Tournament X - First Round Day 16

The middle portion of the First Round is ready to go. Leading off...

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Hershey. The blue cue has 10-ball on tap for the opening series. Pacific's Twinkie I had a three-ball run early on and a five-ball run-out to close game 1 victorious. She took a confident 1-0 series lead over Stonebridge's Hershey. A shaky start put the Volcanoes' Twinkie I in a little early danger, but the Wolves' Hershey lost control with missed contact on the 6. Twinkie I then made five balls over two turns for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 proved cruel to Hershey, as he worked an eight-ball run but left the 10 standing at the bottom right for Twinkie I to poach the win. Twinkie I swept the series 3-0 and will host Midland Predators newcomer Chicky Phil in the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Twilight. A pair of Central Warriors battle in Rotation with the purple cue. In game 1, Dustin took control with a five-ball run, and then added a pair at the end for the 8-1 win over Twilight. Things reversed for both players in game 2, as Twilight had a much more comfortable attack while Dustin struggled to keep up. Twilight wound up with an 8-4 win to tie the series at 1. Twilight looked to be in a good position with a late lead in game 3, but Dustin rattled off a four-ball run-out for the 8-6 comeback win to seal the series at 2-1. Dustin will advance to the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Pounce. Another Rotation series is the silver cue's only outing today. Terrace City's Oreo set a standard in game 1, slowly gaining distance from Southern's Pounce. Oreo finished the win by an 8-4 score, putting her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Monarchs' Pounce tried to keep game 2 close, but he was called for illegally potting two balls, and that set his offense back. The Knights' Oreo took advantage of her opponent's decreased morale to close an 8-3 win that secured the series at 2-0. Pounce made a stronger attack in game 3, but he came up a bit short in the end. Oreo solved the pressure and won 8-5 to sweep the series 3-0, which puts her in line to host Tysini Hummingbirds captain Leandra in the second round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Gal. The red cue draws in for some 8-ball. North Modernistic's Gal had a six-ball run in game 1 after a somewhat slow start. Web City's Jack answered on a four-ball run, but Gal had time to make the 8 to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gal had a few good shots in a fast start to game 2, but she was knocked back by a five-ball run-out from the Spiders' Jack. The final shot was a two-rail long kick to the top right on the 8 to give Jack the win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was a little more tightly played, but it was Jack who again found some magic at the end to get the win and 2-1 series win over Gal. Jack will visit Oceanside Waves enforcer Josie in the second round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Josie. The blue cue is back for 12-ball. Oceanside's Josie did a lot of attacking early on, but her late positioning suffered. A patient effort from Golden's Strut paid off with a win at the end, putting the host up 1-0 in the series. The Pilots' Strut had a five-ball run to open game 2, but it wasn't enough as he struggled to finish. The Waves' Josie roared back with a four-ball run and then a pair of shots for the win, tying the series at 1. Josie made a bad mistake when she forgot her suit early in game 3. She gave Strut a wild-card ball, and Strut worked with the extra flexibility to get the easy win for a 2-1 series win. Strut is set to host Lighton Prestige rookie Angelica in the second round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Puff III. The purple cue begins a long stretch of series with 9-ball. Pearl's Boots scratched on the break in game 1, but Everton's Puff III only managed a three-ball run. Boots then made a 4-8 combination to the top left with a deflection to put the 9 in the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots had a big game 2, smashing a four-ball run over the middle and adding the final pair to clinch the series at 2-0 over a hapless Eagles' Puff III. Boots finished a 3-0 series sweep with a three-ball run-out capped by a bank of the 9 to the top right. Boots will continue to host on this bracket in the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Peach. The purple cue remains active in 13-ball. Southern's Molly had a good start to game 1, but she was blocked by physical and positional defense at the top side by North Modernistic's Peach. This defense bought Peach enough time to earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach tried more of the positional defensive style in game 2, but she was unable to attack with much efficiency. The Monarchs' Molly slowed down but still got the win to tie the series at 1. Molly made one of each and scratched on the game 3 break. Peach held the lead for most of the game, but her late scratch let Molly work a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Molly is through to the second round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Blizzard. In Accuracy, the purple cue continues. Perfect efforts went deep into game 1 on both sides, but Harrison's Blizzard faltered first and Golden's Valencia could only win by a 1-2 score. Valencia leads the series 1-0. The Pilots' Valencia had a scratch and missed on the last ball in game 2, falling out of a tie. The Specters' Blizzard finished the game with a 2-3 win after holding on well, which was good enough to tie the series at 1. Valencia refused to buckle in game 1, taking a perfect effort to the end to beat Blizzard 0-2. Valencia won the series 2-1 and will host Todavía Stills newcomer Pedey in the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Nightfur. The purple cue streak ends in Rotation. Eastside's Nightfur had total control in game 1, with the only ball Stonebridge's Wild Thing potted coming out when he scratched. Nightfur won 8-0 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Wild Thing made an improvement in the most technical sense in game 2, but that just meant he got on the board, while the Sharks' Nightfur stomped her way to an 8-1 win to seal the series at 2-0. Nightfur fell apart with scratches and errors in game 3, while Wild Thing slowly worked his way to an 8-3 win. Nightfur still won the series 2-1, which puts her in Victoria to face the Spurs' Strawberry in the second round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Noelle. Tough opponents clash in 12-ball with the blue cue. Southridge's Bianca got the final swing of momentum in her favor in a back-and-forth game 1 that saw Central's Noelle fall a little short. Bianca put the 3 in the bottom left from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Bianca went on a quest for positioning in game 2, but it came up a little short with a missed contact. The Warriors' Noelle turned her ball-in-hand into a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Bianca had a few mistakes late in game 3 as both players battled for the top right to get the decisive win. Noelle eventually won, taking the series 2-1 to punch her ticket to the second round.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Vladimir v. Vincent. The best friends clash in a Northeastern Derby in Rotation with the blue cue. Maplewood's Vladimir had most of the offense in game 1 at first, but a three-ball run and a four-ball run-out gave Everton's Vincent a resurgent 8-5 win. Vincent owns a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Vincent couldn't get his offense to tick up again in game 2, as the Lumberjacks' Vladimir rallied with a four-ball run-out for the 8-3 win. Vladimir has tied the series at 1. Vincent again had a slow start in game 3, but he turned around with a five-ball run to stun Vladimir. Vincent then won 8-5 to take the series 2-1 as he heads to the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Strawberry. The red cue's last outing today is in 9-ball. Queens' Briana went for impact plays, but she rattled the 8 out of the top right with a deflection to leave the 9 on the edge there. Victoria's Strawberry made that final pair for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. Both players had good bursts of offense early in game 2, but it was the Spurs' Strawberry who got the win with a three-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0 over the Flames' Briana. Strawberry once again had a strong finish in game 3, using another three-ball run-out to finish a 3-0 series sweep on Briana. Strawberry will host Modernistic Union third-year Kodiak in the second round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Dewey v. Peach. The visitor gets a second series today, using the green cue in 7-ball. Harrison's Dewey didn't get much going on offense, and North Modernistic's Peach finished with a three-ball run-out for the win. Peach holds a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Dewey went down without a fight in game 2, scratching and illegally potting the 7 on the same shot to gift the win to the Nighthawks' Peach, which secured the series in her favor at 2-0. Dewey finally grabbed a win in game 3, converting a 5-7 bank combination as a double-pot to the top side to leave Peach with a 2-1 series win. Peach will visit Pronger Tridents newcomer Avril in the second round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Maggie v. Dusky. The substitute makes her home debut with the green cue in 9-ball. Modernistic's Maggie made a couple of three-ball runs in game 1, but a late scratch allowed Atlantic's Dusky to take the final pair of shots from ball-in-hand. Dusky has a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Dusky couldn't assert herself nearly enough in a choppy game 2. At the end, the Union's Maggie missed the easy play on the 9, but hard enough to bank it into the top right to tie the series at 1 with her win. Maggie couldn't quite get control in game 3, and Dusky worked a four-ball run-out finished by an 8-9 combination to the top left. Dusky won the series 2-1 and will head to the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Panda v. Frosty. Coastal rivals meet in Accuracy with the purple cue. Early struggles led to a close game 1 battle, but Viewpoint Sound's Frosty came up just a little short. Southern's Panda held strong at the end for the 3-4 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 was much worse for the Monarchs' Panda, as he fell behind early and kept slipping, while the Meteors' Frosty found her shot. Frosty went on for a 1-4 win, tying the series at 1 to set up a big finale. Game 3 saw Frosty take a commanding lead, and while things were a little shaky near the end, she held on to beat Panda 2-3 for the 2-1 series win. Frosty is through to the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Daisy. Today's finale is in 13-ball with the blue cue. Freedom's Stinky couldn't get his offense going in game 1, making it an easy path to victory for Modernistic's Daisy, who now has a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy was unable to have an easy game 2, with a four-ball run early on acting as the best of it. The Cascades' Stinky struggled to get positioning late, giving Daisy just enough time to escape for the win that sealed the series at 2-0. A conventional ending to game 3 was not going to happen, so Daisy sportingly played the 8 pinned at the edge of the top right into the pocket early to gift Stinky a win. Daisy took the series 2-1 and will move on to the second round.

