I will be interviewing California pool player Mary Rakin. Mary has dominated the Tiger West Coast Women's 9 Ball Tour and has quickly risen to be one of the top players on the Women's Professional Billiards Association. I will be working on this piece and will have it available once it is complete :)
WPBA San Diego Classic 2009, Photo by Anne Craig
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Player Profile #4- Dan Louie
I apologize for the delay in this post, but if you knew Dan, you would understand why it was so important for me to get things just right. Dan is an amazing pool player, a caring husband and father, and dedicated coach and friend to many. I was recently able to celebrate his 60th birthday with him at The Parlor in Bellevue, where he is the house pro and coach to Team Vixen. Friends and family gathered around to celebrate the life of a man who is kind and so humble, you would never know from his demeanor that he was a former world champion. Dan continues to give back to the sport that he has dedicated his life to and was gracious enough to allow me to interview him for my blog. I am truly grateful for the opportunity, so I hope that you enjoy the read.
Dan Louie was born July 17, 1952 in Seattle, WA. His father, Alan, was a well known restaurant owner, including China Gate and New Luck Toy. His mother, Fong, ran their families "at home" business in bean sprouts. Dan was one of three children. His older brother, Lincoln, was 17 years older than Dan, while his younger sister, Lily, was two years junior.
Growing UP
As a youth, Dan had many hobbies and found a love for competition early on. At only 10 years old, he placed 3rd in state at a Spin Top competition. At 12, Dan discovered a new game, pocket billiards. His dad was one of the best pool players around town and they even had their own table at home. Dan would have the neighbor kids come over and play, mostly 8 ball and straight pool in those early years. He also enjoyed hanging out with friends away from the pool table. Some of his fondest childhood memories include boating on Hood Canal with his family, the Shriner's Parade, where he worked selling posters, and driving his father's 62 Cadillac.
Dan was also an honor student growing up, in particular he enjoyed Math and Sciences. Dan graduated on his high school's honor roll and ultimately, Dan went on to attend Washington State University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. An excellent student, Dan was also accepted at the University of Washington and Western Washington University.
Dan's first job was at Ben Paris Restaurant while still in school. It was a combined sporting goods store, restaurant, and pool room. Dan ended up quitting rather quickly, as his M-F 5-10 schedule reduced his ability to concentrate in the classroom, according to him, he was "just too tired."
Family MAN
Dan has been married 27 years to his wife. When they met, she worked as a medical interpreter and at the same restaurant as Dan. His offer to teach her how to drive ended up being the beginning of a beautiful relationship and marriage. They have three daughters together and enjoy taking small trips in their free time. Dan also has one son from his first marriage, who currently resides in Los Angeles. Most recently, Dan and a large group of his family/closest friends took a European vacation, which included Barcelona, Paris, and London. This was Dan's first trip to Europe and he said it was absolutely amazing.
When I asked Dan who the three most influential people in his life were, it was no surprise to me that he included his father (business), mother (temperament), and grandfather (values).
His family helped to shape the way that he looks at things. They have a strong asian heritage and those cultural values permeate the interactions between all family members. He was taught how to respect others, especially his elders. Modesty and honesty in all things...
Pool PLAYER
Dan is an amazing person off the table, but his demeanor and sportsmanship on the table are why I selected him for a profile write-up. His competitive drive has kept him as one of the top players in the NW region for the last 30+ years, in fact his most recent title included the Grand Master Singles 9 Ball Champion at the Western BCA Regional 9 Ball Championships (October 2012). Looking back, here is a list of some of Dan's accomplishments on the table:
1973 ACUI National Champion- 14.1 Straight Pool
1974 ACUI National Champion- 14.1 Straight Pool
1974 Labor Day Open Champion- 14.1 Straight Pool
1976 World Open 8 Ball/9 Ball Championship- 9 Ball Champion (lost playoff to Mike Sigel for All Around title- Mike was the 8 Ball Champion)
1983 Washington State NPCA Champion- 9 Ball
1996 Canadian Pro Tour Stop Champion- 9 Ball
2007 Western BCA Master Singles Champion- 8 Ball
2009 NCS National Qualifier - 14.1 Straight Pool
2010 Derby City Class Mini Champion- 1 Pocket
2011 Western BCA Grand Master Singles Champion- 8 Ball
2012 Western BCA Grand Master Singles Champion- 9 Ball
Pool EQUIPMENT
Cue- Dave Jones Custom
Case- Jack Justice
Jump- Ernie Omori Purple Heart
Break- Predator BK1 Butt with PK2 shaft (unless no phenolic allowed)
I truly hope that you have the opportunity to meet with or compete against Dan in your days, it was truly an honor for me to be a part of his living legacy. Thanks again to Dan and best of luck in your many tournaments to come :)
Dan Louie was born July 17, 1952 in Seattle, WA. His father, Alan, was a well known restaurant owner, including China Gate and New Luck Toy. His mother, Fong, ran their families "at home" business in bean sprouts. Dan was one of three children. His older brother, Lincoln, was 17 years older than Dan, while his younger sister, Lily, was two years junior.
