Before the New Year's fireworks, we have some pool to play. First up...
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor S. v. Kiwi. The silver cue gets the first series today, playing 7-ball. Nothing was pretty about game 1, which saw a slow start and a scratch from Commerce's Taylor S. Terrace City's Kiwi made the last two balls from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. bounced back in game 2, watching the Knights' Kiwi make a pair on the break, but answering with a four-ball run-out two turns later. Taylor S. tied the series at 1. Taylor S. made a ball on the break and weathered an attack from Kiwi early in game 3. Taylor S. then potted a three-ball run-out for the win to put her ahead 2-1 in the series. Taylor S. scratched on the break in game 4, but Kiwi couldn't pick up anything special on offense. Taylor S. would take the win with a decoy shot on the 6 that deflected to pot the 7 at the bottom left, which sealed the series at 3-1. Kiwi plucked a pair at the end of game 5, striking back for the win that left Taylor S. with a 3-2 series win. Taylor S. will visit the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Frosty in the bracket semifinals. Kiwi is the 84th eliminated player this year, and Taylor S. rejoined the league lead in kills at 4.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Nicole v. Whiskers. The blue cue draws in for this 9-ball series. Lighton's Nicole sank a ball on the break and won with a 3-9 kick combination to the bottom side two shots later, taking a stunning 1-0 series lead over Maplewood's Whiskers. Game 2 was much more contested, with neither player really finding a groove on offense. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers flubbed her shot on the 9 at the end, and the Prestige's Nicole tapped it down for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Game 3 had the same back-and-forth rhythm to it, but with a little more success on the shots. Whiskers made the last four shots, including a miss on the 8 that rattled the cue to bump the 9 down at the bottom side for the win. Whiskers cut Nicole's series lead to 2-1. The choppy play continued in game 4, as Nicole took herself out of position on the 9 after making the 8. Whiskers gladly tapped the 9 into the bottom side for the win to tie the series at 2. The pace increased in game 5, with Whiskers picking off the final pair to defeat Nicole in the game and the 3-2 series. Whiskers' comeback sets her up to visit Gal of the North Modernistic Nighthawks in the bracket semifinals.
HP Field Events Center, Southridge: Shawn v. Stephanie. Southeastern rivals clash in 15-ball with the red cue. Southridge's Stephanie enjoyed most of the offense in game 1, and she won with a little luck on a deflection off the 8 to ignite a 10-15 combination to the top side. She leads Midland's Shawn 1-0 in the series. The Defenders' Stephanie kept up the pace in game 2, attacking early and often. She had a five-ball run over the middle, but the Predators' Shawn countered on a three-ball run before missing the 14. Stephanie made the final pair for the win and 2-0 series lead. Stephanie struggled at first in game 3 but found a late seven-ball run, only to scratch as she made the 14. Shawn gladly took the 15 from ball-in-hand for the win, cutting Stephanie's series lead to 2-1. Stephanie had a brief four-ball run that made it look convincing for her, but Shawn got a three-ball run-out at the end of game 4 to tie the series at 2. Stephanie salvaged the near disaster in game 5 with a five-ball run-out, a fierce finishing attack enough to earn her the 3-2 series win over Shawn. Stephanie will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Dani. The silver cue is back for 8-ball. Commerce's Rosemary had a fairly strong start in game 1, but Viewpoint Sound's Dani sustained her offense through the game better and got the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Rosemary wasn't scared to start hot again, working a four-ball run in game 2. The Meteors' Dani wasn't as successful on the counterattack, and Rosemary worked unchallenged for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw a slow start on both sides. Rosemary had a little more success at first, but Dani rallied on a six-ball run-out for the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Rosemary had the lead late in game 4, but she couldn't hang on and missed contact on her last ball. Dani responded with a three-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Dani wouldn't be denied in game 5 despite a sluggish start. Rosemary faded by the end and Dani made a pair for the win to finish the series at 4-1. Dani will continue on the road in the bracket semifinals. Dani earned her second kill of the year, while Rosemary is the 85th player out of action.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Mitchell. Another 8-ball set features the blue cue. Terrace City's Oreo was unusually reckless in game 1, making three stripes for Victoria's Mitchell in one turn. Oreo still got the win as Mitchell missed the 8 at the top left, and the host went up 1-0 in the series with a tap-in. The Spurs' Mitchell led for much of game 2, but the Knights' Oreo slowly marched her way back into contention. At the end, Mitchell finally headed off the threat and picked up a win to tie the series at 1. Oreo didn't mess around in game 3, with a five-ball run on her first turn and a three-ball run-out on the next turn, including a perfect kick on the 8 to the top side. She leads Mitchell 2-1 in the series after the strong game. Mitchell stayed in the series with a sloppy game 4 win, picking up the pace as Oreo scratched a couple of times late in the game. Mitchell's win tied the series at 2. Oreo again found her offense after Mitchell couldn't build momentum from the break. Oreo's thorough victory gave her a 3-2 series win and a trip to Royal to face Crowns captain Nightfur in the bracket semifinals.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Bells. The silver cue cycles back for a 10-ball battle. Pronger's Spot was the stronger of the two players in game 1, and he was rewarded with a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Todavía's Bells. The Tridents' Spot wasn't as good in game 2, but he still made the last five balls over three turns while the Stills' Bells scuffled to get anything going. Spot's win moved him to a 2-0 series lead in a so-far-lopsided set. Bells had another rough first half in game 3, but she started to find her way a bit near the end. Coupled with Spot being a little less precise, Bells was able to get the win to cut the series to 2-1. Bells decided to cede a lot of possession in game 4, but as she started to err late, Spot grew stronger and found a win on a five-ball run-out to seal the series at 3-1. Spot had a six-ball run in between errors for Bells, but she scratched as she sank the 9, and Spot picked up the 10 to the bottom right for a 4-1 series win. Spot will visit the Queens Flames' Briana in the bracket semifinals. Spot earned his second kill of the year and Bells became the 86th eliminated player.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Mams. The silver cue goes again in 10-ball. Southern's Mams had a majority of the offense in game 1, but probably should have lost after scratching on the 9. Golden's Dusty missed the 10 three times, including once from ball-in-hand, to let Mams off the hook as the visitor went up 1-0 in the series. The Pilots' Dusty continued to suffer unforced errors, although credit goes to the Monarchs' Mams for playing some defense in game 2. Mams picked up the last two shots for the win to push her series lead to 2-0. Dusty had an illegal contact in game 3, which sparked Mams to tap the 2 to the bottom right and then convert the 3-10 to the top right for the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Mams poured it on in game 4 with a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out at the end to absolutely dominate Dusty as the series lead became 4-0. Dusty would deny Mams the chance for a sweep, looking for every chance on the 10 she could find. Dusty won with a 5-10 double-pot combination at the bottom right, leaving Mams with a 4-1 series lead. Mams will visit Queens Flames captain Crystal in the bracket semifinals. Mams took her second kill of the season and Dusty is the 87th played to exit the Tournament.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Shadow. The host's second series today is in 13-ball with the red cue. Midland's Shawn had a little trouble early in game 1, but a scratch helped him work better positioning to ultimately beat Diamond's Shadow for the 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Shadow attacked more vigorously early in game 2, forcing the Predators' Shawn to play defensively. Shawn did well at this, but an aggressive positional shot allowed Shadow to win with a pair on the next turn. This tied the series at 1 game apiece. Shawn and Shadow sped up the process in game 3. Shawn posted a pair of three-ball runs, while Shadow worked a four-ball run but couldn't get on the 8 in time. Shawn's win restored his series lead at 2-1. Shadow had an advantage for most of game 4, but he couldn't position at the top left. Shawn continued to play defensively and induced illegal contact by Shadow near the end. Shawn then made a pair of shots for the win to secure the series at 3-1. Shawn stormed ahead quickly in game 5, and Shadow's long-term positioning plan took a little too long to work. Shawn banked the 8 to the top left for the win to finish a 4-1 series win. Shawn will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Gradley. The last series in calendar year 2019 is in Accuracy with the red cue. Game 1 was a lackluster start to the series, especially for Capital City's Chris, who had a near-complete collapse as Boston's Gradley grabbed a 4-7 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley made a pair and scratched on the game 2 break, but the Sharpshooters' Chris couldn't hang onto the lead. Gradley ended up winning by a 3-5 score to move to a 2-0 series lead. Chris failed to solve his late-game struggles in game 3, which would officially take him out of the running for the series as Gradley closed up a 1-4 win to seal it at 3-0. With the pressure off, Chris put together a perfect game, beating Gradley 0-4 in game 4 to cut the series to 3-1. Chris turned in another excellent performance in game 5, winning this won 1-2 over Gradley, who wasn't bad himself. Gradley took the series 3-2 and will host the Atlantic Pirates' Steven in the bracket semifinals. Gradley's second kill of the year left Chris as the 88th eliminated player.
Tournament 2019, as expected, will seep into January of 2020, starting with tomorrow's action.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Monday, December 30, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 8
We're gearing up for the final stretch of the bracket quarterfinals, beginning today with...
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Jason N. v. Spice. A sophomore and a captain clash in 9-ball with the red cue. Atlantic's Jason N. picked up a four-ball run in the middle of game 1 and later added a three-ball run-out after Victoria's Spice scratched on the 5. Jason N. leads the series 1-0 after a dominant win. Save for the pivotal scratch, game 2 was a mirror image of the opener as the Spurs' Spice had a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out in the win that evened her series against the Pirates' Jason N. at 1. Game 3 saw the offense tighten up quite a bit until Jason N. unleashed a five-ball run-out at the end with a little luck on his side. Spice couldn't answer it as Jason N. went ahead 2-1 in the series. Spice had a late pair in game 4, but she couldn't corral the 9 at the bottom left. Jason N. tapped it in instead for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Jason N. didn't take it easy in game 5, finding a seven-ball run-out in his most convincing win in a 4-1 series win over Spice. Jason N. will visit Sally of the Archtown Arrows in the bracket semifinals. Jason N. took his first kill of the year, and Spice is the 78th eliminated player this year.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Snowball. Southwestern captains tangle in the day's biggest series, using the red cue for 10-ball. Infinity's Smudge was doing fine until a stick foul led to Swordpoint's Snowball making a 5-10 combination to the top right for the early win in game 1. Snowball leads the series 1-0. The Torpedoes' Smudge brought a little fire on offense, limiting the Blades' Snowball to only two balls in game 2. Smudge's slow finish was risky, but she got the win to tie the series at 1. Smudge couldn't continue her offense in game 3, as Snowball made a four-ball run and went on to win with an 8-10 combination to the bottom right. Snowball owns a 2-1 series lead. Smudge kept herself in the series in a tense game 4, picking off the 9-10 combination to the bottom right after multiple close calls on both sides. Smudge tied the series at 2 with Snowball, setting up a big finale. Smudge brought her offense in game 5, making a six-ball run before a wide miss at the bottom side on the 10. Snowball couldn't kick it in, and Smudge cleaned it up to take the series 3-2. Smudge will play in the bracket semifinals. Smudge's second kill of the year dispatched Snowball as the 79th player to exit the competition.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Beth v. Hoppy. The silver cue draws in for 8-ball. A slow start to game 1 gave way to Archtown's Hoppy making a four-ball run. Pearl's Beth never caught up, and Hoppy got a fairly easy win for the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Beth had a better start to game 2 with a three-ball run, but the Arrows' Hoppy quickly matched it. At the end, Hoppy was a little better with a three-ball run-out for the win to move to a 2-0 series lead. Hoppy struck quickly in game 3, and Beth wasn't able to match the pace. Beth only made one ball while Hoppy earned the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Beth came within an inch of a win in game 4 after a double-pot with a deflection on the 9 off the 7 to the top side that triggered a 7-13 combination at the top left. Beth scratched on her next turn, and Hoppy rallied with a three-ball run-out for the win to push her advantage to 4-0. Hoppy finished off the 5-0 series sweep in game 5 with a fairly strong appearance while Beth simply couldn't keep pace again. Hoppy will host her appearance in the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Shawn. High-flying players meet in 8-ball with the red cue. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty made one of each on the game 1 break and worked with stripes. Midland's Shawn waited patiently and attacked for a five-ball run-out at the end for the 1-0 series lead in a comeback win. The Predators' Shawn opened game 2 on a seven-ball run to establish himself quickly. The Meteors' Frosty held her defense well and then made a five-ball run to get onto the 8. Shawn missed it again and Frosty made it on her second try for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Frosty had a late five-ball run to get on the 8 after a challenging start. She failed to pot it, and Shawn replied with a four-ball run-out for the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Another hot start turned into a late fade, with Shawn posting a four-ball run from the break only to miss the 8 too many times. Frosty bounced back with a four-ball run-out for the win to retie the series at 2. Shawn started a little better in game 5, but Frosty still provided a scare with a five-ball run near the end. Shawn put the 8 in the top left to seal the win and 3-2 series win to get to a bracket semifinals series against the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Luigi.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Leonette. The red cue stays in action for Accuracy. Westside's Goatee made a ball on the break and kept herself in control for most of the game. A late double-pot put some intrigue into the finish, but Pacific's Leonette couldn't stop Goatee from taking the 1-2 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Goatee had an empty break in game 2 and couldn't keep herself in it at the end. The Volcanoes' Leonette held the line well to earn the 1-2 win this time, tying the series at 1. Leonette had a disastrous start to game 3, falling far behind. Goatee let up her intensity a bit too soon, however, and Leonette played a strong positional game to get the 4-5 comeback win for a 2-1 series lead. Leonette made a pair on the break in game 4, and she never really seemed to be in danger as Goatee couldn't keep up with a high pace. Leonette won 1-4 to clinch the series at 3-1. Goatee tried very hard to force overtime in game 5, but she couldn't do it as Leonette won 5-6 to take the series at 4-1. Leonette will visit the Commerce Tradewinds' Niki in the bracket semifinals. Leonette now leads the league in kills with four, while Goatee is the 80th player to make an exit.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Sprinkles. The blue cue gets a look at 10-ball. Capital City's Sprinkles needed only one shot in game 1, double-potting with the 1 at the bottom right and the 10 going to the top right on the deflection to take a 1-0 series lead over Commerce's Niki. Game 2 went the full length and it was a back-and-forth battle between the players. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles missed her chance at the 10, and the Tradewinds' Niki mopped it up for the win to tie the series at 1. Sustained offensive turns were tough to come by again in game 3, so the players engaged in another back-and-forth battle. Sprinkles made the final pair this time, regaining her series lead at 2-1 over Niki. Sprinkles finally solved the offense problem in game 4, working an early three-ball run and getting the win with a six-ball run-out to secure the series at 3-1. Niki potted a pair at the end of another tight battle in game 5 to get her win, leaving Sprinkles with just a 3-2 series win. Sprinkles will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor S. v. Bear. The venue doubleheader ends with the silver cue playing 8-ball. Everton's Bear had an assertive six-ball run in game 1, but Commerce's Taylor S. fired back with an eight-ball run-out to pick up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Bear had plenty of chances to finish game 2, but he left it on the table instead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. found her way to win with a three-ball run-out that stretched her series lead to 2-0. Taylor S. made her push in game 3 with a four-ball run, but Bear had good positioning and worked a six-ball run-out on the next turn to get on the board. Taylor S.'s series lead holds at 2-1. Bear couldn't capitalize on his chances in game 4, allowing Taylor S. to hang around far too long again. Taylor S. eventually won with a pair of shots to seal the series at 3-1. Taylor S. went on another monster run with a seven-ball streak in game 5. Bear fought back well, but Taylor S. secured the win and a 4-1 series win to put herself on the road against the Archtown Arrows' Hoppy in the bracket semifinals. Bear is the 81st player to exit the Tournament, while Taylor S. picked up her third kill, which was also a team-kill on the Eagles.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Kodiak. One more time in the Urban region as the blue cue is up for 13-ball. Whitewater's Twinkie III switched suits after making a ball on the break, but it didn't pay off. Modernistic's Kodiak took the advantage with solids and turned it into a close win for the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Kodiak made two on the break in game 2, but a pair of scratches later in the game erased his advantage. The Shores' Twinkie III had better positioning at the end and earned the win to tie the series at 1. Twinkie III made a massive blunder early in game 3, getting a stripe on the break but sinking the 8 illegally to the bottom right on her opening turn. This gifted a win and a 2-1 series lead back to Kodiak, who didn't take a shot in the game. Kodiak came within one shot of securing the series, but he missed contact on a hard cut on the 8 to the bottom right. Twinkie III surged on a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win to retie the series at 2. Twinkie III had positioning in game 5, but too many misses dragged her down, and Kodiak snagged the decisive win for a 3-2 series win. Kodiak will host Valencia of the Golden Pilots in the bracket semifinals. In the do-or-die situation, Kodiak got his first kill to make Twinkie III the 82nd eliminated player.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Gizmo. Club-mates end the day in Accuracy with the silver cue. Eastside's Gizmo did well enough to force overtime in game 1, but two misses during the extra rack allowed Harrison's Twinkie II to walk away with the 4-5 win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 followed a similar pattern with back-and-forth play before overtime. The Sharks' Gizmo didn't mess around, making his first shot for a 3-4 win after the Specters' Twinkie II couldn't score one on the break. Gizmo tied the series at 1. Gizmo made a pair on the break and held the lead for most of the game. Twinkie II successfully dragged Gizmo an even mark, but she then missed her next shot, and Gizmo held on for the 2-3 win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. A close battle in game 4 came down to one pivotal moment where Gizmo missed. Twinkie II punished him on positioning from there, earning a 0-4 win for herself to retie the series at 2 games apiece. In game 5, Gizmo had the game in his hand until a scratch on the penultimate ball. Twinkie II forced overtime, then won 3-4 on her first shot after Gizmo had an empty break. Twinkie II escaped a dangerous series with a 3-2 win to earn the right to host Infinity Torpedoes star Fluffina in the bracket semifinals. Gizmo is the 83rd player out of the Tournament, and Twinkie II has her first kill.