We'll keep it going with another day of games tomorrow.

Tournament X - First Round Day 15

We're one-third through the First Round after today's games. First up...

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Angelica. The red cue draws in for 15-ball to complete the two-day venue doubleheader. Terrace City's Oreo had some tough moments in game 1, including a 9-15 combination attempt that was short. Lighton's Angelica made the same play at the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Angelica had a rotten start to game 2 with three errors. The Knights' Oreo burst forward on a nine-ball run, which Angelica answered on a three-ball run but missed the 15 at the end. Oreo tapped the winning shot to the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Oreo tried a similar strategy in game 3, but her late seven-ball run ended with a miss on the 14. Angelica made the final pair of shots to escape with a win and 2-1 series win to get into the second round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Sparkles. The second series today uses the purple cue in 13-ball. Tysini's Leandra showed confidence from the start of game 1, but it was still close. Golden's Sparkles can blame a scratch for putting her behind, and Leandra made sure to finish the effort with a win for the 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra held a lead for much of game 2, but the Pilots' Sparkles forced Leandra to make an illegal play for positioning. While a good strategy, Leandra failed to account for the following five-ball run-out from Sparkles, which was enough for the visitor to tie the series at 1. Leandra took a stunning loss in game 3, as her first shot led to the 8 going down illegally, gifting the win and 2-1 series win to Sparkles. This puts Sparkles in the second round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Luigi v. Dusky. Players on new teams meet in 10-ball with the purple cue. Atlantic's Dusky had a marginally better game 1, but it was Southridge's Luigi who missed the bank on the 10 at the bottom right. Dusky mopped it up for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Luigi had a stronger game 2 with a six-ball run over the middle, but he missed on the 9. The Pirates' Dusky shut it down, taking the final pair of balls for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Dusky went back on attack in game 3, a five-ball run setting the tone before she made the 7-10 combination to the top left to finish a 3-0 series sweep on Luigi. Dusky moves on to the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Starlight. Today's marquee matchup, and perhaps the best of the round, uses the blue cue in 9-ball. Queens' Violetta played a frenzy break in game 1 to pot a pair, but the game turned defensive. Eventually, Pacific's Starlight deflected off the 3 to tap the 9 into the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Starlight still struggled to find much offense, and her booming make on the 8 resulted in a scratch. The Flames' Violetta gladly took the 9 from ball-in-hand for a well-earned win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was as close as any in the series, which saw Starlight just miss an 8-9 combination to the top left. Violetta picked off both shots individually for the win and the 2-1 series win, and she'll next host Diamond Gems captain Shadow in the second round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Rosemary. Leading into the lunch break, there's 12-ball with the purple cue. Commerce's Rosemary had a lot of offense until a late scratch. Infinity's Shelley used her good positioning and a little patience before making a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Shelley gave away a wild-card ball in game 2, but completely committed to solids. She was very close to victory before her second scratch, and in recovering from that, she set up the Tradewinds' Rosemary for the winning pair of shots. Rosemary's victory tied the series at 1. Shelley was not discouraged and quickly found her way to her last ball in game 3, but the path from there was slow. Rosemary's defense held on long enough for her to make three balls over the last two turns for the win. Rosemary advances to the second round on a 2-1 series win.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Sydney S. When we return, the red cue is in for 8-ball. Harrison's Sydney S. botched her finish in game 1, leaving the 8 short at the top left. She gave Westside's Midnight just enough time to execute a three-ball run-out for the win, which put Midnight up 1-0 in the series. The Specters' Sydney S. ripped a six-ball run in game 2, but that was all the offense she could find. The Rockers' Midnight cut back with a five-ball run and won on a three-ball run-out to seal the series at 2-0. Sydney S. had the lead for most of game 3 as well, but she was unable to pot her last ball. Midnight had a sneaky-good performance for this win, which earned her a 3-0 series sweep. Midnight will face Urban rival Rosemary of the Commerce Tradewinds in the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Cubby. Back in 12-ball, the purple cue comes between club-mates and Northeastern rivals. Archtown's Sally didn't have the most direct path to victory, but she was faster than Web City's Cubby in the end. Sally's good effort gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sally didn't have the same impact in game 2, allowing the Spiders' Cubby to get ahead. Cubby gave away a wild-card ball, but he held on for the win with a tap-in at the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Sally was back on track in what became a fast game 3 battle. Cubby made an early pair and had positioning, but Sally's four-ball run-out on her third turn secured the win and 2-1 series in her favor. Sally will host Midland Predators newcomer Chicky Phil in the second round.