VITAL STATISTICS
Date: Saturday, August 14, 1999
Location: Wright Park, Tacoma, WA
Winner: Kevin Sutton
The fourth annual edition of the Lakewood Croquet Club’s Champions Cup proved to be another memorable event, as Kevin Sutton outlasted Mark Becker of the Commencement Bay Croquet Club for a stunning victory.
Sutton, who led for most of the two hour match, slipped behind late, amidst a pack of competitors including Becker, Jeff Gepner, and Andy Cooper. Despite kamikaze play from a number of other competitors who had earlier conceded defeat, Sutton emerged late to place himself within a shot of the title. Becker had one late chance to roquet Sutton and gun for the final state himself, but ultimately missed the shot, leaving Sutton the opportunity he needed to close out the match.
Earlier, both Tom Carmony and LCC President Brian S. Johnston III attempted to aid fellow club-member Andy Cooper. Both players used kamikaze shots to try to slow down Sutton and Becker, but Cooper ended up falling from contention late. Johnston then found himself in position to interfere with either Sutton or Becker, but ultimately chose to bow out and let the best man win. That choice earned Johnston a good deal of respect from fellow competitors and LCC members, who wanted to witness a clear finish.
Jeff Gepner, winner of the last two Champions Cup events, was in contention throughout the match, but failed to make any serious runs at the lead.
Carmony and Johnston, two of the most prominent members of the LCC, ended up underachieving for a second consecutive year, as both withdrew from the event early to play “kamikaze” style.
The 1999 Champions Cup featured a number of competitors from outside the Lakewood Croquet Club. Ken Little, 1998 WACCOS Champion, made his second consecutive Cup appearance. Brandon Fix and Mark Becker of the Commencement Bay Croquet Club also competed.
CHAMPIONS CUP IV COMPLETE RESULTS
1 – Kevin Sutton
2 – Mark Becker
3(t) – Andy Cooper
3(t) – Brandon Fix
3(t) – Jeff Gepner
6 – Ken Little
7 – Kristina Miller
8 – Jaime Marino
9 – Tom Carmony
10 – Brian S. Johnston III
