Sergio del Puerto Conquers Competition to Secure 9-Ball Pro Qualifier Spot

Sergio del Puerto making a precise shot at a 9-Ball Qualifier.

A Triumphant Qualifier: Sergio del Puerto Shines

A thrilling showdown unfolded at Village Cue Club as players competed fiercely for a coveted spot in the upcoming $75,000-added International 9-Ball Open Pro event in St. Augustine this November. Among the standout competitors, Sergio del Puerto truly made his mark, securing a Qualifier position despite finishing second overall.

Round by Round: Del Puerto’s Journey

Sergio embarked on his competition with a strong first match, defeating Allen Barber with a score of 10-7. However, a setback against Willie Rubin followed, where he lost narrowly at 10-8. Rather than back down, del Puerto shifted gears, showing incredible resilience as he marched through the elimination bracket, defeating Deb Teichert 10-2, Andy Yu 10-5, and Cristian Lopez 10-5 without dropping another game until meeting Sam Kantar in the semi-finals. This matchup proved crucial, as del Puerto knocked out Kantar, a favorite in the tournament, with another decisive score of 10-5.

Final Faceoff: The High Stakes

The final match pitted del Puerto against Jesus Borjas, the eventual champion. Despite being down initially, del Puerto’s fighting spirit shone through as he rallied to a closer score before finishing at 13-10 against Borjas. This wasn’t just about the win, though—del Puerto was expertly positioned as the highest Q-pool finisher, clinching entry into the prestigious tournament.

Emotional Roller Coaster: Del Puerto's Reflections

After what he described as an “emotional roller coaster,” del Puerto reflected on the pressure he faced, including dealing with a back injury sustained shortly before the tournament. “My focus was challenged, but my drive kept me going. Winning four matches against tough opponents lifted my spirits, even if the final match didn’t go my way,” he expressed, showcasing humility amid his triumph.

What’s Next for Del Puerto?

In addition to his runner-up prize, del Puerto walked away with a Qualifier entry worth $750 and a $250 expense fund, proving that perseverance yields rewards on and off the table. Looking ahead, Sergio will prepare for his chance to shine on the larger stage in St. Augustine this November, where he aims to put his skills and newfound confidence to the test.

Join the Action: Upcoming Qualifier

For those looking to follow in Sergio's footsteps, the next Qualifier for the 650 and under International 9-Ball Semi-Pro is scheduled for September 27th. Interested players can contact Mimi at 561-714-6430 to sign up.

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