Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 15

We'll play a shorter schedule today, with eight series going. We begin with...

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Dewey v. Shelley. The red cue is up first, playing Accuracy between two strong performers this year. Oceanside's Dewey had a strong performance in game 1, and ended up finishing the game perfect after double-potting the 2 and 6 to the right corners. Infinity's Shelley had only one mid-game miss, but Dewey won 0-1 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Dewey took a drastic step back in game 2, putting himself behind pretty quickly. The Torpedoes' Shelley held a consistent level of play this time, earning the 1-3 win that will help her tie the series at 1. Dewey had an early miss in game 3, but he managed to limit the damage to that. Shelley would miss later on, and the two went into overtime, where Shelley's empty break helped Dewey to make his shot for the 1-2 win, restoring his series lead at 2-1. Dewey played a near-perfect game 4 as well, while Shelley collapsed under the pressure of a must-win situation. The result favored Dewey 1-5, giving him the series at 3-1. Dewey couldn't hold on in game 5, making a mess of the finish after also having a scratch on the break. Shelley held her ground to win 2-3, but Dewey takes the series 3-2 and will host his bracket quarterfinals series.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Solaris. Another Torpedo is on the road for this series of 12-ball with the red cue. Modernistic's Daisy had a four-ball run off the break, taking care of the corners quickly. Infinity's Solaris countered with a four-ball run from right to left, and Solaris had better positioning to make his last pair a couple of turns later. Solaris leads the series 1-0. The Torpedoes' Solaris had a three-ball run early in game 2, establishing a lead that wouldn't stand after the Union's Daisy blasted a six-ball run-out on her second turn for the win. Daisy got excellent positioning to help her tie the series at 1. Game 3 had the least organization at the start so far, with neither player really feeling confident. Solaris tentatively took a lead after a few turns, but he couldn't make it stand, as Daisy poked a four-ball run-out through traffic to get the win. Daisy pulls ahead at 2-1 in the series. Daisy managed to find a five-ball run on the break of game 4, immediately pressuring Solaris in his first must-win situation. Daisy took two more turns to position and convert on her last ball, as Solaris only offered a three-ball run for a counterattack. Daisy secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Daisy didn't have the best start in game 5, giving Solaris a wild-card ball. Solaris had a later three-ball run to get onto his last ball, but he failed to convert multiple times, and Daisy's firm defense and positioning led her to a three-ball run-out for the win. Daisy took the series 4-1 to earn her spot in the bracket quarterfinals. Solaris is the 48th player out of the Tournament, and Daisy earned her first kill of the year.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Kodiak. A battle between two high-ranking 8-ball players occurs after the lunch break with the blue cue. Modernistic's Kodiak had an extra burst of offense in game 1, enough to gain and maintain a lead over Central's Twilight. Runs were tough, with the slow pace favoring Kodiak's methodical style for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight answered with an eight-ball run-out on her only turn of game 2, making a ball in every pocket as she worked the table in excellent form to beat the Union's Kodiak this time. The series is tied at 1. Twilight and Kodiak had a congested start in game 3, neither able to break out on a run. Twilight got free with a three-ball run, but Kodiak answered on a four-ball run-out, retaking the series lead at 2-1 with this win. Twilight survived game 4 by the thinnest margin, her early five-ball run being the only offense she could manage. Kodiak had a four-ball run and then another three-ball run, but that ended with him illegally potting the 8 to gift a win to Twilight, who tied the series at 2. Twilight again had a tough time in game 5, but she did enough to prevent Kodiak from getting on a big run. Kodiak missed a couple of relatively easy shots, the pressure eventually crushing him as Twilight made a pair at the end for the win and a 3-2 series win. Twilight will host the Terrace City Knights rookie Quincy in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi Woode v. Rudolph. Specters teammates go at it in another series of 8-ball with the blue cue. Rudolph had some work to do after Lexi made a six-ball run on her second turn, but Rudolph proved himself quite well with seven balls over his next two turns for the win. Rudolph leads the series at 1-0. Rudolph had a solid offense in game 2, countering an early three-ball run from Lexi with a four-ball run of his own. Lexi stayed in it to the end, but a miss on her last solid allowed Rudolph to deposit the 8 at the bottom right for the win to extend his series lead to 2-0. Rudolph made three of his own and three for Lexi on his opening turn in game 3. Lexi took things too casually after that, allowing Rudolph to pull away with the win despite having done more for Lexi than she did for herself. Rudolph secured the series at 3-0. Lexi had her chance on a three-ball run to get onto the 8, but she scratched. Rudolph, who had led up that point, fired back with a pair of shots to take the win, pushing his series lead to 4-0. Lexi finally got her win in game 5, struggling at times but staying ahead of Rudolph, who ultimately potted the 8 illegally as he tried to get positioning on his last ball. Rudolph did win the series 4-1, and will visit the Swordpoint Blades rookie Jason N. in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ebay Center, Queens: Kyle v. Peach. The blue cue stays in action for this 7-ball series with a hosting position on the line. North Modernistic's Peach needed a couple of turns before erupting on her five-ball run-out, somewhat stunning Queens' Kyle who had a ball on the break but not much else. Peach's win gave her a 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Nighthawks' Peach had a strong appearance in game 2 as well, although it again took time to develop. The Flames' Kyle floundered on a number of shots, finally leading Peach to make a four-ball run-out for the win and a 2-0 series lead. Kyle took control in game 3 with a bit more intent, making a three-ball run at the start and then a pair at the end to sandwich a pair of shots from Peach. Kyle's win brought him to a 2-1 deficit in the series. Kyle had an early pair of shots before both players fell off the pace of the game a bit. When things returned to higher quality, Peach made a five-ball run-out to get the win, clinching the series at 3-1 in the process. Game 5 was a mess with the series already determined, and it ended when Peach illegally contacted and potted the 7 at the top left to gift a win to Kyle. Peach advances on a 3-2 series win to host her bracket quarterfinals series.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Leandra. The silver cue's only series of the day pits club-mates against each other in 12-ball. Both players were a little off early in game 1 with their shooting, but Modernistic's Ms. Puppy had better positioning and adjusted first, making a pair to beat Tysini's Leandra for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy had two stripes and a solid on the game 2 break, but that hot start wouldn't be enough. The Hummingbirds' Leandra used the flexibility of the wild-card ball in her positioning and just beat Ms. Puppy on her last ball to tie the series at 1. Leandra returned the favor by giving Ms. Puppy a wild card ball in game 3 before trying to work left to right across the table. Ms. Puppy would do a little on defense and then find good positioning and two bank shots at the end to get the win, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Ms. Puppy made an absolute mess of game 4, striking first but giving up a wild-card ball relatively early. Leandra fired back with a little offense, and she needed time at the end to finish the game, but Ms. Puppy provided no threat whatsoever. Leandra easily won, retying the series at 2. Leandra gave away a wild-card ball to start game 5, and she never found sufficient positioning. Ms. Puppy played a flexible game, eventually potting her last ball to get the win and a 3-2 series win. Ms. Puppy will host the Freedom Cascades' Nikolai in a big bracket quarterfinals series.

Apple Center, Todavía: Anton v. Josie. A pair of rookies are set to meet in a Coastal Derby edition of 7-ball. Game 1 looked like a rookies-only series, with neither player truly grasping the offense. Todavía's Anton eventually took the win when Oceanside's Josie flubbed her shot on the 7. Anton is up 1-0 in the series. The Waves' Josie looked much more like herself in game 2, countering a pair of balls on the break from the Stills' Anton with her own five-ball run-out. Josie's big burst of offense gave her a win to tie the series at 1. Josie's break in game 3 put the 7 just behind the 1 on the initial contact, with a bump in the back helping to adjust the 7 on course with the top side. The 2 also fell in the bottom right, as Josie took the win and a 2-1 series lead over Anton with the single glorious shot. Josie had a weaker break in game 4, allowing Anton a chance to shoot. Anton took advantage, making balls on both turns and winning with a decoy shot on the 4 that caromed the cue to put the 7 into the bottom right. Anton's win tied the series again at 2 games apiece. Anton surprisingly dominated in game 5, working a five-ball run-out on his second turn that included a 5-6 kick combination to the bottom right. Anton's big win gave him a 3-2 series win, and he'll be hosting the Atlantic Pirates' Klaus in the bracket quarterfinals.

Amazon Field Exhibition Center, Golden: A. Charlton v. Slinks. A couple of rebounding veterans bring the day to an end in 9-ball with the blue cue. Golden's Charlton had a rough start in game 1, but found her way with a bit of luck, taking the win from Westside's Slinks with a chaotic 6-9 bank combination to the bottom side. Charlton leads the series 1-0. The Rockers' Slinks fired back with a bit of luck of her own, as she made a 1-6 bank combination to the bottom left to ignite a five-ball run-out capped by a 3-9 combination to the top right. The Pilots' Charlton could only watch as Slinks tied the series at 1. Slinks outright dominated in game 3, making a six-ball run from the break and then the final pair of shots on her last turn after Charlton couldn't develop a counterattack. Slinks is now ahead 2-1 in the series. Charlton needed only one shot in game 4 to get the win, capitalizing on a good but not great break from Slinks. Charlton's show was a 1-9 combination to the bottom right for the victory, retying the series at 2. Charlton did her best to stay competitive in game 5, but she lost her grip as the game progressed, and Slinks capitalized with a couple of late shots to earn the win. Slinks took the series at 3-2, and will be on the road against the Modernistic Union's Chimpy in the bracket quarterfinals.

That's all we've got today. We'll try to go with a ten-series day on Monday despite the potential for scheduling conflicts. The weekend will likely be completely off from Tournament play.

Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 14

We're gearing up for another full day of games, beginning with...