We'll start at a normal time tomorrow.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Jason N. v. Spice. A sophomore and a captain clash in 9-ball with the red cue. Atlantic's Jason N. picked up a four-ball run in the middle of game 1 and later added a three-ball run-out after Victoria's Spice scratched on the 5. Jason N. leads the series 1-0 after a dominant win. Save for the pivotal scratch, game 2 was a mirror image of the opener as the Spurs' Spice had a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out in the win that evened her series against the Pirates' Jason N. at 1. Game 3 saw the offense tighten up quite a bit until Jason N. unleashed a five-ball run-out at the end with a little luck on his side. Spice couldn't answer it as Jason N. went ahead 2-1 in the series. Spice had a late pair in game 4, but she couldn't corral the 9 at the bottom left. Jason N. tapped it in instead for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Jason N. didn't take it easy in game 5, finding a seven-ball run-out in his most convincing win in a 4-1 series win over Spice. Jason N. will visit Sally of the Archtown Arrows in the bracket semifinals. Jason N. took his first kill of the year, and Spice is the 78th eliminated player this year.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Snowball. Southwestern captains tangle in the day's biggest series, using the red cue for 10-ball. Infinity's Smudge was doing fine until a stick foul led to Swordpoint's Snowball making a 5-10 combination to the top right for the early win in game 1. Snowball leads the series 1-0. The Torpedoes' Smudge brought a little fire on offense, limiting the Blades' Snowball to only two balls in game 2. Smudge's slow finish was risky, but she got the win to tie the series at 1. Smudge couldn't continue her offense in game 3, as Snowball made a four-ball run and went on to win with an 8-10 combination to the bottom right. Snowball owns a 2-1 series lead. Smudge kept herself in the series in a tense game 4, picking off the 9-10 combination to the bottom right after multiple close calls on both sides. Smudge tied the series at 2 with Snowball, setting up a big finale. Smudge brought her offense in game 5, making a six-ball run before a wide miss at the bottom side on the 10. Snowball couldn't kick it in, and Smudge cleaned it up to take the series 3-2. Smudge will play in the bracket semifinals. Smudge's second kill of the year dispatched Snowball as the 79th player to exit the competition.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Beth v. Hoppy. The silver cue draws in for 8-ball. A slow start to game 1 gave way to Archtown's Hoppy making a four-ball run. Pearl's Beth never caught up, and Hoppy got a fairly easy win for the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Beth had a better start to game 2 with a three-ball run, but the Arrows' Hoppy quickly matched it. At the end, Hoppy was a little better with a three-ball run-out for the win to move to a 2-0 series lead. Hoppy struck quickly in game 3, and Beth wasn't able to match the pace. Beth only made one ball while Hoppy earned the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Beth came within an inch of a win in game 4 after a double-pot with a deflection on the 9 off the 7 to the top side that triggered a 7-13 combination at the top left. Beth scratched on her next turn, and Hoppy rallied with a three-ball run-out for the win to push her advantage to 4-0. Hoppy finished off the 5-0 series sweep in game 5 with a fairly strong appearance while Beth simply couldn't keep pace again. Hoppy will host her appearance in the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Shawn. High-flying players meet in 8-ball with the red cue. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty made one of each on the game 1 break and worked with stripes. Midland's Shawn waited patiently and attacked for a five-ball run-out at the end for the 1-0 series lead in a comeback win. The Predators' Shawn opened game 2 on a seven-ball run to establish himself quickly. The Meteors' Frosty held her defense well and then made a five-ball run to get onto the 8. Shawn missed it again and Frosty made it on her second try for the win to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Frosty had a late five-ball run to get on the 8 after a challenging start. She failed to pot it, and Shawn replied with a four-ball run-out for the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Another hot start turned into a late fade, with Shawn posting a four-ball run from the break only to miss the 8 too many times. Frosty bounced back with a four-ball run-out for the win to retie the series at 2. Shawn started a little better in game 5, but Frosty still provided a scare with a five-ball run near the end. Shawn put the 8 in the top left to seal the win and 3-2 series win to get to a bracket semifinals series against the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Luigi.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Leonette. The red cue stays in action for Accuracy. Westside's Goatee made a ball on the break and kept herself in control for most of the game. A late double-pot put some intrigue into the finish, but Pacific's Leonette couldn't stop Goatee from taking the 1-2 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Goatee had an empty break in game 2 and couldn't keep herself in it at the end. The Volcanoes' Leonette held the line well to earn the 1-2 win this time, tying the series at 1. Leonette had a disastrous start to game 3, falling far behind. Goatee let up her intensity a bit too soon, however, and Leonette played a strong positional game to get the 4-5 comeback win for a 2-1 series lead. Leonette made a pair on the break in game 4, and she never really seemed to be in danger as Goatee couldn't keep up with a high pace. Leonette won 1-4 to clinch the series at 3-1. Goatee tried very hard to force overtime in game 5, but she couldn't do it as Leonette won 5-6 to take the series at 4-1. Leonette will visit the Commerce Tradewinds' Niki in the bracket semifinals. Leonette now leads the league in kills with four, while Goatee is the 80th player to make an exit.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Sprinkles. The blue cue gets a look at 10-ball. Capital City's Sprinkles needed only one shot in game 1, double-potting with the 1 at the bottom right and the 10 going to the top right on the deflection to take a 1-0 series lead over Commerce's Niki. Game 2 went the full length and it was a back-and-forth battle between the players. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles missed her chance at the 10, and the Tradewinds' Niki mopped it up for the win to tie the series at 1. Sustained offensive turns were tough to come by again in game 3, so the players engaged in another back-and-forth battle. Sprinkles made the final pair this time, regaining her series lead at 2-1 over Niki. Sprinkles finally solved the offense problem in game 4, working an early three-ball run and getting the win with a six-ball run-out to secure the series at 3-1. Niki potted a pair at the end of another tight battle in game 5 to get her win, leaving Sprinkles with just a 3-2 series win. Sprinkles will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor S. v. Bear. The venue doubleheader ends with the silver cue playing 8-ball. Everton's Bear had an assertive six-ball run in game 1, but Commerce's Taylor S. fired back with an eight-ball run-out to pick up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Bear had plenty of chances to finish game 2, but he left it on the table instead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. found her way to win with a three-ball run-out that stretched her series lead to 2-0. Taylor S. made her push in game 3 with a four-ball run, but Bear had good positioning and worked a six-ball run-out on the next turn to get on the board. Taylor S.'s series lead holds at 2-1. Bear couldn't capitalize on his chances in game 4, allowing Taylor S. to hang around far too long again. Taylor S. eventually won with a pair of shots to seal the series at 3-1. Taylor S. went on another monster run with a seven-ball streak in game 5. Bear fought back well, but Taylor S. secured the win and a 4-1 series win to put herself on the road against the Archtown Arrows' Hoppy in the bracket semifinals. Bear is the 81st player to exit the Tournament, while Taylor S. picked up her third kill, which was also a team-kill on the Eagles.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Kodiak. One more time in the Urban region as the blue cue is up for 13-ball. Whitewater's Twinkie III switched suits after making a ball on the break, but it didn't pay off. Modernistic's Kodiak took the advantage with solids and turned it into a close win for the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Kodiak made two on the break in game 2, but a pair of scratches later in the game erased his advantage. The Shores' Twinkie III had better positioning at the end and earned the win to tie the series at 1. Twinkie III made a massive blunder early in game 3, getting a stripe on the break but sinking the 8 illegally to the bottom right on her opening turn. This gifted a win and a 2-1 series lead back to Kodiak, who didn't take a shot in the game. Kodiak came within one shot of securing the series, but he missed contact on a hard cut on the 8 to the bottom right. Twinkie III surged on a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win to retie the series at 2. Twinkie III had positioning in game 5, but too many misses dragged her down, and Kodiak snagged the decisive win for a 3-2 series win. Kodiak will host Valencia of the Golden Pilots in the bracket semifinals. In the do-or-die situation, Kodiak got his first kill to make Twinkie III the 82nd eliminated player.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Gizmo. Club-mates end the day in Accuracy with the silver cue. Eastside's Gizmo did well enough to force overtime in game 1, but two misses during the extra rack allowed Harrison's Twinkie II to walk away with the 4-5 win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 followed a similar pattern with back-and-forth play before overtime. The Sharks' Gizmo didn't mess around, making his first shot for a 3-4 win after the Specters' Twinkie II couldn't score one on the break. Gizmo tied the series at 1. Gizmo made a pair on the break and held the lead for most of the game. Twinkie II successfully dragged Gizmo an even mark, but she then missed her next shot, and Gizmo held on for the 2-3 win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. A close battle in game 4 came down to one pivotal moment where Gizmo missed. Twinkie II punished him on positioning from there, earning a 0-4 win for herself to retie the series at 2 games apiece. In game 5, Gizmo had the game in his hand until a scratch on the penultimate ball. Twinkie II forced overtime, then won 3-4 on her first shot after Gizmo had an empty break. Twinkie II escaped a dangerous series with a 3-2 win to earn the right to host Infinity Torpedoes star Fluffina in the bracket semifinals. Gizmo is the 83rd player out of the Tournament, and Twinkie II has her first kill.
We'll start at a normal time tomorrow.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 7
We move back to nine-series days for the rest of the Bracket Quarterfinals. First up today...
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Katharine. The blue cue opens the day in Rotation. Whitewater's Katharine got the jump in game 1, but Boston's Puff II evened it in the middle. Katharine then converted a 7-11-8 combination to the bottom side and double-potted the 7 deflected to the bottom side with the 11 going to the bottom left en route to an 8-4 win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine had an early five-ball run in game 2, but she couldn't do anything after that. The Swifts' Puff II made a four-ball run to get close and added a later pair to win the game 8-6, which tied the series at 1. Puff II stormed ahead with a three-ball run in game 3, and she ended it the same way after a double-pot in between her runs. Puff II won 8-0 and took a 2-1 series lead, stunning Katharine. In game 4, offense went back and forth. Puff II had a chance to get the win near the end, but Katharine bounced back with a three-ball run-out for the 8-6 win to tie the series at 2 games apiece. Katharine made the 15 on the break in game 5, and she rode that wave of energy through another back-and-forth battle. Puff II used a four-ball run to tie the game, but Katharine's three-ball run-out secured an 8-5 win and 3-2 series win. Katharine will visit the Southern Monarchs' Pounce in the bracket semifinals. Katharine took her second kill of the year to make Puff II the 73rd eliminated player this year.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Wario. More Rotation awaits, this time with the red cue. Southridge's Wario started with a four-ball run and ended with a three-ball run-out, but North Modernistic's Lionel had enough offense in the middle to make game 1 interesting. Wario won 8-5 and is ahead 1-0 in the series. A grittier game 2 saw the Nighthawks' Lionel briefly shake loose from the Defenders' Wario, who then eventually countered with a three-ball run to retie the game. Wario left the 15 at the bottom right, and Lionel made it for an 8-7 win to tie the series at 1. The players exchanged the lead multiple times near the end of game 3, with Wario getting the 8-7 edge on a pair of shots at the end after Lionel couldn't corral the 13. Wario is up 2-1 in the series. A slower start in game 4 eventually led to Wario picking up an 8-5 win after Lionel miscued on his attempt at the 12. Wario sealed the series at 3-1 with this victory. Lionel had game 5 in his grip, but he missed a cut on the 14, and Wario made the last two balls instead to get the 8-7 comeback win. Wario took the series 4-1 and will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Rudolph. The blue goes again in this 12-ball series. Infinity's Fluffina made a pair of solids on the break and cruised from there despite Harrison's Rudolph trying to counter with a three-ball run late in game 1. Fluffina is up 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Fluffina looked very unorganized with a scratch in game 2, but the Specters' Rudolph couldn't capitalize. Fluffina went on to make five balls over her last two turns for the win to move to a 2-0 series lead. Fluffina made two solids and a stripe on the break in game 3, and she turned it into a four-ball run on solids. Undeterred, Rudolph struck back and won with three balls over his last two turns to cut the series to 2-1. Rudolph kept himself in the series after making one of each on the break in game 4. Fluffina gave back her wild-card ball near the end but couldn't corral her last ball before Rudolph won at the bottom left to tie the series at 2. Game 5 brought a high pace and urgency to the attack on both sides. Fluffina ended up with slightly better positioning to make her last two balls for the win and 3-2 series win. Fluffina will travel to Freedom to visit the Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket semifinals. Fluffina joined the league lead in kills with three as Rudolph is the 74th player out of the Tournament.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Niki. Two strong opponents battle in Accuracy with the red cue. A close start to game 1 led to Commerce's Niki experiencing a late fade in quality. Royal's Jake stepped up as needed to get the 2-3 win to take a 1-0 series lead. Both players struggled in the middle of game 2, but the issues persisted longer for the Crowns' Jake who would suffer a 2-5 loss to the Tradewinds' Niki this time. This tied the series at 1. Jake wasn't any better in game 3, while Niki ascended to perfect status in a lopsided 0-4 win. Niki now leads the series at 2-1 and seems to have all the momentum. That momentum went to waste when Niki had an early miss in game 4. She never fully recovered her form, and Jake happily took the lead and rode his way to a 2-4 win to retie the series at 2. Niki had a little luck to keep her steady in game 3, then Jake fell apart shortly after and Niki would go on for the 2-3 win. Niki took the series 3-2 and will play on in the bracket semifinals.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Mitchell. The silver cue gets a look in 9-ball. Golden's Valencia almost made the 9 at the top right on the break, but two shots later, Victoria's Mitchell had deflected the 1 off the 2 to the top side and the cue off the 2 to take the 9 himself. Mitchell leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Mitchell potted a pair on the break and proceeded to run the table from there over the next seven shots to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Mitchell continued to dominate the offense in game 3, and while the Pilots' Valencia made her first ball of the series by putting the 9 in the top left, she couldn't find the 9. Mitchell made it to clinch the series at 3-0. Valencia finally showed her quality with a couple of three-ball runs in a dominant win over Mitchell in game 4. This cut the series to 3-1. Mitchell was back in form for game 5, making a six-ball run-out at the end for the win to defeat Valencia 4-1 in the series. Mitchell is set to visit Oceanside Waves captain Snuggle in the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Spot. A high-level series of 7-ball goes with the red cue. Both players started a bit slow in game 1, but Pronger's Spot righted the ship with a four-ball run-out to get the 1-0 series lead over Viewpoint Sound's Princess. The Meteors' Princess looked a little more prepared in game 2, but she missed a shot late, and the Tridents' Spot won with his second consecutive turn with a pair of potted balls. Spot is up 2-0 in the series. Spot couldn't put the series to a close in game 3 despite making five of the seven balls. He scratched as he tried to kick the 7 to the bottom side, and Princess took it from ball-in-hand to cut the series to 2-1. Princess made a pair on the game 4 break, but Spot answered with a three-ball run before a narrow miss on the 5. Princess then added the last pair for the win to tie the series at 2 games each. Princess and Spot engaged in a tense game 5, with Spot breaking through on a three-ball run only to miss the 7 at the end. Princess picked up the win instead and took the series in a 3-2 comeback to earn a hosting spot in the bracket semifinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Stinky. The silver cue cycles in for 12-ball. Lighton's Shiny gave up a wild-card ball on the break, but she was just inches away from the right positioning to get the win anyway. Instead, Freedom's Stinky was able to make his last two shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny gave away a wild-card ball early in game 2, but the Cascades' Stinky didn't capitalize on it fully. He had positioning but a lack of execution, allowing Shiny to recover from a scratch to pot her last two balls for the win. This tied the series at 1. Shiny made a stripe on the break in game 3, but Stinky fired back with a three-ball run. Shiny was more consistent after that point, getting the win with a pair of shots to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Stinky had a chance at the win in game 4, getting down to his last ball, but he couldn't defend at the top left. Shiny took the open shot after a long set-up sequence to get her win to seal the series at 3-1. Shiny picked up a pair of solids and a stripe on the game 5 break, but her positioning on solids was not good. Stinky cruised to a consolation win as Shiny settled for the 3-2 series win. Shiny will be on the road for her bracket semifinals appearance. Shiny's first kill of the year made Stinky the 75th eliminated player.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Leonette. The red cue is back for 7-ball again. Harrison's Sydney S. thought she had pulled off the shot of the round with a two-rail kick combination on the 2-7 deflected off the 4 and into the bottom side, but a scratch wasted the effort and gifted the win and 1-0 series lead to Pacific's Leonette. Game 2 was far less exciting on both sides, with the Volcanoes' Leonette stumbling late, which allowed the Specters' Sydney S. to pot the 7 at the bottom side for a little redemption. The series is tied at 1. Sydney S. found a three-ball run early in game 3, but she ended it with a scratch. From ball-in-hand, Leonette pieced together a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series lead. Leonette had a fortunate three-ball run late in game 4, but it didn't finish well as she missed on the 7. Sydney S. buried it for a counterattack win to retie the series at 2. Sydney S. had a couple of chances to finish off the series in game 5, but her lack of finish led to Leonette getting the win and 3-2 series win. Leonette will visit Princess of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in a Coastal Derby in the bracket semifinals. Leonette joined the league lead in kills with three, while Sydney S. is the 76th player to fall this year.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Pedey. Younger players close the day in 7-ball with the silver cue. Terrace City's Melissa was the stronger player in game 1, and she was rewarded with the final pair of shots and the win for a 1-0 series lead over a non-memorable performance from Diamond's Pedey. The Knights' Melissa was likely the better player again in game 2, but she missed the 7 after making a pair near the end. The Gems' Pedey took the 7 to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Melissa needed two tries at the 7 in game 3, but she made it and was rewarded with a 2-1 series lead over Pedey, who kept up better but couldn't close it out when he had a chance. Melissa fell off the pace in a choppy game 4 battle, leaving the final pair for Pedey to pot for the win that tied the series again at 2. Pedey pulled off the upset, as Melissa made the first three balls in game 5, but Pedey answered with a four-ball run-out at the end. Pedey won the series 3-2 and will host Lexi of the Harrison Specters in the bracket semifinals. Melissa is the 77th player eliminated and Pedey's first kill of the year.
We'll be back tomorrow.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Katharine. The blue cue opens the day in Rotation. Whitewater's Katharine got the jump in game 1, but Boston's Puff II evened it in the middle. Katharine then converted a 7-11-8 combination to the bottom side and double-potted the 7 deflected to the bottom side with the 11 going to the bottom left en route to an 8-4 win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine had an early five-ball run in game 2, but she couldn't do anything after that. The Swifts' Puff II made a four-ball run to get close and added a later pair to win the game 8-6, which tied the series at 1. Puff II stormed ahead with a three-ball run in game 3, and she ended it the same way after a double-pot in between her runs. Puff II won 8-0 and took a 2-1 series lead, stunning Katharine. In game 4, offense went back and forth. Puff II had a chance to get the win near the end, but Katharine bounced back with a three-ball run-out for the 8-6 win to tie the series at 2 games apiece. Katharine made the 15 on the break in game 5, and she rode that wave of energy through another back-and-forth battle. Puff II used a four-ball run to tie the game, but Katharine's three-ball run-out secured an 8-5 win and 3-2 series win. Katharine will visit the Southern Monarchs' Pounce in the bracket semifinals. Katharine took her second kill of the year to make Puff II the 73rd eliminated player this year.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Wario. More Rotation awaits, this time with the red cue. Southridge's Wario started with a four-ball run and ended with a three-ball run-out, but North Modernistic's Lionel had enough offense in the middle to make game 1 interesting. Wario won 8-5 and is ahead 1-0 in the series. A grittier game 2 saw the Nighthawks' Lionel briefly shake loose from the Defenders' Wario, who then eventually countered with a three-ball run to retie the game. Wario left the 15 at the bottom right, and Lionel made it for an 8-7 win to tie the series at 1. The players exchanged the lead multiple times near the end of game 3, with Wario getting the 8-7 edge on a pair of shots at the end after Lionel couldn't corral the 13. Wario is up 2-1 in the series. A slower start in game 4 eventually led to Wario picking up an 8-5 win after Lionel miscued on his attempt at the 12. Wario sealed the series at 3-1 with this victory. Lionel had game 5 in his grip, but he missed a cut on the 14, and Wario made the last two balls instead to get the 8-7 comeback win. Wario took the series 4-1 and will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Rudolph. The blue goes again in this 12-ball series. Infinity's Fluffina made a pair of solids on the break and cruised from there despite Harrison's Rudolph trying to counter with a three-ball run late in game 1. Fluffina is up 1-0 in the series. The Torpedoes' Fluffina looked very unorganized with a scratch in game 2, but the Specters' Rudolph couldn't capitalize. Fluffina went on to make five balls over her last two turns for the win to move to a 2-0 series lead. Fluffina made two solids and a stripe on the break in game 3, and she turned it into a four-ball run on solids. Undeterred, Rudolph struck back and won with three balls over his last two turns to cut the series to 2-1. Rudolph kept himself in the series after making one of each on the break in game 4. Fluffina gave back her wild-card ball near the end but couldn't corral her last ball before Rudolph won at the bottom left to tie the series at 2. Game 5 brought a high pace and urgency to the attack on both sides. Fluffina ended up with slightly better positioning to make her last two balls for the win and 3-2 series win. Fluffina will travel to Freedom to visit the Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket semifinals. Fluffina joined the league lead in kills with three as Rudolph is the 74th player out of the Tournament.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Niki. Two strong opponents battle in Accuracy with the red cue. A close start to game 1 led to Commerce's Niki experiencing a late fade in quality. Royal's Jake stepped up as needed to get the 2-3 win to take a 1-0 series lead. Both players struggled in the middle of game 2, but the issues persisted longer for the Crowns' Jake who would suffer a 2-5 loss to the Tradewinds' Niki this time. This tied the series at 1. Jake wasn't any better in game 3, while Niki ascended to perfect status in a lopsided 0-4 win. Niki now leads the series at 2-1 and seems to have all the momentum. That momentum went to waste when Niki had an early miss in game 4. She never fully recovered her form, and Jake happily took the lead and rode his way to a 2-4 win to retie the series at 2. Niki had a little luck to keep her steady in game 3, then Jake fell apart shortly after and Niki would go on for the 2-3 win. Niki took the series 3-2 and will play on in the bracket semifinals.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Mitchell. The silver cue gets a look in 9-ball. Golden's Valencia almost made the 9 at the top right on the break, but two shots later, Victoria's Mitchell had deflected the 1 off the 2 to the top side and the cue off the 2 to take the 9 himself. Mitchell leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Mitchell potted a pair on the break and proceeded to run the table from there over the next seven shots to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Mitchell continued to dominate the offense in game 3, and while the Pilots' Valencia made her first ball of the series by putting the 9 in the top left, she couldn't find the 9. Mitchell made it to clinch the series at 3-0. Valencia finally showed her quality with a couple of three-ball runs in a dominant win over Mitchell in game 4. This cut the series to 3-1. Mitchell was back in form for game 5, making a six-ball run-out at the end for the win to defeat Valencia 4-1 in the series. Mitchell is set to visit Oceanside Waves captain Snuggle in the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Spot. A high-level series of 7-ball goes with the red cue. Both players started a bit slow in game 1, but Pronger's Spot righted the ship with a four-ball run-out to get the 1-0 series lead over Viewpoint Sound's Princess. The Meteors' Princess looked a little more prepared in game 2, but she missed a shot late, and the Tridents' Spot won with his second consecutive turn with a pair of potted balls. Spot is up 2-0 in the series. Spot couldn't put the series to a close in game 3 despite making five of the seven balls. He scratched as he tried to kick the 7 to the bottom side, and Princess took it from ball-in-hand to cut the series to 2-1. Princess made a pair on the game 4 break, but Spot answered with a three-ball run before a narrow miss on the 5. Princess then added the last pair for the win to tie the series at 2 games each. Princess and Spot engaged in a tense game 5, with Spot breaking through on a three-ball run only to miss the 7 at the end. Princess picked up the win instead and took the series in a 3-2 comeback to earn a hosting spot in the bracket semifinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Stinky. The silver cue cycles in for 12-ball. Lighton's Shiny gave up a wild-card ball on the break, but she was just inches away from the right positioning to get the win anyway. Instead, Freedom's Stinky was able to make his last two shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny gave away a wild-card ball early in game 2, but the Cascades' Stinky didn't capitalize on it fully. He had positioning but a lack of execution, allowing Shiny to recover from a scratch to pot her last two balls for the win. This tied the series at 1. Shiny made a stripe on the break in game 3, but Stinky fired back with a three-ball run. Shiny was more consistent after that point, getting the win with a pair of shots to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Stinky had a chance at the win in game 4, getting down to his last ball, but he couldn't defend at the top left. Shiny took the open shot after a long set-up sequence to get her win to seal the series at 3-1. Shiny picked up a pair of solids and a stripe on the game 5 break, but her positioning on solids was not good. Stinky cruised to a consolation win as Shiny settled for the 3-2 series win. Shiny will be on the road for her bracket semifinals appearance. Shiny's first kill of the year made Stinky the 75th eliminated player.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Leonette. The red cue is back for 7-ball again. Harrison's Sydney S. thought she had pulled off the shot of the round with a two-rail kick combination on the 2-7 deflected off the 4 and into the bottom side, but a scratch wasted the effort and gifted the win and 1-0 series lead to Pacific's Leonette. Game 2 was far less exciting on both sides, with the Volcanoes' Leonette stumbling late, which allowed the Specters' Sydney S. to pot the 7 at the bottom side for a little redemption. The series is tied at 1. Sydney S. found a three-ball run early in game 3, but she ended it with a scratch. From ball-in-hand, Leonette pieced together a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series lead. Leonette had a fortunate three-ball run late in game 4, but it didn't finish well as she missed on the 7. Sydney S. buried it for a counterattack win to retie the series at 2. Sydney S. had a couple of chances to finish off the series in game 5, but her lack of finish led to Leonette getting the win and 3-2 series win. Leonette will visit Princess of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in a Coastal Derby in the bracket semifinals. Leonette joined the league lead in kills with three, while Sydney S. is the 76th player to fall this year.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Pedey. Younger players close the day in 7-ball with the silver cue. Terrace City's Melissa was the stronger player in game 1, and she was rewarded with the final pair of shots and the win for a 1-0 series lead over a non-memorable performance from Diamond's Pedey. The Knights' Melissa was likely the better player again in game 2, but she missed the 7 after making a pair near the end. The Gems' Pedey took the 7 to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Melissa needed two tries at the 7 in game 3, but she made it and was rewarded with a 2-1 series lead over Pedey, who kept up better but couldn't close it out when he had a chance. Melissa fell off the pace in a choppy game 4 battle, leaving the final pair for Pedey to pot for the win that tied the series again at 2. Pedey pulled off the upset, as Melissa made the first three balls in game 5, but Pedey answered with a four-ball run-out at the end. Pedey won the series 3-2 and will host Lexi of the Harrison Specters in the bracket semifinals. Melissa is the 77th player eliminated and Pedey's first kill of the year.
