Hello again,
I received my invitation to the tour championships. The last and biggest tournament of the WPBA season (IMO).
I have mustered up half of the entry, but need help to get the other half.
I am currently ranked #47 on the WPBA thanks to my highest finish (17th) at the US Open. With this tournament I could possibly achieve my exempt status for 2010.
I am currently ranked #1 on the Bay Area Amateur Tour in Florida and as it stands will be #1 for the season.
I am also currently #1 on the Flamingo Billiards Tour, the regional tour for the state of Florida, having won the first 2 stops.
I understand that due to the economy that there will be those that can not donate, BUT send some positive vibes my way and we will call it even. :)
Thanks to everyone for everything!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
2nd at BAAT
Well, this past Saturday was a BAAT tour stop at Hammerheads, in Holiday Florida.
I started off the day shooting real strong and felt good doing it. As usual, one of the brackets got backed up and held up the tournament. Bettina Chase (the eventual winner) and I opted to hold off playing for the top of the winner's bracket until the bracket caught up a little more.
When we finally did play, it was a difficult 7-4 race..I lost 4-5. That's tough, spotting someone who is very capable of running the table, 3 games on the wire.
After that match, I was stuck waiting again. Finally my next match was determined, I was playing Shanelle Loraine, a friend of mine from Orlando.
I started off badly, hooking myself on shots and giving her ball in hand with 4-5 ball runs. In an 8-4 race, that's not good. The score was tied at 2 when I finally woke up and won the next 5 games to reach the hill, but again went 'stupid' in the next game, and bam! the match was double hill...OUCH.
I ran most of my balls and got bad on the 6 ball (playing 8ball), so I opted to shoot it, leaving it close to a pocket. I had a masse chance at it and missed it. Shanelle made some great shots and safeties, and with it, control of the table. She ran down to the 8 ball, which was in front of the side pocket. I figured it was game over, but just when I thought that, she shot it and didn't seem to stroke the cue ball enough...pocketing the 8 but scratching down in the corner.....excaped a bullet.
This set up my final against Bettina...another 7-4 race. It was late, we were both tired...and we both made a lot of mistakes. I somehow managed to win the first set double hill. Now onto the 2nd.....she started to wake up and I started to dwindle. I was the only 9 competing in this tournament, therefore I had all the longest races, always having to go to 7 or 8 to my opponents 4-5...with the exception of one match that was 6-5. I started off ok, taking a 3-0 lead, and went down hill from there. My body was giving out, it was going on 2am and I had a wonderful 2 hour drive home to look forward to. Bettina played great and shut me down 4-3, taking her 1st BAAT win. I am so happy for her! It's about time! :)
Either way, I am a winner. By taking 2nd I locked up 1st in points, which is great news to me, since I won't be able to make the grand finale due to the US Amateur Championship being held the same weekend.
Hopefully, I can do the same on the Flamingo Tour.
Also, as a head up I will NOT be in Oregon, but will see most of you in chat!
I started off the day shooting real strong and felt good doing it. As usual, one of the brackets got backed up and held up the tournament. Bettina Chase (the eventual winner) and I opted to hold off playing for the top of the winner's bracket until the bracket caught up a little more.
When we finally did play, it was a difficult 7-4 race..I lost 4-5. That's tough, spotting someone who is very capable of running the table, 3 games on the wire.
After that match, I was stuck waiting again. Finally my next match was determined, I was playing Shanelle Loraine, a friend of mine from Orlando.
I started off badly, hooking myself on shots and giving her ball in hand with 4-5 ball runs. In an 8-4 race, that's not good. The score was tied at 2 when I finally woke up and won the next 5 games to reach the hill, but again went 'stupid' in the next game, and bam! the match was double hill...OUCH.
I ran most of my balls and got bad on the 6 ball (playing 8ball), so I opted to shoot it, leaving it close to a pocket. I had a masse chance at it and missed it. Shanelle made some great shots and safeties, and with it, control of the table. She ran down to the 8 ball, which was in front of the side pocket. I figured it was game over, but just when I thought that, she shot it and didn't seem to stroke the cue ball enough...pocketing the 8 but scratching down in the corner.....excaped a bullet.