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Blizzard v. Mr. Snowman. The reigning MVP hosts a resurgent veteran in 7-ball with the silver cue. Everton's Blizzard had some difficulty with offense early in game 1, getting a three-ball run but just in time to watch Infinity's Mr. Snowman counter with the last two balls for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman wasted no time in extending his series lead to 2-0, stunning the Eagles' Blizzard by double-potting the 5 to the bottom right and the 7 to the top left on the game 2 break. Game 3 returned to a back-and-forth style, with a failed shot from distance at the end ruining Blizzard's chance to stay in the series. Mr. Snowman cashed in on the majority of possession by putting the 7 in the top left for the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Blizzard had everything but the win in game 4, making a six-ball run on her only turn but leaving the 7 painfully short at the top right. Mr. Snowman made the tap-in for the win, pushing his series lead to 4-0. Blizzard scratched late in game 5 while on a bit of a run, killing her chances of saving face this time. Mr. Snowman made the 7 from ball-in-hand, sweeping the series 5-0 to earn the right to host Cobalt of the Stonebridge Wolves in the bracket quarterfinals from Infinity. Mr. Snowman has his first kill of the year, with Blizzard's follow up to the MVP ending as the 45th player to be eliminated.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Patches. The silver cue continues its opening binge today with this 8-ball series between stars. Boston's Patches used a four-ball run to get ahead in game 1, and then managed to hold the lead as Lighton's Spirit had some shaky play late in the game. Patches won with a deflected shot on the 8 off the 15 to the bottom side to give the visitor a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit struck first again in game 2, but the two players played very evenly in this game. Spirit had a three-ball run to get onto the 8 before she missed, and the Swifts' Patches followed it up with a four-ball run-out, that extra push helping her make it a 2-0 series. Patches couldn't command the ball well enough in game 3, allowing Spirit to linger even without her best offense. Spirit eventually got onto the 8 and made it after Patches missed her only chance on it. Spirit has cut the series to 2-1. Spirit couldn't ignite her offense in game 4, falling very flat in the face of a five-ball run-out by Patches, which was enough for the win and the series clincher as the visitor moves ahead 3-1. Patches had another good start in game 5, but she couldn't hold on this time, as Spirit made six balls over her final three turns to poach the win. Patches settled for a 3-2 series win that puts her on the road again in the bracket quarterfinals. Spirit is the 46th player to exit the Tournament, giving Patches her first kill of the year.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Kirstin. A couple of less-experienced players meet in 8-ball with the silver cue after the lunch break. Modernistic's Daisy was the first to unravel a sloppy break in game 1, finding a four-ball run. Everton's Kirstin had some good looks, but Daisy made the last two shots right after her run to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy couldn't replicate her offense in game 2, allowing the Eagles' Kirstin a bit more space to work with. Kirstin lacked a big defining run, but she still overcame a scratch to pick up the win, tying the series at 1. Daisy returned to form in game 3, using a two-part attack at the end to get ahead of and then beat Kirstin in similar fashion to game 1. Daisy restored her series lead at 2-1 with this victory. Daisy and Kirstin engaged in an epic battle in game 4, with Daisy using a pair of four-ball runs to defeat Kirstin's six-ball run in between. Daisy clinched the series at 3-1. Daisy tried to keep up the pace in game 5, but she fell short this time, and Kirstin was there to make a pair of balls at the finish for the win. Daisy took the series 3-2, and will host the Pearl Surfers' Bright in the bracket quarterfinals.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. B. Chapman. The blue cue is ready to go with this 7-ball series. Pacific's Twinkie I nearly empty on the game 1 break, but the 1 fell in the top side, igniting her table-running performance to stun North Modernistic's Chapman. Twinkie I leads the series 1-0 after the seven-shot victory. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I had a five-ball run on her second turn in game 2, an assertive attack but not enough to stop the Nighthawks' Chapman, who made the last two balls to take the win. The series is now tied at 1. Game 3 started even sloppier, but Chapman made a couple of shots before a scratch derailed her efforts. Twinkie I took over with ball-in-hand, sparking a four-ball run-out for the win to put her ahead again at 2-1 in the series. Game 4 featured a back-and-forth style, with Twinkie I twice failing to find herself a good long run to finish the series. Chapman hung around and struck right at the end to get the win, retying the series at 2 games apiece. Chapman took game 5 on the break, potting the 7 in the top side after a couple of deflections. Twinkie I has no one but herself to blame for giving Chapman the 3-2 series win, which sees the visitor assume that role again in the bracket quarterfinals against the Queens Flames' Violetta.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Dusty. The silver cue is back for a series of 9-ball between a rising star and a legend. Southridge's Bianca had a decent push in game 1, but she couldn't do enough to close out Golden's Dusty, who took the win with a three-ball run-out. Dusty leads the series 1-0. Neither player took hold of game 2 in any meaningful way, leading to many short turns. The Pilots' Dusty had a look at a win, but she scratched as she made the 9, gifting the game to the Defenders' Bianca as the series goes to a 1-1 tie. Bianca had some mistakes early in game 3, but she cleaned up her performance and capitalized on Dusty missing on the 6. Bianca ignited a four-ball run-out at the end, good positioning and execution included as her win gives her a 2-1 series lead. Dusty got herself back in the series with a three-ball run-out in game 4, including a lucky bounce off the 7 to set up a nice cut on the 9 when the time came. Bianca couldn't counterattack that, as Dusty tied the series at 2 on thin shooting margins. Bianca had game 5 in her hands, cutting the 9 to the bottom side, but she gave it away with a scratch at the bottom left. Dusty took the series 3-2, and will move on to the bracket quarterfinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Ms. Kitty. The host plays her second series today, this time in 10-ball with the blue cue. Pacific's Ms. Kitty had a pair of early three-ball runs, but her offense went cold from there. Modernistic's Daisy pulled back with a four-ball run-out for the win, giving her a well-earned 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy struck quickly in game 2, as the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty missed on the 1 and never got back to the table. Daisy made a five-ball run-out, ending with a double-pot of the 4 to the top right and a deflected 7-10 combination to the bottom right to put the host ahead 2-0 in the series. Daisy and Ms. Kitty exchanged three-ball runs in the middle of game 3, keeping things fairly even, but Daisy replied to Ms. Kitty's run with a pair of shots. Daisy's finisher was a bank of the 10 to the bottom right to clinch the series at 3-0. Ms. Kitty looked at her best in game 4, while Daisy appeared to take a step back with the series in hand. Ms. Kitty supplied a massive five-ball run-out to get the win, cutting the series to 3-1. Daisy fired back against Ms. Kitty good offense in game 5, making the 7-10 combination at a bad angle to the top side for the win. Daisy took the series 4-1, and will host the Whitewater Shores' Shaggy in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Violetta. Two of the best this season meet in a massive Rotation series with the blue cue. Westside's Slinks had a big early run, a five-ball run to put her ahead. Queens' Violetta would tie it on a later four-ball run, and pull ahead a couple turns after that, but Violetta's scratch allowed Slinks to make the last two balls for an 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Slinks began game 2 on another five-ball run, making a crazy double-pot of the 4 at the top right and 7 at the bottom right with initial contact on the 2. The Flames' Violetta slowly worked her way into a tie on a four-ball run, but missed the 14 once and scratched a second time to gift Slinks ball-in-hand for the 8-7 win again. Slinks is up 2-0 in the series. Slinks had a slower start, but still made a four-ball run to establish her lead in game 3. Violetta never found a clear path forward, allowing Slinks to get a commanding 8-3 win to clinch the series at 3-0, silencing one of the brightest rising stars in the league. Slinks did even better in game 4, preventing Violetta from getting hardly any good shots as Slinks claimed an 8-1 win to move ahead 4-0 in the series. Slinks couldn't complete the sweep in game 5, struggling mightily while Violetta saved face with an 8-2 win. Slinks took the series 4-1, and will advance to the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Vladimir Vasilyev. The red cue comes on for 9-ball to complete this venue doubleheader. Stonebridge's Vladimir couldn't get much traction on offense in game 1, while Westside's Goatee took things at her own pace. Goatee would pick up the win on a three-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. Neither player could develop a run in game 2, leading to a lot of short turns and weak attacks. The Rockers' Goatee played perilously at the end, and it cost her, as the Wolves' Vladimir finally made the 9 on his second try to get the win, tying the series at 1. Vladimir again fell into a weak position on offense in game 3, making very few of his shots. This precarious effort didn't pay off, with Goatee rallying at the end on a four-ball run-out to regain the series lead at 2-1 after a slow start. Vladimir wasted a chance to win game 4, whiffing on a tap-in range 3-9 combination to the top right. Goatee showed mercy, banking the 3 to the bottom right. Vladimir would repay her by stealing the game anyway, burying a four-ball run-out capped by a 7-9 combination to the top right to tie the series at 2. Vladimir would show no mercy to Goatee's generosity in game 5, fighting with her on every shot before ultimately winning the game on a 7-8-9 bank combination to the top side to take the series 3-2. Vladimir will host an Eastern Hills rival in the bracket quarterfinals when the Pronger Tridents' Spot pays a visit. Vladimir took his second kill of the year, making Goatee the 47th eliminated player.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Nicole. A returning captain faces a veteran on a new team in 8-ball with the blue cue. Eastside's Graham gave away game 1 on his second turn, illegally potting the 8 in the bottom right to gift a win to Lighton's Nicole, who will take an early 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Nicole actually did some work to earn her game 2 win, never really finding a true run but managing to stall the Sharks' Graham pretty well. Graham tried to leave defense up late, but his play failed, and Nicole easily put the 8 in the bottom right to make it a 2-0 series lead in her favor. Graham had a four-ball run in game 3, but it ended in a scratch, a poor response to Nicole's early five-ball run. Nicole took her time with positioning and still comfortably found the win, clinching the series at 3-0. Graham had a couple of errors in game 4, but he still managed to win with a three-ball run-out, answering a prior four-ball run that got Nicole close but not close enough. Graham cut the series to 3-1 with this win. Nicole looked better at the start of game 5, but she couldn't hold on. She got onto the 8 with a four-ball run, but left it at the bottom side, where Graham converted a four-ball run-out for the win. Nicole will take a 3-2 series win with her into the bracket quarterfinals.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal Gadot v. Noelle. Today's final series is in Rotation with the silver cue. North Modernistic's Gal had a good start in game 1, although her sustained offense looked a bit weak. Central's Noelle had trouble with fouls throughout the game, and Gal marched on to an 8-2 win with a lot of plays from ball-in-hand. Gal holds a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal began with a four-ball run in game 2, and then closed out the 8-0 win with a three-ball run-out after the Warriors' Noelle left the 6 vulnerable at the top side. Gal's dominant win pushes her series lead to 2-0. Gal started with a pair from the break in game 3, but Noelle quickly flipped it around with a four-ball run. Gal had some moments after that, but Noelle's pressure would not fall this time. Gal's scratch led Noelle to win 8-3, cutting the series to 2-1 with a dominant game. Gal used a game 4 strategy of short runs to put herself back on track. She started with a pair of shots early, and then added a three-ball run before Noelle got on the board. After a late foul by Noelle, Gal ended the game with a three-ball run-out for an 8-2 win, which secured the series for her at 3-1. Gal made things quick and painless in game 5, smacking a couple of runs and adding some other shots to gain an 8-0 shutout win over Noelle for the 4-1 series win. Gal will visit the Freedom Cascades captain Jasmine in the bracket quarterfinals.

That's all for today. We close the week out tomorrow with just eight series, completing the three-quarters mark of the round.

Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 13

It's the 100th day of Tournament action this year, and we will play ten series again. First up...

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Josie. The red cue plays first today, doing Accuracy between a captain and a rookie. Westside's Misty kept things close with Oceanside's Josie for the whole game, and while she briefly fell into a tie on the last ball, Josie failed to force overtime and Misty walked away with a 2-3 win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 started slowly on both sides, with the Waves' Josie missing twice early on but the Rockers' Misty proving unable to hold the lead. The game went to overtime, where Josie's break was empty, and Misty converted a shot to win 2-3 for the 2-0 series lead. Misty couldn't get a grip on her performance in game 3, floundering for most of the game. Josie was nearly perfect until a miss on the final ball, but Josie took the 1-5 win anyway to cut the series to 2-1. Misty looked tense on a few shots in the middle of game 4, and she fell behind rather quickly. Josie managed to hold on for a 2-3 win despite a late miss, tying the series at 2 this time. Misty and Josie presented quite the tense and challenging finale to their series, with Josie ultimately missing twice late in the game to fall behind as Misty won 6-7 for the 3-2 series win. Misty will host her bracket quarterfinals series.