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Vladimir v. Dewey. Unmarked on the schedule, this Northeastern Derby goes in 10-ball with the red cue. Harrison's Dewey had an impressive four-ball run in game 1, but he under-hit his shot on the 7. Maplewood's Vladmir stepped in and worked a three-ball run-out for the win to pull ahead 1-0 in the series. The Specters' Dewey had chances at the end of game 2 to get back on track, but he wasn't assertive. The Lumberjacks' Vladimir was able to support his four-ball run and get the win by tapping the 10 into the top side. Vladimir secured the series at 2-0 in the process. Dewey had a pair of three-ball runs early in game 3, but he fell apart in the end. Vladimir then stole this win with a three-ball run-out to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Vladimir is set to host Westside Rockers captain Misty in the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Dustin. The red cue's last series today is in 7-ball. Central's Dustin brought the Whitewater crowd to silence with his double-pot of the 2 to the top side and the 7 to the top right to take the 1-0 series lead over Katharine. The Warriors' Dustin did it again in game 2 with a perfect break shot to send the 7 to the top right for the clinching shot as he moved to a 2-0 lead in the series. The Shores' Katharine finally had a chance to put up a fight in game 3, but she missed on the 6 at the top left. Dustin made the final pair to complete a 3-0 series sweep that moves him into the second round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Kayla. The purple cue is on for 9-ball between captains. Todavía's Easter was unrelenting in her attack, striking early and beating Royal's Kayla with a four-ball run-out at the end. Easter holds a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Kayla tried to chip in a bit more, but an error on the 2 ruined her game 2 performance. The Stills' Easter buried the 2 and then cut a 3-9 combination to the top right for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Kayla put her best effort in game 3, with four balls over her last two turns, but a miss on the 9 was dealt with by Easter at the top right. Easter finished with a 3-0 series sweep to carry her into round two.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Quincy. Returning to 7-ball, the blue cue draws into action. Lighton's Acorn couldn't establish himself on offense in game 1, instead giving Terrace City's Quincy the time to bury a four-ball run-out for the win. Quincy leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Quincy took a step back on offense in game 2 as the Prestige's Acorn showed a little strength. Acorn faltered late, and Quincy made no mistakes in taking the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Quincy didn't finish off a sweep in game 3, inconsistency ruining his late play. Acorn was able to pluck the 7 at the bottom left to stick Quincy with a 2-1 series win to head into the second round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Hughbert v. Cowzart. The silver cue makes its daily debut in Accuracy. Pacific's Cowzart maintained a perfect effort in game 1, standing tall while Tysini's Hughbert just slipped up a bit. Cowzart's 0-2 win gave him a 1-0 series lead with confidence. The Volcanoes' Cowzart scratched on the game 2 break and never had a chance to get back into the battle. The Hummingbirds' Hughbert missed once late, but converted the final ball on a cut to the bottom left for a 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Hughbert kept it close initially in game 3, but he fell apart completely by the end, allowing Cowzart to cruise to a 1-6 win. Cowzart won the series 2-1 and will visit Pronger Tridents newcomer Avril in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Starlight. The visitor's second series today is in 8-ball with the silver cue. Pacific's Starlight popped off with a five-ball run in game 1, but that was all the offense she managed. Capital City's Chris responded with a three-ball run and a five-ball run-out on consecutive turns for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris led the way for much of a choppy game 2 battle, but he let it slip away at the end. The Volcanoes' Starlight kept things very close and struck for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was even grittier than before, with neither player finding much on the run. Starlight just held on at the end to grab the win for a 2-1 series win over Chris, which sends Starlight to the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Whiskers. The green cue's lone appearance today comes in 9-ball. Maplewood's Whiskers needed just one shot in game 1 with a 1-9 combination to the top left after Terrace City's Oreo had an empty break. The perfect play put Whiskers ahead 1-0 in the series. The Knights' Oreo replied with a big chunk of the game 2 offense, including a four-ball run. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers tried to poach the result with a bank shot, but she missed and Oreo buried the 9 at the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Whiskers turned the offense back on late in game 3, making five balls over two turns with no interference from Oreo. Whiskers won the series 2-1, booking a trip to the second round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Shadow. One more captains' battle today features the silver cue in 7-ball. Oceanside's Snuggle pulled off a strong finish in game 1, with a three-ball run before making the 7 on the next turn. Diamond's Shadow just couldn't find a way in, allowing Snuggle to grab the 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Shadow refused to go quietly, picking up a three-ball run-out after a mixed start to game 2. The Waves' Snuggle didn't have enough to fight it off as Shadow's win tied the series at 1. Snuggle nearly took game 3, surging with a four-ball run, but he missed the 7 at two pockets and left it lined up for Shadow to bury in the bottom side. Shadow converted for the win and 2-1 series win to move along to the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Mr. Snowman v. Debby. The day ends with the blue cue in 10-ball. Central's Mr. Snowman made the 10 illegally on the break, but couldn't build a run off of that. Diamond's Debby then ripped a seven-ball run but just missed her cut on the 10, allowing Mr. Snowman to redeem himself at the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The roles appeared reversed in game 2 as the Warriors' Mr. Snowman created a six-ball run. The Gems' Debby missed her one look at the 10, and Mr. Snowman buried it on his second try for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Mr. Snowman had a four-ball run early in game 3, but it wasn't enough, as Debby's second turn was a six-ball run-out for the win. Mr. Snowman settled for a 2-1 series win, which will see him host Todavía Stills captain Easter in the second round. This was Mr. Snowman's 100th unique opponent.