We'll be back tomorrow.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 6
We'll include 60 games in this day, which will be split between Friday and Saturday. First up...
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Nicole. The red cue has first dibs on Friday's action with 8-ball. Lighton's Nicole didn't have a lot of offense early in game 1, but she found a four-ball run-out with a little collateral damage after North Modernistic's Luigi failed to finish a run. Nicole's late surge put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Prestige's Nicole had a strong start to game 2, and she managed a four-ball run later to get onto the 8. The Nighthawks' Luigi made a four-ball run as well, but he was short of what he needed as Nicole got the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Nicole picked up some offense early on, but a scratch on her last ball set her back. Luigi would answer with a four-ball run-out for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Nicole wasted another lead early in game 4 as well, as Luigi picked up a pair at the end to get the win that tied the series at 2. Luigi completed the comeback both in the series and in game 5, as Nicole failed again to bring it home. Luigi's 3-2 series win puts him in the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Lorde. The silver cue draws in for 13-ball. Game 1 wasn't the cleanest performance for Viewpoint Sound's Hoot, but it sufficed to get him the win after Capital City's Lorde gave him a little help. Hoot leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Hoot had one of each on the game 2 break, and it led to a difficult battle. The Sharpshooters' Lorde had bad positioning throughout and couldn't cash in on Hoot's crooked play. Hoot moved to a 2-0 series lead with another sloppy win. Hoot was a little sharper in game 3, as was Lorde, who got down to her last ball but couldn't line it up. Hoot bounced back with three balls over his last two turns for the win to seal the series at 3-0. In game 4, Lorde finally broke through on a three-ball run-out to grab the win after Hoot couldn't strike late. Lorde's win cut Hoot's series lead to 3-1. Lorde added another win in a confident game 5 effort that saw her pot a pair on the break. Hoot came close on offense but couldn't do anything with the end. Hoot settled for a 3-2 series win and he'll host Jake of the Royal Crowns in the bracket semifinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Sydney C. The silver cue gets another 13-ball series. Lighton's Shiny had a jump on game 1 from the start and held off Modernistic's Sydney C. in a tight finish. Shiny made a pair of shots for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny found a way to win in game 2 despite a number of mistakes and errors. The Union's Sydney C. simply couldn't get good positioning, which made it easy for Shiny to pick up another win for the 2-0 series lead. Shiny had one of each on the break in game 3, but a later missed contact led to Sydney C. potting a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win. Shiny remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Sydney C. had a good chance to win game 4, but Shiny was able to make a four-ball run and bait her opponent into trouble near the end. When Sydney C. scratched, Shiny took the 8 to the top side for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Sydney C. got a little consolation by making four balls over the last two turns to defeat Shiny in game 5. Shiny still took the series 3-2 and will host the Golden Pilots' Strut in the bracket semifinals.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Steven. Back in 8-ball, the blue cue is set to play. Both players made five-ball runs early in game 1, but Atlantic's Steven finished better with a three-ball run-out after Oceanside's Jason V. couldn't corral the 8. Steven owns a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Pirates' Steven had a couple of chances to get a finishing attack that he couldn't complete. The Waves' Jason V. made a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1 despite the close call. Jason V. had to be patient in a tough game 3, but when Steven failed to make the 8 at the bottom right, Jason V. needed only a pair for the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Steven had more chances in game 4, but his finishing simply wasn't good enough. Jason V. made the comeback this time and secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Steven finally made something of his offense in game 5, nabbing the win away from Jason V. in a close finish. Jason V. advanced to host Chimpy of the Westside Rockers in the bracket semifinals after a 3-2 series win.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Vincent v. Brownie. Cross-highway rivals battle in Rotation with the blue cue. Tysini's Vincent started off alright, but Royal's Brownie broke loose for a six-ball run-out to get the 8-3 win in game 1. Brownie owns a 1-0 series lead after the big attack. Tensions rose in game 2 after an ugly start. The Hummingbirds' Vincent channeled his anger well, but the Crowns' Brownie was able to calm down and win with a three-ball run-out for the 8-6 victory to take a 2-0 series lead. A little luck in a tie game helped Brownie prevail late in game 3. Frustration led her to a hard shot on the 12, which would drop the 13 to the bottom side. Brownie then made the 12 to the top right for the 8-6 win to clinch the series at 3-0 over Vincent. In game 4, Vincent had the win in his hands until a scratch on the 9 ruined his play. Brownie made a pair from ball-in-hand to get the 8-6 win again that moved her to a 4-0 advantage. Vincent would get all his offense at once in game 5, an eight-ball run-out earning him the 8-3 win to avoid getting swept by Brownie, who won the series 4-1. Brownie is set to host Twilight of the Central Warriors in the bracket semifinals. Vincent is the 67th player out of the Tournament and Brownie's first kill of the year.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Delila. More 13-ball awaits, this time with the red cue. Maplewood's Summer showed a willingness to take risks in game 1, but Atlantic's Delila was simply faster on offense to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila had the edge for much of game 2, but not by much. When Delila missed the 8 at the end, the Lumberjacks' Summer was there to mop it up at the top right for the win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Delila was already keeping things even in game 3 when Summer overfilled at the top right, a foul that led to Delila's three-ball run. When Summer couldn't strike back, Delila took the 8 at the top right for the win and 2-1 series lead. Summer had the edge in game 4 until she scratched and sank a ball for Delila at the top left on consecutive turns. Delila took the momentum and got a win out of it to seal the series at 3-1. Too many scratches came back to hurt Delila in game 5, as she wasn't able to end on a high note when Summer finally got a pair at the end for the win. Delila still won the series 3-2 and will visit Pearl Surfers co-captain Neopolitan in the bracket semifinals. Delila got her first kill of the year to make Summer the 68th eliminated player.
Apple Center, Todavía: Prism v. Cowzart. The silver cue cycles in for Rotation. Todavía's Prism opened with a three-ball run, which Pacific's Cowzart quickly answered. Prism was better over the rest of the game, taking an 8-6 win despite Cowzart's late push. Prism leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Prism went empty on the break in game 2, which would be costly. The Volcanoes' Cowzart found his offense first and got a big lead on a five-ball run. He closed the win at 8-2 to tie the series at 1. Prism bounced back with a quick attack in game 3. She had a three-ball run to establish a lead in the middle of the game, then she finished off after Cowzart pressed back. Prism won 8-6 and regained the series lead at 2-1. Prism picked up a four-ball run from the break in game 4, but it wouldn't hold up as Cowzart made five balls over his last two turns to win 8-6. This retied the series at 2 to set up a big finale. Cowzart nearly wasted his lead in game 5, but a pivotal play that saw Prism snooker herself would cost her the game. Cowzart made a pair for an 8-6 win and he took the series 3-2 as well. Cowzart will head home to host the Queens Flames' Violetta in the bracket semifinals. The do-or-die scenario left Prism as the 69th eliminated player, while Cowzart took his second kill.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Princess. Former teammates clash in a massive matchup in 9-ball with the blue cue to end Friday's segment. Viewpoint Sound's Princess used a three-ball run to build momentum late in game 1, but her miss on the 9 allowed Tysini's Leandra to make it on an insurance shot that missed the top left but fell in the bottom right. Leandra leads the series 1-0. The Hummingbirds' Leandra couldn't do anything with the 6 in game 2, leaving it for the Meteors' Princess to use. Princess won with an 8-9 combination to the top right on the next turn, tying the series at 1. Princess had a four-ball run late in game 3 that ended when she missed on the 7. Leandra made the 7 but couldn't convert the 9, and Princess got off the hook for the win at the bottom left to take a 2-1 series lead. Leandra made a pair after Princess scratched on the game 4 break, but the 3 eluded Leandra. This led to Princess making a three-ball run-out capped by the 5-9 combination to the top right for the win that secured the series in her favor at 3-1. Leandra's run of rotten luck continued in game 5, as she blew a chance to win the game with a missed cut on the 9. Princess capitalized to take the series at 4-1, and she'll play in the bracket semifinals. Princess got her second kill of the year, and Leandra is the 70th eliminated player.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Ice Cream. More 9-ball kicks off Saturday with the silver cue in hand. Midland's Fuchsia gave away game 1, sinking the 9 illegally at the bottom side after failing to make contact on the 7. Boston's Ice Cream put Fuchsia in that position and gladly took the gifted win for a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Fuchsia didn't stay down in game 2, taking a majority of the possession en route to a three-ball run-out for the win. This tied the series at 1 with the Swifts' Ice Cream. In game 3, Ice Cream bounced back for the win, taking a three-ball run-out after Fuchsia fell apart following a brutal missed contact. Ice Cream regained the series lead at 2-1. Ice Cream had plenty of chances to lock down game 4, but her late-game shooting lacked quality. Fuchsia capitalized, poaching the win by putting the 9 in the bottom left to retie the series at 2. Fuchsia came somewhat close with a four-ball run and a pair, but she missed the 8 completely, and Ice Cream made the final pair for the win. Ice Cream advanced to host North Modernistic Nighthawks enforcer Cheddar in the bracket semifinals after this 3-2 series win. Fuchsia is the 71st eliminated player this year, while Ice Cream grabbed her first kill.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Missy. The blue cue is back for 9-ball here. North Modernistic's Gal had a slightly stronger game 1 with a three-ball run and a two-rail bank to get the 9 at the top side for the 1-0 series lead, while Capital City's Missy couldn't get things organized. The Nighthawks' Gal did alright to start game 2, but she couldn't bring it home. The Sharpshooters' Missy stepped up for a four-ball run-out to get the win that tied the series at 1. Gal bounced back easily in game 3, working a strong four-ball run-out for the win after Missy couldn't keep the momentum going. Gal retook the series lead at 2-1. Gal kept it going in game 4, making five of the last six balls over two turns to pick up the clinching win. Gal leads 3-1 over Missy, whose attempt to deflect off the 6 toward the 9 didn't connect right. Gal showed no mercy in game 5, making a three-ball run-out to cap her series win over Missy at 4-1. Gal punched her ticket to the bracket semifinals, and she also her earned her second kill to make Missy the 72nd eliminated player.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Taylor S. The blue cue goes again in 12-ball. Golden's Strut gave a wild-card ball after a dumb play, but Commerce's Taylor S. later gave it back. Game 1 saw little in the way of good play even as Taylor S. took a 1-0 series lead by a thin margin. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. gave away a wild-card ball on the break, and the Pilots' Strut came within an inch of getting the win. However, Taylor S. rallied for a late four-ball run-out for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Taylor S. failed to capitalize on her early four-ball run in game 3, failing to get a good look at the last two balls. Strut bounced back, lucking into positioning for his three-ball run-out that got him on the board. Taylor S. still holds a 2-1 series lead. Strut got right back in it in game 4, barely holding off Taylor S. until his defense at the top left threw her off. Taylor S. couldn't get around Strut, and he made a pair a turn after scratching to get the win to tie the series at 2 games apiece. Strut made a gamble for positioning and defense but he only got the former at the end of game 5. Taylor S. made her last shot quickly after that for the win to take the series 3-2 as her Cinderella run continues into the bracket semifinals.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Ice Cream. The red cue ends the split-day sessions in 10-ball. Boston's Ice Cream unleashed a four-ball run-out on her second turn in game 1, capping it with a 4-10 combination to the bottom right to take the 1-0 series lead over a hapless Precious of Pronger. The Swifts' Ice Cream appeared to have game 2 in her grip with a late five-ball run, but she missed on the 10. The Tridents' Precious poached the win with a shot to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Ice Cream had another late fade in game 3, missing on the 8. Precious took over from here, winning with a three-ball run-out for a 2-1 series lead. Ice Cream got fancy with a 1-10-6 combination to start game 4 positively, but she couldn't strike again. Precious replied with a 1-10 combination to the bottom right for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Precious had a majority of the offense in game 5 with a four-ball run on her second turn and a pair after Ice Cream's three-ball run came up short. Precious won the series 4-1 and will host Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy in the bracket semifinals.
We'll be back to the normal 45-game days tomorrow.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Nicole. The red cue has first dibs on Friday's action with 8-ball. Lighton's Nicole didn't have a lot of offense early in game 1, but she found a four-ball run-out with a little collateral damage after North Modernistic's Luigi failed to finish a run. Nicole's late surge put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Prestige's Nicole had a strong start to game 2, and she managed a four-ball run later to get onto the 8. The Nighthawks' Luigi made a four-ball run as well, but he was short of what he needed as Nicole got the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Nicole picked up some offense early on, but a scratch on her last ball set her back. Luigi would answer with a four-ball run-out for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Nicole wasted another lead early in game 4 as well, as Luigi picked up a pair at the end to get the win that tied the series at 2. Luigi completed the comeback both in the series and in game 5, as Nicole failed again to bring it home. Luigi's 3-2 series win puts him in the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Lorde. The silver cue draws in for 13-ball. Game 1 wasn't the cleanest performance for Viewpoint Sound's Hoot, but it sufficed to get him the win after Capital City's Lorde gave him a little help. Hoot leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Hoot had one of each on the game 2 break, and it led to a difficult battle. The Sharpshooters' Lorde had bad positioning throughout and couldn't cash in on Hoot's crooked play. Hoot moved to a 2-0 series lead with another sloppy win. Hoot was a little sharper in game 3, as was Lorde, who got down to her last ball but couldn't line it up. Hoot bounced back with three balls over his last two turns for the win to seal the series at 3-0. In game 4, Lorde finally broke through on a three-ball run-out to grab the win after Hoot couldn't strike late. Lorde's win cut Hoot's series lead to 3-1. Lorde added another win in a confident game 5 effort that saw her pot a pair on the break. Hoot came close on offense but couldn't do anything with the end. Hoot settled for a 3-2 series win and he'll host Jake of the Royal Crowns in the bracket semifinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Sydney C. The silver cue gets another 13-ball series. Lighton's Shiny had a jump on game 1 from the start and held off Modernistic's Sydney C. in a tight finish. Shiny made a pair of shots for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny found a way to win in game 2 despite a number of mistakes and errors. The Union's Sydney C. simply couldn't get good positioning, which made it easy for Shiny to pick up another win for the 2-0 series lead. Shiny had one of each on the break in game 3, but a later missed contact led to Sydney C. potting a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win. Shiny remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Sydney C. had a good chance to win game 4, but Shiny was able to make a four-ball run and bait her opponent into trouble near the end. When Sydney C. scratched, Shiny took the 8 to the top side for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Sydney C. got a little consolation by making four balls over the last two turns to defeat Shiny in game 5. Shiny still took the series 3-2 and will host the Golden Pilots' Strut in the bracket semifinals.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Steven. Back in 8-ball, the blue cue is set to play. Both players made five-ball runs early in game 1, but Atlantic's Steven finished better with a three-ball run-out after Oceanside's Jason V. couldn't corral the 8. Steven owns a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Pirates' Steven had a couple of chances to get a finishing attack that he couldn't complete. The Waves' Jason V. made a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1 despite the close call. Jason V. had to be patient in a tough game 3, but when Steven failed to make the 8 at the bottom right, Jason V. needed only a pair for the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Steven had more chances in game 4, but his finishing simply wasn't good enough. Jason V. made the comeback this time and secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Steven finally made something of his offense in game 5, nabbing the win away from Jason V. in a close finish. Jason V. advanced to host Chimpy of the Westside Rockers in the bracket semifinals after a 3-2 series win.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Vincent v. Brownie. Cross-highway rivals battle in Rotation with the blue cue. Tysini's Vincent started off alright, but Royal's Brownie broke loose for a six-ball run-out to get the 8-3 win in game 1. Brownie owns a 1-0 series lead after the big attack. Tensions rose in game 2 after an ugly start. The Hummingbirds' Vincent channeled his anger well, but the Crowns' Brownie was able to calm down and win with a three-ball run-out for the 8-6 victory to take a 2-0 series lead. A little luck in a tie game helped Brownie prevail late in game 3. Frustration led her to a hard shot on the 12, which would drop the 13 to the bottom side. Brownie then made the 12 to the top right for the 8-6 win to clinch the series at 3-0 over Vincent. In game 4, Vincent had the win in his hands until a scratch on the 9 ruined his play. Brownie made a pair from ball-in-hand to get the 8-6 win again that moved her to a 4-0 advantage. Vincent would get all his offense at once in game 5, an eight-ball run-out earning him the 8-3 win to avoid getting swept by Brownie, who won the series 4-1. Brownie is set to host Twilight of the Central Warriors in the bracket semifinals. Vincent is the 67th player out of the Tournament and Brownie's first kill of the year.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Delila. More 13-ball awaits, this time with the red cue. Maplewood's Summer showed a willingness to take risks in game 1, but Atlantic's Delila was simply faster on offense to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila had the edge for much of game 2, but not by much. When Delila missed the 8 at the end, the Lumberjacks' Summer was there to mop it up at the top right for the win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Delila was already keeping things even in game 3 when Summer overfilled at the top right, a foul that led to Delila's three-ball run. When Summer couldn't strike back, Delila took the 8 at the top right for the win and 2-1 series lead. Summer had the edge in game 4 until she scratched and sank a ball for Delila at the top left on consecutive turns. Delila took the momentum and got a win out of it to seal the series at 3-1. Too many scratches came back to hurt Delila in game 5, as she wasn't able to end on a high note when Summer finally got a pair at the end for the win. Delila still won the series 3-2 and will visit Pearl Surfers co-captain Neopolitan in the bracket semifinals. Delila got her first kill of the year to make Summer the 68th eliminated player.