Apple Center, Todavía: Prism v. Klaus. The red cue remains in action as club-mates tangle in an 8-ball series. Todavía's Prism had a five-ball run as a counterattack against a decent start in game 1 from Atlantic's Klaus. Prism and Klaus battled closely at the end, with Prism ultimately getting onto the 8 and converting faster for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Klaus again started well in game 2, using a five-ball run, but the Stills' Prism came back with shorter runs and positioning. Klaus tried to get around Prism's defense, but the play failed, and Prism made the 8 to the top side to extend her series lead to 2-0. Prism led off with a bold attack in game 3, doing most of the early offense. Klaus tried a defensive stature this time, buying himself enough time as Prism had to relocate the 8 to have a chance of making it. Klaus fired back on a three-ball run-out, grabbing the win to pull to a 2-1 deficit in the series. Klaus returned to a hot start strategy in game 4, and he had a chance to go deep with his five-ball run, but a carom knocked the 8 illegally into the top right to gift the win away to Prism. This also gave Prism the series at 3-1. Prism kept up her offense in game 5, while Klaus did all he could on defense to prevent her from having an easy time. Klaus' defense failed, and Prism took the win with a cut on the 8 to the bottom right to make it a 4-1 series win. Prism will be the host again for her bracket quarterfinals series.

Intel Center, Diamond: Citrus v. Vladimir Vasilyev. An Eastern Hills Derby sees more 8-ball on the way, but with the blue cue's only appearance of the day. Diamond's Citrus had an explosive start with a seven-ball run and nearly potting the 8 as well. Stonebridge's Vladimir answered with a five-ball run, but Citrus had no trouble tapping the 8 to the bottom left for a win and 1-0 series lead. The action was a little more suppressed in game 2, as the Wolves' Vladimir started with a four-ball run before a foul slowed things down. The Gems' Citrus came close but never quite caught up, as Vladimir downed the 8 with a two-ball advantage for the win to tie the series at 1. Citrus looked better to start game 3, making a five-ball run, but Vladimir used a pair of three-ball runs and tough defense to keep Citrus at bay from there. Vladimir would pick up the win, his comeback completed with a pair of shots at the end to give him a 2-1 series lead with this win. Vladimir proved savvy in game 4, starting with a pair early on and adding a four-ball run to make things extremely tough for Citrus. Vladimir missed contact at one point, leading to a three-ball run for Citrus from ball-in-hand, but Vladimir made his last two shots on the next turn for the win. Vladimir clinched the series at 3-1. Vladimir didn't get much on his game 5 break, allowing Citrus to boss the game. Vladimir did pull back late, but Citrus closed with a clean pair of shots to get the win. Vladimir takes the series 3-2 to earn a visiting spot against the Oceanside Waves' Josie in the bracket quarterfinals. Citrus is the 43rd player out of the Tournament, and Vladimir has his first career kill.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Shelley. A Southwestern Derby leads us off after the lunch break with the red cue playing 7-ball. Capital City's Chris didn't make anything on the break, but replied to one shot from Infinity's Shelley with a five-ball run-out capped by a 6-7 combination to the top right for the win. Chris leads the series at 1-0. The Torpedoes' Shelley played a more even game after the Sharpshooters' Chris broke the chalk to start game 2. Shelley made the 7 after Chris couldn't convert on it late, with the win helping her to tie the series at 1. Shelley didn't let Chris get to the table in game 3, making a ball on the break and ending on her seventh shot by banking the 7 to the bottom right to go up 2-1 in the series. Shelley kept the shooting streak going in game 4, making a ball on the break, a double-pot of the 1 to the bottom left and the 4 to the bottom side on her second shot, and a 3-7 bank combination to the top left for the win that clinched the series at 3-1. Chris finally had a chance to fight back in game 5, counterattacking Shelley's early three-ball run to secure the win. Shelley took the series 3-2, and will be on the road against the winner of the next series.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Cassandra. The visitor here begins a personal doubleheader on the road with more 7-ball using the red cue. Royal's Jake won game 1 on the break, triple-potting the 1 to the bottom side, the 2 to the top right, and the 7 to the top left most importantly. Jake leads Diamond's Cassandra 1-0 in the series. The Gems' Cassandra won game 2 in two turns, a four-ball run early and a clean-up job on the 7 after the Crowns' Jake could only make two balls on his second turn. Cassandra gladly tied the series at 1 with this win. Jake fired back with a confident performance in game 3 after a slow start, ripping a seven-ball run-out as his war of offense continues with Cassandra. Jake regained the series lead at 2-1 with this latest showing. Cassandra fired back in game 4, answering Jake's three-ball run two turns later with a three-ball run-out to give herself a win. Cassandra has tied the series again at 2. Neither player wanted to be responsible for a mistake in game 5, and in the end, neither player messed up. Jake won the game and the 3-2 series with an impressive 5-7 bank combination to the bottom left to earn a position hosting the Infinity Torpedoes' Shelley in the bracket quarterfinals.

Intel Center, Diamond: Cassandra v. Panda. The red cue remains on hand as the host completes her doubleheader at home in 15-ball. Diamond's Cassandra seemed pretty good in game 1, but Southern's Panda found an extra burst of offense, winning on a three-ball run after Cassandra couldn't corral the 13. Panda is up 1-0 in the series. Game 2 saw the Monarchs' Panda take a step back on offense with a couple of fouls holding him back. The Gems' Cassandra stayed consistent, and battled with Panda at the end before she won on a decoy shot on the 13 that bumped the 15 to the top side. The series is tied at 1. Cassandra and Panda didn't do too much at the start of game 3, keeping an even balance until Cassandra's five-ball run just around halfway. Panda made the 12 after that, but Cassandra took the last two shots for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Cassandra had a bit of luck on her side in game 4, mostly stemming from fouls by Panda. Cassandra earned a late four-ball run, the most notable attack, after Panda had a stick foul, and then Cassandra made the 15 a turn later after Panda couldn't cut it to the bottom right. Cassandra secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Panda put on a dominant eight-ball run in game 5, and then followed it up at the end on the 15 to get the win, leaving Cassandra to take a 3-2 series win. Cassandra will visit the Everton Eagles' Kirstin in the bracket quarterfinals. Cassandra has her second kill this year, while Panda exits the Tournament 44th.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Rudolph. The silver cue will take over for the rest of the day, beginning with this 12-ball series. Harrison's Rudolph had a quick four-ball run on his second turn of game 1, and Freedom's Nikolai failed to provide defensive cover. Rudolph easily took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Rudolph had a slower start in game 2, having to come back from a three-ball run by the Cascades' Nikolai. Rudolph stayed patient and found good positioning, setting up his final shot before Nikolai could make his own last ball. Rudolph's conversion at the top side gave him the win and a 2-0 series lead. Nikolai looked a bit more decisive with his shots in game 3, helping him to another late lead. Nikolai did foul again, but Rudolph failed to take advantage this time, and Nikolai won on his next turn at the top left. Rudolph is still ahead 2-1 in the series. Rudolph had the edge in game 4 for quite awhile, but a wild-card ball he surrendered would cost him later, as Nikolai held Rudolph off long enough to earn the win that tied the series at 2. Nikolai began with a three-ball run in game 5, and quickly got down to his last ball before Rudolph began his counterattack. Rudolph also made it to his last ball, but his bank toward the bottom left failed, and Nikolai converted his last shot for the win. Nikolai takes the 3-2 series win with him on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Bianca. The host plays her second series today, this one in 8-ball with the silver cue. Southridge's Bianca came out of the gate strong in game 1, but faded after a couple of turns. Infinity's Shelley picked up her pace with a six-ball run and then made the 8 from distance to the bottom left a turn later for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley started with back-to-back runs of four and three balls before the Defenders' Bianca replied on a six-ball run. Shelley held her off in the end, putting the 8 in the top right to push her series lead to 2-0. Bianca had the better of the offense early in game 3, but Bianca never put together a decisive run to tip the scales. Shelley provided that right at the end, making a four-ball run-out with some collateral damage to remove Bianca's defense on the second-to-last shot. Shelley then converted the 8 cleanly to the top side for the win, clinching the series at 3-0. Shelley had a four-ball run near the middle of game 4, but never quite managed to corral the 8, allowing Bianca to slip in with a game-ending five-ball run-out for her first win in the 3-1 series. Bianca and Shelley had a slow start in game 5, leading to Bianca eventually pulling slowly away with the lead. Bianca was too slow at the end, allowing Shelley to strike on a five-ball run-out for the win and 4-1 series win. By the end of the day, Shelley will know her bracket quarterfinals opponent for this bid.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Celestia. This venue will host today's last two series, with 7-ball between young players first on the list. Terrace City's Quincy held a majority of the offense and neutralized all threats levied by Oceanside's Celestia, easily winning game 1 for a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Quincy left the 7 tantalizingly close to the top left on the game 2 break, leading to two missed attempts at trick shots on it by the Waves' Celestia. Quincy also missed a combination there, and missed contact on the 5 later, leading to a three-ball run-out that gave Celestia the win to tie the series at 1. Celestia had just enough power on her break to pot the 7 to the top left on a single shot, even slowing the target ball down as it approached the pocket. Quincy could only watch as Celestia moved ahead 2-1 in the series. Celestia took her turn to leave the 7 close at the top right in game 4, and Quincy stormed on with a six-ball run-out on his second turn to gracefully pick up the win despite some difficult shots. Quincy retied the series at 2. Game 5 was unlike the rest of the series, as Quincy and Celestia combined slowly in a back-and-forth battle. Quincy had a chance go to waste when he knocked the 7 wide of the bottom right, which Celestia mopped up for the 3-2 series win. Celestia will host the Everton Eagles' Puff III in the bracket quarterfinals from Oceanside.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Gizmo. The final series today is in 8-ball, continuing a run for the silver cue. Terrace City's Oreo went empty on the game 1 break, and Eastside's Gizmo began with a four-ball run on his first turn. Oreo never let him back in it, making eight straight for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Oreo scratched on the break in game 2, but the Sharks' Gizmo didn't make her pay for it, struggling to find his offense quickly. The two played an even game until Oreo's four-ball run-out at the end secured another victory to make her series lead sit at 2-0. Oreo again went empty on the break in game 3, giving Gizmo another chance to strike first. Gizmo had a three-ball run, but Oreo fired back with a four-ball run, and then added a four-ball run-out on her next turn for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Game 4 had a similar start as the previous game, led by a four-ball run from each player. Things got tougher after that, but Oreo eventually pushed through and won with the 8 at the top side to go up 4-0 in the series. Gizmo did get some consolation in game 5, as Oreo's runs dried up and Gizmo continued to be good on offense. Gizmo won in a shutout, while Oreo took the series 4-1 to earn the right to host the Infinity Torpedoes' Shelley in the bracket quarterfinals.

That's all we've got for today. We'll try to play again tomorrow if everything goes well.

Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 12

We're back and starting a little early today as we work to squeeze in another ten series. First up...