Growing UP
As a youth, Dan had many hobbies and found a love for competition early on. At only 10 years old, he placed 3rd in state at a Spin Top competition. At 12, Dan discovered a new game, pocket billiards. His dad was one of the best pool players around town and they even had their own table at home. Dan would have the neighbor kids come over and play, mostly 8 ball and straight pool in those early years. He also enjoyed hanging out with friends away from the pool table. Some of his fondest childhood memories include boating on Hood Canal with his family, the Shriner's Parade, where he worked selling posters, and driving his father's 62 Cadillac.
Dan was also an honor student growing up, in particular he enjoyed Math and Sciences. Dan graduated on his high school's honor roll and ultimately, Dan went on to attend Washington State University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. An excellent student, Dan was also accepted at the University of Washington and Western Washington University.
Dan's first job was at Ben Paris Restaurant while still in school. It was a combined sporting goods store, restaurant, and pool room. Dan ended up quitting rather quickly, as his M-F 5-10 schedule reduced his ability to concentrate in the classroom, according to him, he was "just too tired."
Family MAN
Dan has been married 27 years to his wife. When they met, she worked as a medical interpreter and at the same restaurant as Dan. His offer to teach her how to drive ended up being the beginning of a beautiful relationship and marriage. They have three daughters together and enjoy taking small trips in their free time. Dan also has one son from his first marriage, who currently resides in Los Angeles. Most recently, Dan and a large group of his family/closest friends took a European vacation, which included Barcelona, Paris, and London. This was Dan's first trip to Europe and he said it was absolutely amazing.
When I asked Dan who the three most influential people in his life were, it was no surprise to me that he included his father (business), mother (temperament), and grandfather (values).
His family helped to shape the way that he looks at things. They have a strong asian heritage and those cultural values permeate the interactions between all family members. He was taught how to respect others, especially his elders. Modesty and honesty in all things...
Pool PLAYER
Dan is an amazing person off the table, but his demeanor and sportsmanship on the table are why I selected him for a profile write-up. His competitive drive has kept him as one of the top players in the NW region for the last 30+ years, in fact his most recent title included the Grand Master Singles 9 Ball Champion at the Western BCA Regional 9 Ball Championships (October 2012). Looking back, here is a list of some of Dan's accomplishments on the table:
1973 ACUI National Champion- 14.1 Straight Pool
1974 ACUI National Champion- 14.1 Straight Pool
1974 Labor Day Open Champion- 14.1 Straight Pool
1976 World Open 8 Ball/9 Ball Championship- 9 Ball Champion (lost playoff to Mike Sigel for All Around title- Mike was the 8 Ball Champion)
1983 Washington State NPCA Champion- 9 Ball
1996 Canadian Pro Tour Stop Champion- 9 Ball
2007 Western BCA Master Singles Champion- 8 Ball
2009 NCS National Qualifier - 14.1 Straight Pool
2010 Derby City Class Mini Champion- 1 Pocket
2011 Western BCA Grand Master Singles Champion- 8 Ball
2012 Western BCA Grand Master Singles Champion- 9 Ball
Pool EQUIPMENT
Cue- Dave Jones Custom
Case- Jack Justice
Jump- Ernie Omori Purple Heart
Break- Predator BK1 Butt with PK2 shaft (unless no phenolic allowed)
I truly hope that you have the opportunity to meet with or compete against Dan in your days, it was truly an honor for me to be a part of his living legacy. Thanks again to Dan and best of luck in your many tournaments to come :)
Saturday, November 24, 2012
GoPlayPool.com brings pool communications into the new millenium
With all of the technologies out there, it is no wonder that someone hasn't thought of a way to unify all the sources of information that are currently available to pool players on tournaments, pool rooms, and news. Oh wait, someone has, Now. Go Play Pool is that website and mobile app and it's recent launch is very exciting. Here is my interview with Mary Ann Starkey, CEO and CoFounder of GoPlayPool.com:
SOS- Who’s idea was it to create GoPlayPool?