This set up my final against Bettina...another 7-4 race. It was late, we were both tired...and we both made a lot of mistakes. I somehow managed to win the first set double hill. Now onto the 2nd.....she started to wake up and I started to dwindle. I was the only 9 competing in this tournament, therefore I had all the longest races, always having to go to 7 or 8 to my opponents 4-5...with the exception of one match that was 6-5. I started off ok, taking a 3-0 lead, and went down hill from there. My body was giving out, it was going on 2am and I had a wonderful 2 hour drive home to look forward to. Bettina played great and shut me down 4-3, taking her 1st BAAT win. I am so happy for her! It's about time! :)
Either way, I am a winner. By taking 2nd I locked up 1st in points, which is great news to me, since I won't be able to make the grand finale due to the US Amateur Championship being held the same weekend.
Hopefully, I can do the same on the Flamingo Tour.
Also, as a head up I will NOT be in Oregon, but will see most of you in chat!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Flamingo Billiards Stop #2
Yesterday was the 2nd stop of the newly established Flamingo Billiards Tour, held at Amy's Billiards in Stuart, Fl. The day started out really well for me. I got to the pool hall early and was able to practice. Actually felt like I was hitting the balls well and I quickly adapted to the tables. Being a new tour, it started a little later than expected but still ran smoothly.
My first match was a re-match of tour stop #1's final, against the solid Helene Caukin. I must have entered the 'zone' or something, because I don't remember a whole lot in that match other than a 9 ball snap and the 2 big mistakes I made, resulting in a 7-2 win for me....oh and a ball in hand moment where I almost shot the 7 for shape on the 5...LOL....but we will just leave that there. :)
My next match was against a local player...she was tough and came out strong. I eventually bent over far enough to find my head and pulled the match out 7-5...phew!
Those 2 wins put me into the redraw and final 8, as only 16 players showed. (i think)
when the B-side caught up...b-side players drew their fate of players in the a-side for single elimination...
Niki Rasmussen drew me, Christine Nevins drew Jeannie Seaver, Helene Caukin drew Tracy Mcreary and Robin Boggs drew Amy Poulter.
Niki had beaten me pretty badly at my last BAAT tournament, so there was a little pressure. I pulled out the match 7-1.
2 out of the 4 original a-side players won, Jeannie and I...then we were staged to play each other, while Helene Caukin was coming back with a vengeance after her 1st round lost to me, playing Robin Boggs.
The first few games were a little depressing as I kept hooking myself and giving Jeannie ball in hand, which is never a good idea. Next thing I knew I was down 5-2....the rest of that match was a blur...as it reached hill hill. Jeannie played some great safes against me and kept control of the table.....I made a hit on the 6 but left a perfect shot...I looked away at this point and the only thing that brought my attention to light was when the crowd gasped loudly and I looked up to the cue ball drop in the side pocket with only the lone 9 remaining on the table....I got lucky...REALLY lucky. stress is soooo bad.
Finals came...surprise surprise....rematch of the first match of the day AND the final from the first tour stop...Helene Caukin.
The Finals came out really shaky for both of us. Neither of up could put more than a 3-4 ball run and even then miss something stupid. We teeter tottered back and forth until the score was 2-2....the next score was 5-2 me and it was break time. When we came back to the table it was my break. I racked them up and broke, pocketing a ball. I had a long tough shot on the one and postion play to the 2 was even harder. I made up my mind, got down and fired it in drawing back about the length of the table for the 2. I came up short on the 3, which in turn I hooked myself on the 4. I studied where I wanted to kick, had decided the side I wanted to hit because it increased my chance of caroming it off the 9 into the side, got down and fired. (momentary brain lapse as I forgot the tables bank short) the cue ball flew into the rail hit the 4 so thin, it cut ALL the way down into the corner. Couldn't help but laugh at myself. Next problem, long, straight shot on the 5, having to draw straight back half the table for a shot on the 6. Got down and fired it with no problem. Needless to say, I finished the rack and reached the hill. Then next game, I went stupid on the 7 ball and scratched. However I got back to the table facing a table length straight in on the rail shot on the 8 ball with the 9 ball down by the cue ball....ugh. I opted to just stop the cue ball and attempt the long rail bank on the 9, not good, I lost that game. It was my break again, I racked, broke and pocketed a ball. I could see the one but had no open pocket so I played a safe. Helene missed the kick which gave me ball in hand. I ran out to the 4-9 combo and sealed the victory. 2-for-2 SWEET!