That's one-third of the First Round. The middle stretch begins tomorrow and will play every day through June 13 before a scheduled one-day rest.

Tournament X - First Round Day 14

We're back for a day with a lot of free-shooting styles. The opener is...

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Panda. Captains collide in 13-ball with the green cue. Capital City's Chris had a decent start to game 1, but it wasn't enough in the long run. Southern's Panda used a three-ball run to get ahead, and then patiently finished with a win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Panda had a pair on the game 2 break, but he couldn't sustain that attack and took a late scratch. From the kitchen, the Sharpshooters' Chris created a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Chris made a pair on the break in game 3, but his positioning from there was awful. Panda used a three-ball run and a similar finish to get the win, taking the series 2-1 as he moves into the second round.

Intel Center, Diamond: Debby v. Chimpy. Another 13-ball series uses the purple cue. Diamond's Debby had some good plays, but she was a little too slow on offense at the end. Westside's Chimpy picked up the slack and made the 8 on his second try, winning game 1 for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Debby looked to be in trouble when the Rockers' Chimpy unleashed a five-ball run on his opening turn. Debby used defense at the bottom right to slow the visitor, then finished him off with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Chimpy put up a good fight in game 3, but his positioning didn't help him. Debby worked around it and won on stripes to take the series 2-1. Debby will host Central Warriors captain Twilight in the second round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Hershey. The 13-ball stretch concludes with this Eastern Hills Derby using the silver cue. Stonebridge's Hershey wasn't great in game 1, and was found with an overfill at the top left. Atlantic's Delila easily picked up the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila spotted a pair of balls to the Wolves' Hershey, with the latter eventually getting one look at the 8. He missed, and Delila finished off a well-earned win to clinch the series at 2-0. Delila opened with a five-ball run in game 3, setting the tone very early on. Hershey made no effort to fight back, and Delila swept the series 3-0 with this win that puts her into the second round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Rocky. The red cue takes a turn in Accuracy between Coastal rivals. Todavía's Easter tried to pin back Oceanside's Rocky with bad positioning, but Rocky got out of trouble and turned it back around on the host. Rocky would wind up with a 2-3 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Waves' Rocky was perfect until late in game 2, as his misses on the last two balls allowed the Stills' Easter to pick up a 0-2 win. Easter's turn of perfection tied the series at 1. Easter wasn't able to duplicate that effort, falling apart late in game 3 while Rocky held the line for a 0-3 win and 2-1 series win. Rocky will play in the second round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Fuchsia. A venue doubleheader begins with the red cue in 12-ball. In a game full of distractions, Viewpoint Sound's Princess did her best to stay on track for the win and 1-0 series lead after Infinity's Fuchsia couldn't find her finish. The Meteors' Princess got down to her last ball pretty quickly in game 2, but she was unable to pot it. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia fought back, battling her way to the win that tied the series at 1. Fuchsia's break in game 3 left a lot to be desired, and Princess made her pay for it. Princess wasn't slowed by two scratches, still easily winning to take a 2-1 series win with her into the second round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Chicky Phil. The venue doubleheader closes with the green cue in 13-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Dani had a quick start and good positioning in game 1. Midland's Chicky Phil made it close but couldn't corral his last ball, with Dani taking the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani alternated between a miracle bank and a bad miss late in game 2. The Predators' Chicky Phil nearly had the win, but scratched as he made the 8, gifting the win and the series at 2-0 to Dani. In game 3, Dani had some good looks, but it was Chicky Phil who made amends for his mistakes with a three-ball run-out here. Dani settled for a 2-1 series win to earn the right to host Coastal rival Panda of the Southern Monarchs in the second round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Watermelon. Coastal rivals meet in 8-ball with the green cue. Pacific's Leonette couldn't connect on her break in game 1, and Pearl's Watermelon proceeded to run the table for the win. Watermelon holds a 1-0 series lead with the quick result. The Surfers' Watermelon wasn't as smooth in game 2, but she still made it a close battle. In the end, the Volcanoes' Leonette made five balls over her last two turns for the win, tying the series at 1. In game 3, Leonette went empty on the break but found a six-ball run on her second turn. Watermelon replied with a four-ball run, but Leonette made a pair for the win to take the series 2-1 in a comeback. Leonette will play host to her Volcanoes teammate Ms. Kitty in the second round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Twinkie II. The red cue takes on another 13-ball series. Infinity's Fuchsia came out hot in game 1, striking her shots very well. Harrison's Twinkie II was reduced to mostly defense and couldn't hang on, with Fuchsia easily winning for a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fuchsia had a little more trouble lining herself up in game 2. The Specters' Twinkie II applied a lot of pressure with physicality, but she couldn't get in any better positioning for her last ball. Fuchsia would win with a four-ball run-out, sealing the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw Twinkie II give up about halfway through with nothing to play for and no positioning. Fuchsia took another firm win to complete the 3-0 series sweep that sends her to round two.