Aicinena and Almaraz Annihilate in San Antonio

Kuykendahl, Aicinena, Castillo, Jethwa, Almaraz, Sanchez

Eric Aicinena came from behind to capture the seventh stop on the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour, held at Fast Eddie’s Culebra, in San Antonio. In the open 9-ball division, Aicinena bested veteran player, Rudy Sanchez, in the finals, 6-1, 5-3. In the amateur 9-ball division, Danny Almaraz went undefeated, sliding by Rick Castillo in the final match, 4-3.

On September 14th-15th, 2024, title sponsor Poison by Predator Cues, sponsors Predator Cues, Outsville Billiards, Team Straight Pool Eye, and Brutal Game Gear, facilitated another successful event hosted by Fast Eddie’s Culebra in San Antonio, Texas. Predator sponsored the Arcos II ball sets used on each table, and Accu-Racks were provided by Outsville Billiards for discussion-free racking.

In the open 9-ball division, final four on the winners’ side, Eric Aicinena defeated Rick Castillo, 6-0, while Rudy Sanchez ousted Danny Almaraz, 6-4. Sanchez upset Aicinena for the hot seat win, 6-3. On the west side, in the final eight, long-time Tour player and San Antonio local, Andy Jethwa, eliminated Brian Murphy, 5-1, and Almaraz, 5-4, while Bill Kuykendahl shut out Chris Ramoz and Castillo, by the same score, 5-0. Jethwa eliminated Kuykendahl, 5-4, but fell to Aicinena, 5-1. In the finals, Aicinena initiated his comeback against Sanchez, running away with the first set, 6-1. In overtime, Sanchez attempted to regroup, but fell short, 5-3.

Kuykendahl, Rodriguez, Castillo, Rocha, Almaraz, Chaney

In the amateur 9-ball division, winners’ side final four, Bill Kuykendahl denied Vance Rodriguez, 5-3, while Danny Almaraz sent Tommy Chaney west, 5-3. Hot seat action witnessed Almaraz defeat Kuykendahl, 5-1. On the one-loss side, in the final eight, one of two females competing in the amateur division, Natalie Rocha, overwhelmed Oscar Gomez, 4-1, and dusted off Chaney, 4-1. Rick Castillo sent home Mille Almaraz, and Vance Rodrigues, 4-2. Kuykendahl ended Castillo, 4-2, to move into the finals.

In the last match, Almaraz eased by Castillo, 4-3, to secure his second Tour victory of the year.

The Tour would like to congratulate Rick Castillo on his highest finish to date and thank all the players who came out to support the event.

Open Payouts – $1,050

1st Eric Aicinena $425

2nd Rudy Sanchez $280

3rd Andy Jethwa $175

4th Bill Kuykendahl $100

5th-6th Danny Almaraz, Rick Castillo $35 ea

Amateur Payouts – $920

1st Danny Almaraz $380

2nd Rick Castillo $250

3rd Bill Kuykendahl $160

4th Natalie Rocha $80

5th-6th Vance Rodriguez, Tommy Chaney $25 ea