My first match was a re-match of tour stop #1's final, against the solid Helene Caukin. I must have entered the 'zone' or something, because I don't remember a whole lot in that match other than a 9 ball snap and the 2 big mistakes I made, resulting in a 7-2 win for me....oh and a ball in hand moment where I almost shot the 7 for shape on the 5...LOL....but we will just leave that there. :)
My next match was against a local player...she was tough and came out strong. I eventually bent over far enough to find my head and pulled the match out 7-5...phew!
Those 2 wins put me into the redraw and final 8, as only 16 players showed. (i think)
when the B-side caught up...b-side players drew their fate of players in the a-side for single elimination...
Niki Rasmussen drew me, Christine Nevins drew Jeannie Seaver, Helene Caukin drew Tracy Mcreary and Robin Boggs drew Amy Poulter.
Niki had beaten me pretty badly at my last BAAT tournament, so there was a little pressure. I pulled out the match 7-1.
2 out of the 4 original a-side players won, Jeannie and I...then we were staged to play each other, while Helene Caukin was coming back with a vengeance after her 1st round lost to me, playing Robin Boggs.
The first few games were a little depressing as I kept hooking myself and giving Jeannie ball in hand, which is never a good idea. Next thing I knew I was down 5-2....the rest of that match was a blur...as it reached hill hill. Jeannie played some great safes against me and kept control of the table.....I made a hit on the 6 but left a perfect shot...I looked away at this point and the only thing that brought my attention to light was when the crowd gasped loudly and I looked up to the cue ball drop in the side pocket with only the lone 9 remaining on the table....I got lucky...REALLY lucky. stress is soooo bad.
Finals came...surprise surprise....rematch of the first match of the day AND the final from the first tour stop...Helene Caukin.
The Finals came out really shaky for both of us. Neither of up could put more than a 3-4 ball run and even then miss something stupid. We teeter tottered back and forth until the score was 2-2....the next score was 5-2 me and it was break time. When we came back to the table it was my break. I racked them up and broke, pocketing a ball. I had a long tough shot on the one and postion play to the 2 was even harder. I made up my mind, got down and fired it in drawing back about the length of the table for the 2. I came up short on the 3, which in turn I hooked myself on the 4. I studied where I wanted to kick, had decided the side I wanted to hit because it increased my chance of caroming it off the 9 into the side, got down and fired. (momentary brain lapse as I forgot the tables bank short) the cue ball flew into the rail hit the 4 so thin, it cut ALL the way down into the corner. Couldn't help but laugh at myself. Next problem, long, straight shot on the 5, having to draw straight back half the table for a shot on the 6. Got down and fired it with no problem. Needless to say, I finished the rack and reached the hill. Then next game, I went stupid on the 7 ball and scratched. However I got back to the table facing a table length straight in on the rail shot on the 8 ball with the 9 ball down by the cue ball....ugh. I opted to just stop the cue ball and attempt the long rail bank on the 9, not good, I lost that game. It was my break again, I racked, broke and pocketed a ball. I could see the one but had no open pocket so I played a safe. Helene missed the kick which gave me ball in hand. I ran out to the 4-9 combo and sealed the victory. 2-for-2 SWEET!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
US Amateur Championship Qualifier
Phew...loooooooong weekend, small tournament...I don't get it!
I was orginially scheduled to qualify for the US amateur championships at Strokers II in Tampa last weekend, but as most of you know, I was in Colorado. Sooooo, I was luck that they were able to change it for this weekend in Gainesville. I didn't know what to expect, I heard a lot of great things about the pool hall Art of Billiards, had never been there and didn't even recognize a name on the roster...???????
