We're back for the last 50-game day of the week today, if everything goes to plan. We begin with...
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Kiwi. The silver cue is up for Rotation between these club-mates. Capital City's Sprinkles didn't strike first in game 1, but she had the better of the play later. Terrace City's Kiwi kept the game close for the first half, but Sprinkles made four balls over two turns to win 8-4 for a 1-0 series lead to the host. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles didn't have much traction early in game 2, giving up a number of short runs and choppy turns to the Knights' Kiwi. Sprinkles did gather herself for a four-ball run to make it close, but Kiwi iced her 8-5 win with the last two shots immediately afterwards to tie the series at 1. Sprinkles had the early lead again in game 3, but it turned into a difficult battle in the middle with the score tied. Sprinkles cracked with illegal contact that led Kiwi to a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, including her jam play on the 11 at the bottom side that saw it go across to fall in the top side for the 8-4 win. Kiwi now leads the series 2-1. Sprinkles again jumped out to a lead in game 4 after Kiwi had a decent break. Kiwi kept pace in the first half of the game, but Sprinkles took things over at the end for the 8-4 win, enough to retie the series at 2 as it has been the player who breaks free after the 8 who gets the wins in this series. Sprinkles and Kiwi battled out hard in game 5, with neither player totally controlling the game. Kiwi had more of the advantage, and made it stand when Sprinkles missed the 11-15 combination to the top left. Kiwi made the last two balls for an 8-6 win and a 3-2 series win. Kiwi will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals. Sprinkles is the 42nd player to be eliminated this year, while Kiwi has her first kill in a club version of friendly fire.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Chelsea. The red cue gets the next series, with these two veterans playing 10-ball. Westside's Slinks made a good break in game 1, but the rest of the game was suspect. Slinks played better than Eastside's Chelsea, but neither dominated, and it took two tries on the 10 for Slinks to get the win after a previous fiasco on the 9. Slinks leads the series 1-0. The Rockers' Slinks looked less confident on the break in game 2, and this spilled over into the game. The Sharks' Chelsea had a lot more possession early on, but Slinks charged late on a three-ball run that ended in a scratch. Chelsea made the 10 to the bottom side from ball-in-hand for the win, tying the series at 1. Chelsea didn't have an appealing break in game 3, and the course of the game didn't show much improvement for her. Late in the game, when Slinks potted the 8 to the wrong pocket, Chelsea took possession but missed on the 9. Slinks made the 9 and the 10 easily enough, as Chelsea's shooting mistake puts her in a 2-1 hole in the series. Chelsea's struggles persisted into game 4 quite a bit, especially early on. She illegally potted the 10 at one point on a nearly-successful split with the 4. Slinks took over with a four-ball run after this, and while Chelsea fired back with two more, she missed the 10. Her defense bailed her out, as Slinks couldn't pot the 10 either, and Chelsea made it on the second try to tie the series at 1. Game 5 had Slinks written all over it, as she controlled play just after the break, and when Chelsea had a late scratch, Slinks double-potted the 5 and 10 to the right corners from ball-in-hand to win the series 3-2. Slinks advances to the bracket semifinals with the kill, her first, making Chelsea the 43rd player to be eliminated from the Tournament.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Prism v. Gradley. The blue cue is next up for this series of Accuracy, which will wrap around the lunch break. Stonebridge's Prism and Boston's Gradley had a great duel in game 1, but Prism was the first to falter around the middle of the game. Gradley cruised from here, playing perfectly to take the 0-2 win for a 1-0 series lead as proof of his star status. The Swifts' Gradley had to flash a bit more skill to keep the run of perfection going through the early part of game 2, but it worked, as the Wolves' Prism again buckled and fell behind. Gradley couldn't sustain his effort for the whole game, but he emerged with a 2-5 win to take a 2-0 series lead with. Gradley faltered frequently despite making a ball on the break in game 3. He sputtered through much of the first half of the game before getting some traction late, but it wouldn't change Prism's sprint to the 3-5 win to cut the series to 2-1. Gradley had a lead early in game 4, but he couldn't make it stand after a couple of misses and a scratch. He dropped into a tie, and then Prism outplayed him at the end to pick up the 3-4 win, tying the series at 2 with her desperate effort. Gradley took things over again in game 5, shaking his slump in play from the previous two games to nearly go perfect against Prism. The host couldn't stop her slide, as Prism ultimately dropped the 1-5 result to Gradley, who won the series 3-2. Gradley advances to host a series in the bracket semifinals at Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Pedey. The blue cue continues with a series of 8-ball between club-mates. Royal's Nightfur had a hot start in game 1, making two balls on the break and getting through her suit in three turns. She still was no match for Diamond's Pedey, who rallied with an eight-ball run-out after Nightfur's defense had left the table. Pedey's big run gave him the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Pedey started with a four-ball run from the break in game 2, getting off to a good start. The