Mary Ann- Ramin and I both had similar ideas a few years ago. We wanted to create a directory of pool halls and bars so people would always know where to go if they wanted to play.
SOS- What inspired your idea?
Mary Ann- The real launching point for us creating the website and the app came from me finding out about a bar in my area that has 5 really nice Diamond bar-boxes. I had no idea that they had quality equipment, and it was only minutes away from my home. It got me to thinking that there should be a source for players to go to, to be able to find information like this easily. I knew the bar was there, but I had no idea what they offered...so we decided to build on that, and GoPlayPool.com was formed.
SOS- What would you tell people about GoPlayPool that they might not be able to know from the website?
Mary Ann- GoPlayPool.com has been built from scratch. Even the database of rooms was created by hand. We searched multiple sources for rooms and we've done our best to filter out the suppliers and rooms that have since closed. While many sites with similar concepts just did a basic "copy/paste" to create their lists and maps, we have been working tirelessly to enter this information by hand. We hope it shows!
SOS- How do companies and pool rooms advertise with GoPlayPool?
Mary Ann- Companies can advertise their businesses for FREE with GoPlayPool.com. We don't charge anyone but the pool rooms.
The pool rooms can advertise themselves by becoming members of GoPlayPool.com. They get the first 30 days free to try us out, and it's only $19.95 per month after that. With that membership, they get a detailed profile which describes the room and the amenities offered to its customers. Not only can they list tournament schedules for pool, but they can also include tournaments outside of the sport if they offer them. Everything from foosball to shuffleboard and even beer pong tournaments. Users can learn anything they might want to know about our member rooms. Users can also get special coupons and discounts offered directly from the room. These types of things can be expensive for companies to promote and distribute, but with GoPlayPool.com, they get everything for one low, flat rate.
SOS- Will the Application always be free to users?
Mary Ann- We are happy to provide this information free of charge to the users. The information SHOULD be free to the players and fans, because in the end, they are the ones who already spend enough money to support the sport of pool.
SOS- Are there any other projects/ideas that you would love to be involved with?
Mary Ann- We are working on creating some really good giveaways and contests as well as tournaments in the near future. We are coming up with some great ideas to promote and represent the community as well as pool players.
SOS- Tell me more about Mary Ann?
Mary Ann- First and foremost, I'm a mom. I have a great son, who is my reason for getting up everyday. Without him, I'd be lost. I am also lucky enough to have a great man in my life. Ramin is a great guy, and I'm so glad that pool lead me to him. I went to an event almost 4 years ago where I met him, and "beat" him at a game of 8 ball. I love the game of pool, and I'm so thankful that I've found this opportunity to not only promote the sport, but also help the people who make our sport possible...the pool halls and bars. I have 3 goals right now. 1. Spread the word about the game, the sport I love so much. 2. Help the hard working room owners to promote their establishments so we can continue to play on a casual basis and leagues. 3. I hope to make GoPlayPool.com a success to that I can support my little family and continue to enjoy playing pool in my spare time.
I believe that GoPlayPool is just what our industry needs to streamline the massive amounts of information available for pool rooms across the country and it is my goal to support them by spreading the word. Please go to their website and give as much feedback as you can. Download the free app on your phone. Let's do this :) Good peeps and good pool, what a winning combination!
SOS- Who’s idea was it to create GoPlayPool?
Mary Ann- Ramin and I both had similar ideas a few years ago. We wanted to create a directory of pool halls and bars so people would always know where to go if they wanted to play.
SOS- What inspired your idea?
Mary Ann- The real launching point for us creating the website and the app came from me finding out about a bar in my area that has 5 really nice Diamond bar-boxes. I had no idea that they had quality equipment, and it was only minutes away from my home. It got me to thinking that there should be a source for players to go to, to be able to find information like this easily. I knew the bar was there, but I had no idea what they offered...so we decided to build on that, and GoPlayPool.com was formed.