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Vincent Sullivan v. Ms. Puppy. The red cue leads off with a series of 15-ball today. Game 1 was wild from the start, as both players tried difficult shots early on. Viewpoint Sound's Vincent had a poor attempt at the 5, leading to Modernistic's Ms. Puppy using it to deflect the cue onto the 15, which sank at the bottom left for the win. Ms. Puppy is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Meteors' Vincent kept his offense strong in game 2, working a lucky six-ball run with many deflected successes. Vincent did block his own shot on the 15 during the run, but would beat the Union's Ms. Puppy with possession in the end, tying the series at 1. Vincent had the majority of possession in a game 3 littered with short runs. Ms. Puppy did answer with a three-ball run early on, but it was her poaching the 15 at the end to give her a gritty win as she regained the series lead at 2-1. Ms. Puppy held her own on offense in game 4, keeping an even performance with Vincent. Ms. Puppy won on an 11-15 combination to the bottom right that Vincent left behind from his miss bank combo attempt, giving Ms. Puppy the series at 3-1. Vincent lost his energy and drive in game 5, and Ms. Puppy also took a step back, leading to a choppy game. Vincent couldn't corral the 15 despite many half-attempts, and Ms. Puppy converted when Vincent missed his one direct chance at it. Ms. Puppy's 4-1 series win sets her up to return home to Modernistic, where she'll host the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Luigi in a massive regional rivalry in the bracket quarterfinals.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Quincy. The blue cue comes on as two young and rising stars battle it out in 8-ball. Terrace City's Quincy ripped a four-ball run on his first turn, and then got a bonus when Whitewater's Marsell answered with a six-ball run and a little collateral damage. Marsell showed more finishing skill, as Quincy missed twice on the 5 while Marsell marched to the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Quincy began with a three-ball run in game 2, although the skill dropped dramatically on both sides. The ending was much grittier, as the Shores' Marsell floundered while trying to build a run, while Quincy made a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Quincy scratch on the break, allowing Marsell to build his first attack. Congestion near the bottom right slowed the game down, which gave Quincy the time to set up and convert on a four-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series lead. Marsell had to make a bold play in game 2, pushing the 8 to the edge of the top right as a defensive play. It worked, as Quincy's prior scratch and now reduced shooting options took his offense away, and Marsell had time to rally for the win, retying the series at 2. Marsell had a good start and even received some collateral damage from Quincy, but Marsell's offense dried up too soon. Quincy rallied at the end with a smooth five-ball run-out for the win and a 3-2 series win. Quincy will again be on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Jeremias. Southeastern rivals are next on the schedule, also playing 8-ball but with the red cue. Midland's Rainmane had a positive start with a five-ball run cut short by a scratch to begin game 1. Royal's Jeremias fired back on a six-ball run to gain the lead, but he lacked a finishing touch, and Rainmane pulled back for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The runs came later in game 2, as the Crowns' Jeremias broke a slow start with a four-ball run, only to have the Predators' Rainmane upstage him with a seven-ball run-out for the win. Rainmane leads the series 2-0. No deficit seems too large for Rainmane in this series, as Jeremias used a couple of short runs to get ahead in game 3, but Rainmane stormed back with an eight-ball run-out for another win to clinch the series at 3-0. Both players made a ball for the opponent in game 4, and then engaged in a close race to the finish. Rainmane finally came up short, missing badly on the 8 that Jeremias converted on the next shot to cut the series to 3-1. Rainmane had a solid performance again in game 5, but Jeremias was just a bit better without the threat of meaning behind the competition. Rainmane will advance on a 3-2 series win, and will host her series in the bracket quarterfinals.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Valencia. Two tenured captains clash in 10-ball with the silver cue after the lunch break. Swordpoint's Snowball had more offense in game 1, but Golden's Valencia stayed respectable and cleaned up the 10 at the top right after Snowball missed it. Valencia's tap-in finish gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Snowball controlled if not quite dominated in game 2, making every ball but over four turns to get the win. The Pilots' Valencia just couldn't connect on her shots after scratching on the break, and Snowball took advantage to tie the series at 1. Snowball combined aspects of both games to great success in game 3, using the short runs of the first and the high possession of the second to swarm and efficiently attack against Valencia. Snowball is now ahead 2-1 in the series. Snowball continued to play well in game 4, although Valencia showed a bit of heat with a three-ball run before scratching as she potted the 9. Snowball took the 10 from ball-in-hand to get the win, clinching the series at 3-1. Snowball provided a gutsy finish in game 5, ending a short period of weak offense with a tough 3-10 combination to the top side to secure a 4-1 series win over Valencia. Snowball will host her bracket quarterfinals series with plenty of confidence from this one.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Tigerette v. Crystal. Another huge battle between captains takes place in 15-ball with the silver cue. Commerce's Tigerette looked to have an advantage after a four-ball run in the middle of game 1, but Queens' Crystal stormed to the win with a six-ball run-out at the end for her 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Crystal had a lot of short runs in game 2, enough to give her outright control of the possession, but the final run was three balls and belonged to the Tradewinds' Tigerette. Tigerette got the win with a hammered shot on the 15 to the bottom left, tying the series at 1 with the perfect play. Game 3 started a bit on the slow side before a pair of three-ball runs by Tigerette livened things up. Tigerette scratched after the second run, allowing Crystal to pick up a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win. Crystal retook the series lead at 2-1. Game 4 consisted of both players mostly exchanging pairs of shots back and forth throughout the game, up to Crystal's miss on the 15 on what would have been a three-ball run. Tigerette made the tap-in, tying the series again at 2 games apiece. Tigerette had a bad break in game 5, raising the tension between the two players as they competed on bad shooting positions. Things opened up later in the game, leading to Crystal missing her bank on the 15 toward the bottom right, which Tigerette cleaned up for the win and a 3-2 series win. Tigerette is set to host a series in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ebay Center, Queens: Violetta v. Gal Gadot. A sophomore star meets a rookie sensation in 7-ball with the blue cue. Queens' Violetta beat North Modernistic's Gal in two shots in game 1, making the 2 and 6 to the bottom right on the break before a 1-7 combination deflected off the 4 and 3 to the bottom right for the win, with the 4 also going to the top right for the double-pot. Violetta owns a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta lacked a biting offense in game 2, allowing the Nighthawks' Gal to earn some comfort. Violetta popped up out of nowhere with a shaky but effective three-ball run-out in the end, taking the win and a 2-0 series lead. Violetta returned to form with a three-ball run to start game 3, although her miss on the 4 was unusual. Gal responded with her own three-ball run, but missed on the 7, which Violetta buried from a distance to the bottom left to clinch the series at 3-0. The two players exchanged pairs of shots early in game 4, and then Violetta had another pair of shots. Each player missed the 7 once, with Violetta making it on her second try to defeat Gal again to extend the series lead to 4-0. Violetta still dominated possession in game 5, but her four-ball run ended with a second straight miss at the bottom left, and Gal tapped in the 7 to avoid the sweep with this one win. Violetta won the series 4-1, and will host her bracket quarterfinals series.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Klaus v. Juno. The red cue begins a venue doubleheader with a series of 12-ball between Eastern Hills rivals. Atlantic's Klaus made three balls on the break, giving Stonebridge's Juno a wild-card ball. Klaus' offense died on the first shot, while Juno had a four-ball run and a good set-up to win on the next turn for the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Juno started with a three-ball run in game 2, which the Pirates' Klaus eventually matched before his mental error led to a foul. Juno took over with ball-in-hand, having set herself up nicely for a three-ball run-out for the win, which gives her a 2-0 series lead. Juno gave a wild-card ball away to Klaus on the game 3 break, but then showed the host how to play with the disadvantage. Juno used a defensive strategy at first until she could position herself for her last two shots, beating Klaus to the punch to seal the series at 3-0. Juno didn't get the best initial positioning in game 4, allowing Klaus to take a large lead rather quickly. Klaus had trouble lining up his final shot at the top side, never actually shooting directly as Juno stormed back to take two shots at the side pockets for the win and 4-0 series lead. Klaus did get a win in game 5, battling evenly with Juno despite having a wild-card ball in his pocket. Klaus botched a shot at the bottom right twice before finding the right burst to get the win. Juno took the series 4-1, and will visit the Boston Swifts' Ice Cream in the bracket quarterfinals.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Spot. In the other half of the venue doubleheader, the red cue plays 9-ball between sophomores. Atlantic's Isabella scratched on the game 1 break after potting a ball, leading to a three-ball run by Pronger's Spot. Isabella fired back on a four-ball run but missed the 9, which Spot put away for a clean win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Spot unquestionably controlled game 2, but a cautious shot to avoid scratching on the 9 left a tap-in for the Pirates' Isabella to claim the win on. Isabella converted, tying the series at 1. Game 3 started quite slowly, as neither player could get a clean look at the 1 until Spot's third attempt. Spot made sure to end the game quickly, deflecting a shot off the 2 to put the 9 in the bottom right on the next shot. Spot regained the series lead at 2-1 with the trick play. Spot opened with a three-ball run in game 4, nearly leaving a deflection play for Isabella which went unconverted. Isabella fired back with a three-ball run later, but she scratched while trying to shoot the 8, and Spot took the last two balls for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Isabella brought game 5 to a stunning end, shooting at the 4 in a cluster and getting the 9 to pop out on a track headed directly into the bottom left. Spot, while stunned, still took the series in a 3-2 win to earn a visiting spot in the bracket quarterfinals. Isabella is the 42nd player to exit the Tournament, while Spot has his first kill of the year from the win or go home series.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Marsell. The silver cue returns to the table to administer a 15-ball series. Whitewater's Marsell led the charge in game 1, using short runs after Capital City's Chris had a bad break. Marsell provided the dagger with a four-ball run-out ending on a 14-15 combination to the bottom right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell had a break just as bad for game 2, and he had a tougher time on offense for most of the game. The Sharpshooters' Chris wasted a late chance with ball-in-hand, giving Marsell the chance to make the final pair of balls for the win, which he did. Marsell moves ahead 2-0 in the series. Marsell had a big four-ball run in game 3 at the start, and continued to press on Chris from a possession standpoint. Marsell tried to ignite a run late, but flickered out twice, and Chris made the 11-15 combination to the top left for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Chris barely kept himself in the series in game 4, hardly seeing any possession as Marsell created small and medium runs. Chris used defensive positioning to prevent Marsell from a good luck on the 15, and Marsell's kick came up just short at the top left. Chris made the tap-in, tying the series at 2. Chris saved his offense for game 5, blasting eight balls over his last two turns, but a miss on the 15 and an impeccable cut to the top side by Marsell gave the visitor a 3-2 series win. Marsell will head to Web City to face the Spiders' Jack in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Ms. Puppy. The silver cue closes out the day as club-mates battle in 9-ball. Maplewood's Whiskers did enough in game 1 to pick up the win after neither her nor Modernistic's Ms. Puppy outright controlled the game. Whiskers buried the last two shots to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The directionless shooting continued in game 2, as both players seemed to prefer spraying a shot without regard for the outcome. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers had a late scratch with this strategy, allowing the Union's Ms. Puppy to take the 9 from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Whiskers finally had a dominant performance in game 3, a six-ball run helping her get onto the 9. Disaster struck when Whiskers missed on the 9, and Ms. Puppy again made a tap-in to win, going ahead 2-1 in the series. Both players appeared to have more intent in game 4, leading to a close game with short runs. Ms. Puppy started on a three-ball run before a tougher middle of the game. Whiskers would close the game on a three-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 2 to set up a big finale. Whiskers dominated in game 5, making a pair of four-ball runs on her only two turns to get the win and a 3-2 series win. Whiskers will face the Southern Monarchs' Dominic on the road in the bracket quarterfinals.

That's all we've got today. More games will be played, hopefully in a condensed time, tomorrow.

Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 11

We're back after an unplanned three-day break, and we're going to play 50 games today. We begin with...

