Playing a game of accuracy and precision, Sac State billiards star Jason Johnson is right on the mark.

Johnson, 37, took first place at the regional billiards tournament on Feb. 15, 2002, which advanced him to the Association of College Unions International Billiards Championships where he took fifth place.

The ACUI consists of 16 regions and the best from each region advance to the national tournament. Johnson, an accounting information systems major, was asked by Rich Sheffers, assistant director for the University Union, to represent Sac State in the regional tournament after being involved in tournaments held at the Union.

Johnson became interested in the sport when his now ex-girlfriend started taking part in many different billiard events.

“I played in a couple of the tournaments at this school, and for fun every now and then,” said Johnson of his playing experience.

Johnson only played in a handful of competitions before going to the regional last year.

But during this year?s regional tournament, Johnson said he felt comfortable.

“I got into the zone and played well,” Johnson said.

In last year?s region tournament, which took place in Sacramento, Johnson took second place last year but was still able to go to nationals because Sac State hosted the tournament.

At nationals last year, Johnson took fifth place.

His goal in the regional was to just go out and have fun, but still maintain concentration and focus. He thought the competition was strong at the tournament, but the balls were rolling his way.

“I feel that I am a good player, but not great,” Johnson said. “My knowledge (of the game) makes up for less practice.”

Johnson said after playing for 10 hours in the tournament, he and his finals opponent, Alex Bradley of the University of California, Davis, were tired.

Johnson said he “wore down” his opponent.

English defeated Johnson in last year?s regional final, and Johnson says that this year was payback.

In the regional tournament, Johnson received the tournaments? sportsmanship award, which was voted on by fellow competitors.

“I didn?t expect them to call my name,” Johnson said, “And when my name was called I was surprised.”

Johnson?s win over Bradley elevated him to the national finals were he took 3-of-5 matches to finish in fifth place.

“I was expecting to do better than last year,” Johnson said. “I am happy with how I did (in the nationals).”

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