SOS- What would you tell people about GoPlayPool that they might not be able to know from the website?
Mary Ann- GoPlayPool.com has been built from scratch. Even the database of rooms was created by hand. We searched multiple sources for rooms and we've done our best to filter out the suppliers and rooms that have since closed. While many sites with similar concepts just did a basic "copy/paste" to create their lists and maps, we have been working tirelessly to enter this information by hand. We hope it shows!
SOS- How do companies and pool rooms advertise with GoPlayPool?
Mary Ann- Companies can advertise their businesses for FREE with GoPlayPool.com. We don't charge anyone but the pool rooms.
The pool rooms can advertise themselves by becoming members of GoPlayPool.com. They get the first 30 days free to try us out, and it's only $19.95 per month after that. With that membership, they get a detailed profile which describes the room and the amenities offered to its customers. Not only can they list tournament schedules for pool, but they can also include tournaments outside of the sport if they offer them. Everything from foosball to shuffleboard and even beer pong tournaments. Users can learn anything they might want to know about our member rooms. Users can also get special coupons and discounts offered directly from the room. These types of things can be expensive for companies to promote and distribute, but with GoPlayPool.com, they get everything for one low, flat rate.
SOS- Will the Application always be free to users?
Mary Ann- We are happy to provide this information free of charge to the users. The information SHOULD be free to the players and fans, because in the end, they are the ones who already spend enough money to support the sport of pool.
SOS- Are there any other projects/ideas that you would love to be involved with?
Mary Ann- We are working on creating some really good giveaways and contests as well as tournaments in the near future. We are coming up with some great ideas to promote and represent the community as well as pool players.
SOS- Tell me more about Mary Ann?
Mary Ann- First and foremost, I'm a mom. I have a great son, who is my reason for getting up everyday. Without him, I'd be lost. I am also lucky enough to have a great man in my life. Ramin is a great guy, and I'm so glad that pool lead me to him. I went to an event almost 4 years ago where I met him, and "beat" him at a game of 8 ball. I love the game of pool, and I'm so thankful that I've found this opportunity to not only promote the sport, but also help the people who make our sport possible...the pool halls and bars. I have 3 goals right now. 1. Spread the word about the game, the sport I love so much. 2. Help the hard working room owners to promote their establishments so we can continue to play on a casual basis and leagues. 3. I hope to make GoPlayPool.com a success to that I can support my little family and continue to enjoy playing pool in my spare time.
I believe that GoPlayPool is just what our industry needs to streamline the massive amounts of information available for pool rooms across the country and it is my goal to support them by spreading the word. Please go to their website and give as much feedback as you can. Download the free app on your phone. Let's do this :) Good peeps and good pool, what a winning combination!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Bittersweet Defense- Reflections on the 2012 US Amateur Championships
This year the APA's US Amateur Championship was held in Tampa, Florida. As the defending champion, I was invited to attend the final rounds to defend my title without going through the rigorous qualification associated with a preliminary round. A part of me was nervous, but in general I was very excited to have the opportunity to do what no woman has done in the history of the event, win back-to-back titles. Some of my friends didn't understand why I would want to go back, since I obviously already had shown that I could win it... But for me, I felt like it was more to prove that it wasn't a fluke, that I really could compete with the best amateurs in the country, and of course that I could win it again.
I was fortunate to have a good friend of mine travel with me this year. Unlike 2011, I had someone to talk to, eat with, warm me up, and give me support throughout the tournament. The draw was posted on Friday, Nov 11, and I immediately plotted my course through the A side, predicting who would be my match ups based on what I knew of the players and their skill levels. Similar to 2011, I didn't know many of the players. Many top notch regional tour players don't compete at the US Amateur Championships because there are no cash winnings involved. Only the winner of the event receives monetary compensation, and that is for paid hotel, airfare, and entry fee to the WPBA US Open the following year. With a winner take all format, many players don't see the draw.
To me, the fact that there is no money involved makes the US Amateur Championship that much more special. Players compete as a matter of pride and for love of the game... A lot of players these days sponsor themselves, so winning entries or travel/lodging accomodations is just a perk. The title has an amazing ring, and I feel blessed that I will always be written up in history as the 2011 US Amateur Champion.