Crowns' Nightfur had a late four-ball run, but collateral damage put Pedey onto the 8. Nightfur tried to play a strategy game, but it didn't work when she missed her shot, and Pedey tapped in the 8 from distance to win for a 2-0 series lead. Pedey cranked out a four-ball run from the break in game 3, and while Nightfur countered with a five-ball run later, Pedey shot back with a three-ball run to keep himself ahead. Nightfur again got stuck between offense and defense, electing to make it difficult for Pedey while not helping herself. Pedey broke through to score the 8 at the top left, winning to clinch the series at 3-0. Pedey worked a five-ball run from the break in game 4, a little more offense putting Nightfur into a defensive shell sooner. Pedey's lack of finishing skill on the 8 has been overshadowed by Nightfur's defense, but it was clear that Pedey got a bit lucky to make the 8 on his third try without Nightfur catching up. Pedey holds a 4-0 series lead now. Pedey's characteristic big run never developed in game 5, instead with Nightfur making a four-ball run and then chipping along to her own win. Pedey still took the series 4-1, and advances to a road series in the bracket semifinals.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Goldy. A rookie takes on a superstar in another series of 8-ball, also with the blue cue. Pronger's Spot had a slow start in game 1, and it looked as if Everton's Goldy could go the distance on her first turn, which ended as a five-ball run. Spot countered lightly, and Goldy nearly finished it off, but left the 8 short. Spot then ignited a six-ball run-out with the 4-1 double-pot at the bottom left, and ended by tapping in the 6 to win for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went much in the same way, with a deep cutting run by the Eagles' Goldy on her first turn. This five-ball run was answered shot for shot by the Tridents' Spot a turn later, which set up an interesting finish. Goldy had the first crack at the 8 but couldn't sink it, and Spot came up true with a three-ball run-out for the win and the 2-0 series lead. Spot abandoned the slow start theme in game 3, making a ball on the break. Goldy chopped back for awhile, and the game was close before Spot engaged on his final run, a four-ball run-out with good cuts and positioning for him to get the series-clinching win at a 3-0 lead. In game 4, Spot returned to his familiar ways, allowing Goldy a three-ball run on her first turn before he had a four-ball run. Spot would later add a three-ball run to pressure Goldy, and she couldn't counter well enough, allowing Spot to make the 8 for the win and a 4-0 lead in the series. Game 5 saw Goldy do what she should have done in the first game, as she pulled off a seven-ball run with a dangerously close shot on the 8. Spot fired back with a quick six-ball run, but he wouldn't get onto the 8, and Goldy made it in the bottom side for the win. Spot will host his bracket semifinals series at this venue after his 4-1 series win.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Marsell. An established star takes on a rising star as the silver cue returns for 9-ball. Game 1 got off to a bit of a slow start. Pacific's Ms. Kitty had the better of the play, but not by much. Whitewater's Marsell showed a bit more strength late in the game, and he stepped up to make the 9 when Ms. Kitty missed it from range, giving Marsell the 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty didn't let a lively break from the Shores' Marsell in game 2 distract her. The two players engaged in a close battle throughout the rack, neither one able to establish a run of any sorts. In the end, Marsell missed on the 9, and Ms. Kitty cleaned it up for the win to tie the series at 1. Marsell did everything but win in game 3, using his only turn to execute an eight-ball run that ended with a tough miss on the 9. Ms. Kitty made the straight in shot herself on the last ball, swooping in to take a 2-1 series lead despite being vastly outplayed. Game 4 featured a much less clean run of play, as neither player really found a way to best the other. Ms. Kitty had the worst of it, giving up ball-in-hand because she disturbed other balls on the table, only to see Marsell give possession right back with an error. Ms. Kitty paced play a bit better, but Marsell would take the 9 at the end to retie the series at 2. Marsell had the better of play in a tense game 5, as neither player wanted to leave themselves vulnerable to a run going against them. Marsell struck with a three-ball run, and then made the last two balls for the win to take the series 3-2. Marsell advances to a road series in the bracket semifinals.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Ruby v. Missy. The silver cue gets another series, now playing 7-ball between these veterans. Archtown's Ruby had a slightly better game 1 than did Capital City's Missy, although neither player was particularly good. Ruby had the advantage thanks to making the last two balls for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Missy had a strong game 2, making her fair share in the early going to keep up with the Arrows' Ruby, and then turning to a three-ball run-out to claim the win for herself, tying the series at 1 with the strong performance. In game 3, the play continued to be evenly distributed. Missy thought she would have a big advantage early on, but a scratch on the 3 wiped out her chance. Ruby made three of the last four balls, including the last two, to grab the win and retake the series lead at 2-1. In game 4, Ruby scratched on the break, but Missy couldn't find a way to make her pay for it. The play remained balanced, even favoring Ruby slightly despite the early error. At the end, Ruby struck the last two balls down to get the win, securing the series at 3-1. Game 5 saw Ruby nearly make the 7 on the break, but the ball rolled too slow toward the bottom left. Missy and Ruby fired at a speedy pace from then on, until Missy's 5-7 bank combination to the bottom left ended it in a win for the visitor. Ruby took the series 3-2, and will host her series in the bracket semifinals. Ruby's win would also be her first kill of the year, as Missy is the 44th player to be eliminated so far.