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Chicky Phil. The visitor's second series today is in 12-ball with the purple cue. Midland's Chicky Phil had a chance to work late in game 1, but he missed his cut shot at the top right. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty proved better, her late strategic scratch setting her up for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Frosty had a three-ball run from ball-in-hand, but it ended with missed contact on her last ball. The Predators' Chicky Phil took over, his own ball-in-hand situation leading to a three-ball run-out for the win, which tied the series at 1. Chicky Phil had an unspectacular break in game 3, but he made it work at the end. Frosty was just a little short on her last shot, and Chicky Phil tapped the 7 into the bottom right for the win, the 2-1 series win, and the trip to the second round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Gradley. The blue cue draws in for 15-ball between Swifts teammates. Ice Cream had an edge in offense with a five-ball run in the middle of game 1, but she under-powered her last shot. Gradley took the 15 at the top side, a cheap tap-in to give him the 1-0 series lead. Gradley had a chance to secure the series after Ice Cream scratched in game 2, but he played honorably. Ice Cream then made a 6-15 combination to the top left at her earliest opportunity, tying the series at 1 to set up a fun finish for the fans. Gradley had a six-ball run and could have had another similar play, but he wasted his shot on the 12. Ice Cream made the last four balls over two turns for the win, taking the series 2-1. Ice Cream will advance to the second round.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Twilight. Northeastern rivals battle in 8-ball with the purple cue. Maplewood's Marissa had a solid game 1, but couldn't quite close out the effort before Central's Twilight surged to the victory. Twilight's thundering offense gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight took forever to find her offense in game 2, with a late three-ball run coming up short. The Lumberjacks' Marissa had done enough early on to allow for a slow finish in her win that tied the series at 1. Marissa had her moments on offense, but she didn't push to the finish like Twilight did on a four-ball run-out. Twilight won the game and the 2-1 series, earning her ticket to the second round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Snowball. The red cue's last series today is in a Southwest Derby in 9-ball. Tysini's Charli had a lot of the offense in game 1, but a late error allowed Swordpoint's Snowball to step in with a pair of shots for the win. Snowball is up 1-0 in the series. The Blades' Snowball had an up-and-down effort in game 2, the worst being her miss on the 8. This opened the door for the Hummingbirds' Charli to pot a pair of shots for the win, tying the series at 1. Charli unleashed a massive seven-ball run to start game 3, then cleaned up the final pair to beat Snowball 2-1 in the series. Charli will host Southridge Defenders captain Stephanie in the second round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Bandit. The green cue is back for 10-ball. Westside's Slinks kicked off game 1 with a four-ball run, but laid low after that while Swordpoint's Bandit carved out offense. Bandit couldn't corral the 10, and Slinks buried it for the win and 1-0 lead in the series. The Rockers' Slinks had some offense early in game 2 again, but she wasn't let off the hook for fading toward the end. The Blades' Bandit closed out this one on a three-ball run-out, tying the series at 1 with his win. Bandit put himself in trouble when he illegally potted the 10 late in a close game 3. Slinks let him try again and he missed before Slinks buried it herself for the win and 2-1 series win. Slinks advances to round two.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Oreo. One-time teammates meet in 12-ball with the blue cue. Terrace City's Oreo got the offense started in game 1, but she was just short on her last ball, and Royal's Jake walked away with the win and 1-0 series lead instead. The Crowns' Jake gave away a wild-card ball in game 2, and it came back to hurt him after an error. The Knights' Oreo struck a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, with plenty of help from the extra flexibility. Oreo's win tied the series at 1. Oreo gave away a wild-card ball on the game 3 break, but she was able to weather a late three-ball run from Jake. Oreo then made her last pair of shots for the win, advancing to the second round with a 2-1 series win.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Cubby. Northeastern rivals in the Halloween Derby square off in 9-ball with the green cue. Harrison's Sydney S. almost made a 2-9 combination to the top left early in game 1, but her miss turned things into a back-and-forth battle. Web City's Cubby then prevailed with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Cubby had a lot of offense in game 2, but it didn't make a difference at the end. The Specters' Sydney S. had a clinical pair of shots for the win, tying the series at 1. Sydney S. had some offense early in game 3, but a four-ball run-out by Cubby gave him the win, the 2-1 series win, and the right to host Westside Rockers veteran Goatee in the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Celestia. Ending the day, the purple cue is on for 10-ball. Terrace City's Melissa looked dangerous with a pair of balls on the break in game 1, but she faded quickly. Oceanside's Celestia would eventually win with an 8-10 combination to the top left from ball-in-hand for the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia had a five-ball run in the middle of game 2, but she missed on the 9. The Knights' Melissa then picked up the final pair of shots to get the win, which tied the series at 1. Melissa's game 3 break left the 10 a little too close to the top left, and Celestia wasted no time in smashing a 1-10 combination there for the win. Celestia won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.