Apple Center, Todavía: Prism v. Cowzart. The silver cue cycles in for Rotation. Todavía's Prism opened with a three-ball run, which Pacific's Cowzart quickly answered. Prism was better over the rest of the game, taking an 8-6 win despite Cowzart's late push. Prism leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Prism went empty on the break in game 2, which would be costly. The Volcanoes' Cowzart found his offense first and got a big lead on a five-ball run. He closed the win at 8-2 to tie the series at 1. Prism bounced back with a quick attack in game 3. She had a three-ball run to establish a lead in the middle of the game, then she finished off after Cowzart pressed back. Prism won 8-6 and regained the series lead at 2-1. Prism picked up a four-ball run from the break in game 4, but it wouldn't hold up as Cowzart made five balls over his last two turns to win 8-6. This retied the series at 2 to set up a big finale. Cowzart nearly wasted his lead in game 5, but a pivotal play that saw Prism snooker herself would cost her the game. Cowzart made a pair for an 8-6 win and he took the series 3-2 as well. Cowzart will head home to host the Queens Flames' Violetta in the bracket semifinals. The do-or-die scenario left Prism as the 69th eliminated player, while Cowzart took his second kill.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Princess. Former teammates clash in a massive matchup in 9-ball with the blue cue to end Friday's segment. Viewpoint Sound's Princess used a three-ball run to build momentum late in game 1, but her miss on the 9 allowed Tysini's Leandra to make it on an insurance shot that missed the top left but fell in the bottom right. Leandra leads the series 1-0. The Hummingbirds' Leandra couldn't do anything with the 6 in game 2, leaving it for the Meteors' Princess to use. Princess won with an 8-9 combination to the top right on the next turn, tying the series at 1. Princess had a four-ball run late in game 3 that ended when she missed on the 7. Leandra made the 7 but couldn't convert the 9, and Princess got off the hook for the win at the bottom left to take a 2-1 series lead. Leandra made a pair after Princess scratched on the game 4 break, but the 3 eluded Leandra. This led to Princess making a three-ball run-out capped by the 5-9 combination to the top right for the win that secured the series in her favor at 3-1. Leandra's run of rotten luck continued in game 5, as she blew a chance to win the game with a missed cut on the 9. Princess capitalized to take the series at 4-1, and she'll play in the bracket semifinals. Princess got her second kill of the year, and Leandra is the 70th eliminated player.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Ice Cream. More 9-ball kicks off Saturday with the silver cue in hand. Midland's Fuchsia gave away game 1, sinking the 9 illegally at the bottom side after failing to make contact on the 7. Boston's Ice Cream put Fuchsia in that position and gladly took the gifted win for a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Fuchsia didn't stay down in game 2, taking a majority of the possession en route to a three-ball run-out for the win. This tied the series at 1 with the Swifts' Ice Cream. In game 3, Ice Cream bounced back for the win, taking a three-ball run-out after Fuchsia fell apart following a brutal missed contact. Ice Cream regained the series lead at 2-1. Ice Cream had plenty of chances to lock down game 4, but her late-game shooting lacked quality. Fuchsia capitalized, poaching the win by putting the 9 in the bottom left to retie the series at 2. Fuchsia came somewhat close with a four-ball run and a pair, but she missed the 8 completely, and Ice Cream made the final pair for the win. Ice Cream advanced to host North Modernistic Nighthawks enforcer Cheddar in the bracket semifinals after this 3-2 series win. Fuchsia is the 71st eliminated player this year, while Ice Cream grabbed her first kill.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Missy. The blue cue is back for 9-ball here. North Modernistic's Gal had a slightly stronger game 1 with a three-ball run and a two-rail bank to get the 9 at the top side for the 1-0 series lead, while Capital City's Missy couldn't get things organized. The Nighthawks' Gal did alright to start game 2, but she couldn't bring it home. The Sharpshooters' Missy stepped up for a four-ball run-out to get the win that tied the series at 1. Gal bounced back easily in game 3, working a strong four-ball run-out for the win after Missy couldn't keep the momentum going. Gal retook the series lead at 2-1. Gal kept it going in game 4, making five of the last six balls over two turns to pick up the clinching win. Gal leads 3-1 over Missy, whose attempt to deflect off the 6 toward the 9 didn't connect right. Gal showed no mercy in game 5, making a three-ball run-out to cap her series win over Missy at 4-1. Gal punched her ticket to the bracket semifinals, and she also her earned her second kill to make Missy the 72nd eliminated player.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Taylor S. The blue cue goes again in 12-ball. Golden's Strut gave a wild-card ball after a dumb play, but Commerce's Taylor S. later gave it back. Game 1 saw little in the way of good play even as Taylor S. took a 1-0 series lead by a thin margin. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. gave away a wild-card ball on the break, and the Pilots' Strut came within an inch of getting the win. However, Taylor S. rallied for a late four-ball run-out for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Taylor S. failed to capitalize on her early four-ball run in game 3, failing to get a good look at the last two balls. Strut bounced back, lucking into positioning for his three-ball run-out that got him on the board. Taylor S. still holds a 2-1 series lead. Strut got right back in it in game 4, barely holding off Taylor S. until his defense at the top left threw her off. Taylor S. couldn't get around Strut, and he made a pair a turn after scratching to get the win to tie the series at 2 games apiece. Strut made a gamble for positioning and defense but he only got the former at the end of game 5. Taylor S. made her last shot quickly after that for the win to take the series 3-2 as her Cinderella run continues into the bracket semifinals.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Ice Cream. The red cue ends the split-day sessions in 10-ball. Boston's Ice Cream unleashed a four-ball run-out on her second turn in game 1, capping it with a 4-10 combination to the bottom right to take the 1-0 series lead over a hapless Precious of Pronger. The Swifts' Ice Cream appeared to have game 2 in her grip with a late five-ball run, but she missed on the 10. The Tridents' Precious poached the win with a shot to the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Ice Cream had another late fade in game 3, missing on the 8. Precious took over from here, winning with a three-ball run-out for a 2-1 series lead. Ice Cream got fancy with a 1-10-6 combination to start game 4 positively, but she couldn't strike again. Precious replied with a 1-10 combination to the bottom right for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Precious had a majority of the offense in game 5 with a four-ball run on her second turn and a pair after Ice Cream's three-ball run came up short. Precious won the series 4-1 and will host Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy in the bracket semifinals.
We'll be back to the normal 45-game days tomorrow.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 5
We'll extend another day, with the silver cue likely to return to full action after a re-tipping on Tuesday. First up...
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Wings. The red cue opens today with 12-ball. North Modernistic's Luigi made a four-ball run from the break, which provided him enough buffer to hold off Central's Wings later in game 1. Luigi picked up the win at the bottom side for the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Luigi didn't start as well in game 2, but the Warriors' Wings didn't have a lot in the way of offense. Luigi eventually made a three-ball run-out, highlighted by his bank on the 5 to the top left on the second shot. Luigi owns a 2-0 series lead. Luigi had a little success early in game 3, but he gave Wings a wild-card ball later. Wings gave it back, then received another near the end. Luigi maintained better positioning and got the win to seal the series at 3-0. Luigi had a strong start in game 4 and kept it up to the end as Wings again came up short on offense. Luigi stretched his series lead to 4-0. Both players finished strong in game 5, opening with a four-ball run each. Luigi would be first to pot his final pair for the win to sweep Wings 5-0 in the series. Luigi will play in the bracket semifinals.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Beth. The blue cue takes a turn in 15-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy seemed to have the edge in game 1 in possession, but she wasn't able to finish it off. Pearl's Beth picked up a 12-15 combination to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy had a more aggressive attack in game 2, battling early with the Surfers' Beth. At the end, Ms. Puppy found a six-ball run-out for the win, which tied the series at 1. Beth brought a little extra heat to game 3, winning early with a 5-15-7 combination that saw the 15 follow into the top left for a double-pot. Ms. Puppy was shocked as Beth regained the series lead at 2-1. Beth turned up the offense in game 4 with a four-ball run and a miss on the 14 that left Ms. Puppy with only one option. Ms. Puppy tried the kick, but she followed the 14 in with a scratch, and Beth took the 15 from ball-in-hand to the top right to secure the series at 3-1. Ms. Puppy couldn't be bothered to rise to the occasion in game 5, missing late and allowing Beth to take another win for the 4-1 series win. Beth will appear in the bracket semifinals.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Stealth. The red cue is back for 9-ball here. Atlantic's Steven showed remarkably bad decision-making in game 1, scratching on a bad cut attempt at the 9. Swordpoint's Stealth took a well-earned win from ball-in-hand to go up 1-0 in the series. The Blades' Stealth didn't fall off the pace much in game 2, but a cleaner performance from the Pirates' Steven was enough to flip the result. Steven's late win here tied the series at 1. Steven struck quickly in game 3, making a tough-angle 5-9 combination to the top right with a deflection to add the 7 at the top side. Stealth wasn't very good this time, and Steven now leads the series 2-1. Steven put the series away on the game 4 break, potting the 9 to the top right and giving Stealth no chance to recover. Steven's instant win has him safe at 3-1. Stealth got a little redemption in game 5, picking off the 9 after Steven's late run didn't end the game. Steven settled for a 3-2 series win that will see him visit Frosty of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the bracket semifinals.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Violetta. The silver cue's return to action comes in this Rotation series. Queens' Violetta made it look easy in game 1, picking up an 8-3 win without much drama to go up 1-0 in the series over Archtown's A. Charlton. The Flames' Violetta brought a little more speed to game 2, posting a three-ball run early on. The Arrows' Charlton got a little closer, but Violetta ran away to get another 8-3 win to stretch her series lead to 2-0. In game 3, Charlton flipped things around. Violetta couldn't get her shots calibrated, and Charlton would win 8-3 this time to cut the series to 2-1. The scoring theme held up again, as Violetta took an early three-ball run and worked her way to another 8-3 win in game 4. Violetta's victory sealed the series over Charlton at 3-1. Violetta and Charlton combined for a close battle at first, but Charlton dropped off and Violetta won 8-3 again to take the series 4-1. Violetta will be on the road once more in the bracket semifinals.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Pauline. In 13-ball, the silver cue remains in action. Golden's Strut had a strong start in game 1 and kept it going with positioning leading to a three-ball run-out to get the win over Capital City's Pauline. Strut owns a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Pauline had a chance to capitalize on the Pilots' Strut taking the harder road in game 2. Pauline couldn't get any offense going, while Strut won on a three-ball run-out again to move up to a 2-0 series lead. Strut pulled off another pair on the break in game 3 and kept the solids this time. He made a three-ball run later and took the 8 on the next turn as Pauline again came up way short. Strut clinched the series at 3-0 with the effort. Strut made one of each to start game 4, then took a three-ball run in stripes. He had a two-rail bank to make his last ball to the bottom left, and put the 8 in bottom right after favorable positioning allowed him to best Pauline again. Strut's up 4-0 in the series. Strut finished off a brilliant series with another dominant game 5, aided by a complete lack of offense from Pauline. Strut swept the series 5-0 and will head to the bracket semifinals. Pauline is the 64th player out of the Tournament, and Strut officially earned his first kill.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Niki. Back in 12-ball, the red cue cycles in again. Tysini's Leandra had a decent start to game 1, but Commerce's Niki showed a little more tactical smarts at the end to pick up the win. Niki leads the series 1-0. The Tradewinds' Niki led for a lot of game 2, but the Hummingbirds' Leandra made a two-turn surge at the end to grab the win. Leandra's offensive push tied the series at 1. Leandra couldn't keep up the pace in game 3, taking herself out of position multiple times. Niki had a late scratch that slowed her down but couldn't stop her from getting the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Leandra again made a late surge after struggling early in game 4. Niki got close to a win but couldn't finish as Leandra made a five-ball run-out, retying the series at 2. Leandra and Niki both had four-ball runs early in game 5, leading to a tense finish. Niki had slightly better positioning, and Leandra couldn't flip that result. Niki got the win for a 3-2 series win to get into the bracket semifinals.
Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Hannah. The silver cue comes back in for 15-ball. Diamond's Shadow had a productive three-ball run at the start, but Queens' Hannah won on a five-ball run-out with a double-pot of the 6 and 15 to the left corners to go ahead 1-0 after game 1. Game 2 didn't go so well for the Flames' Hannah, who couldn't quite get her offense on track. Exchanges of pairs of shots dotted the end until the Gems' Shadow made a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Shadow and Hannah battled evenly in game 3, leading to a close finish. Shadow hit a three-ball run-out at the end, just swiping the win from Hannah, who had made a fair number of shots over her last two turns. Shadow is up 2-1 in the series. Tension started to simmer a bit in game 4 as the play moved slowly. In the end, Shadow secured the series at 3-1 with a three-ball run-out when Hannah couldn't get back on track. Shadow couldn't figure out game 5, allowing Hannah to pick up a consolation win with the last six balls over the last two turns. Shadow won the series 3-2 and will host his bracket semifinals against the winner of today's last series.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Leonardo. Accuracy is the next series, played with the silver cue as well. Pronger's Spot twice failed to protect a lead against Diamond's Leonardo, but the third time was the charm. Spot got the win 2-3 to go ahead 1-0 in the series after game 1. The Gems' Leonardo pulled off a perfect performance in game 2, as the Tridents' Spot had a couple of mistakes. Leonardo's 0-3 win tied the series at 1. In game 3, Spot held the perfect line as long as he could, but he crumbled at the end. Leonardo wouldn't budge, a second straight shutout putting him ahead 2-1 in the series with the 0-4 win. Leonardo finally missed a shot late in game 4, but Spot wasn't able to capitalize on the moment. Leonardo would go on to win 1-4 to get the series at 3-1. Leonardo couldn't get a grip at the start of game 5, but Spot fell apart by the end to force overtime. Leonardo picked up the 4-5 win to make it a 4-1 series win that puts him in an Eastern Hills derby against the Stonebridge Wolves' Wild Thing in the bracket semifinals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. A. Charlton. The visitor's second series today is in 15-ball with the blue cue. Somewhat out of nowhere, Archtown's A. Charlton took a slow-moving game 1 and ended it on a nine-ball run-out to go up 1-0 in the series over Capital City's Missy. The Arrows' Charlton didn't have a massive run in game 2, but the Sharpshooters' Missy missed her chance to get the win. Charlton mopped up a free shot on the 15 to get the win that put her ahead 2-0 in the series. Missy finally found her way late in game 3, weathering a battle from Charlton early on. Missy cranked a six-ball run-out for the win to get back into a 2-1 series. Missy had a great run in game 4 with a lot of offense, but Charlton stepped up for the last two balls to steal the win that secured the series in her favor at 3-1. Missy didn't have a bad game 5, but a late illegal contact play led to Charlton winning again on a three-ball run-out. Charlton took the series 4-1, and she'll visit the Pearl Surfers' Beth in the bracket semifinals.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Wings v. Neopolitan. The host plays again, using the red cue for 13-ball against a former teammate. Central's Wings struck first in game 1, keeping the 8 in a defensive position to block Pearl's Neopolitan and then taking it at the top left when he needed to. Wings leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Wings didn't have as good an effort in game 2, although the Surfers' Neopolitan had a lot to do with that given her early six-ball run. Neopolitan converted the 8 after Wings failed to complete a counterattacking run. The series stands tied at 1. Game 3 saw Wings miss contact at the end of a close battle, allowing Neopolitan to pick off the 8 from ball-in-hand after her relatively strong positional play up to that point. Neopolitan pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Game 4 became a race after the two players followed each other for their first three pots. Neopolitan made a pair after that, and Wings couldn't get his positioning right, setting Neopolitan up for her final pair to get the win and clinch the series at 3-1. Neopolitan came pretty close to keeping her offense going in game 5, but Wings made a late attack to nab a win. Neopolitan settled for a 3-2 series win to put her in line to host a bracket semifinals appearance. Neopolitan's first kill of the year makes Wings the 65th eliminated player.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Briana. The blue cue steps in for 8-ball between Southeastern rivals. Royal's Nightfur had a good start partially offset by Queens' Briana making a deep run in the middle. Nightfur then made four balls over the last two turns of game 1 to get the 1-0 series lead on her win. The Crowns' Nightfur didn't get any offense going in game 2, while the Flames' Briana dismantled the stripes in three turns to pick up a win. Briana's three-ball run-out tied the series at 1. Briana fell off the pace again in game 3, and Nightfur was back on track with a fairly thorough victory. Nightfur regained the series lead at 2-1. Nightfur appeared to have game 4 in the bag until a massive five-ball run by Briana shifted the balance of power. Briana needed only two more turns for the win to retie the series at 2. Game 5 condensed the series into a single game, with both sides looking close to the win. Each missed the 8 once, but Briana also missed contact, and Nightfur took it from ball-in-hand for the win and 3-2 series win. Nightfur will host her series in the bracket semifinals.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Bryant. The silver cue closes the day in 15-ball. Web City's Jack was clearly in control in game 1 with a seven-ball run in the middle and a three-ball run-out in the end to take a 1-0 series lead over Maplewood's Bryant. Game 2 saw both players compete pretty well within the course of the game. The Lumberjacks' Bryant got the win on a three-ball run-out, in answer to an earlier three-ball run by the Spiders' Jack. Bryant tied the series at 1. Bryant fell apart late in a tense game 3 that saw a lot of misses on both sides. Jack knocked in the final pair of shots by keeping a steady hand at the end. Jack's series lead is restored at 2-1. Bryant again tried a little too hard in game 4, falling off the pace as Jack picked up a three-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Jack didn't push very hard in game 5, allowing Bryant to pick off a six-ball run-out in the end for the win. Jack won the series 3-2, and he'll face his former teammate, Shadow of the Diamond Gems, in the bracket semifinals. Bryant is the 66th player out of the Tournament and the first to fall to Jack.
Starting tomorrow, we'll do a split-day to get us back on schedule for the round.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Wings. The red cue opens today with 12-ball. North Modernistic's Luigi made a four-ball run from the break, which provided him enough buffer to hold off Central's Wings later in game 1. Luigi picked up the win at the bottom side for the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Luigi didn't start as well in game 2, but the Warriors' Wings didn't have a lot in the way of offense. Luigi eventually made a three-ball run-out, highlighted by his bank on the 5 to the top left on the second shot. Luigi owns a 2-0 series lead. Luigi had a little success early in game 3, but he gave Wings a wild-card ball later. Wings gave it back, then received another near the end. Luigi maintained better positioning and got the win to seal the series at 3-0. Luigi had a strong start in game 4 and kept it up to the end as Wings again came up short on offense. Luigi stretched his series lead to 4-0. Both players finished strong in game 5, opening with a four-ball run each. Luigi would be first to pot his final pair for the win to sweep Wings 5-0 in the series. Luigi will play in the bracket semifinals.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Beth. The blue cue takes a turn in 15-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy seemed to have the edge in game 1 in possession, but she wasn't able to finish it off. Pearl's Beth picked up a 12-15 combination to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy had a more aggressive attack in game 2, battling early with the Surfers' Beth. At the end, Ms. Puppy found a six-ball run-out for the win, which tied the series at 1. Beth brought a little extra heat to game 3, winning early with a 5-15-7 combination that saw the 15 follow into the top left for a double-pot. Ms. Puppy was shocked as Beth regained the series lead at 2-1. Beth turned up the offense in game 4 with a four-ball run and a miss on the 14 that left Ms. Puppy with only one option. Ms. Puppy tried the kick, but she followed the 14 in with a scratch, and Beth took the 15 from ball-in-hand to the top right to secure the series at 3-1. Ms. Puppy couldn't be bothered to rise to the occasion in game 5, missing late and allowing Beth to take another win for the 4-1 series win. Beth will appear in the bracket semifinals.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Stealth. The red cue is back for 9-ball here. Atlantic's Steven showed remarkably bad decision-making in game 1, scratching on a bad cut attempt at the 9. Swordpoint's Stealth took a well-earned win from ball-in-hand to go up 1-0 in the series. The Blades' Stealth didn't fall off the pace much in game 2, but a cleaner performance from the Pirates' Steven was enough to flip the result. Steven's late win here tied the series at 1. Steven struck quickly in game 3, making a tough-angle 5-9 combination to the top right with a deflection to add the 7 at the top side. Stealth wasn't very good this time, and Steven now leads the series 2-1. Steven put the series away on the game 4 break, potting the 9 to the top right and giving Stealth no chance to recover. Steven's instant win has him safe at 3-1. Stealth got a little redemption in game 5, picking off the 9 after Steven's late run didn't end the game. Steven settled for a 3-2 series win that will see him visit Frosty of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the bracket semifinals.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Violetta. The silver cue's return to action comes in this Rotation series. Queens' Violetta made it look easy in game 1, picking up an 8-3 win without much drama to go up 1-0 in the series over Archtown's A. Charlton. The Flames' Violetta brought a little more speed to game 2, posting a three-ball run early on. The Arrows' Charlton got a little closer, but Violetta ran away to get another 8-3 win to stretch her series lead to 2-0. In game 3, Charlton flipped things around. Violetta couldn't get her shots calibrated, and Charlton would win 8-3 this time to cut the series to 2-1. The scoring theme held up again, as Violetta took an early three-ball run and worked her way to another 8-3 win in game 4. Violetta's victory sealed the series over Charlton at 3-1. Violetta and Charlton combined for a close battle at first, but Charlton dropped off and Violetta won 8-3 again to take the series 4-1. Violetta will be on the road once more in the bracket semifinals.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Pauline. In 13-ball, the silver cue remains in action. Golden's Strut had a strong start in game 1 and kept it going with positioning leading to a three-ball run-out to get the win over Capital City's Pauline. Strut owns a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Pauline had a chance to capitalize on the Pilots' Strut taking the harder road in game 2. Pauline couldn't get any offense going, while Strut won on a three-ball run-out again to move up to a 2-0 series lead. Strut pulled off another pair on the break in game 3 and kept the solids this time. He made a three-ball run later and took the 8 on the next turn as Pauline again came up way short. Strut clinched the series at 3-0 with the effort. Strut made one of each to start game 4, then took a three-ball run in stripes. He had a two-rail bank to make his last ball to the bottom left, and put the 8 in bottom right after favorable positioning allowed him to best Pauline again. Strut's up 4-0 in the series. Strut finished off a brilliant series with another dominant game 5, aided by a complete lack of offense from Pauline. Strut swept the series 5-0 and will head to the bracket semifinals. Pauline is the 64th player out of the Tournament, and Strut officially earned his first kill.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Niki. Back in 12-ball, the red cue cycles in again. Tysini's Leandra had a decent start to game 1, but Commerce's Niki showed a little more tactical smarts at the end to pick up the win. Niki leads the series 1-0. The Tradewinds' Niki led for a lot of game 2, but the Hummingbirds' Leandra made a two-turn surge at the end to grab the win. Leandra's offensive push tied the series at 1. Leandra couldn't keep up the pace in game 3, taking herself out of position multiple times. Niki had a late scratch that slowed her down but couldn't stop her from getting the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Leandra again made a late surge after struggling early in game 4. Niki got close to a win but couldn't finish as Leandra made a five-ball run-out, retying the series at 2. Leandra and Niki both had four-ball runs early in game 5, leading to a tense finish. Niki had slightly better positioning, and Leandra couldn't flip that result. Niki got the win for a 3-2 series win to get into the bracket semifinals.
Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Hannah. The silver cue comes back in for 15-ball. Diamond's Shadow had a productive three-ball run at the start, but Queens' Hannah won on a five-ball run-out with a double-pot of the 6 and 15 to the left corners to go ahead 1-0 after game 1. Game 2 didn't go so well for the Flames' Hannah, who couldn't quite get her offense on track. Exchanges of pairs of shots dotted the end until the Gems' Shadow made a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Shadow and Hannah battled evenly in game 3, leading to a close finish. Shadow hit a three-ball run-out at the end, just swiping the win from Hannah, who had made a fair number of shots over her last two turns. Shadow is up 2-1 in the series. Tension started to simmer a bit in game 4 as the play moved slowly. In the end, Shadow secured the series at 3-1 with a three-ball run-out when Hannah couldn't get back on track. Shadow couldn't figure out game 5, allowing Hannah to pick up a consolation win with the last six balls over the last two turns. Shadow won the series 3-2 and will host his bracket semifinals against the winner of today's last series.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Leonardo. Accuracy is the next series, played with the silver cue as well. Pronger's Spot twice failed to protect a lead against Diamond's Leonardo, but the third time was the charm. Spot got the win 2-3 to go ahead 1-0 in the series after game 1. The Gems' Leonardo pulled off a perfect performance in game 2, as the Tridents' Spot had a couple of mistakes. Leonardo's 0-3 win tied the series at 1. In game 3, Spot held the perfect line as long as he could, but he crumbled at the end. Leonardo wouldn't budge, a second straight shutout putting him ahead 2-1 in the series with the 0-4 win. Leonardo finally missed a shot late in game 4, but Spot wasn't able to capitalize on the moment. Leonardo would go on to win 1-4 to get the series at 3-1. Leonardo couldn't get a grip at the start of game 5, but Spot fell apart by the end to force overtime. Leonardo picked up the 4-5 win to make it a 4-1 series win that puts him in an Eastern Hills derby against the Stonebridge Wolves' Wild Thing in the bracket semifinals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. A. Charlton. The visitor's second series today is in 15-ball with the blue cue. Somewhat out of nowhere, Archtown's A. Charlton took a slow-moving game 1 and ended it on a nine-ball run-out to go up 1-0 in the series over Capital City's Missy. The Arrows' Charlton didn't have a massive run in game 2, but the Sharpshooters' Missy missed her chance to get the win. Charlton mopped up a free shot on the 15 to get the win that put her ahead 2-0 in the series. Missy finally found her way late in game 3, weathering a battle from Charlton early on. Missy cranked a six-ball run-out for the win to get back into a 2-1 series. Missy had a great run in game 4 with a lot of offense, but Charlton stepped up for the last two balls to steal the win that secured the series in her favor at 3-1. Missy didn't have a bad game 5, but a late illegal contact play led to Charlton winning again on a three-ball run-out. Charlton took the series 4-1, and she'll visit the Pearl Surfers' Beth in the bracket semifinals.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Wings v. Neopolitan. The host plays again, using the red cue for 13-ball against a former teammate. Central's Wings struck first in game 1, keeping the 8 in a defensive position to block Pearl's Neopolitan and then taking it at the top left when he needed to. Wings leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Wings didn't have as good an effort in game 2, although the Surfers' Neopolitan had a lot to do with that given her early six-ball run. Neopolitan converted the 8 after Wings failed to complete a counterattacking run. The series stands tied at 1. Game 3 saw Wings miss contact at the end of a close battle, allowing Neopolitan to pick off the 8 from ball-in-hand after her relatively strong positional play up to that point. Neopolitan pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Game 4 became a race after the two players followed each other for their first three pots. Neopolitan made a pair after that, and Wings couldn't get his positioning right, setting Neopolitan up for her final pair to get the win and clinch the series at 3-1. Neopolitan came pretty close to keeping her offense going in game 5, but Wings made a late attack to nab a win. Neopolitan settled for a 3-2 series win to put her in line to host a bracket semifinals appearance. Neopolitan's first kill of the year makes Wings the 65th eliminated player.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Briana. The blue cue steps in for 8-ball between Southeastern rivals. Royal's Nightfur had a good start partially offset by Queens' Briana making a deep run in the middle. Nightfur then made four balls over the last two turns of game 1 to get the 1-0 series lead on her win. The Crowns' Nightfur didn't get any offense going in game 2, while the Flames' Briana dismantled the stripes in three turns to pick up a win. Briana's three-ball run-out tied the series at 1. Briana fell off the pace again in game 3, and Nightfur was back on track with a fairly thorough victory. Nightfur regained the series lead at 2-1. Nightfur appeared to have game 4 in the bag until a massive five-ball run by Briana shifted the balance of power. Briana needed only two more turns for the win to retie the series at 2. Game 5 condensed the series into a single game, with both sides looking close to the win. Each missed the 8 once, but Briana also missed contact, and Nightfur took it from ball-in-hand for the win and 3-2 series win. Nightfur will host her series in the bracket semifinals.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Bryant. The silver cue closes the day in 15-ball. Web City's Jack was clearly in control in game 1 with a seven-ball run in the middle and a three-ball run-out in the end to take a 1-0 series lead over Maplewood's Bryant. Game 2 saw both players compete pretty well within the course of the game. The Lumberjacks' Bryant got the win on a three-ball run-out, in answer to an earlier three-ball run by the Spiders' Jack. Bryant tied the series at 1. Bryant fell apart late in a tense game 3 that saw a lot of misses on both sides. Jack knocked in the final pair of shots by keeping a steady hand at the end. Jack's series lead is restored at 2-1. Bryant again tried a little too hard in game 4, falling off the pace as Jack picked up a three-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Jack didn't push very hard in game 5, allowing Bryant to pick off a six-ball run-out in the end for the win. Jack won the series 3-2, and he'll face his former teammate, Shadow of the Diamond Gems, in the bracket semifinals. Bryant is the 66th player out of the Tournament and the first to fall to Jack.
Starting tomorrow, we'll do a split-day to get us back on schedule for the round.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 4
We're ready to play some pool on Christmas Eve. We'll have at least nine series today, beginning with...
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Citrus v. Katelynn. Players that were traded for one another meet in 15-ball with the silver cue. Diamond's Katelynn had quite the impact in game 1, with a late three-ball run ending in missed contact. Lighton's Citrus made the last two balls over two turns to get the win and 1-0 series lead somewhat against the run of play. Only two balls fell in game 2, but they were both from deflections off the 1 by the Gems' Katelynn. She used backspin to knock the 8 in the bottom side, and then drove through the 1 to get the 15 at the bottom right to tie the series at 1 against the Prestige's Citrus. Game 3 went down to the wire, but Citrus got the win on momentum, taking four of the last five balls. Citrus restored her series lead over Katelynn to 2-1. In the middle of game 4, the silver cue lost its tip. All silver-cue games for the remainder of the day will be with the spare black cue. Citrus found the win anyway, making the last five balls over two turns after Katelynn's had the ill-fated tip incident. Citrus clinched the series at 3-1. Citrus scratched on the break, but she made a pair on her second turn, including the 2-15 combination to the top right to seal a 4-1 series win over Katelynn. Citrus will host Easter of the Todavía Stills in the bracket semifinals. Citrus earned her first kill of the year to make Katelynn the 62nd eliminated player.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Leonette. The blue cue comes aboard for 13-ball between Coastal rivals. Pearl's Watermelon made it look extremely easy in game 1 with a four-ball run from the break. She didn't struggle to pick up the last three shots either, leading to a quick 1-0 series lead over Pacific's Leonette. The Surfers' Watermelon made one of each on the game 2 break, but chose to go with solids. The Volcanoes' Leonette couldn't get much going, and Watermelon went on to win on a five-ball run-out to extend her series lead to 2-0. Watermelon opened game 3 on a three-ball run and added another to get to the 8. Leonette had a chance to rally on a rare misstep by Watermelon, but Leonette fell short. Watermelon cut the 8 to the bottom side to seal the series at 3-0. Watermelon illegally sank the 8 as she tried to work a three-ball run early in game 4. This mistake gifted Leonette a win to cut the series to 3-1. Watermelon got back to winning in a tough game 5 battle, in which Leonette played defense after falling behind. Watermelon won the series 4-1 and will host her bracket semifinals appearance.
Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Snuggle. The United Derby is renewed in 9-ball with the silver cue, with the black cue subbing in. Queens' Violetta struggled to adjust to the shorter cue in game 1, allowing Oceanside's Snuggle to get a large share of the offense and the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta failed to finish strong in game 2, leaving the 7 up at the bottom side. The Waves' Snuggle poked a pair for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Snuggle clinched the series at 3-0 with a three-ball run-out on his second turn in game 3, capping the win on a 3-9 combination to the bottom right. Violetta avoided a total disaster by picking up the pace late in game 4, using a four-ball run-out to get the win that cut Snuggle's series lead to 3-1. Violetta fell apart at the end of game 5, and Snuggle struck for a 6-9 combination to the top left to make it a 4-1 series win. Snuggle's unexpected dominance gets him into the bracket semifinals.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie v. Isabella. Next up is Accuracy using the blue cue. Southridge's Stephanie was able to force a tie through regulation in game 1, but she scratched on the overtime break, and Atlantic's Isabella converted for the 1-2 win. Isabella leads the series 1-0. In game 2, both players missed on the last ball, leading to overtime after the Pirates' Isabella dropped into a tie. Isabella would go empty on the overtime break, and the Defenders' Stephanie buried the shot for a 2-3 win to tie the series at 1. Stephanie stayed perfect deep into game 3, but a couple of late misses briefly evened the score. Isabella couldn't make the last ball, and Stephanie finally downed it for a 2-3 win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Stephanie made a mess of the ending in game 4, dropping into a tie and missing on her overtime break. Isabella would also miss once in overtime, but she was able to close out a 4-5 win after Stephanie butchered another shot. This tied the series at 2. Stephanie was the first to falter in game 5, with her lone miss being all Isabella needed for the 0-1 win. Isabella won the series 3-2 and will head home to play in the bracket semifinals.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi v. Beth. In 7-ball, the silver cue takes a turn. The black makes another sub appearance. Harrison's Lexi scratched late in game 1, and Pearl's Beth cashed in immediately with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead off the ball-in-hand play. The Specters' Lexi shot right back in game 2 with a four-ball run-out after an error from the Surfers' Beth. Lexi's surge tied the series at 1 game apiece. Beth tried to make a positioning play in game 3, but she scratched after sinking the 5. Lexi took the ball-in-hand on the 7 to the bottom side for the win and 2-1 advantage in the series. A back-and-forth game 4 nearly fell to Lexi, who made a pair but missed on the 7 at the end. Beth put the 7 away at the top side for the win to retie the series at 2. Lexi just came up with the win in game 5, cutting the 7 to the top right on a pair of shots after Beth missed the 6. Lexi won the series 3-2 and will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Pounce. Another 7-ball series also uses the silver cue between Coastal rivals. Southern's Pounce opened on a three-ball run, but after a contested middle of game 1, Viewpoint Sound's Frosty emerged on a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Frosty kept up the late play vibe in game 2, battling with the Monarchs' Pounce at first before unleashing her three-ball run-out for the win. Frosty's up 2-0 in the series. Frosty had a three-ball run over the middle of game 3, but this one would fall short as she missed on the 6. Pounce made the last two balls to get on the board in the 2-1 series. Frosty again left too much on the table late, banking the 5 to the top left but missing the 7 at the bottom right. Pounce mopped up the final shot for the win to tie the series at 2. With the series on the line, Pounce scratched as he deflected off the 3 to pot the 6. Frosty made the final pair of shots from ball-in-hand for the win and 3-2 series win. Frosty retains home-field advantage in the bracket semifinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Mitchell. The silver cue stays on for 12-ball. Freedom's Roxy did everything early in game 1, but Victoria's Mitchell established unbreakable defense at the top left. Roxy tried to power through, and Mitchell made his last ball on his next turn for the 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy trailed again in game 2, but a strategic scratch paid off. The Spurs' Mitchell couldn't make anything from the kitchen, and Roxy went on a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Mitchell use a four-ball run to jump ahead initially, but Roxy fired back on a three-ball run with good positioning to end the game. She did so a turn later to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Mitchell's attempt at defense late in game 4 was a poor one at best, giving Roxy something to play off of to set up her last shot. Roxy played it perfectly and got the win to secure the series at 3-1. Roxy built up enough of a lead in game 5 to weather a late push from Mitchell. He got within a ball, but Roxy had her last shot ready to go and buried it for the 4-1 series win. Roxy is set to host again in the bracket semifinals.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Twilight. Captains battle in Rotation with the blue cue. Central's Twilight went mostly unchallenged in game 1, establishing the lead quickly and steadily working her way to an 8-2 win over Royal's Nightfur. Twilight owns a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Nightfur found a lead initially in game 2, but the Warriors' Twilight stalled her host quite a bit. At the end, Twilight surged on a four-ball run-out for the win to move up to a 2-0 lead in the series. Game 3 saw a lot of back-and-forth until Twilight tried to bank the 10 to the top side, inducing a scratch. Nightfur picked up a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to win the game 8-4, which cut the series deficit to 2-1. Nightfur couldn't keep up the pace in game 4, falling behind early and never pulling even with Twilight, who went on to win 8-4 again. Twilight clinched the series at 3-1. Nightfur didn't even put up a fight in game 5, as Twilight smashed an 8-0 shutout with a three-ball run and a combo at the end. Twilight will be on the road in the bracket semifinals after taking this series 4-1.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Valencia. The blue cue goes again in this 13-ball set. Golden's Valencia had extensive set-up work and played to plan in game 1, but her late miss opened the door for Archtown's A. Charlton to work a three-ball run-out on the counter. Charlton leads the series 1-0. The Pilots' Valencia nearly blew it in game 2, holding positioning on her last ball but twice missing contact. The Arrows' Charlton pushed back but couldn't catch up before Valencia got the win to tie the series at 1. Valencia's break in game 3 led to a long-standing defensive presence at the top right. She was able to get ahead of Charlton and then scratched her defense off the board. Charlton couldn't react fast enough to stop Valencia from getting the win to move ahead 2-1 in the series. Valencia never gave Charlton a chance in game 4, making the 8 to the bottom side on the break, along with the 1 in the top right and the 6 in the top side. The instant win secured the series for Valencia at 3-1. Valencia stayed strong in game 5, making one of each on the break. She chose solids and ran circles around Charlton again for the win to lock up a 4-1 series win. Valencia will be on the road in the bracket semifinals, but it hasn't hurt her yet.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Brownie. The red cue only appears today in the holiday bonus series, playing Accuracy. Atlantic's Steven didn't budge one bit in game 1, playing perfectly while Royal's Brownie faltered at the end. Steven won 0-4 and earned a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the roles reversed as the Pirates' Steven fell behind early while the Crowns' Brownie held a perfect performance. Brownie closed it out as a 0-2 win to tie the series at 1. The balance of power swung back to Steven, who put up another perfect effort in game 3 in the form of a 0-3 win to regain the series lead at 2-1 over Brownie. In game 4, Brownie just missed out on her second perfect game, but she was still good enough in a 1-2 win to even the series at 2 games each as Steven had a couple of early missteps. Brownie had nothing on the break in game 5, but she picked up the last-shot advantage after Steven's early scratch. It didn't matter, as Brownie had a late scratch and Steven took care of business to win 2-3. Steven went with a 3-2 series win to get to a road series in the bracket semifinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Citrus v. Starlight. The host gets a second look today in a big-name 13-ball series with the blue cue. Lighton's Citrus made two solids and a stripe on the game 1 break. She looked done as Pacific's Starlight marched toward a comeback, but Starlight's run ended at four balls, and Citrus made a pair to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Citrus had a calmer break, saving the fireworks for a four-ball run-out at the end. She highlighted the run with a three-rail bank on the 13 to the top left to set her up on the 8, which gave her a 2-0 series lead over the Volcanoes' Starlight. Citrus didn't have the magic in game 3, as Starlight opened with a four-ball run partially stalled by a scratch. As strategy became important, Starlight was a little quicker than Citrus and picked up a well-planned win to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the series. Starlight had a fantastic start in game 4, but she was unable to corral the 9 to the top left. Citrus slowly chipped back with short bursts of offense, but she would take a pair at the end for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Citrus struggled a little in game 5, falling behind Starlight near the end, but Citrus' scratch would work in her favor. Citrus worked a four-ball run-out after the scratch to get the win and a 4-1 series win. Citrus will visit Watermelon of the Pearl Surfers in the bracket semifinals.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Boots. Veterans clash in 13-ball with the substitute black cue to end the extended day. Royal's Jake had a stunning three-ball run at the start of game 1, but his slow finish allowed a three-ball run by Pearl's Boots to make things interesting. Jake still got the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Crowns' Jake went empty on the break in game 2 and was getting destroyed by the Surfers' Boots for most of the battle. Boots' positional play ended the game early, as the cue swiped the 8 into the bottom right early to gift the win and 2-0 series lead to Jake. Game 3 was similar, as Jake made a three-ball run on his first turn to make Boots desperate. Again, a positioning shot from Boots led to the 8 going down prematurely, and this time it clinched the series for Jake at 3-0. Royal's Jake had a good start in game 4, but both players looked disinterested after Boots scratched. The 8 proved elusive until Boots finally made it legally to get her first win in a 3-1 series that favors Jake. Game 5 was also a little slow-moving at the end, but Boots was again able to find the win to leave Jake with a 3-2 series win. Jake will be on the road in the bracket semifinals. Jake took his second kill of the year to make Boots the 63rd eliminated player.
That's all for today. We'll likely be starting later on Christmas for the 100th competition day of Tournament play.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Citrus v. Katelynn. Players that were traded for one another meet in 15-ball with the silver cue. Diamond's Katelynn had quite the impact in game 1, with a late three-ball run ending in missed contact. Lighton's Citrus made the last two balls over two turns to get the win and 1-0 series lead somewhat against the run of play. Only two balls fell in game 2, but they were both from deflections off the 1 by the Gems' Katelynn. She used backspin to knock the 8 in the bottom side, and then drove through the 1 to get the 15 at the bottom right to tie the series at 1 against the Prestige's Citrus. Game 3 went down to the wire, but Citrus got the win on momentum, taking four of the last five balls. Citrus restored her series lead over Katelynn to 2-1. In the middle of game 4, the silver cue lost its tip. All silver-cue games for the remainder of the day will be with the spare black cue. Citrus found the win anyway, making the last five balls over two turns after Katelynn's had the ill-fated tip incident. Citrus clinched the series at 3-1. Citrus scratched on the break, but she made a pair on her second turn, including the 2-15 combination to the top right to seal a 4-1 series win over Katelynn. Citrus will host Easter of the Todavía Stills in the bracket semifinals. Citrus earned her first kill of the year to make Katelynn the 62nd eliminated player.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Leonette. The blue cue comes aboard for 13-ball between Coastal rivals. Pearl's Watermelon made it look extremely easy in game 1 with a four-ball run from the break. She didn't struggle to pick up the last three shots either, leading to a quick 1-0 series lead over Pacific's Leonette. The Surfers' Watermelon made one of each on the game 2 break, but chose to go with solids. The Volcanoes' Leonette couldn't get much going, and Watermelon went on to win on a five-ball run-out to extend her series lead to 2-0. Watermelon opened game 3 on a three-ball run and added another to get to the 8. Leonette had a chance to rally on a rare misstep by Watermelon, but Leonette fell short. Watermelon cut the 8 to the bottom side to seal the series at 3-0. Watermelon illegally sank the 8 as she tried to work a three-ball run early in game 4. This mistake gifted Leonette a win to cut the series to 3-1. Watermelon got back to winning in a tough game 5 battle, in which Leonette played defense after falling behind. Watermelon won the series 4-1 and will host her bracket semifinals appearance.
Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Snuggle. The United Derby is renewed in 9-ball with the silver cue, with the black cue subbing in. Queens' Violetta struggled to adjust to the shorter cue in game 1, allowing Oceanside's Snuggle to get a large share of the offense and the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta failed to finish strong in game 2, leaving the 7 up at the bottom side. The Waves' Snuggle poked a pair for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Snuggle clinched the series at 3-0 with a three-ball run-out on his second turn in game 3, capping the win on a 3-9 combination to the bottom right. Violetta avoided a total disaster by picking up the pace late in game 4, using a four-ball run-out to get the win that cut Snuggle's series lead to 3-1. Violetta fell apart at the end of game 5, and Snuggle struck for a 6-9 combination to the top left to make it a 4-1 series win. Snuggle's unexpected dominance gets him into the bracket semifinals.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie v. Isabella. Next up is Accuracy using the blue cue. Southridge's Stephanie was able to force a tie through regulation in game 1, but she scratched on the overtime break, and Atlantic's Isabella converted for the 1-2 win. Isabella leads the series 1-0. In game 2, both players missed on the last ball, leading to overtime after the Pirates' Isabella dropped into a tie. Isabella would go empty on the overtime break, and the Defenders' Stephanie buried the shot for a 2-3 win to tie the series at 1. Stephanie stayed perfect deep into game 3, but a couple of late misses briefly evened the score. Isabella couldn't make the last ball, and Stephanie finally downed it for a 2-3 win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Stephanie made a mess of the ending in game 4, dropping into a tie and missing on her overtime break. Isabella would also miss once in overtime, but she was able to close out a 4-5 win after Stephanie butchered another shot. This tied the series at 2. Stephanie was the first to falter in game 5, with her lone miss being all Isabella needed for the 0-1 win. Isabella won the series 3-2 and will head home to play in the bracket semifinals.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi v. Beth. In 7-ball, the silver cue takes a turn. The black makes another sub appearance. Harrison's Lexi scratched late in game 1, and Pearl's Beth cashed in immediately with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead off the ball-in-hand play. The Specters' Lexi shot right back in game 2 with a four-ball run-out after an error from the Surfers' Beth. Lexi's surge tied the series at 1 game apiece. Beth tried to make a positioning play in game 3, but she scratched after sinking the 5. Lexi took the ball-in-hand on the 7 to the bottom side for the win and 2-1 advantage in the series. A back-and-forth game 4 nearly fell to Lexi, who made a pair but missed on the 7 at the end. Beth put the 7 away at the top side for the win to retie the series at 2. Lexi just came up with the win in game 5, cutting the 7 to the top right on a pair of shots after Beth missed the 6. Lexi won the series 3-2 and will be on the road in the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Pounce. Another 7-ball series also uses the silver cue between Coastal rivals. Southern's Pounce opened on a three-ball run, but after a contested middle of game 1, Viewpoint Sound's Frosty emerged on a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Frosty kept up the late play vibe in game 2, battling with the Monarchs' Pounce at first before unleashing her three-ball run-out for the win. Frosty's up 2-0 in the series. Frosty had a three-ball run over the middle of game 3, but this one would fall short as she missed on the 6. Pounce made the last two balls to get on the board in the 2-1 series. Frosty again left too much on the table late, banking the 5 to the top left but missing the 7 at the bottom right. Pounce mopped up the final shot for the win to tie the series at 2. With the series on the line, Pounce scratched as he deflected off the 3 to pot the 6. Frosty made the final pair of shots from ball-in-hand for the win and 3-2 series win. Frosty retains home-field advantage in the bracket semifinals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Mitchell. The silver cue stays on for 12-ball. Freedom's Roxy did everything early in game 1, but Victoria's Mitchell established unbreakable defense at the top left. Roxy tried to power through, and Mitchell made his last ball on his next turn for the 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy trailed again in game 2, but a strategic scratch paid off. The Spurs' Mitchell couldn't make anything from the kitchen, and Roxy went on a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Mitchell use a four-ball run to jump ahead initially, but Roxy fired back on a three-ball run with good positioning to end the game. She did so a turn later to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Mitchell's attempt at defense late in game 4 was a poor one at best, giving Roxy something to play off of to set up her last shot. Roxy played it perfectly and got the win to secure the series at 3-1. Roxy built up enough of a lead in game 5 to weather a late push from Mitchell. He got within a ball, but Roxy had her last shot ready to go and buried it for the 4-1 series win. Roxy is set to host again in the bracket semifinals.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Twilight. Captains battle in Rotation with the blue cue. Central's Twilight went mostly unchallenged in game 1, establishing the lead quickly and steadily working her way to an 8-2 win over Royal's Nightfur. Twilight owns a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Nightfur found a lead initially in game 2, but the Warriors' Twilight stalled her host quite a bit. At the end, Twilight surged on a four-ball run-out for the win to move up to a 2-0 lead in the series. Game 3 saw a lot of back-and-forth until Twilight tried to bank the 10 to the top side, inducing a scratch. Nightfur picked up a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to win the game 8-4, which cut the series deficit to 2-1. Nightfur couldn't keep up the pace in game 4, falling behind early and never pulling even with Twilight, who went on to win 8-4 again. Twilight clinched the series at 3-1. Nightfur didn't even put up a fight in game 5, as Twilight smashed an 8-0 shutout with a three-ball run and a combo at the end. Twilight will be on the road in the bracket semifinals after taking this series 4-1.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Valencia. The blue cue goes again in this 13-ball set. Golden's Valencia had extensive set-up work and played to plan in game 1, but her late miss opened the door for Archtown's A. Charlton to work a three-ball run-out on the counter. Charlton leads the series 1-0. The Pilots' Valencia nearly blew it in game 2, holding positioning on her last ball but twice missing contact. The Arrows' Charlton pushed back but couldn't catch up before Valencia got the win to tie the series at 1. Valencia's break in game 3 led to a long-standing defensive presence at the top right. She was able to get ahead of Charlton and then scratched her defense off the board. Charlton couldn't react fast enough to stop Valencia from getting the win to move ahead 2-1 in the series. Valencia never gave Charlton a chance in game 4, making the 8 to the bottom side on the break, along with the 1 in the top right and the 6 in the top side. The instant win secured the series for Valencia at 3-1. Valencia stayed strong in game 5, making one of each on the break. She chose solids and ran circles around Charlton again for the win to lock up a 4-1 series win. Valencia will be on the road in the bracket semifinals, but it hasn't hurt her yet.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Brownie. The red cue only appears today in the holiday bonus series, playing Accuracy. Atlantic's Steven didn't budge one bit in game 1, playing perfectly while Royal's Brownie faltered at the end. Steven won 0-4 and earned a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the roles reversed as the Pirates' Steven fell behind early while the Crowns' Brownie held a perfect performance. Brownie closed it out as a 0-2 win to tie the series at 1. The balance of power swung back to Steven, who put up another perfect effort in game 3 in the form of a 0-3 win to regain the series lead at 2-1 over Brownie. In game 4, Brownie just missed out on her second perfect game, but she was still good enough in a 1-2 win to even the series at 2 games each as Steven had a couple of early missteps. Brownie had nothing on the break in game 5, but she picked up the last-shot advantage after Steven's early scratch. It didn't matter, as Brownie had a late scratch and Steven took care of business to win 2-3. Steven went with a 3-2 series win to get to a road series in the bracket semifinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Citrus v. Starlight. The host gets a second look today in a big-name 13-ball series with the blue cue. Lighton's Citrus made two solids and a stripe on the game 1 break. She looked done as Pacific's Starlight marched toward a comeback, but Starlight's run ended at four balls, and Citrus made a pair to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Citrus had a calmer break, saving the fireworks for a four-ball run-out at the end. She highlighted the run with a three-rail bank on the 13 to the top left to set her up on the 8, which gave her a 2-0 series lead over the Volcanoes' Starlight. Citrus didn't have the magic in game 3, as Starlight opened with a four-ball run partially stalled by a scratch. As strategy became important, Starlight was a little quicker than Citrus and picked up a well-planned win to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the series. Starlight had a fantastic start in game 4, but she was unable to corral the 9 to the top left. Citrus slowly chipped back with short bursts of offense, but she would take a pair at the end for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Citrus struggled a little in game 5, falling behind Starlight near the end, but Citrus' scratch would work in her favor. Citrus worked a four-ball run-out after the scratch to get the win and a 4-1 series win. Citrus will visit Watermelon of the Pearl Surfers in the bracket semifinals.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Boots. Veterans clash in 13-ball with the substitute black cue to end the extended day. Royal's Jake had a stunning three-ball run at the start of game 1, but his slow finish allowed a three-ball run by Pearl's Boots to make things interesting. Jake still got the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Crowns' Jake went empty on the break in game 2 and was getting destroyed by the Surfers' Boots for most of the battle. Boots' positional play ended the game early, as the cue swiped the 8 into the bottom right early to gift the win and 2-0 series lead to Jake. Game 3 was similar, as Jake made a three-ball run on his first turn to make Boots desperate. Again, a positioning shot from Boots led to the 8 going down prematurely, and this time it clinched the series for Jake at 3-0. Royal's Jake had a good start in game 4, but both players looked disinterested after Boots scratched. The 8 proved elusive until Boots finally made it legally to get her first win in a 3-1 series that favors Jake. Game 5 was also a little slow-moving at the end, but Boots was again able to find the win to leave Jake with a 3-2 series win. Jake will be on the road in the bracket semifinals. Jake took his second kill of the year to make Boots the 63rd eliminated player.
That's all for today. We'll likely be starting later on Christmas for the 100th competition day of Tournament play.
Monday, December 23, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 3
We'll have a standard nine-series day today, beginning with...
Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Jennifer. The silver cue starts us off in Rotation between Urban rivals. Terrace City's Jennifer had a better start and finish to game 1, overcoming a strong push by Modernistic's Puff I in the middle. Jennifer won 8-6 and took a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Jennifer again started well in game 2, but it didn't last this time. The Union's Puff I pulled ahead and held off her opponent to earn the 8-5 win which tied the series at 1. Puff I sparked her offense forward with a few choppy runs in game 3 to get on the brink of another win. Jennifer pushed back with a pair of runs, but she fell short as Puff I locked up an 8-6 win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Game 4 went back and forth between the two players right to the end. Puff I had a chance to get the 15 but missed it, and Jennifer knocked it down at the bottom left for an 8-7 win to retie the series at 2. Puff I appeared to have the series in her grasp after a kick on the 6 to the bottom right double-potted the 8 to the top right on a deflection. Jennifer didn't back down, rallying for the 8-7 win with a mix of offense, defense, and fortune to take the series 3-2 instead. Jennifer will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals after this top-10 series of the year. Puff I is the 55th player eliminated this year, and Jennifer took her first kill.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi v. Easter. The silver cue stays in action for this 15-ball series. Harrison's Lexi controlled the pace early in game 1, but she wasn't able to finish it off. Todavía's Easter picked up the offense later and got the win on a pair of shots, which puts her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Stills' Easter remained strong in game 2, but it didn't pay off at the end after she left the 15 near the bottom right. The Specters' Lexi spun a shot off the 11 to kick the 15 down for the win, which tied the series at 1. Easter found a late five-ball run in game 2, but still needed Lexi to miss her chance on the 15 to get the win. Easter cleaned up on her second try and regained the series lead at 2-1. Lexi kept herself in the series with a four-ball run-out at the end of game 4, just holding off Easter to tie the series again at 2. Lexi gave away her chance at game 5 and the series by scratching as she shot the 14 down. Easter was able to make sure her earlier five-ball run wasn't wasted as she got the win and a 3-2 series win to move into the bracket semifinals.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Salmo v. Mario. More 15-ball is on the way to start a venue doubleheader, with the red cue in action. Southern's Salmo weathered a four-ball run by Queens' Mario early in game 1. When Mario settled for contact only on the 5, Salmo was there to deflect a shot off the 5 to push the 15 to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Mario had another surge wasted in game 2, as he snookered himself behind the 15 when going for the 14. The ensuing missed contact led to the Monarchs' Salmo potting the final pair for the win to extend his series lead to 2-0. Salmo finally looked in control during game 3, but his three-ball run-out ended up not counting for him when he scratched after a 13-15 combination to the top right. Mario took the gifted win to cut the series deficit to 2-1. A reckless start on both sides in game 4 gave way to Mario's dominance in the second half. He had a six-ball run and then made the 15 on his second try after Salmo couldn't poach it at the bottom right. Mario's tied the series at 2 with this win. Salmo completed the collapse in game 5, as he wasn't able to do much on offense and missed the 15 at the end. Mario mopped it up at the bottom left for the win and 3-2 series win, a comeback that puts him on the road again in the bracket semifinals. Mario's do-or-die win gave him his second kill this year, while Salmo is the 56th player out of the Tournament.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Sierra. The Spanish Derby is renewed in 7-ball with the blue cue. Southern's Dominic had a three-ball run to start game 1, and then made a pair at the end after Todavía's Sierra scratched. Dominic's strong opener gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic started game 2 on a three-ball run as well, and the Stills' Sierra had nothing in response. A few turns later, Dominic collected another win to go up 2-0 in the series. Sierra's only turn in game 3 ended in a scratch, while Dominic made a pair on the break and a four-ball run-out for the quick win to clinch the series at 3-0. With the series out of hand, Sierra got lazy on her chance to make the 7 at the top left. Her miss allowed Dominic to pick up the easy win after his previous four-ball run fell a little short. Dominic is cruising with a 4-0 series lead. Sierra still didn't manage much offense in game 5, falling to a four-ball run-out as Dominic completed the 5-0 series sweep. Dominic will be on the road for his series in the bracket semifinals. Sierra is officially out this time, the 57th to fall and the first kill for Dominic.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Pounce. The blue cue stays in action for Rotation. Infinity's Shelley started well in game 1, but the middle went to Southern's Pounce. At the end, Shelley surged again for the 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead to start things off right for the host. The Monarchs' Pounce took things seriously in game 2, falling behind at first but posting a four-ball run-out with confidence to defeat the Torpedoes' Shelley 8-2. Pounce's win tied the series at 1. Pounce didn't outright dominate in a tougher game 3, but Shelley's offense failed to materialize. Pounce eventually pulled away and got the 8-3 win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Pounce continued to impress on offense in game 4, staking out a quick lead and then surging with a four-ball run sparked by consecutive kick plays to the top side. He beat Shelley 8-2 in this one, and Pounce sealed the series at 3-1 in the process. Shelley didn't bother to make much of an impact in game 5, as Pounce walked away with another 8-3 win to finish the series ahead 4-1. Pounce will advance to the bracket semifinals. Pounce took his second kill of the year as Shelley became the 58th player out of the Tournament.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Shaggy. More Rotation features the red cue. A contested start to game 1 turned into a late surge by Whitewater's Shaggy, whose four-ball run-out gave her an 8-4 win and 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Bianca. The Defenders' Bianca stayed in the fight a little longer in game 2, but she couldn't pick off one of the last two balls. The Shores' Shaggy made both to earn an 8-7 win that moved her to a 2-0 series lead. Bianca didn't mess around to start game 3, taking a massive lead before scratching on her attempt at the 8. Shaggy rallied with a six-ball run from ball-in-hand to tie it, then won two turns later after Bianca scratched again. Shaggy's 8-7 win secured the series in her favor at 3-0. Bianca again held a lead in game 4 that should have been enough. Instead, Shaggy rallied for five balls over two turns and ultimately got the win by an 8-5 score to push her advantage to 4-0 in the series. Bianca again wasted a large lead in game 5, unable to close out on the last ball. Shaggy won 8-7 this time and swept the series 5-0 en route to visiting the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Dani in the bracket semifinals. Shaggy stepped up for her first kill in a do-or-die scenario that left Bianca as this year's 59th eliminated player.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Charli. The red cue stays in action for this 9-ball set. Archtown's Sally found a large chunk of offense in game 1, winning on a six-ball run-out. This gave her a 1-0 series lead over Tysini's Charli, who wasn't able to do much. The Arrows' Sally opened game 2 on a four-ball run, keeping her momentum from the last game. The Hummingbirds' Charli came close to nabbing this win, but she missed the 9 at the top right, and Sally converted to go up 2-0 in the series. Sally went empty on the game 3 break, and Charli compensated wisely this time. She tapped the 1 to the top side before sending the 2-9 combination to the bottom right for the win. Charli now trails 2-1 in the series. Charli couldn't replicate the effort in game 4, struggling after making a ball on the break. Sally chose to end the game early, deflecting off the 6 to tap the 9 to the bottom right for a four-ball run-out that secure the series at 3-1. Sally had a five-ball run to start game 5 and added two more later, but Charli grabbed the 9 as a little consolation in Sally's 3-2 series win. Sally is set to host her bracket semifinals appearance. Charli is the 60th player to be eliminated, and Sally's second kill as well.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Jake. The blue cue cycles in for 8-ball here. Westside's Chimpy started a little slow, but a steady pace on offense after that was enough to get by Royal's Jake, who had one burst and not much else in game 1. Chimpy owns a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Chimpy picked up a quick six-ball run in game 2, and the Crowns' Jake never really recovered from it. Chimpy finished off the win over the next two turns to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Chimpy made a defensive play early in game 3, which Jake managed to avoid fairly well. Chimpy then illegally potted the 8 to give the game away, shrinking his own series lead to 2-1. Chimpy bounced back well in game 4, taking a commanding lead early on. Jake replied fairly well later on, but he couldn't stop Chimpy from earning the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Jake put in a very good effort in game 5, but a late foul turned things around as Chimpy pushed to get the win for a 4-1 series win. Chimpy is set to appear in the bracket semifinals.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Sugar. The day ends with the blue cue in Accuracy. North Modernistic's Gal beat herself in game 1 with a pair of scratches. Swordpoint's Sugar refused to budge an inch as well, winning the game 0-3 for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal looked to be plagued by scratches early in game 2, but she finally settled in just as the Blades' Sugar saw her performance unravel. Gal took this won by a 2-4 score, tying the series at 1. Gal didn't have a great break in game 3, but both players were affected evenly early on. Sugar never really recovered from it, falling apart at the end as Gal took a sloppy 4-6 win for the 2-1 series lead. Both players stepped up in game 4, leading to a tight game. As each of them missed on the last ball, it was Sugar's early miss that proved decisive when Gal converted at the end for a 1-2 win to seal the series at 3-1. Gal had the lead for much of game 5 as well, but two late misses turned it into a 2-3 win for Sugar. Gal was fine with that, taking a 3-2 series win to earn the right to host Lorde of the Capital City Sharpshooters in the bracket semifinals. Gal earned her first kill of the year to make Sugar the 61st eliminated player.