Prior to match play on Saturday morning, the APA's head tournament director conducted an interview with me outside of the Crooked Cue. His first question "How does it feel to have a big target on your back?" Seriously?!? LOL. I really hadn't thought about it that way, until he mentioned it, but in the grand scheme of things I guess I should have. I really do need to work on my interview skills... You can read it here: http://usamateurchampionship.com/coverage/2012/2012/11/ladies-champion-begins-title-defense/
Match play began on Saturday morning and 32 women started their journey (410 entered preliminary rounds), only one woman would be crowned Champion, and I was very hopeful that it would be me. In 2011, I won all of my matches with not one opponent reaching the hill. Looking back now, I really feel like that was an accomplishment; however, there is a certain amount of character that is built when you fall behind in a race and when your opponent reaches the hill. This year, straight out of the gate, I would be tested numerous times with a mixed bag of results.
My first match was against Sonya Chbeeb Hurst from Alabama. This was her first US Amateur Championship and we chatted briefly before our match. She seemed like a very sweet girl, she even mentioned having a dream about drawing me as her first match. She shot great during our match and took a commanding 4-2 lead (after we had exchanged racks to 2-2). I won the 7th game to put the score to 4-3, but then a questionable call in the eighth game would end up costing me the match. I got very poor position on the 9 ball and decided to play a safety. I was using the bridge and was fully extended on the table. I tapped the cue ball into the 9 ball and stood up. I couldn't see if I had hit the rail or not with the 9. She asked if it was a good hit, and I honestly couldn't say. I was so low on the ball that I just couldn't tell... We brought a referee over and his ruling that it was the shooter's call, since no referee had been watching. I felt sick. She thought that it wasn't a good hit, but wasn't sure either, so she played it as it was. I couldn't let the feeling go, "What if it was a bad hit?" I would never want to win that way. She played a safety and left me a routine cut along the end rail. I dogged it, still unable to let it go. Ugh. I hate when that happens. Instead of tying the match at 4 games, she won 5-3. She was elated and I tried to imagine how I would have felt, defeating the defending champion. I was actually happy for her, I kind of felt like my karmic bank was full again.
We shook hands and she advanced on the A side, while I moved over to the B bracket. Sonya ended up losing both of her next matches hill-hill, but overall, she said she was very happy with her performance. She told me that she played the best pool of her life against me. You can read about her here: http://usamateurchampionship.com/coverage/2012/2012/11/sonya-chbeeb-hurst-an-opportunity-to-earn-respect/.
The next few rounds were very difficult for me as I played three ladies that I had met in 2011. I tried to focus on what I was doing, rather than who I was playing, and that worked out pretty well. I defeated Lisa Cossette (5-2), Lenore McCarthy (5-1), and Maria Rice (5-0). I was starting to shoot very well, but it is always harder to beat someone on the B side, knowing that you are ending their hopes and dreams as well (for that event at least.) My next match was against Meredith Lynch from Maryland. I felt like we had very similar styles in our pool playing. We were both shotmakers, didn't play a lot of safeties, and often got out of position during our patterns. I led the set 2-1 after 8 ball, but she stormed back, taking the first 3 games of 9 ball to reach the hill first. Down 4-2, I felt like I was in a nightmare. I didn't want my tournament to end, I needed another chance. I ended up tying the match at 4 games with a couple strong runouts, so I was breaking in the hill-hill game. We both made several mistakes during that final rack, but ultimately, I was at the table with a pretty standard 3 ball run for the set. I shot the 6 ball and overdrew my position leaving a tough cut on the 8. I made the cut, but left an even tougher cut on the 9. I could have went for the bank, but instead I tried a tough cut in the side. I missed the cut but ended up leaving Meredith long and nearly straight in, shooting about 2 inches off the rail. Meredith had the winning shot, but it rattled, traveled 3 rails and then hung just in front of the same corner pocket she was shooting for. She conceded the match, so I advanced to play Jennifer Page from Florida.
