marriott performs an acoustic jam that just shouldn’t be missed. See ya at the Ox Sportsbar, located at 3209 E Pinchot, Phoenix.