That's it for today's action. We'll definitely have a standard day tomorrow, but the option is there to do a little more as well.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Jennifer. The silver cue starts us off in Rotation between Urban rivals. Terrace City's Jennifer had a better start and finish to game 1, overcoming a strong push by Modernistic's Puff I in the middle. Jennifer won 8-6 and took a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Jennifer again started well in game 2, but it didn't last this time. The Union's Puff I pulled ahead and held off her opponent to earn the 8-5 win which tied the series at 1. Puff I sparked her offense forward with a few choppy runs in game 3 to get on the brink of another win. Jennifer pushed back with a pair of runs, but she fell short as Puff I locked up an 8-6 win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Game 4 went back and forth between the two players right to the end. Puff I had a chance to get the 15 but missed it, and Jennifer knocked it down at the bottom left for an 8-7 win to retie the series at 2. Puff I appeared to have the series in her grasp after a kick on the 6 to the bottom right double-potted the 8 to the top right on a deflection. Jennifer didn't back down, rallying for the 8-7 win with a mix of offense, defense, and fortune to take the series 3-2 instead. Jennifer will be on the road again in the bracket semifinals after this top-10 series of the year. Puff I is the 55th player eliminated this year, and Jennifer took her first kill.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi v. Easter. The silver cue stays in action for this 15-ball series. Harrison's Lexi controlled the pace early in game 1, but she wasn't able to finish it off. Todavía's Easter picked up the offense later and got the win on a pair of shots, which puts her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Stills' Easter remained strong in game 2, but it didn't pay off at the end after she left the 15 near the bottom right. The Specters' Lexi spun a shot off the 11 to kick the 15 down for the win, which tied the series at 1. Easter found a late five-ball run in game 2, but still needed Lexi to miss her chance on the 15 to get the win. Easter cleaned up on her second try and regained the series lead at 2-1. Lexi kept herself in the series with a four-ball run-out at the end of game 4, just holding off Easter to tie the series again at 2. Lexi gave away her chance at game 5 and the series by scratching as she shot the 14 down. Easter was able to make sure her earlier five-ball run wasn't wasted as she got the win and a 3-2 series win to move into the bracket semifinals.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Salmo v. Mario. More 15-ball is on the way to start a venue doubleheader, with the red cue in action. Southern's Salmo weathered a four-ball run by Queens' Mario early in game 1. When Mario settled for contact only on the 5, Salmo was there to deflect a shot off the 5 to push the 15 to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Mario had another surge wasted in game 2, as he snookered himself behind the 15 when going for the 14. The ensuing missed contact led to the Monarchs' Salmo potting the final pair for the win to extend his series lead to 2-0. Salmo finally looked in control during game 3, but his three-ball run-out ended up not counting for him when he scratched after a 13-15 combination to the top right. Mario took the gifted win to cut the series deficit to 2-1. A reckless start on both sides in game 4 gave way to Mario's dominance in the second half. He had a six-ball run and then made the 15 on his second try after Salmo couldn't poach it at the bottom right. Mario's tied the series at 2 with this win. Salmo completed the collapse in game 5, as he wasn't able to do much on offense and missed the 15 at the end. Mario mopped it up at the bottom left for the win and 3-2 series win, a comeback that puts him on the road again in the bracket semifinals. Mario's do-or-die win gave him his second kill this year, while Salmo is the 56th player out of the Tournament.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Sierra. The Spanish Derby is renewed in 7-ball with the blue cue. Southern's Dominic had a three-ball run to start game 1, and then made a pair at the end after Todavía's Sierra scratched. Dominic's strong opener gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Dominic started game 2 on a three-ball run as well, and the Stills' Sierra had nothing in response. A few turns later, Dominic collected another win to go up 2-0 in the series. Sierra's only turn in game 3 ended in a scratch, while Dominic made a pair on the break and a four-ball run-out for the quick win to clinch the series at 3-0. With the series out of hand, Sierra got lazy on her chance to make the 7 at the top left. Her miss allowed Dominic to pick up the easy win after his previous four-ball run fell a little short. Dominic is cruising with a 4-0 series lead. Sierra still didn't manage much offense in game 5, falling to a four-ball run-out as Dominic completed the 5-0 series sweep. Dominic will be on the road for his series in the bracket semifinals. Sierra is officially out this time, the 57th to fall and the first kill for Dominic.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Pounce. The blue cue stays in action for Rotation. Infinity's Shelley started well in game 1, but the middle went to Southern's Pounce. At the end, Shelley surged again for the 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead to start things off right for the host. The Monarchs' Pounce took things seriously in game 2, falling behind at first but posting a four-ball run-out with confidence to defeat the Torpedoes' Shelley 8-2. Pounce's win tied the series at 1. Pounce didn't outright dominate in a tougher game 3, but Shelley's offense failed to materialize. Pounce eventually pulled away and got the 8-3 win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Pounce continued to impress on offense in game 4, staking out a quick lead and then surging with a four-ball run sparked by consecutive kick plays to the top side. He beat Shelley 8-2 in this one, and Pounce sealed the series at 3-1 in the process. Shelley didn't bother to make much of an impact in game 5, as Pounce walked away with another 8-3 win to finish the series ahead 4-1. Pounce will advance to the bracket semifinals. Pounce took his second kill of the year as Shelley became the 58th player out of the Tournament.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Shaggy. More Rotation features the red cue. A contested start to game 1 turned into a late surge by Whitewater's Shaggy, whose four-ball run-out gave her an 8-4 win and 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Bianca. The Defenders' Bianca stayed in the fight a little longer in game 2, but she couldn't pick off one of the last two balls. The Shores' Shaggy made both to earn an 8-7 win that moved her to a 2-0 series lead. Bianca didn't mess around to start game 3, taking a massive lead before scratching on her attempt at the 8. Shaggy rallied with a six-ball run from ball-in-hand to tie it, then won two turns later after Bianca scratched again. Shaggy's 8-7 win secured the series in her favor at 3-0. Bianca again held a lead in game 4 that should have been enough. Instead, Shaggy rallied for five balls over two turns and ultimately got the win by an 8-5 score to push her advantage to 4-0 in the series. Bianca again wasted a large lead in game 5, unable to close out on the last ball. Shaggy won 8-7 this time and swept the series 5-0 en route to visiting the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Dani in the bracket semifinals. Shaggy stepped up for her first kill in a do-or-die scenario that left Bianca as this year's 59th eliminated player.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Charli. The red cue stays in action for this 9-ball set. Archtown's Sally found a large chunk of offense in game 1, winning on a six-ball run-out. This gave her a 1-0 series lead over Tysini's Charli, who wasn't able to do much. The Arrows' Sally opened game 2 on a four-ball run, keeping her momentum from the last game. The Hummingbirds' Charli came close to nabbing this win, but she missed the 9 at the top right, and Sally converted to go up 2-0 in the series. Sally went empty on the game 3 break, and Charli compensated wisely this time. She tapped the 1 to the top side before sending the 2-9 combination to the bottom right for the win. Charli now trails 2-1 in the series. Charli couldn't replicate the effort in game 4, struggling after making a ball on the break. Sally chose to end the game early, deflecting off the 6 to tap the 9 to the bottom right for a four-ball run-out that secure the series at 3-1. Sally had a five-ball run to start game 5 and added two more later, but Charli grabbed the 9 as a little consolation in Sally's 3-2 series win. Sally is set to host her bracket semifinals appearance. Charli is the 60th player to be eliminated, and Sally's second kill as well.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Jake. The blue cue cycles in for 8-ball here. Westside's Chimpy started a little slow, but a steady pace on offense after that was enough to get by Royal's Jake, who had one burst and not much else in game 1. Chimpy owns a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Chimpy picked up a quick six-ball run in game 2, and the Crowns' Jake never really recovered from it. Chimpy finished off the win over the next two turns to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Chimpy made a defensive play early in game 3, which Jake managed to avoid fairly well. Chimpy then illegally potted the 8 to give the game away, shrinking his own series lead to 2-1. Chimpy bounced back well in game 4, taking a commanding lead early on. Jake replied fairly well later on, but he couldn't stop Chimpy from earning the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Jake put in a very good effort in game 5, but a late foul turned things around as Chimpy pushed to get the win for a 4-1 series win. Chimpy is set to appear in the bracket semifinals.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Sugar. The day ends with the blue cue in Accuracy. North Modernistic's Gal beat herself in game 1 with a pair of scratches. Swordpoint's Sugar refused to budge an inch as well, winning the game 0-3 for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal looked to be plagued by scratches early in game 2, but she finally settled in just as the Blades' Sugar saw her performance unravel. Gal took this won by a 2-4 score, tying the series at 1. Gal didn't have a great break in game 3, but both players were affected evenly early on. Sugar never really recovered from it, falling apart at the end as Gal took a sloppy 4-6 win for the 2-1 series lead. Both players stepped up in game 4, leading to a tight game. As each of them missed on the last ball, it was Sugar's early miss that proved decisive when Gal converted at the end for a 1-2 win to seal the series at 3-1. Gal had the lead for much of game 5 as well, but two late misses turned it into a 2-3 win for Sugar. Gal was fine with that, taking a 3-2 series win to earn the right to host Lorde of the Capital City Sharpshooters in the bracket semifinals. Gal earned her first kill of the year to make Sugar the 61st eliminated player.
That's it for today's action. We'll definitely have a standard day tomorrow, but the option is there to do a little more as well.
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 2
The second day of the fourth round is here, kicking off with...
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Paps v. Vladimir. The blue cue gets the opening series in 7-ball today. Tysini's Paps scratched on the game 1 break and struggled throughout the game. Stonebridge's Vladimir eventually dropped the 7 to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Vladimir didn't up his game enough in game 2, allowing the Hummingbirds' Paps to make the gains instead. Paps won this one with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Paps kept up the strong play with a four-ball run in game 3. He missed his first look at the 7, but Vladimir didn't make it either, and Paps sank it on the second try to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Paps clinched his advancement with a spectacular game 3. He made a four-ball run from the break and closed with a three-ball run-out two turns later as Vladimir couldn't get started. Paps owns a 3-1 series lead. Paps somehow improved, wiping the table in only two turns this time as Vladimir's dream start continued into a brutal nightmare. Paps advanced on a 4-1 series win and will host his bracket semifinals series.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Ms. Puppy. The blue cue goes again in 12-ball between tough competitors. Freedom's Nikolai made a ball on the break, but he had no answer for a four-ball run by Modernistic's Ms. Puppy. She had good positioning for her last two shots as well and easily won game 1 for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy helped her own cause with a four-ball run to start game 2. The Cascades' Nikolai had a couple of scratches, which likely derailed him from mounting a real challenge, as Ms. Puppy used the extra time to get the win for a 2-0 series lead. Ms. Puppy gave up a wild-card ball while shooting for positioning in game 3, and this proved to be a critical loss. She got down to her last ball, but Nikolai rallied with a three-ball run-out just in time to stay alive in the now 2-1 series. Game 4 raised the stakes as both players were nearly at their best. Ms. Puppy tried to set up a positional play, but Nikolai wasn't having it, knocking her out of alignment before pushing for his win. Nikolai's aggressive tactics tied the series at 2 to set up a decisive finale. Game 5 was as tense as possible. Both players surrendered wild-card balls that were eventually returned during a cagey positioning battle at the bottom left. Nikolai finally got the win when Ms. Puppy's cut on her last ball left Nikolai lined up perfectly. He completed the 3-2 comeback series win and will retain home-field advantage in the bracket semifinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Cheddar. The silver cue draws in for this 9-ball series. Lighton's Acorn was the stronger player throughout a shaky game 1 that saw both players miss on the 9. North Modernistic's Cheddar left it short at the bottom left, where Acorn mopped it up for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn found luck on his side in game 2, as his fairly unsteady offense turned into a win. He attempted and missed on the 6, but the deflection sent the 9 to the bottom left, and he went ahead 2-0 in the series over the Nighthawks' Cheddar. Acorn had a little more good fortune to ignite a five-ball run in game 3, but it didn't last long enough. Cheddar picked off the final pair of balls for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Acorn tried to tighten up his defensive play in game 4, but Cheddar put an end to that with a four-ball run-out with a little luck to get the 7 to fall at the bottom left. Cheddar's win evened the series at 2. Cheddar rode the swinging momentum in game 5, striking for the last two balls to defeat Acorn in a 3-2 comeback series win. Cheddar will be on the road in the bracket semifinals. Acorn is the 54th eliminated player and the first kill for Cheddar this year.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Bryant. More silver cue action goes in Accuracy. Maplewood's Bryant didn't play very well in game 1, falling behind on a couple of close misses. Stonebridge's Wild Thing faltered late but held on to win 2-3 to take a 1-0 series lead. It was more of the same in game 2, as the Wolves' Wild Thing kept control but slipped late before closing out another 2-3 win over the Lumberjacks' Bryant. Wild Thing moved to a 2-0 series lead. In game 3, Wild Thing made a ball on the break and didn't look back, holding a perfect standard to suppress Bryant, who scratched on his first turn. Wild Thing this time by a 0-2 score to clinch the series at 3-0. Wild Thing finally slipped up in game 4, scratching on his second turn to give away the last-shot advantage. Bryant made it count by giving Wild Thing a bad shot at the end, which allowed Bryant to win 2-3 to cut the series to 3-1. Bryant pulled off another victory in game 5, sending Wild Thing to a late collapse as Bryant earned a 2-4 win. Wild Thing still won the series 3-2 and will play in the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Wild Thing. The visitor completes his doubleheader on the road in Rotation with the red cue. Stonebridge's Wild Thing kicked off with a decent run, but Viewpoint Sound's Dani grabbed the lead and stayed ahead for the 8-5 win. Dani leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Dani struggled again at the start of game 2, but she rallied with a five-ball run-out to pick up the 8-5 win again for a 2-0 series lead over the Wolves' Wild Thing. Wild Thing pushed his hardest in game 3, getting on the verge of the win with a three-ball run. It backfired when Dani made her own three-ball run-out for the 8-7 win to secure the series at 3-0. Wild Thing stepped up his effort in game 4, avoiding the sweep by keeping Dani pinned defensively. Wild Thing picked up an 8-2 win this time, cutting the series to 3-1. Wild Thing had game 5 in his grip but couldn't quite hang on, allowing Dani to make a three-ball run-out for an 8-7 win and 4-1 series win. Dani will host again in the bracket semifinals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Dominic. Back in Accuracy, the blue cue is back in action. Game 1 was close from the start, but Capital City's Lorde missed a pair of shots near the end. Southern's Dominic slipped a bit as well but stayed in the lead to win 2-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Lorde had an early miss in game 2 and never got the chance to recover. The Monarchs' Dominic locked up the win with a left-handed bank on the 8 to the bottom right, and Lorde's subsequent miss made it 0-2. Dominic leads the series 2-0. Dominic took a gamble in game 3, double-potting near the end of a tied contest. Lorde would make the last ball on her next turn, and she added another ball when Dominic's overtime break went empty. Lorde won this game 2-3, making it just a 2-1 series lead for Dominic. Lorde kept it perfect long enough in game 4 to secure the win after Dominic's horrendous start. Lorde would win 2-5, tying the series at 2 in the process. Lorde completed the comeback in game 5 with a 3-4 win that saw a couple of shifts in momentum but not enough from Dominic. Lorde won the series 3-2 to punch her ticket to the bracket semifinals.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Sweetheart. The blue cue stays up for 15-ball here. Victoria's Mitchell had most of the offense in game 1, but his miss on the 6 lined up a 6-15 combination for Boston's Sweetheart. She converted to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart capitalized again in game 2, as the Spurs' Mitchell paced play with a four-ball run and a little more scattered offense. Sweetheart potted the 10-15 combination to the bottom side to steal the win for a 2-0 series lead. Consistent offense finally paid off for Mitchell in game 3, as this one went full-term and he won on a three-ball run-out. Sweetheart was solid, but watched her series lead shrink to 2-1. Sweetheart got back to her quick-finishing ways in game 4, needing just one turn to put down a six-ball run-out composed of two simple combinations and two double-pots. Sweetheart secured the series at 3-1 with this victory. Sweetheart finished off the series with a four-ball run-out, although Mitchell had the highlight of game 5 with a triple-pot of the 1 to the bottom side, the 6 to the bottom right and the 12 to the top right on his first shot. Sweetheart's 4-1 series win assures her of another road trip in the bracket semifinals.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Citrus. The red cue gets a look in 12-ball. A hot start to game 1 saw both players make three-ball runs. Lighton's Citrus came close on her last ball, but illegal contact on a kick turned possession to Oceanside's Jason V., who turned in a pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Jason V. turned a late-falling ball off the break into a quick four-ball run, but late shakiness made things interesting. The Prestige's Citrus picked up a pair of shots but couldn't counterattack enough before Jason V. put the 15 in the bottom side to extend his lead to 2-0 in the series. Jason V. made a pair of stripes on the break, but the rest of the game was all Citrus, as she quickly found good positioning. Citrus was patient with her finish but easily picked up the win to shrink the series deficit to 2-1. Jason V. gave away a wild-card ball in game 4, but he made sure it wouldn't matter thanks to Citrus struggling to convert near the end. Jason V. bought himself enough time to pick up the win to seal the series at 3-1. Jason V. gave away two wild-card balls in game 5, but Citrus gave one back and couldn't take advantage of the other. Jason V. marched to an easy win, and a 4-1 series win and a bracket semifinals date with the Queens Flames' Violetta at this venue. This was Citrus' 100th unique opponent.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Jason N. The blue cue closes the day with the host's second series, playing 10-ball. Victoria's Mitchell lacked control in game 1, as Atlantic's Jason N. twice deferred possession back to the host. Mitchell failed to make him pay, and Jason N. cheaply potted the 10 to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Jason N. didn't get as many free opportunities in game 2, as the Spurs' Mitchell was a little stronger on the ball. Mitchell would pick up the 10 alone at the end for a win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 continued the slow-paced back-and-forth between these two players. Jason N. barely won at the end, cutting the 10 to the top right and just avoiding a scratch to restore his series lead at 2-1 over Mitchell. Game 4 saw both players make a pair and foul early. Mitchell had a late three-ball run, but he scratched the 10 on a follow-shot. Jason N. would take the ball-in-hand turn on the 10 for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Mitchell wouldn't be denied at the end of game 5, smashing down a five-ball run-out for the win. Jason N. took the series 3-2 and will visit Dani of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the bracket semifinals.
That's it for today. Christmas week action should run unabated and may even speed up the round as a whole if we're up for it.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Paps v. Vladimir. The blue cue gets the opening series in 7-ball today. Tysini's Paps scratched on the game 1 break and struggled throughout the game. Stonebridge's Vladimir eventually dropped the 7 to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Vladimir didn't up his game enough in game 2, allowing the Hummingbirds' Paps to make the gains instead. Paps won this one with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Paps kept up the strong play with a four-ball run in game 3. He missed his first look at the 7, but Vladimir didn't make it either, and Paps sank it on the second try to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Paps clinched his advancement with a spectacular game 3. He made a four-ball run from the break and closed with a three-ball run-out two turns later as Vladimir couldn't get started. Paps owns a 3-1 series lead. Paps somehow improved, wiping the table in only two turns this time as Vladimir's dream start continued into a brutal nightmare. Paps advanced on a 4-1 series win and will host his bracket semifinals series.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Ms. Puppy. The blue cue goes again in 12-ball between tough competitors. Freedom's Nikolai made a ball on the break, but he had no answer for a four-ball run by Modernistic's Ms. Puppy. She had good positioning for her last two shots as well and easily won game 1 for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy helped her own cause with a four-ball run to start game 2. The Cascades' Nikolai had a couple of scratches, which likely derailed him from mounting a real challenge, as Ms. Puppy used the extra time to get the win for a 2-0 series lead. Ms. Puppy gave up a wild-card ball while shooting for positioning in game 3, and this proved to be a critical loss. She got down to her last ball, but Nikolai rallied with a three-ball run-out just in time to stay alive in the now 2-1 series. Game 4 raised the stakes as both players were nearly at their best. Ms. Puppy tried to set up a positional play, but Nikolai wasn't having it, knocking her out of alignment before pushing for his win. Nikolai's aggressive tactics tied the series at 2 to set up a decisive finale. Game 5 was as tense as possible. Both players surrendered wild-card balls that were eventually returned during a cagey positioning battle at the bottom left. Nikolai finally got the win when Ms. Puppy's cut on her last ball left Nikolai lined up perfectly. He completed the 3-2 comeback series win and will retain home-field advantage in the bracket semifinals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Cheddar. The silver cue draws in for this 9-ball series. Lighton's Acorn was the stronger player throughout a shaky game 1 that saw both players miss on the 9. North Modernistic's Cheddar left it short at the bottom left, where Acorn mopped it up for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn found luck on his side in game 2, as his fairly unsteady offense turned into a win. He attempted and missed on the 6, but the deflection sent the 9 to the bottom left, and he went ahead 2-0 in the series over the Nighthawks' Cheddar. Acorn had a little more good fortune to ignite a five-ball run in game 3, but it didn't last long enough. Cheddar picked off the final pair of balls for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Acorn tried to tighten up his defensive play in game 4, but Cheddar put an end to that with a four-ball run-out with a little luck to get the 7 to fall at the bottom left. Cheddar's win evened the series at 2. Cheddar rode the swinging momentum in game 5, striking for the last two balls to defeat Acorn in a 3-2 comeback series win. Cheddar will be on the road in the bracket semifinals. Acorn is the 54th eliminated player and the first kill for Cheddar this year.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Bryant. More silver cue action goes in Accuracy. Maplewood's Bryant didn't play very well in game 1, falling behind on a couple of close misses. Stonebridge's Wild Thing faltered late but held on to win 2-3 to take a 1-0 series lead. It was more of the same in game 2, as the Wolves' Wild Thing kept control but slipped late before closing out another 2-3 win over the Lumberjacks' Bryant. Wild Thing moved to a 2-0 series lead. In game 3, Wild Thing made a ball on the break and didn't look back, holding a perfect standard to suppress Bryant, who scratched on his first turn. Wild Thing this time by a 0-2 score to clinch the series at 3-0. Wild Thing finally slipped up in game 4, scratching on his second turn to give away the last-shot advantage. Bryant made it count by giving Wild Thing a bad shot at the end, which allowed Bryant to win 2-3 to cut the series to 3-1. Bryant pulled off another victory in game 5, sending Wild Thing to a late collapse as Bryant earned a 2-4 win. Wild Thing still won the series 3-2 and will play in the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Wild Thing. The visitor completes his doubleheader on the road in Rotation with the red cue. Stonebridge's Wild Thing kicked off with a decent run, but Viewpoint Sound's Dani grabbed the lead and stayed ahead for the 8-5 win. Dani leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Dani struggled again at the start of game 2, but she rallied with a five-ball run-out to pick up the 8-5 win again for a 2-0 series lead over the Wolves' Wild Thing. Wild Thing pushed his hardest in game 3, getting on the verge of the win with a three-ball run. It backfired when Dani made her own three-ball run-out for the 8-7 win to secure the series at 3-0. Wild Thing stepped up his effort in game 4, avoiding the sweep by keeping Dani pinned defensively. Wild Thing picked up an 8-2 win this time, cutting the series to 3-1. Wild Thing had game 5 in his grip but couldn't quite hang on, allowing Dani to make a three-ball run-out for an 8-7 win and 4-1 series win. Dani will host again in the bracket semifinals.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Dominic. Back in Accuracy, the blue cue is back in action. Game 1 was close from the start, but Capital City's Lorde missed a pair of shots near the end. Southern's Dominic slipped a bit as well but stayed in the lead to win 2-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Lorde had an early miss in game 2 and never got the chance to recover. The Monarchs' Dominic locked up the win with a left-handed bank on the 8 to the bottom right, and Lorde's subsequent miss made it 0-2. Dominic leads the series 2-0. Dominic took a gamble in game 3, double-potting near the end of a tied contest. Lorde would make the last ball on her next turn, and she added another ball when Dominic's overtime break went empty. Lorde won this game 2-3, making it just a 2-1 series lead for Dominic. Lorde kept it perfect long enough in game 4 to secure the win after Dominic's horrendous start. Lorde would win 2-5, tying the series at 2 in the process. Lorde completed the comeback in game 5 with a 3-4 win that saw a couple of shifts in momentum but not enough from Dominic. Lorde won the series 3-2 to punch her ticket to the bracket semifinals.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Sweetheart. The blue cue stays up for 15-ball here. Victoria's Mitchell had most of the offense in game 1, but his miss on the 6 lined up a 6-15 combination for Boston's Sweetheart. She converted to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Sweetheart capitalized again in game 2, as the Spurs' Mitchell paced play with a four-ball run and a little more scattered offense. Sweetheart potted the 10-15 combination to the bottom side to steal the win for a 2-0 series lead. Consistent offense finally paid off for Mitchell in game 3, as this one went full-term and he won on a three-ball run-out. Sweetheart was solid, but watched her series lead shrink to 2-1. Sweetheart got back to her quick-finishing ways in game 4, needing just one turn to put down a six-ball run-out composed of two simple combinations and two double-pots. Sweetheart secured the series at 3-1 with this victory. Sweetheart finished off the series with a four-ball run-out, although Mitchell had the highlight of game 5 with a triple-pot of the 1 to the bottom side, the 6 to the bottom right and the 12 to the top right on his first shot. Sweetheart's 4-1 series win assures her of another road trip in the bracket semifinals.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Citrus. The red cue gets a look in 12-ball. A hot start to game 1 saw both players make three-ball runs. Lighton's Citrus came close on her last ball, but illegal contact on a kick turned possession to Oceanside's Jason V., who turned in a pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Jason V. turned a late-falling ball off the break into a quick four-ball run, but late shakiness made things interesting. The Prestige's Citrus picked up a pair of shots but couldn't counterattack enough before Jason V. put the 15 in the bottom side to extend his lead to 2-0 in the series. Jason V. made a pair of stripes on the break, but the rest of the game was all Citrus, as she quickly found good positioning. Citrus was patient with her finish but easily picked up the win to shrink the series deficit to 2-1. Jason V. gave away a wild-card ball in game 4, but he made sure it wouldn't matter thanks to Citrus struggling to convert near the end. Jason V. bought himself enough time to pick up the win to seal the series at 3-1. Jason V. gave away two wild-card balls in game 5, but Citrus gave one back and couldn't take advantage of the other. Jason V. marched to an easy win, and a 4-1 series win and a bracket semifinals date with the Queens Flames' Violetta at this venue. This was Citrus' 100th unique opponent.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Jason N. The blue cue closes the day with the host's second series, playing 10-ball. Victoria's Mitchell lacked control in game 1, as Atlantic's Jason N. twice deferred possession back to the host. Mitchell failed to make him pay, and Jason N. cheaply potted the 10 to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Jason N. didn't get as many free opportunities in game 2, as the Spurs' Mitchell was a little stronger on the ball. Mitchell would pick up the 10 alone at the end for a win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 continued the slow-paced back-and-forth between these two players. Jason N. barely won at the end, cutting the 10 to the top right and just avoiding a scratch to restore his series lead at 2-1 over Mitchell. Game 4 saw both players make a pair and foul early. Mitchell had a late three-ball run, but he scratched the 10 on a follow-shot. Jason N. would take the ball-in-hand turn on the 10 for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Mitchell wouldn't be denied at the end of game 5, smashing down a five-ball run-out for the win. Jason N. took the series 3-2 and will visit Dani of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the bracket semifinals.
