The More Things Change

DERBY CITY Classic founder Greg Sullivan has a saying when it comes to his tournament, the nine-day pool extravaganza in the heart of Middle America:

"If you got to see everything, I'm not doing my job."

And unless you can stay up for some 200-plus hours and be in dozen locations at once, he's got you a point. You are going to miss something.

Fresh off its 12th year, the Classic is as much a living, breathing being as the mass of humanity that makes the annual pilgrimage to the holiest place in hustling. Collecting all the game's archetypes - road players, pros, sweators and backers alike - the DCC is an evolving entity, one that continued to undergo slight changes in its second year at the Horseshoe Casino & Hotel.

In its sophomore effort across the Ohio River in the tiny town of Elizabeth Ind., the DCC attracted 899 entries in the three main tournament divisions, a drop of 179 from 2009. But that deflation is likely a sign of the DCC's new direction. Fields of 450 players aren't very likely with space limited. Instead, it's about maximizing improving the host of events, from main events to late-night mini.

Still, Derby City offers the ordinary fan the chance rub shoulders with the game's elite. In that respect, Efren Reyes turned in a vintage performance. Taking all-around, 9-ball and 10-ball titles, the 56-year-old claimed the most prize money ($47,875) ever taken by one player.

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