It was definitely getting late in the day when it was time for our match. Jennifer won the lag and chose 9 ball. This was a first, and it kind of through me off. Every other match had started with 8 ball and I felt like my 9 ball was stronger than most of the girls there. Boy was I wrong. I was up 2-1 and the next three racks were mine to win. Down to the last 3 balls, each shot that I took before the 8 ball resulted in extremely poor position: playing a ball out of the pocket, I attempted to spin off the rail and hooked myself with the 9 and then two fifty-fifty shots, all ended with me selling out the racks, leaving her a 2 ball run. She closed out each game to take a 4-2 lead going into the 8 ball set. I was beside myself. WTH just happened?!? I never really got into a good groove during our last game, and we ended up in a safety battle when we were both down to our last ball. They were tyed up together and she left me long with her safety. I attempted to return the safe, but ended up hitting my ball too fat and selling out the game and ending my opportunity at a title defense. I felt so disappointed, I shook her hand, wished her luck, and put my cues away... Sigh... Blah... Poor me... Over it... Time to enjoy my vacation! (Jennifer ended up losing her next match 5-2, finishing in 5/6.)
The hardest thing about not doing better at the tournament was that every single person I talked to felt sorry for me. What happened? Are you ok? I'm sorry... You'll get em next time. Speaking honestly, I am not sorry. Yes, I wish I would have won back-to-back titles. Yes, I wish I would have played better. The bottom line is I didn't. I didn't play the best this weekend, Tammie Jones did. I nearly cried along with her, watching the event recap video. This was a dream come true for her. Not taking anything away from my dreams, but tournaments are just that. My dreams aren't about winning a bunch of titles or money or fame. I love this sport, I love the people that play in it, and tournaments are something that brings all of it together. I love traveling to a new city, submerging myself in the culture, hearing the stories of other pool players. So, here's to closing out 2012 with a bang. I am already planning my schedule for next year, a whole new set of memories are going to be created (along with a new book! 2 down, who knows how many to go?) I hope that I get to keep doing what I love and that when I share my stories, you can be reminded of why you do what you love too. Happy Holiday season! Love SOS ;)
I was fortunate to have a good friend of mine travel with me this year. Unlike 2011, I had someone to talk to, eat with, warm me up, and give me support throughout the tournament. The draw was posted on Friday, Nov 11, and I immediately plotted my course through the A side, predicting who would be my match ups based on what I knew of the players and their skill levels. Similar to 2011, I didn't know many of the players. Many top notch regional tour players don't compete at the US Amateur Championships because there are no cash winnings involved. Only the winner of the event receives monetary compensation, and that is for paid hotel, airfare, and entry fee to the WPBA US Open the following year. With a winner take all format, many players don't see the draw.
To me, the fact that there is no money involved makes the US Amateur Championship that much more special. Players compete as a matter of pride and for love of the game... A lot of players these days sponsor themselves, so winning entries or travel/lodging accomodations is just a perk. The title has an amazing ring, and I feel blessed that I will always be written up in history as the 2011 US Amateur Champion.
Prior to match play on Saturday morning, the APA's head tournament director conducted an interview with me outside of the Crooked Cue. His first question "How does it feel to have a big target on your back?" Seriously?!? LOL. I really hadn't thought about it that way, until he mentioned it, but in the grand scheme of things I guess I should have. I really do need to work on my interview skills... You can read it here: http://usamateurchampionship.com/coverage/2012/2012/11/ladies-champion-begins-title-defense/
Match play began on Saturday morning and 32 women started their journey (410 entered preliminary rounds), only one woman would be crowned Champion, and I was very hopeful that it would be me. In 2011, I won all of my matches with not one opponent reaching the hill. Looking back now, I really feel like that was an accomplishment; however, there is a certain amount of character that is built when you fall behind in a race and when your opponent reaches the hill. This year, straight out of the gate, I would be tested numerous times with a mixed bag of results.
My first match was against Sonya Chbeeb Hurst from Alabama. This was her first US Amateur Championship and we chatted briefly before our match. She seemed like a very sweet girl, she even mentioned having a dream about drawing me as her first match. She shot great during our match and took a commanding 4-2 lead (after we had exchanged racks to 2-2). I won the 7th game to put the score to 4-3, but then a questionable call in the eighth game would end up costing me the match. I got very poor position on the 9 ball and decided to play a safety. I was using the bridge and was fully extended on the table. I tapped the cue ball into the 9 ball and stood up. I couldn't see if I had hit the rail or not with the 9. She asked if it was a good hit, and I honestly couldn't say. I was so low on the ball that I just couldn't tell... We brought a referee over and his ruling that it was the shooter's call, since no referee had been watching. I felt sick. She thought that it wasn't a good hit, but wasn't sure either, so she played it as it was. I couldn't let the feeling go, "What if it was a bad hit?" I would never want to win that way. She played a safety and left me a routine cut along the end rail. I dogged it, still unable to let it go. Ugh. I hate when that happens. Instead of tying the match at 4 games, she won 5-3. She was elated and I tried to imagine how I would have felt, defeating the defending champion. I was actually happy for her, I kind of felt like my karmic bank was full again.