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Nibbles v. Peach. The silver cue's last series today is in 12-ball between these rookies. Viewpoint Sound's Nibbles had a good game 1, making a ball on the break and generally leaving North Modernistic's Peach absolutely confused. Nibbles worked through most of his suit quickly, and waited to get lined up on his last two shots, connecting once Peach cleared some of the defense away. Nibbles has a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Nibbles had a comparably strong game 2, making a four-ball run at one point, but the Nighthawks' Peach clamped down on defense after that. Nibbles couldn't get around it, and gave up a wild-card ball to make it easier for Peach to win the game and tie the series at 1. Peach made a pair of stripes on the break in game 3, which would normally be a blessing, but it didn't hold up under Nibbles' pressure. Nibbles needed only two turns, making two balls on the first and a beautiful four-ball run-out filled with great positioning on the second for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Nibbles had a decent effort in game 4, but he couldn't get his later shots lined up very well. Peach took a scratch to buy a bit more flexibility and add some defense, and this strategy worked, as she made her last two balls on her next turn for the win, retying the series at 2. Nibbles tried to get an early lead in game 5, but Peach had other plans, using her second turn to establish herself on a three-ball run that took out both sides. Nibbles could only try to play defense and hope for a draw, but Peach was crafty enough with the kick on her last shot to get the win. Peach advances to a road bracket semifinals series with this 3-2 series win. This marked the end of Nibbles' rookie campaign, the 45th player to be eliminated and Peach's first kill of the year.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sugar v. Stephanie Livilotti. A veteran in a new place takes on a rookie in 15-ball with the red cue, its last series today. Harrison's Sugar had a disappointing break in game 1, so she made sure to keep Southridge's Stephanie covered with bad positioning, and then Sugar attacked toward the 15, eventually hitting it with the 2 and off the 3 into the top right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Sugar continued to look for chances at the 15 in game 2, but after missing a couple, she buckled down and shot with more intent on the target ball. The Defenders' Stephanie was getting run over in possession, but Sugar never got a straight chance at the 15, as Stephanie had ball-in-hand on it after Sugar's late error. Stephanie converted to tie the series at 1. Stephanie began game 3 with a chaotic break shot, scattering the balls a bit but leaving few clear angles. A lull happened, and then Sugar had a three-ball run, which Stephanie promptly answered. Things calmed down from here until the end, where Sugar had a chance to win twice with a run and then a shot on the 15, but neither clicked, and Stephanie tapped the 15 into the top left to take a 2-1 series lead. Stephanie surprised everyone in game 4, first with a big break that opened up the game, and later with a seven-ball run-out capped by a 14-15 combination to the top left that kept Sugar on the sidelines. Stephanie's surprising win secured the series for her at 3-1. Sugar had a much better performance in game 5, weathering a bit of early success from Stephanie before making six of the last seven balls for the win, with a four-ball run followed by the last two. Stephanie still won the series 3-2, and she advances to the bracket semifinals.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Bear. Today's last series features the Shores' rising star against his own captain in 10-ball with the blue cue. Marsell had the better of play early on, carrying the game in the first half, but he couldn't make it stand up later on. Bear managed to frustrate Marsell at the end, as Marsell's missed contact led to Bear making the last two balls from ball-in-hand for the win and a 1-0 series lead. Bear had a bit better play in game 2, driving the offense at the break. Marsell took over in the middle of the game, but Marsell also scratched while shooting the 7. Bear pulled off an unlikely four-ball run-out to get the win and a 2-0 series lead. Marsell got bold after another poor break from Bear at the start of game 3. Marsell wanted to make the 3-10 bank combination to the bottom right, but he hit it too softly, and Bear saw a chance to win. Bear came up true with the 3-10 combination to the bottom right to clinch the series at 3-0 after Marsell's flub. Marsell appeared fully disinterested in the rest of the series, making just a couple of balls in the middle of game 4 after Bear's four-ball run. Marsell had a chance to poke the 10 into the top left for the win, but he missed the shot at an embarrassingly short range, and Bear cleaned it up for the 4-0 series lead. Game 5 saw a lack of patience on both sides, with Bear caving late after having a good start to the game. Marsell got his token win with a three-ball run-out this time to make it a 4-1 series win for Bear, who advances to the bracket semifinals.
That's all for today. I hope to do a slightly shorter session of cricket tonight.
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