Well I opted against getting a hotel room as it was less than a 2 hour drive...I got there this past Saturday at 9 am when the doors opened. Beautiful Diamond tables filled up te room and I immediately got practice.Registration and the players meeting took place and matches started getting called around 11ish,
I didn't receive a bye in the 11-13 woman field hence I had a first round match. I started out ok, but missed a lot of shots early on which cost me. Don't remember much other than that besides a stupid shot on a 9 that I scratched on. the match went hill-hill and i pulled it out with a 3-9 combo.
My next match was called a little after 1. This match went a little smoother for me and I pulled it out 5-1. Then the dragging started, my next match wasn't scheduled until 5:30...I mean come on, seriously?
I walked around, chatted with some people I knew and with some others that recognized me from when I won in 2006. I finally decided to go out to my car and just relax, lay back and get some shut-eye...:)
I went back in the pool rooma little before 5....I think it was around that time my next match started. This match was looking tight from the onset. I broke the 1st rack of 8 ball, didn't make a ball, she ran out, she broke didn't make anything I ran out. She was a real good 8 ball player and pocketed balls easily. she was up on me after the 8ball set 2-1....I woke up in 9 ball though and pulled out the match 5-3.
I had one last match for the day...at 7:30pm....for queen of the hill.
This was a tough match.....again I found myself down 2-1 after the 8 ball set....made some uncharacteristic mistakes in the 9 ball set and the match reached double hill....we traded misses/safes on the 7 ball until I was left a viable shot...the 8 ball wasn't going to be pretty though...I got the best shape I could, but was left one tough cut shot up the rail past the side pocket. I took my time, got up and down a couple times and eventually pocketed it and left a long cut on the 9 ball, ugh. (doesn't ever get any easier, does it?) I again took my time and shot it in.
WooHoo! So now I am Queen of the hill! and more importantly finally done for the night....but i had my drive home and then back again the next morning for 1 whole match! Doesn't that sound great!
Yeah...ok, so I drove back on Sunday. I got there a little early in hopes of getting some sort of practice....yeah that didn't happen. I got about 5 minutes before my match was called....
somewhere around 2 the match was called. One final race to 9.
I started out on the wrong foot, shooting cut shots straight into the rail. I switched to defense mode and was able to tie up after the 8 ball set 3-3.
I came out strong in 9ball. Don't remember exact scored, but was up by a 2 game lead....I quickly lost that with stupid misses. All in all, I know I missed two 8 balls and a 9 ball and the match reached double hill....again....
There was an ugly cluster of balls and of course no 3-foul in this tournament. We traded misses on the 2 ball for awhile. I went for a ridiculous attempt at a carom on the 9 ball from the 3...yeah that didn't work out so well. She missed and left me an off angle 3-4 combo, I opted a safe, but fell short and her a shot. If the match wasn't double hill, she would have drilled this shot and never looked back, but I think the nerves got to her and she dogged it pretty badly....during the miss, the balls got shuffled and the 4 ball got put in a bad situation by the side pocket. I studied that shot before I shot for awhile....debating to play safe on the 3 or go for the out. I finally opted to go for it...(Aggressive...hmm..maybe just a little)
So onto next obstacle....shooting the 3 ball across table, with the bridge and having to draw back to get perfect on the 4......I lined it up and fired it in....watching the cue ballcome back and willing it to pass the 5 ball so I could see the 4. PHEW!!! It got there!
Now, the 4 ball....again I looked at the shot and studied it from every angle.....I made up my mind got down and made it...the rest was a prett open lay out, I just had to keep my calm and make balls...which is what I did....another hill-hill thriller and I won!
I will be at Strokers II in November for the championship rounds! I can't wait!!!
I was orginially scheduled to qualify for the US amateur championships at Strokers II in Tampa last weekend, but as most of you know, I was in Colorado. Sooooo, I was luck that they were able to change it for this weekend in Gainesville. I didn't know what to expect, I heard a lot of great things about the pool hall Art of Billiards, had never been there and didn't even recognize a name on the roster...???????