We shook hands and she advanced on the A side, while I moved over to the B bracket. Sonya ended up losing both of her next matches hill-hill, but overall, she said she was very happy with her performance. She told me that she played the best pool of her life against me. You can read about her here: http://usamateurchampionship.com/coverage/2012/2012/11/sonya-chbeeb-hurst-an-opportunity-to-earn-respect/.
The next few rounds were very difficult for me as I played three ladies that I had met in 2011. I tried to focus on what I was doing, rather than who I was playing, and that worked out pretty well. I defeated Lisa Cossette (5-2), Lenore McCarthy (5-1), and Maria Rice (5-0). I was starting to shoot very well, but it is always harder to beat someone on the B side, knowing that you are ending their hopes and dreams as well (for that event at least.) My next match was against Meredith Lynch from Maryland. I felt like we had very similar styles in our pool playing. We were both shotmakers, didn't play a lot of safeties, and often got out of position during our patterns. I led the set 2-1 after 8 ball, but she stormed back, taking the first 3 games of 9 ball to reach the hill first. Down 4-2, I felt like I was in a nightmare. I didn't want my tournament to end, I needed another chance. I ended up tying the match at 4 games with a couple strong runouts, so I was breaking in the hill-hill game. We both made several mistakes during that final rack, but ultimately, I was at the table with a pretty standard 3 ball run for the set. I shot the 6 ball and overdrew my position leaving a tough cut on the 8. I made the cut, but left an even tougher cut on the 9. I could have went for the bank, but instead I tried a tough cut in the side. I missed the cut but ended up leaving Meredith long and nearly straight in, shooting about 2 inches off the rail. Meredith had the winning shot, but it rattled, traveled 3 rails and then hung just in front of the same corner pocket she was shooting for. She conceded the match, so I advanced to play Jennifer Page from Florida.
It was definitely getting late in the day when it was time for our match. Jennifer won the lag and chose 9 ball. This was a first, and it kind of through me off. Every other match had started with 8 ball and I felt like my 9 ball was stronger than most of the girls there. Boy was I wrong. I was up 2-1 and the next three racks were mine to win. Down to the last 3 balls, each shot that I took before the 8 ball resulted in extremely poor position: playing a ball out of the pocket, I attempted to spin off the rail and hooked myself with the 9 and then two fifty-fifty shots, all ended with me selling out the racks, leaving her a 2 ball run. She closed out each game to take a 4-2 lead going into the 8 ball set. I was beside myself. WTH just happened?!? I never really got into a good groove during our last game, and we ended up in a safety battle when we were both down to our last ball. They were tyed up together and she left me long with her safety. I attempted to return the safe, but ended up hitting my ball too fat and selling out the game and ending my opportunity at a title defense. I felt so disappointed, I shook her hand, wished her luck, and put my cues away... Sigh... Blah... Poor me... Over it... Time to enjoy my vacation! (Jennifer ended up losing her next match 5-2, finishing in 5/6.)
The hardest thing about not doing better at the tournament was that every single person I talked to felt sorry for me. What happened? Are you ok? I'm sorry... You'll get em next time. Speaking honestly, I am not sorry. Yes, I wish I would have won back-to-back titles. Yes, I wish I would have played better. The bottom line is I didn't. I didn't play the best this weekend, Tammie Jones did. I nearly cried along with her, watching the event recap video. This was a dream come true for her. Not taking anything away from my dreams, but tournaments are just that. My dreams aren't about winning a bunch of titles or money or fame. I love this sport, I love the people that play in it, and tournaments are something that brings all of it together. I love traveling to a new city, submerging myself in the culture, hearing the stories of other pool players. So, here's to closing out 2012 with a bang. I am already planning my schedule for next year, a whole new set of memories are going to be created (along with a new book! 2 down, who knows how many to go?) I hope that I get to keep doing what I love and that when I share my stories, you can be reminded of why you do what you love too. Happy Holiday season! Love SOS ;)
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