That's 25 days down in Tournament play. We'll continue tomorrow.

Tournament X - First Round Day 13

We're continuing along with a somewhat hard road today, beginning with...

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Max v. Starlight. The green cue goes first today in 13-ball. Pacific's Starlight had the first glimpse of offense in game 1, but her bad positioning allowed Golden's Max to slowly catch up and earn the win. Max leads the series 1-0. Game 2 was a little more competitive, with the Pilots' Max getting onto the 8 first. The Volcanoes' Starlight made a pair but miscued her shot at the 8, and Max took the win from ball-in-hand to clinch the series at 2-0. Starlight again had a chance to make a flurry of offense, but her miss on the 11 at the bottom left gave Max an easy shot on the 8 for the win. Max swept the series 3-0 and will play in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Megan. The purple cue is next up for a 12-ball series. Oceanside's Megan delivered a lot of offense early in game 1, but a scratch on her double-pot play set her far back. Everton's Cleo then unleashed a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Cleo had a scratch on the break, but she was able to claim a favorably-lying solids. The Waves' Megan was caught out of position even with a wild-card ball, and Cleo picked up another confident win to seal the series at 2-0. Cleo again gave away a wild-card ball in game 3, but her positioning and a well-touched kick to the bottom side for her last shot helped her sweep Megan 3-0 in the series. Cleo moves on to round two.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Potter. The green cue returns in this Accuracy series. Pronger's Potter had the lead for part of game 1, but a late collapse allowed Royal's Brownie to set the tone in her 1-3 win. Brownie pulled ahead 1-0 in the series. Both players were excellent throughout game 2, but it was the Crowns' Brownie who missed on the last ball to break the deadlock. The Tridents' Potter converted for a 0-1 win, tying the series at 1 in the process. Game 3 also came down to the wire, with Potter suffering the miss on the last ball this time after an earlier double-pot from Brownie put him in that position. Brownie won 1-2 and took the series 2-1 to earn a trip to the second round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Maison. The red cue's lone series of the day is in 10-ball. Eastside's Maison took his time before unleashing a six-ball run in game 1. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot missed his chance at the 10, and Maison made it on his second try for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Maison had most of the offense again in game 2. The Meteors' Hoot had an attempt on the 8 that missed by a wide margin, and Maison pushed a three-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Maison still had good offense in game 3, but he got a little too casual near the end. Hoot was able to snag a win, while Maison moves on to host the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Marissa on his 2-1 series win.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Maison v. Kiwi. The host completes his doubleheader in Rotation with the blue cue. Eastside's Maison was unable to find enough offense in game 1 to make a difference, as Terrace City's Kiwi applied steady pressure in her 8-4 win. Kiwi leads the series 1-0. The Sharks' Maison committed a foul with an illegal use of the stick in game 2. The Knights' Kiwi took the lead off of that, but Maison rallied on a surprisingly six-ball run-out to take the 8-3 win. This tied the series at 1. Fatigue played no role in Maison's game 3, as he provided little bursts of offense and played strong defense to keep Kiwi off the board in an 8-0 shutout. Maison won the series 2-1 and will host Boston Swifts star Gradley in the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Avril v. Strut. Up north, the silver cue is on hand for 10-ball. Pronger's Avril had a good break that put the 10 near the top left. Golden's Strut was unable to do anything on what would be his lone turn in game 1, as Avril's three-ball run-out ended on a 3-10 combination to the top left for the win. Avril is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Tridents' Avril faded a bit in game 2, while the Pilots' Strut worked a four-ball run early on and made the last pair for the win to tie the series at 1. A close battle in game 3 ultimately favored Avril in the end, as she had the late offense to beat Strut. Avril won the series 2-1 to get into the second round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Waluigi. The purple cue draws in for 15-ball. A slow start to game 1 quickly turned into a big eight-ball run-out for Pacific's Ms. Kitty. The sudden change of pace put Ms. Kitty ahead 1-0 in the series over Web City's Waluigi. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty didn't have a defining run in game 2, instead opting for choppy bursts of offense. The Spiders' Waluigi played a similar style to less success. Ms. Kitty then kicked the 12-15 combination to the bottom side, a bit of fortune helping her to secure the series at 2-0. Ms. Kitty wasn't able to finish the sweep, as Waluigi made a four-ball run-out to end game 3 victorious. Ms. Kitty's 2-1 series win sets her up to visit Waluigi's Web City Spiders teammate Nibbles in the second round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Kodiak. The 200th series of the round is in 13-ball with the purple cue. Atlantic's Buddy had a good start from the break, and a late double-pot at the right corners, but he missed his chance on the 8. Modernistic's Kodiak put the winning shot in the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Union's Kodiak made a pair of stripes on the break, but a later scratch slowed him down. The Pirates' Buddy kept pace and took a late lead, ending with the 8 at the bottom left for the win to tie the series at 1. Buddy and Kodiak put on a good battle in game 3, with Kodiak's positioning slipping away late to ruin his chances for a win. Buddy then made the final pair, taking a 2-1 series win with him to the second round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Mr. Snowman. Continuing along, the silver cue plays 12-ball. Modernistic's Daisy was a little more effective with her shots in game 1, while Central's Mr. Snowman couldn't make contact on his last chance at a run. Daisy went on to win the game and earn a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Mr. Snowman got down to the last ball in game 2, needing just the top right to win. He surrendered a wild-card ball to the Union's Daisy, and she did the rest, slowly pushing him out of position while setting herself up for a miraculous victory to seal the series at 2-0. Daisy surrendered a wild-card ball on the game 3 break, and she didn't have time to recover from it. A clean effort from Mr. Snowman gave him a win, but Daisy is through to the second round on a 2-1 series win.