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Gabe v. Mr. Snowman. The silver cue is on duty for this 12-ball series between veterans. Maplewood's Gabe defended well and supplied enough offense to have a chance in game 1, but two scratches tipped the game in favor of Infinity's Mr. Snowman, who rode a four-ball run early on to the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman didn't let up in game 2, making four balls over his first two turns. The Lumberjacks' Gabe lacked the time and positioning to catch up, as Mr. Snowman beat him again to pull ahead 2-0 in the series. Gabe had a good rebuttal to Mr. Snowman's game 3 break, making three balls over two turns, but Mr. Snowman shot back with a three-ball run. Mr. Snowman did give away a wild-card ball in the pursuit of positioning, but Gabe couldn't capitalize as Mr. Snowman made his last ball on the next turn to seal the series at 3-0. Mr. Snowman scratched on the game 4 break, but managed to battle hard with Gabe in a solid race to the finish. Gabe couldn't seal off anything defensively, and Mr. Snowman pushed from behind for the win to extend his series lead to 4-0. Gabe once again couldn't capitalize on scratches, and didn't have enough defense in game 5 to stop Mr. Snowman from assembling a strong three-ball run-out. Mr. Snowman swept the series 5-0 to earn a spot on the road against the Golden Pilots' Dusty in the bracket quarterfinals.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Potter. A relocated player faces a sophomore in another 12-ball series, this one with the blue cue. Viewpoint Sound's Dani had a good break and solid positioning in game 1, but a large run to get onto her last ball was most helpful. Pronger's Potter played defense as much as he could, but he would ultimately pot Dani's last ball, giving the host a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Potter put in a better effort in game 2, getting onto his last ball but never finding the right positioning. The Meteors' Dani patiently positioned herself for her final pair of shots before converting on both to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Dani made one of each suit on the game 3 break, and the wild-card ball she gave Potter would prove costly. Dani put her last ball in position at the bottom left but never got a chance at making it, as Potter rallied with a five-ball run-out for the win, cutting the series to 2-1. Potter started well in game 4 as well, but he couldn't free up his remaining shots after an opening run. Dani carefully disassembled her defense, striking quickly at the end to prevent a comeback for Potter. Dani's win this time secured the series in her favor at 3-1. Dani made a pair on the break in game 5, but she couldn't corral the rest of her shots. Potter had a three-ball run early and then waited for Dani to gift a wild-card ball before burying his last shot for the win. Dani still took the series 3-2, and will advance to the bracket quarterfinals. Dani picked up her first kill of the year, making Potter the 40th eliminated player so far.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Jasmine. We continue in 12-ball with the blue cue in another series. Freedom's Jasmine had a bold attack in game 1, a three-ball run derailed by a scratch and then a four-ball run-out on the next turn after Pacific's Twinkie I couldn't find a run of her own. Jasmine leads the series 1-0. The Cascades' Jasmine remained strong in attack in game 2, but she had trouble lining up her final ball at the top side despite a kick that sent the 7 to the bottom left. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I raised her two kicks on a four-ball run-out, the remarkable stretch of shots giving the host a win to equalize the series at 1 game apiece. Jasmine had control in game 3, but she scratched and gave away a wild-card ball on consecutive turns. Twinkie I took over from here, playing defensively but still making her shots well enough to get the win and a 2-1 series lead. Jasmine walked away with a controversial win in game 4, her three-ball run-out coming after Twinkie I botched a shot from ball-in-hand for a late call on Jasmine overfilling the top right. Jasmine won't care too much, as her win retied the series at 2. Jasmine came out shooting in game 5, unafraid to take risks. Unfortunately, she had to illegally pot one of her shots, and Twinkie I took over from there, charging to the victory and a 3-2 series win. Twinkie I will welcome the Central Warriors' Noelle in a minor derby series in the bracket quarterfinals.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Cubby v. Acorn. After the lunch break, the blue cue remains in action for this Rotation series. Lighton's Acorn had a couple of short runs to build up an early lead in game 1, but Eastside's Cubby chipped back to tie it, and then surged to an 8-5 win with a three-ball run-out. Cubby leads the series 1-0. Cubby pulled out to a stronger lead early in game 2, but allowed Acorn to come all the way back to tie it ahead of shots at the 15. Cubby just potted the 15 in time to avoid defeat, winning 8-7 to move his series lead to 2-0. The Sharks' Cubby tried to establish himself again in game 3, but he flubbed a few too many shots as the Prestige's Acorn converted. Acorn put himself on the brink of victory and slammed the door at 8-4 to get a win, cutting the series to 2-1. Acorn outright dominated in game 4, working a five-ball run from the break and never giving Cubby a clear shot. Acorn ended up with an 8-0 this time, tying the series at 2 with the near-perfect performance. Cubby started well in game 5 but couldn't continue the performance to the end, as Acorn pulled away and won 8-3, taking the series 3-2. Acorn will visit the Archtown Arrows captain Ruby in the bracket quarterfinals.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Ice Cream. The silver cue returns to action for this series of 15-ball between veterans. Both players had potentially devastating scratches in game 1, but Boston's Ice Cream saw hers come much later. Infinity's Shelley wasted no time in cranking a three-ball run-out after Ice Cream scratched, easily giving Shelley the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley appeared to start better than a foul-riddled performance from the Swifts' Ice Cream. Shelley couldn't sustain her game 2 offense for long, and Ice Cream made six balls over her last two turns for the win, tying the series at 1. Shelley looked to build up a long run after a back-and-forth start to game 3, but after making three straight, she took herself out of good positioning. Ice Cream slowed things down until she could pick up the final pair of balls for the win, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Game 4 had a chippy feeling between the players for most of the early part. Ice Cream found a pair of shots just about halfway through, but Shelley erupted on a six-ball run-out on the next turn, taking a win to retie the series at 2. Shelley couldn't complete a late run after deciding to go for the game 5 win, her four-ball run leaving the 15 perfectly aligned for Ice Cream to pot it in the top right. Ice Cream won the series 3-2, and will travel to Oceanside to meet top-ranked Waves rookie Jason V. in the bracket quarterfinals.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach v. Spice. The red cue makes its only appearance today in this high-quality 10-ball match. Pronger's Zach had a strong performance in game 1, starting off well and countering most of the offense from Victoria's Spice. Zach then found a three-ball run-out, ending on an 8-10 combination to the bottom right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Zach had a little more command in game 2, but he blew a couple of opportunities for big runs to close out the game. The Spurs' Spice tapped in the 9 and 10 for the win, tying the series at 1 after a decent effort of her own. Game 3 saw Spice get just about everything right at the end, a four-ball run working to put her on the 10. Unfortunately, she scratched, and Zach buried the 10 from ball-in-hand to the top left for the win, which helped him to regain the series lead at 2-1. Zach deferred possession to Spice in game 4 after she illegally potted the 2. This looked like a mistake until Spice couldn't put the 6 at the top side, ending a four-ball run. Zach fired back on a five-ball run-out, banking the 10 hard to the bottom left for the series-clinching win as he goes up 3-1. Zach didn't have his best effort in game 5, but he didn't need it. Spice took the win on a big four-ball run-out, showing her excellent command a little too late to matter. Zach won the series 3-2, and is in line to host his bracket quarterfinals series.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Peach. The blue cue returns to play four straight series to end the day, beginning here in 9-ball. Swordpoint's Dreamy had a three-ball run from the break, but never got back to the table, as North Modernistic's Peach ripped a six-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Dreamy returned the favor in game 2, as the Nighthawks' Peach made a pair from the break and didn't make it back to the table. Dreamy's seven-ball run-out made sure of that, giving her a well-earned win to tie the exciting series at 1. Game 3 saw both players have a slower start. Peach in particular lacked offense, and this would hurt her when Dreamy finally found a groove, as the host rattled off another six-ball run-out to pick up the win for a 2-1 series lead. Short runs were much more critical to the game 4 battle, as neither player could break out for a longer run. Dreamy had the late chance on the 9 at the top side, but she left it on the pocket's edge, and Peach tapped it in for the win, retying the series at 2. Peach had a good break in game 5, but couldn't quite get the 9 to fall at the bottom right. Worse for Peach was Dreamy lining up and converting the 1-9 combination on her only shot for the win, which subsequently gave Dreamy a 3-2 series win. Dreamy will remain at home in the bracket quarterfinals, taking on her Blades teammate Bandit in a series more focused on club rivalry.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Diddley v. Leandra. Current club-mates battle it out in Accuracy with the blue cue. Maplewood's Diddley briefly fell behind after the midpoint of game 1, but he forced Tysini's Leandra into a miss to even it out. Leandra then missed the last ball, and Diddley tapped it in for the 2-3 win, giving him a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley had a couple of regrettable misses in game 2, and this didn't bode well as the Hummingbirds' Leandra improved for this game. Leandra played Diddley tough and won 1-3, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Both players took a step back in game 3, with some early positivity drowned out by a smattering of misses late. Diddley had a chance to force overtime but missed on the last ball, and Leandra converted to the bottom right for a 3-4 win to give herself a 2-1 series lead. Leandra dug herself quite the hole early in game 4, but managed to get Diddley to cough up his entire lead, forcing overtime. Diddley missed on the overtime break, but Leandra also missed. Diddley controlled the extra rack for awhile, but slipped up in the middle, and Leandra buried a shot to win 4-5, sealing the series for herself at 3-1. Leandra would not be bested in game 5, playing perfectly. Diddley gave her everything she could handle, but his early miss cost him a chance at the game. Leandra won the series 4-1 to get into the bracket quarterfinals.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Nibbles v. Ice Cream. More Accuracy will be played with the blue cue here as the host begins his day-ending doubleheader. Viewpoint Sound's Nibbles had a ball on the break in game 1, and then also potted the last ball in a tied game, but he scratched on that final shot, gifting the 1-2 win to Boston's Ice Cream, who will hold the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was much sloppier on both sides, but the finish came down to the wire. The Swifts' Ice Cream blew a two-shot lead, dropping into a tie with the Meteors' Nibbles, who scratched again while potting the last ball. Ice Cream won 4-5, moving ahead 2-0 in the series. Nibbles tried again in game 3, but he couldn't force Ice Cream into a tie near the end of the game. Ice Cream cut the 5 to the top left from a tough angle to secure another 1-2 win, which clinched the series for her at 3-0. Both players were perfect for most of game 4, until Nibbles had a pair of misses late. Ice Cream would miss contact on the last ball with the result already known, and Nibbles buried it to give Ice Cream yet another 1-2 win. Ice Cream leads the series 4-0. Nibbles finally got a win in game 5, as Ice Cream missed her last two shots to give him the 2-3 win. Ice Cream can be satisfied with a 4-1 series win that will see her take another road series in the bracket quarterfinals.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Nibbles. A marquee 7-ball match ends the day as the blue cue makes one more appearance. Viewpoint Sound's Nibbles didn't have much to work with in game 1, wasting his two turns before Terrace City's Kiwi burst out with a four-ball run-out for the win. Kiwi leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Kiwi couldn't spark a similar run in game 2, struggling to put herself in good positions. The Meteors' Nibbles took over after a couple of turns, burying a smart five-ball run-out by using good positioning, which helped the visitor tie the series at 1. Kiwi had a couple of impressive shots in game 3, including a bank 5-6 combination to the bottom right as she pursued a late run. Kiwi came up empty on the 7, which Nibbles then deposited in the bottom left for the win, putting him ahead 2-1 in the series. Nibbles had three balls on the game 4 break, but Kiwi answered back with a three-ball run before missing on the 7. Nibbles did no better, leaving Kiwi to pot the 7 on her second try to retie the series at 2 with this win. Kiwi and Nibbles battled throughout a fast game 5, as Kiwi delivered a double-pot of the 2 and 6 to the right corners before banking the 4-7 combination to the bottom side at the end for the win. Kiwi took the series 3-2 and will host the Tysini Hummingbirds' Paps in the bracket quarterfinals. Nibbles is also the 41st player eliminated from the Tournament, and Kiwi has her first kill of the year.

We're trying to keep up this pace for a whole week, resuming action tomorrow.

Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 10

We'll play just eight series today to bring the third round to half-completion. Leading things off...

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Hannah. Two players having quietly successful seasons will battle in 12-ball with the blue cue. Central's Noelle gave Queens' Hannah a wild-card ball on the game 1 break, which helped to keep a slow game moving. At the end, Hannah tried to get positioning but ended up giving Noelle a wild-card ball. Noelle won on the next shot, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle had a cleaner break in game 2, but the Flames' Hannah emerged with a three-ball run early on. Noelle made a defensive play to stall Hannah on her last ball, but a later scratch ruined Noelle's plan. Hannah won two turns later, tying the series at 1. Noelle had the early offense in game 3, but Hannah played defense at the top left and top side. Hannah erupted for three balls over her last two turns to best Noelle, who couldn't quite make her last ball at the top side. Hannah holds a 2-1 series lead. Hannah had a decent break in game 4, but Noelle broke out on a quick burst of offense. Hannah played catch-up for most of the game, but Noelle's patient positioning paid off in the end, as she won to retie the series at 2. Noelle simply started better in game 5, while Hannah got split by shooting at medium-quality shots early in the game. Noelle closed it out from ball-in-hand after Hannah missed contact. Noelle won the series 3-2, and will be a visitor in the bracket quarterfinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Watermelon. Coastal giants and captains of their teams meet in another 12-ball series, this one with the red cue. Oceanside's Snuggle had Pearl's Watermelon at a disadvantage from the start. Snuggle used good positioning and some veteran savvy to build a four-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon accidentally gave up a wild-card ball to the Waves' Snuggle in game 2. Watermelon buckled down defensively after that, and just had enough to time to beat Snuggle with both players on their last ball. Watermelon's timely win tied the series at 1. Watermelon struck first in game 3, and then engaged in a slow and meticulous battle with Snuggle, challenging positioning at every pocket. Watermelon was a step ahead all game, and eventually put the 12 in the bottom side for the win that gives her a 2-1 series lead. Snuggle had a four-ball run early in game 4 after Watermelon's bad break, but Watermelon charged back on a three-ball run and kept things close. Watermelon had better positioning in the end, able to sneak her way to a win that clinched the series at 3-1 in her favor. Watermelon had a slow start in game 5, while Snuggle recklessly scratched twice but still managed to overcome giving up a wild-card ball. Watermelon claimed the series at 3-2, and will host the Web City Spiders captain Shadow in another big series in the bracket quarterfinals. Snuggle exits the Tournament as the 37th player eliminated, while Watermelon earns her first kill of the season.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Stealth. Another pair of veterans is set to do battle, keeping the red cue up with a series of 8-ball. Swordpoint's Stealth made a big attack with a six-ball run in the middle of game 1, but Westside's Slinks met the challenge with a five-ball run-out for the win. Slinks is up 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Slinks began with a five-ball run in game 2, which the Blades' Stealth matched save for a scratch on his last shot of the run. Slinks couldn't get a second run going, and Stealth pulled ahead, burying the 8 that Slinks couldn't make to take the win. Stealth has tied the series at 1. Stealth had the first good attack in game 3, a four-ball run that put him narrowly ahead after Slinks had chipped some shots in. Slinks countered with a big five-ball run-out a couple of turns later, getting the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Slinks had a four-ball run early in game 4, but looked a bit more reserved in offense late in the game. Stealth fired up a six-ball run to put pressure on Slinks, but Slinks made her last two shots with ease to secure the series at 3-1. Stealth opened game 5 on a five-ball run, but had no chance to add to it later on, as Slinks made an eight-ball run-out on her second turn to take the win and a 4-1 series win. Slinks will be on the road in the bracket quarterfinals. Stealth is the 38th player to exit this Tournament, and Slinks has her first kill of the year.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Ice Cream. The red cue's last appearance today is in 12-ball. Boston's Ice Cream had fortunate positioning and a good short run early in game 1, putting her comfortably ahead of Capital City's Missy. Ice Cream stayed patient before potting her last ball for the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Sharpshooters' Missy did well to claim stripes quickly in game 2, and she positioned herself better this time around. The Swifts' Ice Cream kept a consistent pace, but was too slow to stop Missy's three-ball run-out in the end, which tied the series at 1. Missy delivered a lively break in game 3, but nothing fell. The two players botched positioning for awhile before Ice Cream burst forward with a five-ball run. Missy planned a counterattack but couldn't connect on the third shot, and Ice Cream walked away with the win on a final shot to regain the series lead at 2-1. Ice Cream ripped a four-ball run from the break in game 4, her high-paced offense beginning to wear down Missy. Defense was the only plan for Missy, who protected the bottom right for awhile. Missy then switched to positional defense late in the game, but Ice Cream narrowly outplayed her despite giving up an earlier wild-card ball. Ice Cream's win sealed the series in her favor at 3-1. Ice Cream continued to play aggressively in game 5, but she lacked a tone-setting run. Missy held on, using a wild-card ball for flexibility before turning in a three-ball run-out for the win. Ice Cream settled for a 3-2 series win, and she'll head back to Boston to host a bracket quarterfinals series.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Kodiak. A strong veteran takes on a surprising rookie in 10-ball with the silver cue. Midland's Rainmane didn't have much on the game 1 break, and it took Modernistic's Kodiak awhile to find his four-ball run. Rainmane answered that with the final pair of shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Rainmane belted a five-ball run from the break in game 2, a surprising attack. The Union's Kodiak fired back with a few shots before a slow finish. Rainmane picked up the 10 on her third try to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Rainmane had an abysmal break in game 3, but still made a ball. Offense was hard to come by, especially for Kodiak, until Rainmane made a late three-ball run. Rainmane would pick up the 10 on a later turn, clinching the series at 3-0. Rainmane split the middle on her game 4 break, spreading but not potting anything. Kodiak kept his offense in check initially, but answered Rainmane's four-ball run with a three-ball run-out of his own, ending on a deflected shot off the 8 to put the 10 in the bottom right. Rainmane's series lead is cut to 3-1. Both players had three-ball runs early in game 5, and then exchanged shorter turns until Kodiak banked the 10 to the top right for the win. Rainmane settles for a 3-2 series win, and she will host the Central Warriors captain Twilight in a bracket quarterfinals series promising plenty of fireworks.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Cowzart. The blue cue finally returns to play this 9-ball series. Tysini's Leandra didn't do much early in game 1, allowing Westside's Cowzart to control the pace initially. Leandra took over when she saw the chance to win, burying a five-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Cowzart tried to be better in game 2, but illegally potting the 4 on a failed kick led to the Hummingbirds' Leandra sparking a five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand. The last three shots for Leandra were tap-ins as she extended her series lead to 2-0. Leandra went empty again on the game 3 break, and Cowzart didn't take much time to capitalize, burying the 2-9 combination to the top right on his second shot to earn the win, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Cowzart and Leandra went back and forth in game 4, but Leandra came up with the win, burying the last two shots for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Leandra didn't show up all that well in game 5, as Cowzart controlled the offense and got the win with a pair of three-ball runs. Leandra took the series 3-2, and will host the Victoria Spurs' Yekaterina in the bracket quarterfinals. Cowzart is the 39th player eliminated in this Tournament, and Leandra has picked up her first kill.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Rudolph v. Crystal. The hosting rookie takes on a tough captain in Rotation with the silver cue. Harrison's Rudolph had a four-ball run from the break, building a large lead within two turns. Queens' Crystal fought back with her own four-ball run, and then tied it and won it on the next two turns, the 8-7 result putting Crystal up 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Crystal did start well with a pair of shots from the break, but the Specters' Rudolph answered over time to tie things up. Crystal couldn't find a run, and Rudolph exploded with deflected shots and fortunate bounces on a five-ball run-out to win 8-3. Rudolph's fun run tied the series at 1. Crystal had another strong start in game 3, taking the early lead. Rudolph's scratches got in the way for him early on, but he stayed clean on his five-ball run-out, winning 8-5 this time to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Crystal refused to go quietly in game 4, answering Rudolph's pair of balls on the break immediately. Crystal continued to battle with the host, and got the upper hand with a three-ball run. Rudolph made a halfhearted late push, but Crystal secured the win at 8-5, retying the series at 2. Game 5 proved to be a massive fight, as all of the offense from before drained into a tight and tense game. Crystal pulled ahead on a pair of shots just after midway, and Rudolph then lost control with a pair of errors that allowed Crystal to win 8-5. The series also went to Crystal by a 3-2 margin, sending her into a visiting position in the bracket quarterfinals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Shaggy. The third round hits its midway point in this 10-ball series with the blue cue. Westside's Slinks had most of the early offense, most notably a five-ball run. Whitewater's Shaggy did not get discouraged, burying a three-ball run-out at the end to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy didn't push much on offense in game 2, allowing the Rockers' Slinks to play patiently. Slinks kept quiet early on, but timed her finishing five-ball run-out perfectly this time, grabbing the win to tie the series at 1. Slinks left the 10 a bit too close to the top right from her early shots in game 3. Both players took potshots at deflection and combination plays, but it was Shaggy who made the 5-10 to the top right for the win and a 2-1 series lead after Slinks failed to put the 5 in a safer spot. Slinks had too many errors in game 4, especially in the later stages, and this allowed Shaggy to piece together a staggered but successful winning effort. Shaggy clinched the series at 3-1 with this win. Slinks showed a bit more persistence in game 5, pushing on Shaggy's late three-ball run with a pair at the end. Slinks did pick up the win, but Shaggy advances on a 3-2 series win to put herself in the bracket quarterfinals.

Tomorrow, we likely return to 10 series as we begin the second half of the round.

Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 9

We return for another ten-series day of action. Leading off...