Well I opted against getting a hotel room as it was less than a 2 hour drive...I got there this past Saturday at 9 am when the doors opened. Beautiful Diamond tables filled up te room and I immediately got practice.Registration and the players meeting took place and matches started getting called around 11ish,
I didn't receive a bye in the 11-13 woman field hence I had a first round match. I started out ok, but missed a lot of shots early on which cost me. Don't remember much other than that besides a stupid shot on a 9 that I scratched on. the match went hill-hill and i pulled it out with a 3-9 combo.
My next match was called a little after 1. This match went a little smoother for me and I pulled it out 5-1. Then the dragging started, my next match wasn't scheduled until 5:30...I mean come on, seriously?
I walked around, chatted with some people I knew and with some others that recognized me from when I won in 2006. I finally decided to go out to my car and just relax, lay back and get some shut-eye...:)
I went back in the pool rooma little before 5....I think it was around that time my next match started. This match was looking tight from the onset. I broke the 1st rack of 8 ball, didn't make a ball, she ran out, she broke didn't make anything I ran out. She was a real good 8 ball player and pocketed balls easily. she was up on me after the 8ball set 2-1....I woke up in 9 ball though and pulled out the match 5-3.
I had one last match for the day...at 7:30pm....for queen of the hill.
This was a tough match.....again I found myself down 2-1 after the 8 ball set....made some uncharacteristic mistakes in the 9 ball set and the match reached double hill....we traded misses/safes on the 7 ball until I was left a viable shot...the 8 ball wasn't going to be pretty though...I got the best shape I could, but was left one tough cut shot up the rail past the side pocket. I took my time, got up and down a couple times and eventually pocketed it and left a long cut on the 9 ball, ugh. (doesn't ever get any easier, does it?) I again took my time and shot it in.
WooHoo! So now I am Queen of the hill! and more importantly finally done for the night....but i had my drive home and then back again the next morning for 1 whole match! Doesn't that sound great!
Yeah...ok, so I drove back on Sunday. I got there a little early in hopes of getting some sort of practice....yeah that didn't happen. I got about 5 minutes before my match was called....
somewhere around 2 the match was called. One final race to 9.
I started out on the wrong foot, shooting cut shots straight into the rail. I switched to defense mode and was able to tie up after the 8 ball set 3-3.
I came out strong in 9ball. Don't remember exact scored, but was up by a 2 game lead....I quickly lost that with stupid misses. All in all, I know I missed two 8 balls and a 9 ball and the match reached double hill....again....
There was an ugly cluster of balls and of course no 3-foul in this tournament. We traded misses on the 2 ball for awhile. I went for a ridiculous attempt at a carom on the 9 ball from the 3...yeah that didn't work out so well. She missed and left me an off angle 3-4 combo, I opted a safe, but fell short and her a shot. If the match wasn't double hill, she would have drilled this shot and never looked back, but I think the nerves got to her and she dogged it pretty badly....during the miss, the balls got shuffled and the 4 ball got put in a bad situation by the side pocket. I studied that shot before I shot for awhile....debating to play safe on the 3 or go for the out. I finally opted to go for it...(Aggressive...hmm..maybe just a little)
So onto next obstacle....shooting the 3 ball across table, with the bridge and having to draw back to get perfect on the 4......I lined it up and fired it in....watching the cue ballcome back and willing it to pass the 5 ball so I could see the 4. PHEW!!! It got there!
Now, the 4 ball....again I looked at the shot and studied it from every angle.....I made up my mind got down and made it...the rest was a prett open lay out, I just had to keep my calm and make balls...which is what I did....another hill-hill thriller and I won!
I will be at Strokers II in November for the championship rounds! I can't wait!!!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Colorado Classic
Hey everyone! I am still in Colorado, but decided I would blog shortly about my trip here.
I got here late Tuesday night and was able to settle in quickly. I went and practiced on Wednesday, but didn't seem to be hitting the balls to good :(
The players meeting went well on Wednesday night and after the meeting, there was a nice little get together for Allison Fisher. The casino made a beautiful cake, that resembled a 3-cushion table. Kelly Fisher and Kim Shaw both spoke briefly about Allison and that was followed up by a short speech by Allison. After all that happened, it was time to cut the cake!! :D We found out a little late that the cake was half chocolate and half vanilla...LOL...
