At US Bida in Houston, Texas, Hugo Patiño won his fourth USBA three-cushion national title, defeating defending champion Miguel Torres, 40-32, in the finals. Multiple-time champion Pedro Piedrabuena finished third, and local player John Park finished fourth. But the story of the tournament was Patiño’s majestic run of 18 from the break in the finals. Patiño’s streak tied the USBA record set by Mazin Shooni in Miami in 2006 for the longest run in a national championship. For his victory, Patiño won $3250 and another $100 for the high run. (Pictured above L to R: Patrick Tran, owner of US Bida and Hugo Patino)

I first met George Theobald in 2005 at a billiard tournament in Jackson Heights, Queens (NY). I was with a group of players, and George walked up, smiled and asked, “What’s the plural of opus?” “Opuses?” someone said. “Opi?” another offered. George smiled again, amused at the guesses, and walked away, happy that he had stumped the group. Like much of the billiards world, I learned of George’s sudden passing a few days ago. He’ll be missed by many, me included.