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Jason N. v. Cubby. A rookie and a returnee clash in 8-ball with the blue cue to start the day. Eastside's Cubby struck first in game 1, but watched as Swordpoint's Jason got to the late game on a four-ball run. Under pressure, Cubby emerged with the win, answering on a five-ball run-out two turns later to go up 1-0 in the series. The Sharks' Cubby came out of the gate with a four-ball run, and then a three-ball run to get on the 8 early in game 2. The Blades' Jason played a defensive game, which worked out as he won with a pair of three-ball runs and a second chance tap-in on the 8 at the bottom right after frustrating Cubby. Jason's win tied the series at 1. Jason continued to use defense to his advantage in game 3, and he mixed that with a pair of three-ball runs at each of the game to overwhelm Cubby, putting Jason ahead 2-1 in the series. Jason had a slower offense in game 4, and his defense faltered as well, presenting a great chance to Cubby, who made a four-ball run that ended with a scratch. This late error proved costly for Cubby, as Jason picked up the last two balls in three turns while Cubby had to work on positioning. Jason's win clinched the series for him at 3-1. Cubby looked ready to pick up the game 5 win with his most aggressive attack of the series, but Jason held him off in the middle of the game and beat him at the end to advance on a 4-1 series win. Jason will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Josie v. Twinkie III. An Aquatic Derby series follows, also using the blue cue in 8-ball. Oceanside's Josie had a slow start while Whitewater's Twinkie III attacked early in game 1, but they flipped roles multiple times. Josie finished well, a three-ball run-out pacing her win as she takes a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Josie attacked with more purpose in game 2, making a six-ball run on her second turn. The Shores' Twinkie III had a staggered response, but an illegal contact foul gave Josie ball-in-hand, and she made her last two balls for the win and 2-0 series lead. Josie did pretty well in game 3, making an early three-ball run. Twinkie III didn't make it easy for her, keeping up her attack at a similar pace, but Josie closed the door quickly at the end to get the win. Josie clinched the series at 3-0. Josie kept going, suffering a slow start in game 4 but capitalizing on a pair of scratches from Twinkie III. Josie kept a consistent pace in the later parts of the game, and picked up another win to move up 4-0 in the series. Josie couldn't held giving Twinkie III a gift in game 5, as collateral damage and Twinkie III's plucky attack finally earned the visitor a win. Josie will take a 4-1 series win into another hosting position in the bracket quarterfinals. Twinkie III is the 31st player to be eliminated this year, and Josie is now responsible for two kills.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Wings v. Charli XCX. A venue doubleheader begins after the lunch break, using the red cue for Rotation. Central's Wings had a productive game 1, making a ball on the break and establishing a good lead. Tysini's Charli came close at times, but never caught up, as Wings pulled away twice more to win 8-5 for the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Wings went empty on the break in game 2, allowing the Hummingbirds' Charli to strike first, but Wings fired back with a lucky and impressive eight-ball run-out to win 8-1, moving ahead 2-0 in the series. Neither player had much offense early in game 3, until Wings made a triple-pot to break a stalemate. Charli got a couple of them back, but Wings ultimately ran away with the 8-3 win, securing the series at 3-0 in the process. Wings found another massive run early in game 4, a six-ball run erasing Charli's small first strike. Charli got some back again, but errors doomed the game in the end, as Wings won 8-3 again to extend his series lead to 4-0. Wings would not back down in game 5, making a three-ball run after an error from Charli and another three-ball run at the end to stave off Charli's counterattack for the 8-4 win. Wings swept the series, and will be a visitor in the bracket quarterfinals. Wings has his second kill of the year, and Charli is the 32nd player to be eliminated from the Tournament.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Twinkie II. The other half of the doubleheader keeps the red cue up for 15-ball. Central's Dustin had a strong start in game 1, while Harrison's Twinkie II couldn't get clear looks most of the time. Dustin ended the game quickly, making the 4-15 combination to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin had a more difficult time in game 2, sharing possession with the Specters' Twinkie II very evenly. Dustin still found an early finish, deflecting a shot off the 8 to put the 15 in the top right, the win extending his series lead to 2-0. Dustin and Twinkie II again battled closely for much of game 3, neither player able to find a game-changing run. Dustin struck a little later this time, but deflected a shot off the 10 to push the 15 into the top right for another win, sealing the series at 3-0. Twinkie II had some of her best turns in game 4, a three-ball run to move things along in the middle being the highlight. Dustin answered with five of the last six balls over two turns to get the win through good positioning, giving him a 4-0 advantage in the series. Offense didn't come easily in game 5, but Dustin broke through the noise for another early finish, making the 1-15 combination to the bottom right when Twinkie II left it for him. Dustin swept the series 5-0, a perfect home doubleheader for the Warriors seeing their star set to face Northeastern rival Bryant of the Maplewood Lumberjacks in the bracket quarterfinals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Starlight. Reality club-mates battle it out as we stick with 15-ball but switch to the blue cue. Modernistic's Puff I didn't do a lot in game 1, but she didn't have to, as Pacific's Starlight made illegal contact on the 13, illegally potted the 15, and scratched to add insult to her injury. Puff I was gifted the win and a 1-0 series lead very quickly. The Union's Puff I ripped a four-ball run in the middle of game 2 to intimidate the Volcanoes' Starlight. This didn't work at first, as Starlight made a three-ball run, but Puff I answered with a three-ball run-out from there for the win and 2-0 series lead. Starlight actually had a majority of the offense in game 3, with a three-ball run in the middle and a late four-ball run pushing her offense. Her one mistake was leaving the 15 at the top right, which Puff I tapped in at the end for the win, securing the series at 3-0 for the host. Puff I came up on the wrong end of a back-and-forth battle in game 4, as the chippy game ended with her missing on the 15 and Starlight tapping it in at the bottom left to avoid the sweep as she cuts the series to 3-1. Starlight did a lot in game 5, congesting the table at times to keep Puff I off the run. In the end, Puff I made a pair of shots to beat Starlight anyway, taking the series 4-1. Puff I will visit the Freedom Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket quarterfinals. Starlight is the 33rd player to exit this year's Tournament, and Puff I took her first kill of the year.

Sprint Hall, Victoria: Wario v. Shadow. The red cue returns to the table in this 12-ball series. Victoria's Wario had a strong start on a four-ball run, and while he did scratch at a later point, he was set up to beat Web City's Shadow in a short race to the finish. Wario put the 3 in the bottom side at the end for the win, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow fought back in game 2, keeping even with the Spurs' Wario. Shadow's advantage came in positioning, as he easily made his last ball just after Wario got down to one ball to go. Shadow's win tied the series at 1 game apiece. Wario had a three-ball run late in game 3 to get down to his last ball, but Shadow again stopped him here before Wario had a chance to win. Shadow made his last pair of shots with good positioning, taking the win for a 2-1 series lead. Wario started with a four-ball run in game 4, but a wild-card ball he gave up to get onto his final ball proved costly, as Shadow made his final pair of shots cleanly, winning the game and taking the series at 3-1. Wario had a much better defensive effort in game 5, keeping Shadow from lining up his preferred shots. Wario closed out this win with a pair of well-placed shots, but Shadow still takes the series 3-2, earning himself a visitor position in his bracket quarterfinals series. Wario is the 34th player out of the Tournament, and Shadow has his second kill this year.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Steven. These Eastern Hills rivals meet for a big series of Rotation using the silver cue. Atlantic's Steven had most of the early offense, and while Freedom's Jasmine had a couple of turns to pull ahead, Steven closed out his 8-5 win on a four-ball run-out. Steven leads the series 1-0. The Cascades' Jasmine made her attack in game 2 much quicker, a five-ball run staking out a large lead. The Pirates' Steven tried to cut into the deficit, but Jasmine would ice the 8-5 win just in time, tying the series at 1. Jasmine had the initial lead in game 3, and while Steven kept it close for awhile, Jasmine burst to the finish on a five-ball run-out. Jasmine's best shot was a double-pot on the 8 to the top left and 11 to the bottom right, which gave her a look on the 9 at the bottom side for the 8-2 win. Jasmine's up 2-1 in the series. Jasmine and Steven grappled for the lead for a bit in game 4 as well, and then each had a three-ball run separated by a rough middle section. Steven pushed back right at the end, but left the 12 on the edge of the top left, and Jasmine converted for the 8-6 win to secure the series at 3-1. Jasmine had an early lead again in game 5, but Steven stormed past her on a three-ball run. Jasmine made a push back, but Steven would take this one 8-5, although Jasmine still won the series 3-2. Jasmine will be the host for her bracket quarterfinals series.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Caitlin Woode v. Zach. Two reliable players meet in a series of Accuracy with the silver cue. Pronger's Zach was perfect for much of game 1, but with some help from Southridge's Caitlin, he butchered the effort. Caitlin did enough to force overtime, where Zach's hard break ultimately helped him win 4-5 after Caitlin's miss. Zach leads the series 1-0. The roles reversed in game 2, with the Defenders' Caitlin blowing a lead she held nearly all game. The Tridents' Zach made one difference, missing the shot that would have sent the game to overtime, and Caitlin converted, winning 3-4 to tie the series at 1. Zach played well but fell behind early in game 3, and Caitlin had a good early performance, leaving Zach worried about his chances. Caitlin fell apart in the end, missing twice, which was enough for Zach to swoop in for the 1-2 win, restoring his series lead at 2-1. Zach held the lead early in game 4, and then fell even with Caitlin as his bad break caught up to him. Caitlin couldn't keep it even, falling apart at the end as Zach secured a 4-6 win to seal the series at 3-1. Caitlin was always a shot behind Zach in game 5, never quite able to stick with him. Her last-ditch effort to force overtime failed, and she lost 2-4 as Zach won the series 4-1. Zach will visit the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Gabe in the bracket quarterfinals. Caitlin is the 35th player eliminated from this Tournament, and Zach has earned his first kill of the year.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Midnight. More Accuracy is on the way, with the silver cue again being used. Westside's Midnight had a couple of small leads in game 1, but she couldn't hold either one, and she lost the game on the last ball, allowing Commerce's Niki to grab a 2-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Midnight played a similar style in game 2, but showed much more precision on her shots, while the Tradewinds' Niki continued to struggle early on. Midnight's good play turned perfect at the end, and she won 0-2 to retie the series at 1 game apiece. Midnight maintained her solid offense in game 3, and while Niki applied pressure in a tense battle early on, the host couldn't stick with Midnight in the end. A handful of misses ended Niki's game and gave Midnight the 1-5 win for the 2-1 series lead. Midnight kept another fantastic ledger of shots, giving Niki no room for error. Niki did not stay the course, scratching once and missing on her next turn, which was enough to flip the game to Midnight by a 1-2 score. Midnight clinched the series at 3-1 with the result. Midnight slipped up a couple of times in game 5, and then missed twice on the last ball in a tied game. Niki gladly took the 3-4 win, but Midnight still advances on a 3-2 series win. Midnight will host the Tysini Hummingbirds captain Princess in the bracket quarterfinals. Midnight got her first kill of the year, making Niki the 36th player eliminated from the Tournament.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Sage. Today's finale is in 10-ball, using the red cue as a journeyman takes on a rookie. Southern's Dominic had a chance to set up a win on a deflected shot on the 3, but the play failed. Victoria's Sage responded with a four-ball run, and then a three-ball run-out on her next turn for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic had a decent start to game 2, but a scratch on the 4 derailed his offense. The Spurs' Sage didn't take immediate advantage, waiting until later before striking a crafty four-ball run-out for the win to push her series lead to 2-0. Sage scratched while making the 3 on the game 3 break, leading to Dominic patrolling the table well early on. Dominic's mistake was missing the 5 on a bank and leaving it near the top side, which Sage used to ignite a five-ball run-out capped by the 9-10 combination to the bottom right. Sage's combo clinched the series at 3-0 in her favor. Dominic had a three-ball run on his first turn in game 4 before a scratch, and then there was no stopping Sage. Her highlight was a double-pot of the 6 to the top left and 7 to the bottom side, as part of a larger seven-ball run-out that boosts her series lead once again to 4-0. Dominic actually paced game 5, mainly with a four-ball run, but his miss on the 6 as he tried to build a second run led to Sage winning two shots later with a 7-10 combination to the top left. Sage swept the series 5-0 in dominant form, and will visit the Commerce Tradewinds' Taylor in the bracket quarterfinals.

We will likely be doing only eight series tomorrow for a couple of reasons.

Tournament 2018 - Round 3 Day 8

We're ready to go on another 10-series day in the Tournament. First up...

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Avril Lavigne. Coastal rivals battle it out in 15-ball for today's first series. Southern's Avril needed only two turns to make an impact, picking up the 1 and 2 on short shots before throwing the 3 into a crowd and pushing the 15 to the bottom side for a surprise win and 1-0 series lead over Oceanside's Celestia. The Waves' Celestia fought back with a strong game 2, starting with a four-ball run and then closing out with five of the last six balls over two turns to defeat the Monarchs' Avril, who did nothing to control the middle of the game. Celestia's win ties the series at 1. Neither player could replicate the pace of the previous games, although Avril did turn up the offense with a late three-ball run in game 3. She missed on the 15, wasting the run as Celestia buried it to the bottom right instead for the win that puts her ahead 2-1 in the series. Celestia struck quickly in game 4, making a pair on the break. Avril mostly kept pace on her turns, but Celestia shut things down on a three-ball run-out, ending by double-potting the 9 to the top right and the 15 on the deflection to the bottom right. This secured the series at 3-1 for Celestia. Game 5 saw Celestia do a good break, and then capitalize on Avril's miss on the 1 by sinking a 1-14-15 combination to the top right for the win. Celestia took the series 4-1, and she will host the Freedom Cascades captain Jasmine in the bracket quarterfinals. Avril's rookie year ends with her being the 28th player to exit the Tournament, and Celestia has her first kill of the year.