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Greg. A star hosts a rookie in Accuracy with the green cue. Lighton's Spirit maintained perfection in game 1, while a miss early and another late doomed Archtown's Greg. Spirit won 0-2 and owns a 1-0 series lead early on. Game 2 looked pretty similar, as the Arrows' Greg fell behind with a scratch and lost his chance to keep it close with a late miss. The Prestige's Spirit didn't give any mercy, winning 0-2 again to clinch the series at 2-0. Greg had multiple chances to establish a lead in game 3, but he wasted them all and fell apart late. Spirit was there to win 5-6 for the 3-0 series sweep that puts her in the second round as she played her 100th unique opponent.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Bear v. Sydney S. Northeastern rivals collide in Accuracy with the blue cue. Everton's Bear couldn't quite take care of business in game 1, but he would get the 2-3 win three turns into overtime, when Harrison's Sydney S. left a shot short of the top left. Bear leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Bear made a ball on the game 2 break this time, so his late failure to secure a win saw the Specters' Sydney S. take the overtime break. She went empty on the extra rack, and Bear made his shot to win 2-3 and seal the series at 2-0. Bear wasn't quite as sharp in game 3, allowing Sydney S. to gain a late lead that she held onto for her own 2-3 win in regulation. Bear took the series 2-1 to move into the second round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M. v. Andrew. Sophomores meet in 13-ball with the purple cue in this Eastern Hills Derby. Eastside's Taylor M. took solids off the break in game 1, but the race to the right corners went to Freedom's Andrew. He had a good kick on his last ball and then made a pair on his next turn, putting Andrew up 1-0 in the series. The Cascades' Andrew got stripes off the break and played patiently in game 2. The Sharks' Taylor M. was a little more energetic, but a tough situation at the bottom right saw her sink the 8 illegally to gift the win and the 2-0 series lead to Andrew. Taylor M. refused to succumb to the sweep, ripping a crafty five-ball run-out for the game 3 win after Andrew took too long for positioning. Andrew still won the series 2-1 to make the second round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Brownie. In 9-ball, the silver cue is used. Pearl's Neopolitan had two scratches and shaky offense in game 1, opening up plenty of room for Royal's Brownie, who got the win with a three-ball run-out. Brownie leads the series 1-0. The Crowns' Brownie had another rough start in game 2, but she unleashed a seven-ball run-out after forcing the Surfers' Neopolitan into an impossible position. Brownie's good strategy sealed the series in her favor at 2-0. Brownie continued with a surprising five-ball run early in game 3, and she deflected a shot off the 8 to take the 9 at the bottom right. Brownie swept Neopolitan 3-0 in the series to advance to the second round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Missy. Another 9-ball series features the purple cue. Boston's Ice Cream tallied a three-ball run from the break and added another after Capital City's Missy missed contact on the 7. Ice Cream looks confident with her 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Swifts' Ice Cream scratched on the game 2 break and didn't feature much after that. The Sharpshooters' Missy picked up the slack, most notably on a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a mix of the two games, but Ice Cream was unlucky to see Missy repeat the previous finish with a four-ball run-out at the end. Missy's game-ending surge gave her a 2-1 series win and a ticket to the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Twinkie II. Veterans of their teams meet in Accuracy with the silver cue. Harrison's Twinkie II had a lead for parts of game 1, but Capital City's Lorde bossed the possession late to get a 2-3 win for herself. Lorde has a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Sharpshooters' Lorde couldn't hang onto a late lead, dropping into a tie to force overtime. Lorde missed on the overtime break, and the Specters' Twinkie II converted to win 2-3, tying the series at 1. There were a few more mistakes in game 3, mostly as Lorde skidded through the middle. Twinkie II held on for a 4-5 win, which gave her a 2-1 series win as well. Twinkie II will play in the second round.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Puff I. The day ends with 7-ball and the silver cue. Maplewood's Marissa didn't dominate in game 1, but a three-ball run-out was enough for her to take the win and 1-0 series lead over Modernistic's Puff I. The Union's Puff I found a three-ball run in game 2, but she was unable to add another later on. The Lumberjacks' Marissa did that instead, her three-ball run-out clinching the series in her favor at 2-0. Game 3 followed the same basic pattern, again with Marissa capping the effort with a three-ball run-out. Marissa swept Puff I 3-0 in the series, and will take on another Reality player in the Tysini Hummingbirds newcomer Sugar in round two.