In any case, the draw completed.......I drew Kelly Fisher in my first match....great...2nd time this year that I have drawn her first...would be my luck..hehe. She was the person who knocked me out at the US Open, but thankfully it was in the later rounds so I still finished 17th.
I don't feel like I played too bad against Kelly, but the few balls I missed proved to be fatal, as Kelly played great and beat me 9-2...:(
My next match was scheduled at 11 am on Friday monring against Megan Smith. I didn't get much sleep that night and it showed apparent during my match. For those of you who watched..LOL..I am so sorry I played so awful! I couldn't see the edges of the ball! :( She played well though and closed me out 9-4....oh well..next time.
After that, as most of you are probably aware, I jumped on the live stream and commentated quite a bit. All of you knew how to lift my spirits so thank you!
As it stands currently, it does not look like I will be able to attend the Pacific Coast Classic and although that 'could' possibly change, it doesn't seem likely. By the time I will find out if I can get an invite, I am not sure I will be able to afford the trip :(
Either way, fingers crossed that I maintain somewhat of a decent ranking. If I stay in top 48, I get my picture in the little brochure, and if i stay in the top 63, I get an invite to the tour championships in November! Hope Hope Hope....lol
Ok everyone, I gotta head out, I want to head downstairs and catch the ESPN matches.
Thanks to everyone who rooted for me and don't give up on me, I am just getting started!!
-Michell Monk-"the candy coated Killer"
(Those on the live stream know what that's about ;))
I got here late Tuesday night and was able to settle in quickly. I went and practiced on Wednesday, but didn't seem to be hitting the balls to good :(
The players meeting went well on Wednesday night and after the meeting, there was a nice little get together for Allison Fisher. The casino made a beautiful cake, that resembled a 3-cushion table. Kelly Fisher and Kim Shaw both spoke briefly about Allison and that was followed up by a short speech by Allison. After all that happened, it was time to cut the cake!! :D We found out a little late that the cake was half chocolate and half vanilla...LOL...
In any case, the draw completed.......I drew Kelly Fisher in my first match....great...2nd time this year that I have drawn her first...would be my luck..hehe. She was the person who knocked me out at the US Open, but thankfully it was in the later rounds so I still finished 17th.
I don't feel like I played too bad against Kelly, but the few balls I missed proved to be fatal, as Kelly played great and beat me 9-2...:(
My next match was scheduled at 11 am on Friday monring against Megan Smith. I didn't get much sleep that night and it showed apparent during my match. For those of you who watched..LOL..I am so sorry I played so awful! I couldn't see the edges of the ball! :( She played well though and closed me out 9-4....oh well..next time.
After that, as most of you are probably aware, I jumped on the live stream and commentated quite a bit. All of you knew how to lift my spirits so thank you!
As it stands currently, it does not look like I will be able to attend the Pacific Coast Classic and although that 'could' possibly change, it doesn't seem likely. By the time I will find out if I can get an invite, I am not sure I will be able to afford the trip :(
Either way, fingers crossed that I maintain somewhat of a decent ranking. If I stay in top 48, I get my picture in the little brochure, and if i stay in the top 63, I get an invite to the tour championships in November! Hope Hope Hope....lol
Ok everyone, I gotta head out, I want to head downstairs and catch the ESPN matches.
Thanks to everyone who rooted for me and don't give up on me, I am just getting started!!
-Michell Monk-"the candy coated Killer"
(Those on the live stream know what that's about ;))
Monday, August 24, 2009
BAAT
Well, I didn't do as well as I had hoped, but I can't really complain because I played well for the most part.
I got a bye and when I played my first match, it was a 7-4 race, and I pulled it out 7-2.
In my next match, it was a 7-4 race again, this time, I lost 4-2....she shot great!
My last match, I was put to sleep by slow play and the times at the table that I had, I made crucial errors.
Eh, it happens I suppose ;)
I got a bye and when I played my first match, it was a 7-4 race, and I pulled it out 7-2.
