At the opening ceremonies the list of sponsors including Olhausen Billiard Tables, BCA, Viking Cues, Giuseppe Cases, and others were read aloud. Then Karla Polter from Olhausen was introduced and she welcomed the players and guests. A very warm and touching moment was felt by all gathered here in a moment of silence for Paul Flanagian (Team Europe) who passed away earlier in 1999. Paul was a great person and player who was liked by all.

The tournament Director Arian Duin gave everyone some last minute instructions on the round robin, race to 5. Then she gave out the table assignments and the volunteers racked the balls. The players began play with everyone breaking the balls at the same time. The race to 5 would prove to take too long, as we all played well into the night. The tournament committee would gather late that evening for a two-hour meeting. We decided to shorten the race to 4 and start one-hour earlier the next two days. It would prove to be a good decision as we finished earlier on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the tournament would finish two hours ahead of schedule, with team Europe winning the singles event in 1999. The final score was team Europe 104 wins to 93 wins for America. The scores for each player were tabulated and the top two players for both teams announced. Representing team Europe was Michael White of Irland and Kurt Deklerck of Belgium. Representing the USA was TC Taylor of Thayer, MO. and Aaron Aragon of Lake Elsinor, CA. Now, both teams would get a needed two-hour rest before dinner and the finals.

By this time Mike Clark from Olhausen Tables arrived and joined us for dinner. Following the feast, the list of sponsors was read aloud by Bob Calderon. Sponsorship plaques would now be given out to Olhausen (Poway, CA.), Viking Cues and Danny K's. Mike Clark accepted the plaque on behalf of Olhausen. He welcomed and thanked everyone for their participation in this the Second Annual Olhasuen International Team 9-Ball Championship. Certificates of appreciation were given out to the volunteers and NWPA board members present. Without help from the board of directors, volunteers and support of sponsors, this type of event would never happen, Thanks.

The stage was now set for the doubles finals, Europe versus American in a race to 9 for the championship. Team American would play well, but, Team Europe would win the first two games and never look back. They would dominate the doubles event as they did the singles and would go on to win 9 to 6. Congratulations to Team Europe for their second win, in as many years. Thanks again to all of the sponsors, players and volunteers.

In the meantime, the tentative tournament schedule for 2000, is posted NWPA 2000