Sprint Hall, Victoria: Strawberry v. Twilight. The silver cue makes its first appearance today in this 10-ball series. Central's Twilight took her time to settle into game 1, but she rallied at the end to stun Victoria's Strawberry with a four-ball run-out for the win. Twilight leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Strawberry did most of the offense in game 2, but the Warriors' Twilight refused to quietly even after missing contact on the 8. Strawberry failed to convert on the 9, opening the chance for Twilight to make the last pairs of shots, which she did. Twilight's series lead moves to 2-0. Strawberry showed a more crafty style in game 3, making the 1 with a bit of luck early on. Twilight deferred possession, and she had some success in the middle of the game, but Strawberry won on a three-ball run-out ending with a deflected shot off the 7 to drain the 10 at the bottom side. Strawberry has cut the series to 2-1. Strawberry kept up her offense in game 4, making a three-ball run at one point early in the game and then capitalizing on a couple of poor shots from Twilight to line up and convert a 5-10 combination to the bottom right. Strawberry has tied the series at 2 games apiece. Strawberry began on a four-ball run in game 5, but Twilight soon answered with a three-ball run of her own. The ending got a little choppy, and Twilight was bailed out when Strawberry missed a tap-in on the 10. Twilight converted her second try, taking the series 3-2 on the pivotal final ball. Twilight will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Mitchell v. Bandit. The blue cue returns after the break for some 12-ball. Harrison's Mitchell was a little too generous in game 1, giving up a wild-card ball in the middle of the game. Swordpoint's Bandit appreciated the flexibility, using it with ball-in-hand after another Mitchell error that gave Bandit the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Bandit created his own offense early in game 2, giving him a step on the Specters' Mitchell. This in-game deficit was too much for Mitchell to handle, and Bandit stormed away to the win for a 2-0 series lead. Bandit again struck first in game 3, and used questionable but effective defense to slow Mitchell in the middle of the game. Bandit then capitalized on good positioning to finish off the win, sealing the series at 3-0. Bandit scratched on the game 4 break, leading to a big five-ball run from Mitchell. This put him on the edge of a win, but a scratch on his last ball allowed Bandit to fight back. Ultimately, Mitchell took a long-range shot just in time to beat Bandit, cutting the series to 3-1. Bandit had a three-ball run from the break, and also gave Mitchell a wild-card ball. Mitchell would give it back, but he still had enough time to pick up the win with some smooth shooting that Bandit couldn't counter. Bandit won the series 3-2, and will visit the Southern Monarchs' Pounce in the bracket quarterfinals.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Hannah. Southeastern foes tangle in 15-ball with the blue cue. Boston's Gradley made a pair on the break despite a scratch, and added other three-ball runs in game 1 to pace the attack. He missed his shot on the 15, and Queens' Hannah made him bank, kicking it to the top left for the win and a fortunate 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Hannah made a ball on the break in game 2 and sparred more evenly with the Swifts' Gradley this time. Gradley lacked the short runs he had before, and Hannah picked up the win on a three-ball run to pull herself to a 2-0 series lead. In game 3, a poor break left things a bit more contentious. Hannah had trouble making legal contact at times, but Gradley's illegal contact foul on the 8 that led to the 15 sinking at the top right was the worst. This gifted Hannah the last win she needed to clinch the series at 3-0. Gradley avoided the sweep with a lucky win in a sloppy game 4, as neither player put much effort in. Hannah tried to reverse that theme with a six-ball run, but she scratched, giving Gradley the win as he made the last pair of shots to make it a 3-1 series. Gradley came forth with purpose in game 5, attacking relentlessly. Hannah almost stole this win away, but her 5-15 play ended up short at the bottom right, and Gradley converted that combination himself to make it a 3-2 series win for Hannah. The visitor Hannah will play in the bracket quarterfinals.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Whiskers v. Citrus. Players having differing seasons meet for a series of Accuracy as the red cue steps in to play. Game 1 saw both players have a couple of misses during the regulation rack, leading to overtime. Maplewood's Whiskers controlled most of the extra rack, but one miss allowed Diamond's Citrus to claim a 2-3 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Citrus stayed strong in game 2, matching a miss from the Lumberjacks' Whiskers in the middle of the game and then converting after Whiskers' kick play on the 3 failed. Citrus held on to win 1-2, moving up to a 2-0 series lead. Whiskers buckled down under pressure in game 3, performing perfectly this time while Citrus had a couple of unlucky misses to put her behind. Whiskers closed out the game as a 0-2 win, cutting the series to 2-1 in the process. All resemblance of good play abandoned the players in game 4, as Citrus just managed to hold on long enough to force overtime before missing three times on the extra rack. Whiskers had used a great soft break, but still dangled dangerously close to the edge before Citrus lost the game, with the 8-9 Whiskers win tying the series at 2. Whiskers stayed steady in game 5, returning to form after the previous effort. Citrus kept it close throughout the game, but a late miss paved the way for Whiskers to win 1-2, and this gave the host a 3-2 series win. Whiskers will visit the Web City Spiders' Shiny in the bracket quarterfinals for a Northeastern Derby series.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Vincent Sullivan v. Mitchell. The red cue stays in action for a rookie battle in 10-ball. Both players started slowly in game 1, but Harrison's Mitchell found a four-ball run late in the game. He did miss on the 10, allowing Viewpoint Sound's Vincent to poach the win with a good shot to the top right to go up 1-0 in the series. The Specters' Mitchell had a stronger grip on game 2, with a three-ball run and a five-ball run on consecutive turns, but his miss on the 9 again allowed a late stretch of shots from the Meteors' Vincent. This time, it was a pair by Vincent to earn him the win and 2-0 series lead. Mitchell had a five-ball run early in game 3, and controlled fragments of the rest of the game, but he missed a straight shot on the 10, and Vincent would tap this in to get the win to secure the series at 3-0. Mitchell finally found his finishing touch early in game 4, playing off the 2 to tap the 10 into the top right as called, with the 2 falling in the bottom right for the double-pot. Vincent maintains a 3-1 series lead. Mitchell had a four-ball run to bring the game to near-completion, and it was one of his best efforts, but again Vincent made the last ball on his second try to take the win away from the visitor. Vincent won the series 4-1, and will play as a visitor in the bracket quarterfinals.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Slinks. A 15-ball specialist rookie takes on a veteran returning to form, with the silver cue used here. Oceanside's Jason didn't play at his best for most of game 1, but Westside's Slinks was equally as bad. Jason made it a quick finish, potting the 2 and then a 3-15 combination to the bottom right for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Waves' Jason did better in game 2, driving the offense effectively. The Rockers' Slinks made a couple of shots, but appeared to be waiting to strike until late. Slinks barely missed scratching on the 9, which Jason then used to deflect a shot that knocked the 15 into the top right for the win and 2-0 series lead. Much to the chagrin of the fans, game 3 more closely resembled game 1 at first. Slinks got hot after a slow start, making six balls on her last two turns of the game, but she allowed Jason to pick up the final two balls for the win, which seals the series in his favor at 3-0. Jason pushed the offense a bit more in game 4, certainly outplaying Slinks even before he made a six-ball run-out capped by the 8-15 combination to the top right. Jason is up to 4-0 in the series, living up to the top-seeded hype once again. In game 5, Jason paced things early on, but Slinks did more of the later work. It didn't matter, as the game slowed to a crawl on the 11 before Jason eventually made the last two balls. Jason swept the series 5-0, and will host a bracket quarterfinals series.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Mitchell. A Northeastern Derby sees the visitor in his third series of the day, playing 7-ball with the red cue. Central's Noelle started well, but her offense soon dried up. Harrison's Mitchell picked up the pace on a late three-ball run, only for Noelle to take the win with a tap-in on the 7 at the bottom side when Mitchell failed to convert. Noelle leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Noelle had a pair of balls on the game 2 break, but didn't push play much after that. The Specters' Mitchell needed two tries to pot the 7, but he did get it for the win, tying the series at 1. Noelle chose to be more aggressive on the 7 in game 3, taking a couple of swipes at it while Mitchell played a more straightforward game. Noelle's plans worked when she deflected a shot off the 5 to drive the 7 into the top left for the win, restoring her series lead at 2-1. Noelle secured the series in game 4, playing the ending much like game as Mitchell came in on a three-ball run he couldn't finish. Noelle cleaned up the 7 to the top left to put herself at 3-1 ahead in the series. Noelle didn't do a whole lot in game 5, as Mitchell completed a five-ball run-out for a dominant win. Noelle advances on a 3-2 series win, and will visit the Stonebridge Wolves rookie Vladimir in the bracket quarterfinals. Mitchell went from three bids to none today, the 29th player eliminated, and Noelle picked up her second kill of the year.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Josie v. Sierra. A Coastal Derby takes place after another short break, using the silver cue in Rotation. Todavía's Sierra had a little bit of a delayed start, but she worked a six-ball run that Oceanside's Josie had no answer for. Sierra capped the 8-1 win with a kicked and deflected 9-15 combination to the bottom side that gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra took a little more time to get going in game 2, matching the Waves' Josie initially but slipping behind after Josie made a three-ball run. Sierra continued to pressure, but Josie shut the door to win 8-6, tying the series at 1. Sierra bounced back with a dominant game 3, a defiant six-ball run-out helping her to win 8-1, which restored her series lead at 2-1. Josie battled back in game 4, fighting with Sierra on many shots. Josie's five-ball run put her on the fringe of a victory, and she eventually capped it at 8-6 to retie the series at 2. Sierra never found comfort in game 5, as Josie used a decent run early on and pressure for the rest of the game to win 8-4 after Sierra had a bad error. Josie won the series 3-2, but will be on the road against the Terrace City Knights' Jennifer in the bracket quarterfinals. Sierra is the 30th player to exit the Tournament, and Josie's first career kill as well.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Precious. The day ends with 7-ball and the red cue between these two veterans. Modernistic's Puff I had a fantastic start in game 1 with two balls on the break, but her offense faded fast. Pronger's Precious didn't have much to work with, but made the last two shots for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious had to settle for a pair of shots sandwiched between a three-ball run and the final pair that gave the Union's Puff I the win, equalizing the series at 1 game apiece. Precious got a bit more aggressive in game 3, making a four-ball run over the middle, but her next turn was empty, and Puff I made the final two balls again to get the win. Puff I pulled ahead to a 2-1 series lead. Puff I attacked with a three-ball run in game 4, making a threat to Precious. Puff I then got the win after Precious committed illegal contact, giving Puff I the last two balls from ball-in-hand. Puff I sealed the series at 3-1. Puff I couldn't replicate the effort in game 5, as Precious did knock the 7 in to complete a short run at the end of the game. Puff I will be on the road in the bracket quarterfinals, facing the Web City Spiders' Ted.

We've got one more 10-series day before we take a shorter set on Wednesday.