In my next match, it was a 7-4 race again, this time, I lost 4-2....she shot great!
My last match, I was put to sleep by slow play and the times at the table that I had, I made crucial errors.
Eh, it happens I suppose ;)
Friday, August 21, 2009
BAAT
I have the BAAT tournament tomorrow, which will be my first one playing as a 9, the highest. It's a cute tournament which is similar to the US Amateur Nationals, and includes 8&9 ball. I am currently the point leader on this tournament, so obviously I am hoping to maintain that until the end of the year.
Next week's tournament is the KF cue tournament's Grand Finale....busy busy!!
Next week's tournament is the KF cue tournament's Grand Finale....busy busy!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
slacking...
Ok, lots of news since the last post! I pulled out 3 matches at the US Open which landed me with a 17-24 place finish! Along with my best finish yet, the points bumped me up to 38th place!
Fortunately for me, Florida started a new regional tour called the Flamingo Billiards Tour, and their first stop was for the Colorado Classic.
I was nervous as the pressure was on, and I needed this qualifier.
I relaxed on my birthday which was the day before the event on August 14.
On Saturday, I woke up at 7, got ready, and headed out.
Reaching the pool hall a little after 10, I registered and began practicing. It was held at Ultimate Billiards in Ft Pierce. A beautiful place with plenty of tables. We were playing on Diamonds. The rails were extremely lively, but after a little play, I adjusted pretty well.
The players meeting went well, and the draw was right after, with 22 players.
The matches were called, and I didn't receive a bye in my first round :(
I played well, and my opponent got some bad rolls, and I scooted by with a 7-3 score. My next match was against the tour coordinator, and agains I played well, and finished with a 7-1 score.
the third match of the day didn't start so well. I was skidding crucial balls out of the pockets, and soon found myself 6-4 down. I took my break, collected myself and battled back to 6-6. It was her break, shame on me for the losing the lag. She didn't pocket a ball, so i proceeded to run out. I got a little bad on the 4 ball and attempted a safe...it didn't work. She made the 4 and got reasonable position on the 5, to get on the 6-9. I figured it was game over, but a bad decision on my opponents behalf (shooting the ball in the side and not the corner) left me with ball in hand on the 6-9. I have to admit, I wasn't comfortable with the shot, but I took my time and fired it in!
The Flamingo Tour has the same format at the WPBA, in that the final 4 on the winner's and the final 4 on the one-loss go into a draw, and it becomes single elimination.
A bracket had fallen behind, so I ate something and went to my car and took a nap. :)
About another hour after I got up it was time for the draw. I played great in my first match back, winning 7-0. My next match in the final 4 was not so great.
My opponent missed some 9 balls against me which found myself up 6-4, yet in the blink of an eye it was double hill and her break.
She broke, made a ball....rather than pushing out she opted to kick at the 1 which left me a shot. One at a time I plucked the table apart and found myself on the 50-yard line for the 9-ball, lined it up, and fired it in.
I was now in the finals.
Long story short, it was late and had been a long day. But that feeling that the end was so close, I sucked it up and played pretty strong with few minor mistakes. I pulled the match to a close with a 3-9 combo and final score of 7-3.
YAY!
Fortunately for me, Florida started a new regional tour called the Flamingo Billiards Tour, and their first stop was for the Colorado Classic.
I was nervous as the pressure was on, and I needed this qualifier.
I relaxed on my birthday which was the day before the event on August 14.
On Saturday, I woke up at 7, got ready, and headed out.
Reaching the pool hall a little after 10, I registered and began practicing. It was held at Ultimate Billiards in Ft Pierce. A beautiful place with plenty of tables. We were playing on Diamonds. The rails were extremely lively, but after a little play, I adjusted pretty well.
The players meeting went well, and the draw was right after, with 22 players.
