Here are my nominees for best pro match of the year in pool in 2013:
1) Dechaine vs Pagulayan at Derby City 9-ball, semifinals
Both players in very good form, and it got to double hill. Dechaine played a near perfect safety and Pagulayan kicked eighteen feet at the one ball and somehow pocketed it. Alex still had to come with a difficult two ball and was up to the challenge, and ended up the 9-8 winner, advancing to the final, where he would beat Putnam to win the title.
2) Orcullo vs Morris at the US Open 10-ball at the BCAPL National Championships
Orcullo had already won the US Open 1-pocket in the first pro event at the BCAPL's and had a 9-2 lead in the race to 11 final against Rodney Morris. What seemed a laugher turned on a dime and Rodney got on a massive roll to complete the improbable comeback and snap off the event. Absolutely breathtaking!
3) Van Boening vs Biado at the US Open 8-ball at the BCAPL National Championships
Each player ran 9 of his first ten racks from the break and the match stood at 10-10 in a win by two format. At 11-11, Biado made the fatal mistake and Shane ran out for a truly memorable 13-11 win.
4) Philippines vs Taipei, Semifinal at the World Cup of Pool
This scotch doubles match featured four of the world's greatest players, with the match being JL Chang and Ko Pin Yi vs Dennis Orcullo and Lee Vann Corteza. The Filippinos were near perfect in gaining a 7-2 lead in the race to 9. When they broke dry at 7-2, Chang and Ko ran that rack and four more to tie it at 7-7! When they broke dry at 7-7, however, the Filippinos ran two racks and out to complete one of the most impressive matches I've seen in all my years around pro pool.
So those are my top four. Which match was best?
Do you think any other matches are worthy of consideration for match of the year in 2013? If so, please note them here.
Even so, it was a great match and a great come-back.
