MCA's Matt Smith Takes National Title

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PHOTO GALLERY

SHAWNEE, KS -- The final day of playoff action at the Nine Wicket Nationals in Kansas City saw steady rain, but the players battled through. In championship singles, Matt Smith knocked of Billy Bob Breeden to make the final, while Matt Baird took out George Cochran to advance.

In the final match, Baird got the first break but stuffed number five. That let Smith set up his break which he ran all the way out to the penultimate wicket. He then turned it over to his partner and finished with a double peel to claim the 2011 singles national championship.

In doubles championship play, Matt Baird and Jeff Caldwell battled Billy Bob Breeden and Matt Griffith in the final. Baird and Caldwell took a tight match 32-25 to claim the doubles title.

In the first flight singles playoff, #4 seed Jason Cole knocked off #1 Greg Adams in the semifinals. In the other semi-final, #2 Barry Dupuy beat #4 Ron Millican to advance. Cole won the final over Dupuy to claim the first flight national championship.

Video report will be available later today.

Spring fling in Arkadelphia, AR

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ARKADELPHIA, AR -- Results of the nine-wicket croquet tournament in Arkadelphia hosted by the Royal Knights Croquet Club of Arkadelphia, Arkansas are now in:

Championship: George Cochran 1st, Matt Griffith 2nd, Joe Franz and Matt Baird 3rd, Billy Bob Breeden, Jeff Caldwell, Pat Garner, Stu Brodsky 4th, Bob Bozeman and Glen Taylor 5th.

First flight: Rob Franks 1st, Ralph Bozeman 2nd, Lee Reed 3rd, Barry Dupuy 4th, Carl Jarret, Debbie Breeden, Scott Kennedy, Ron Millican 4th, Debbie Millican 5th.

They had a great tournament with the players from Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma. The Royal Knights would like thank every one for making this a successful and fun tournament.

George Cochran only had one loss to Billy Bob Breeden and Matt Griffith only lost the one game to Cochran.

Nine Wicket National Championship

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SHAWNEE, KS -- Sunday wrapped up the 9W Singles & Doubles Championship.

George Cochran defeated Bill Martin in Singles Championship 28-20 and Matt Smith & Nick Zink defeated Matt Baird and Jeff Caldwell in Doubles Championship 32-25.

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Sunday will wrap up the The 9W singles Championship between George Cochran & Bill Martin and the semi finals championship doubles. Matt Smith & Nick Zink vs Matt Griffith & Billy Bob Breeden & Matt Baird, Jeff Caldwell vs Geroge Cochran & Don Oakley

Todays winners for the 9W National First Flight Doubles was Greg Adams & Troy White over Ron & Deborah Millican. 

Billy Bob Breeden loses heartbreaker to Bill Martin in Semi-Finals 24-23. George Cochran wins over Nick Zink in Semi-Finals. George Cochran & Bill Martin will square off  tomorrow afternoon to decide who will be crowned 9W National Champion. Doubles competition will start tomorrow morning at 8 am sharpe.