by Ben Hudd • September 5, 2023
Tyler Styer snapped off one of the biggest titles of his career at the 2023 Texas Open 9-Ball Championship at Skinny Bob’s Billiards in Round Rock, dominating Ukraine’s Vitaliy Patsura to seal the title.
Styer overcame Mosconi Cup teammates Shane van Boening and Skyler Woodward during an incredible campaign in Texas, before producing five break and runs in an emphatic 9-1 win over the defending champion in the final.
Styler had come through a thrilling hill-hill contest against Van Boening, racing into a 6-0 lead with four break and runs but still needing to win the final two racks following six break and runs from the legendary American.
It was an unbeaten weekend for the 28-year-old and one that was watched by his Mosconi Cup captain Jeremy Jones, while runner-up Patsura needed to battle his way through the losers’ bracket.
The Ukrainian mounted a valiant defence of his title, defeating the likes of Billy Thorpe and John Morra prior to a 9-6 victory over Van Boening in the semi-finals.
Elsewhere, despite the Texas Open not being a World Nineball Tour ranking event, Shane Wolford continued his promising form ahead of a massive month regarding his hopes of securing Mosconi Cup debut.
Florida’s Sofia Mast came through a battle of the teenagers in the Women’s Texas Open final, overcoming Savannah Easton to become the youngest champion in the tournament’s history.
