Benzanity

Nate Benz in play during the KC Open Silver Division Final

PARKVILLE, MO -- Nate Benz survived a field of nine to claim the Kansas City Open Silver Division title with a 10-8 win over Steve Jackson. The win was the second straight Silver title for Benz and should help extend his lead in the Silver Points race.

SILVER PHOTO GALLERY | KC OPEN OFFICIAL SCORESHEET

Benz and Jackson played a tight game for the full 50-minutes in front of a nice gallery on the Kactus Creek Croquet Club veranda which sits right up next to the court. Most of the Silver Division players stayed to watch the final and several of the Pro-Gold players came by to enjoy the action as well.

Steve JacksonJackson controlled much of the game by managing the rotation, but Benz worked into the turn as the clock wound to take the 10-8 lead. Benz tried to spread the court in last turns, but left a his yellow ball on the court.

Jackson then tried to bring his blue ball out onto the court from the north boundary while getting a rush on that yellow ball toward wicket #4. He didn't get a good rush and had to try a long roll-up from the west side. He had a shot on #4 with roughly a five to six foot slightly angled shot, but it hit the left stanchion and Benz survived.

Benz ended up 4-0 on the day while Jackson was 3-1.

Wanda Jackson and Gwyneth Bowen had notable days as well with 2-2 records and appearances in the semi-finals.

The Pro and Gold Divisions play tomorrow with the action starting at 8:30 a.m. for a short round of block play.

FINAL ORDER

01. Nate Benz
02. Steve Jackson
03. Gwyneth Bowen
04. Wanda Jackson
05. Justin Marciniak
06. Di Berg
07. Darin Watson
08. Jeff Bell
09. Elizabeth Goodwin