Richey Orem Triumphs in Reno

JAM

JAM

I am the storm
Silver Member
What a great story, Richey Orem wins the Reno Open. He defeated some mighty champions on his quest to the winner's circle, to include double-dipping U.S. Open Champion Gabe Owen in the finals.

He came to Reno to assist the Diamond folks in the setup and maintenance of the tournament tables. Richey woke up early like a rooster each morning to provide assistance to Diamond.

Holly Ryan must have recognized a little spark of excellence in Richey's eyes because the only picture I can find of the young'n was taken at the Joss Turning Stone Casino event earlier this year. Richey is shown in this shot watching Ginky hit a ball: http://www.azbilliards.com/gallery/showpicture.cfm?eventnum=136&photographernum=5&picnum=8211

There have been some great American pool stories this year. John Schmidt capturing the prestigious 2006 U.S. Open title was heartwarming, and now Richey Orem coming out on top in Reno. That's the way -- uh-huh, uh-huh -- I like it! :)

JAM
 
Congratulations Mr. Orem

I agree with JAM 100%. Richey Orem has played in our end of the month tournament at Planet 9-Ball a few times since moving to Clearwater and he's not only a very good player, but he's a VERY nice individual on top of that.
Doug
 
Former Fairbanks man wins a pro pool title

Article from the Anchorage Daily News dated December 13, 2006.

http://www.adn.com/sports/story/8489743p-8383507c.html

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Former Fairbanks man wins a pro pool title
Anchorage Daily News staff
Published: December 13, 2006

Former Fairbanks pool player Rich Orem, who recently moved to Clearwater, Fla., won the first major professional pool title of his career on Sunday, topping a field of 162 at the Reno Open nine-ball tournament and collecting $12,500 in prize money.

In the finals, Orem defeated Gabe Owen 9-7, 9-5.

"I had always dreamed of being a pro player when I was young," Orem said, according to Web site www.azbilliards.com. "Not a hustler or a gambler, but a pro player. I wanted to win at least one major title, and I have done that now."

Orem expected the final day of competition to be some of the toughest matches of his life.

"Coming into Sunday, I knew I was a longshot. I would have to beat three of the best players in the country" Orem said. "But I knew I could win if I could just play good and maybe get a couple rolls." Orem said.

He didn't need many rolls as it turned out. A 9-ball break at hill-hill against Cliff Joyner was followed by a combo attempt on the 9-ball at hill-hill against Tony Chohan that went one rail and found the pocket, earning Orem a match against former U.S. Open champion Owen in the finals.

"I had nothing to lose against Gabe," Orem said.

With second place guaranteed, Orem had already assured himself of the biggest payday of this career.

"The most I had ever won before this was $5,000 at the Alaska State Championship when I was 18," Orem said.
 
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