That's it for today. Christmas week action should run unabated and may even speed up the round as a whole if we're up for it.
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 1
We're set to begin the named rounds, which will also see the start of best-of-five series. We'll play nine series per day during the next three rounds. First up...
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Crystal. Struggling stars clash in 10-ball with the silver cue. Queens' Crystal struck quickly in game 1, deflecting off the 2 to knock the 10 in at the top left for a 1-0 series lead over Victoria's Yekaterina. The Flames' Crystal did all the work in game 2, starting with a nine-ball run. The Spurs' Yekaterina had two chances on the 10, but missed both, and Crystal mopped it up for the win and 2-0 lead in the series. Yekaterina kept her series going with a dominant effort in game 3, making a majority of the shots to cut Crystal's series lead to 2-1. In game 4, Yekaterina had less offense but still got to make the decisions twice when Crystal illegally potted shots. The second time, Yekaterina kept possession but went on to miss the 10, and Crystal tapped it to the top right to clinch the series at 3-1. Yekaterina got a little redemption with a 6-10 combination to end game 5 early, but Crystal would take the series 3-2 anyway. Crystal is the first player to reserve a spot in the bracket semifinals. Yekaterina is officially the 50th eliminated player, and the first to fall to Crystal this year in a do-or-die scenario.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Ms. Kitty. The red cue gets a look in 9-ball here. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty led off with a four-ball run and added a three-ball run before scratching late in game 1. Pacific's Ms. Kitty took the last pair for a win and 1-0 series lead in this Coastal derby. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty continued with a three-ball run to start game 2, but she fell off after that. The Meteors' Frosty would make a pair for the win this time, tying the series at 1. The play remained close in game 3, with Frosty doing just enough at the start and the end to take the win over Ms. Kitty. Frosty now leads the series 2-1. Frosty had a good portion of the offense again in game 4, but her late three-ball run ended in a missed bank on the 9 to the bottom side. Ms. Kitty swept it up for the win to to retie the series at 2. Game 5 came down to the wire, with Ms. Kitty missing on the 8 and Frosty taking the final pair in another close battle to get the win. Frosty advances to the bracket semifinals on a 3-2 series win. Frosty took her second kill of the year to make Ms. Kitty the 51st eliminated player.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Violetta. Star players meet in 12-ball with the red cue. Westside's Slinks had chaos from the break, making two solids and a stripe. She let Queens' Violetta have stripes, but Slinks couldn't stop scratching, and Violetta eventually earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Slinks again battled a scratching problem in game 2. The Flames' Violetta didn't outright dominate the game, but she had a three-ball run-out lined up just in time to beat Slinks for the 2-0 lead in the series. Violetta's break was lackluster in game 3, leading to a hard battle between her and Slinks for positioning. Violetta did slightly better and got Slinks to commit illegal contact before Violetta won with a three-ball run-out to seal the series at 3-0. Slinks tried everything she could defensively in game 4, but there was no stopping Violetta, who fought hard to knock down her last two balls at the sides. Violetta surged a 4-0 advantage with the win. Violetta couldn't finish the sweep with a sloppy game 5 break that led to Slinks working a five-ball run-out for the win soon after. Violetta won the series 4-1 and will head to the bracket semifinals.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Americus. The red cue stays in action for this 7-ball set. Infinity's Fluffina wasted no time in going up 1-0 in the series, running the table in game 1 to beat Midland's Americus. The Torpedoes' Fluffina again made a pair from the break in game 2, but this time she missed her next shot. The Predators' Americus showed no mercy with a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Americus went empty on the break in game 3 but did offer a later run. It wouldn't be enough, as Fluffina made the last two balls to retake the series lead at 2-1. Fluffina made a ball on the break and two more at the end to offset a back-and-forth middle section of the game that Americus couldn't quite control. Fluffina clinched the series at 3-1 with this win. Fluffina roared ahead on a five-ball run to start game 5, but she missed on the 4 and Americus took a pair at the end for the win. Fluffina took the series 3-2 to get into the bracket semifinals. Americus is the 52nd eliminated player this year, while Fluffina earned her second kill.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Sydney C. Inexperienced players collide in 8-ball with the red cue. Stonebridge's Hershey had a great start in game 1 but couldn't finish it off. Modernistic's Sydney C. kept a steadier hand at the end to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey had to play more from behind in game 2, but he still came close to a win. His last ball didn't fall, and the Union's Sydney C. shot back on a three-ball run-out for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Hershey's bad luck continued as he fell short again in game 3. Both players had a five-ball run on their first turns, but Sydney C. was able to close out with a three-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 3-0. Sydney C. ran away with game 4, opening on a four-ball run and adding quick pairs on the next two turns before Hershey had a chance to strike back. Sydney C. moved up to a 4-0 series lead. Hershey came close yet again in game 3, but a miss on his last ball gave Sydney C. all the time she needed for a five-ball run-out comeback for the win. Sydney C. swept the series 5-0 and will play in the bracket semifinals. It's the first kill of the year for the rookie Sydney C., which made Hershey the 53rd eliminated player.
Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Steven. The silver cue cycles in for 10-ball in this series. Queens' Briana did it all in game 1, making a three-ball run before ceding possession to Atlantic's Steven. He missed, and Briana attacked with a seven-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Briana wasn't allowed to run free in game 2, having to earn more of her offense. The Pirates' Steven closed out the game on a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Steven worked a four-ball run in game 3, but he fell apart at the end, and Briana won on a three-ball run-out two turns later. Briana regained the series lead at 2-1 this time. Another close battle occurred in game 4, but Briana got the win with an 8-10 combination to the bottom right to stun Steven. Briana sealed the series at 3-1 with this win. Briana couldn't make it any better in game 5, dropping a result as Steven surged late with a four-ball run-out. Briana settled for a 3-2 series win that lines her up to host again in the bracket semifinals.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Nikolai. The host's second series of the day is with the silver cue in Accuracy. Infinity's Fluffina didn't have a great break in game 1, but she was good enough to pin Freedom's Nikolai back at the end. Fluffina took a 1-0 series lead on a 1-3 win. The Torpedoes' Fluffina struck a ball on the break in game 2, but a late miss on the last ball would prove costly. The Cascades' Nikolai was able to get a win with a 3-4 result, tying the series at 1 in the close battle. Nikolai blasted a threatening break in game 3, making a ball. That was enough for him to push Fluffina around for much of the game, and Nikolai stayed perfect in a 0-2 win to take the 2-1 series lead. Nikolai's march to the series win was delayed in game 4, as he chased Fluffina after an early miss. Fluffina fell into a tie briefly, but Nikolai missed again late and Fluffina would win 1-2 to tie the series at 2. Fluffina made a ball on the break in game 5, and proceeded to control the pace from there. Nikolai tried to get tricky defensively, but Fluffina read it and won 2-3 to seal the series at 3-2. Fluffina is set to appear in the bracket semifinals.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Ms. Puppy. The red cue is back for 10-ball here. Neither played took control of game 1, but it was a missed contact by Stonebridge's Vladimir that allowed Modernistic' Ms. Puppy to win with a shot on the 10 from ball-in-hand. Ms. Puppy went ahead 1-0 in the series. The Wolves' Vladimir made a push at the start of game 2, but he didn't support it very well late. After some struggles, the Union's Ms. Puppy picked up a five-ball run-out for the win to move into a 2-0 series lead. Vladimir again came close in game 3, but he scratched as he potted the 10 at the bottom right. Ms. Puppy picked up the win from ball-in-hand, securing the series at 3-0 in the process. Ms. Puppy had a three-ball run early in game 4, but Vladimir finally got on the board with a three-ball run-out capped by a 5-10 combination to the top right. Ms. Puppy remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Vladimir wouldn't be denied in game 3, cashing in on Ms. Puppy's scratch with a four-ball run-out capped by a bank of the 10 to the top left. Ms. Puppy still won the series 3-2 to get into the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Caitlin. More 10-ball ends the day with the blue cue's lone appearance. Viewpoint Sound's Dani faced a bit of bad luck in game 1, as she made a four-ball run and a three-ball run but lost as Southridge's Caitlin banked the 10 to the bottom side. Caitlin holds a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw a reduction in the pace of play. The Defenders' Caitlin had a little more offense but not enough to control the pace. The Meteors' Dani eventually won with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Game 3 saw a mix of the first two, with Dani reclaiming a majority of possession but coming up empty after missing the 10 twice. Caitlin made it on her second try for the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Caitlin had a late four-ball run in game 4, but she missed her cut on the 9 to cede possession back to Dani, who made the final pair of shots for the win. Dani tied the series again at 2. Caitlin worked a seven-ball run in game 5, but it went to waste when she couldn't corral the 10. Dani potted it to poach the win and 3-2 series win. Dani will be in the bracket semifinals.
After the week-long delay in starting the round, we're set to go again. Currently, the Tournament is expected to end late in January.
T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Crystal. Struggling stars clash in 10-ball with the silver cue. Queens' Crystal struck quickly in game 1, deflecting off the 2 to knock the 10 in at the top left for a 1-0 series lead over Victoria's Yekaterina. The Flames' Crystal did all the work in game 2, starting with a nine-ball run. The Spurs' Yekaterina had two chances on the 10, but missed both, and Crystal mopped it up for the win and 2-0 lead in the series. Yekaterina kept her series going with a dominant effort in game 3, making a majority of the shots to cut Crystal's series lead to 2-1. In game 4, Yekaterina had less offense but still got to make the decisions twice when Crystal illegally potted shots. The second time, Yekaterina kept possession but went on to miss the 10, and Crystal tapped it to the top right to clinch the series at 3-1. Yekaterina got a little redemption with a 6-10 combination to end game 5 early, but Crystal would take the series 3-2 anyway. Crystal is the first player to reserve a spot in the bracket semifinals. Yekaterina is officially the 50th eliminated player, and the first to fall to Crystal this year in a do-or-die scenario.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Ms. Kitty. The red cue gets a look in 9-ball here. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty led off with a four-ball run and added a three-ball run before scratching late in game 1. Pacific's Ms. Kitty took the last pair for a win and 1-0 series lead in this Coastal derby. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty continued with a three-ball run to start game 2, but she fell off after that. The Meteors' Frosty would make a pair for the win this time, tying the series at 1. The play remained close in game 3, with Frosty doing just enough at the start and the end to take the win over Ms. Kitty. Frosty now leads the series 2-1. Frosty had a good portion of the offense again in game 4, but her late three-ball run ended in a missed bank on the 9 to the bottom side. Ms. Kitty swept it up for the win to to retie the series at 2. Game 5 came down to the wire, with Ms. Kitty missing on the 8 and Frosty taking the final pair in another close battle to get the win. Frosty advances to the bracket semifinals on a 3-2 series win. Frosty took her second kill of the year to make Ms. Kitty the 51st eliminated player.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Violetta. Star players meet in 12-ball with the red cue. Westside's Slinks had chaos from the break, making two solids and a stripe. She let Queens' Violetta have stripes, but Slinks couldn't stop scratching, and Violetta eventually earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Slinks again battled a scratching problem in game 2. The Flames' Violetta didn't outright dominate the game, but she had a three-ball run-out lined up just in time to beat Slinks for the 2-0 lead in the series. Violetta's break was lackluster in game 3, leading to a hard battle between her and Slinks for positioning. Violetta did slightly better and got Slinks to commit illegal contact before Violetta won with a three-ball run-out to seal the series at 3-0. Slinks tried everything she could defensively in game 4, but there was no stopping Violetta, who fought hard to knock down her last two balls at the sides. Violetta surged a 4-0 advantage with the win. Violetta couldn't finish the sweep with a sloppy game 5 break that led to Slinks working a five-ball run-out for the win soon after. Violetta won the series 4-1 and will head to the bracket semifinals.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Americus. The red cue stays in action for this 7-ball set. Infinity's Fluffina wasted no time in going up 1-0 in the series, running the table in game 1 to beat Midland's Americus. The Torpedoes' Fluffina again made a pair from the break in game 2, but this time she missed her next shot. The Predators' Americus showed no mercy with a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Americus went empty on the break in game 3 but did offer a later run. It wouldn't be enough, as Fluffina made the last two balls to retake the series lead at 2-1. Fluffina made a ball on the break and two more at the end to offset a back-and-forth middle section of the game that Americus couldn't quite control. Fluffina clinched the series at 3-1 with this win. Fluffina roared ahead on a five-ball run to start game 5, but she missed on the 4 and Americus took a pair at the end for the win. Fluffina took the series 3-2 to get into the bracket semifinals. Americus is the 52nd eliminated player this year, while Fluffina earned her second kill.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Sydney C. Inexperienced players collide in 8-ball with the red cue. Stonebridge's Hershey had a great start in game 1 but couldn't finish it off. Modernistic's Sydney C. kept a steadier hand at the end to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey had to play more from behind in game 2, but he still came close to a win. His last ball didn't fall, and the Union's Sydney C. shot back on a three-ball run-out for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Hershey's bad luck continued as he fell short again in game 3. Both players had a five-ball run on their first turns, but Sydney C. was able to close out with a three-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 3-0. Sydney C. ran away with game 4, opening on a four-ball run and adding quick pairs on the next two turns before Hershey had a chance to strike back. Sydney C. moved up to a 4-0 series lead. Hershey came close yet again in game 3, but a miss on his last ball gave Sydney C. all the time she needed for a five-ball run-out comeback for the win. Sydney C. swept the series 5-0 and will play in the bracket semifinals. It's the first kill of the year for the rookie Sydney C., which made Hershey the 53rd eliminated player.
Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Steven. The silver cue cycles in for 10-ball in this series. Queens' Briana did it all in game 1, making a three-ball run before ceding possession to Atlantic's Steven. He missed, and Briana attacked with a seven-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Briana wasn't allowed to run free in game 2, having to earn more of her offense. The Pirates' Steven closed out the game on a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Steven worked a four-ball run in game 3, but he fell apart at the end, and Briana won on a three-ball run-out two turns later. Briana regained the series lead at 2-1 this time. Another close battle occurred in game 4, but Briana got the win with an 8-10 combination to the bottom right to stun Steven. Briana sealed the series at 3-1 with this win. Briana couldn't make it any better in game 5, dropping a result as Steven surged late with a four-ball run-out. Briana settled for a 3-2 series win that lines her up to host again in the bracket semifinals.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Nikolai. The host's second series of the day is with the silver cue in Accuracy. Infinity's Fluffina didn't have a great break in game 1, but she was good enough to pin Freedom's Nikolai back at the end. Fluffina took a 1-0 series lead on a 1-3 win. The Torpedoes' Fluffina struck a ball on the break in game 2, but a late miss on the last ball would prove costly. The Cascades' Nikolai was able to get a win with a 3-4 result, tying the series at 1 in the close battle. Nikolai blasted a threatening break in game 3, making a ball. That was enough for him to push Fluffina around for much of the game, and Nikolai stayed perfect in a 0-2 win to take the 2-1 series lead. Nikolai's march to the series win was delayed in game 4, as he chased Fluffina after an early miss. Fluffina fell into a tie briefly, but Nikolai missed again late and Fluffina would win 1-2 to tie the series at 2. Fluffina made a ball on the break in game 5, and proceeded to control the pace from there. Nikolai tried to get tricky defensively, but Fluffina read it and won 2-3 to seal the series at 3-2. Fluffina is set to appear in the bracket semifinals.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Ms. Puppy. The red cue is back for 10-ball here. Neither played took control of game 1, but it was a missed contact by Stonebridge's Vladimir that allowed Modernistic' Ms. Puppy to win with a shot on the 10 from ball-in-hand. Ms. Puppy went ahead 1-0 in the series. The Wolves' Vladimir made a push at the start of game 2, but he didn't support it very well late. After some struggles, the Union's Ms. Puppy picked up a five-ball run-out for the win to move into a 2-0 series lead. Vladimir again came close in game 3, but he scratched as he potted the 10 at the bottom right. Ms. Puppy picked up the win from ball-in-hand, securing the series at 3-0 in the process. Ms. Puppy had a three-ball run early in game 4, but Vladimir finally got on the board with a three-ball run-out capped by a 5-10 combination to the top right. Ms. Puppy remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Vladimir wouldn't be denied in game 3, cashing in on Ms. Puppy's scratch with a four-ball run-out capped by a bank of the 10 to the top left. Ms. Puppy still won the series 3-2 to get into the bracket semifinals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Caitlin. More 10-ball ends the day with the blue cue's lone appearance. Viewpoint Sound's Dani faced a bit of bad luck in game 1, as she made a four-ball run and a three-ball run but lost as Southridge's Caitlin banked the 10 to the bottom side. Caitlin holds a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw a reduction in the pace of play. The Defenders' Caitlin had a little more offense but not enough to control the pace. The Meteors' Dani eventually won with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Game 3 saw a mix of the first two, with Dani reclaiming a majority of possession but coming up empty after missing the 10 twice. Caitlin made it on her second try for the win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Caitlin had a late four-ball run in game 4, but she missed her cut on the 9 to cede possession back to Dani, who made the final pair of shots for the win. Dani tied the series again at 2. Caitlin worked a seven-ball run in game 5, but it went to waste when she couldn't corral the 10. Dani potted it to poach the win and 3-2 series win. Dani will be in the bracket semifinals.
After the week-long delay in starting the round, we're set to go again. Currently, the Tournament is expected to end late in January.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)