The matches were called, and I didn't receive a bye in my first round :(
I played well, and my opponent got some bad rolls, and I scooted by with a 7-3 score. My next match was against the tour coordinator, and agains I played well, and finished with a 7-1 score.
the third match of the day didn't start so well. I was skidding crucial balls out of the pockets, and soon found myself 6-4 down. I took my break, collected myself and battled back to 6-6. It was her break, shame on me for the losing the lag. She didn't pocket a ball, so i proceeded to run out. I got a little bad on the 4 ball and attempted a safe...it didn't work. She made the 4 and got reasonable position on the 5, to get on the 6-9. I figured it was game over, but a bad decision on my opponents behalf (shooting the ball in the side and not the corner) left me with ball in hand on the 6-9. I have to admit, I wasn't comfortable with the shot, but I took my time and fired it in!
The Flamingo Tour has the same format at the WPBA, in that the final 4 on the winner's and the final 4 on the one-loss go into a draw, and it becomes single elimination.
A bracket had fallen behind, so I ate something and went to my car and took a nap. :)
About another hour after I got up it was time for the draw. I played great in my first match back, winning 7-0. My next match in the final 4 was not so great.
My opponent missed some 9 balls against me which found myself up 6-4, yet in the blink of an eye it was double hill and her break.
She broke, made a ball....rather than pushing out she opted to kick at the 1 which left me a shot. One at a time I plucked the table apart and found myself on the 50-yard line for the 9-ball, lined it up, and fired it in.
I was now in the finals.
Long story short, it was late and had been a long day. But that feeling that the end was so close, I sucked it up and played pretty strong with few minor mistakes. I pulled the match to a close with a 3-9 combo and final score of 7-3.
YAY!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
US Open
Soooo, I am a little bit of a slacker...well not really, just had a lot going on lately.
After Indiana, I took a small break from pool, family issues left me not wanting to leave the house much.
Anyway-I watched the Satellite event that was held in Tennessee, wish I could have made it there, too bad I couldn't. I enjoyed the live stream and it was fun chatting with everyone!
I received my invite to the US Open this past Monday!!
Fortunately for me, it was in the stars for me to go! My pool hall, Corner Pocket Billiards sponsored my entry fee. So in two weeks, I will be in Oklahoma City playing!
After Indiana, I took a small break from pool, family issues left me not wanting to leave the house much.
Anyway-I watched the Satellite event that was held in Tennessee, wish I could have made it there, too bad I couldn't. I enjoyed the live stream and it was fun chatting with everyone!
I received my invite to the US Open this past Monday!!
Fortunately for me, it was in the stars for me to go! My pool hall, Corner Pocket Billiards sponsored my entry fee. So in two weeks, I will be in Oklahoma City playing!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Great Lakes Classic
As most of you already know....GLC was horrible for me!
I drew Kelly Fisher in my first round. Granted I had some chances, but no matter what I did, I couldn't get a rythm going! The 2 whopping games I won, I had to work hard for..lol.
A long rail bank on the 8 for a shot on the 9, and a break an run....woohoo....
In any case, my 2nd match was against Sueyen Rhee. We played a great match in the beginning. Going back and forth, tied at 5-5.......I made the most crucial errors in the match. I missed shape on a 5 in turn missing the kick safe.....then the next game I missed the 5 again.
Down 7-5, we exchanged plays on the 6....in the end she got a good roll...I kicked to make the 6, and it rattled out the pockets leaving her a shot and she made a great out.
Down 8-5, she broke makes a ball....and I think it was the 2 ball, kicked the 9 right in!
That's pool for you! :)
I drew Kelly Fisher in my first round. Granted I had some chances, but no matter what I did, I couldn't get a rythm going! The 2 whopping games I won, I had to work hard for..lol.
A long rail bank on the 8 for a shot on the 9, and a break an run....woohoo....
In any case, my 2nd match was against Sueyen Rhee. We played a great match in the beginning. Going back and forth, tied at 5-5.......I made the most crucial errors in the match. I missed shape on a 5 in turn missing the kick safe.....then the next game I missed the 5 again.
Down 7-5, we exchanged plays on the 6....in the end she got a good roll...I kicked to make the 6, and it rattled out the pockets leaving her a shot and she made a great out.
Down 8-5, she broke makes a ball....and I think it was the 2 ball, kicked the 9 right in!
That's pool for you! :)
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