We'll be back tomorrow in what's shaping up to be a high-skill-oriented set of series.

Tournament X - First Round Day 12

We're back for another day of action. Leading off...

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Lily v. Leandra. The silver cue gets the start today in Rotation. Tysini's Leandra had an acceptable start in game 1, but she soon fell behind Eastside's Lily. A scratch from Leandra fueled a five-ball run-out that gave Lily the 8-2 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Lily didn't even register on the scoreboard in game 2, unable to keep pace with a furious 8-0 shutout win from the Hummingbirds' Leandra. This tied the series at 1. Leandra completed the upset comeback with a thorough start in game 3. Lily made a three-ball run but missed on the 11, and Leandra won 8-3 for the 2-1 series win. Leandra is through to the second round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Jake. Next up, the blue cue is on for 9-ball. Royal's Jake struck early in game 1 with a 4-9 combination to the bottom left that kicked the 7 out to the bottom side for a double-pot. Jake leads Todavía's Pedey 1-0 in the series. The Crowns' Jake was even faster in game 2, his break leaving the 9 near the top left. The Stills' Pedey missed his shot on the 1, while Jake's attempt sent the cue ball caroming into the 9 for the win. Jake sealed the series 2-0 with this burst of good fortune. Pedey salvaged a result in game 3 with a four-ball run-out for the win, but Jake still advanced to round two with a 2-1 series win.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Luigi v. Spirit. The blue cue stays in action for 8-ball. Southridge's Luigi found a little daylight with a four-ball run in game 1, and Lighton's Spirit didn't have an answer for that. Luigi then made a pair on his next turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Luigi had a good portion of his game 2 offense early on, but he couldn't support it later. The Prestige's Spirit steadily rallied and won on a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Spirit scratched on the game 3 break, leading to a five-ball run for Luigi. Spirit tried to cover it later in the game, but Luigi took the win and a 2-1 series win to get into the second round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Midnight. The First Round hits the quarter mark in 10-ball with the green cue. Westside's Midnight struck first in game 1, a scratch-filled battle that didn't suit Infinity's Fuchsia all that well. Midnight won with a three-ball run-out to go up 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Midnight had a hideous break to start game 2, but it prevented the Torpedoes' Fuchsia from making much of an impact. Midnight still picked up the win at the end, clinching the series at 2-0. Midnight couldn't get anything going in game 3, but Fuchsia was able to deflect a shot off the 3 to play the 10 down at the top left. Midnight settled for a 2-1 series win to move into the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Kirstin v. Bianca. Another green cue series drops in 9-ball. Stonebridge's Kirstin had a powerful attack to finish game 1, her five-ball run-out asserting dominance over Southridge's Bianca. Kirstin leads the series 1-0. The Defenders' Bianca left the 7 short at the top left in game 2, a critical mistake that fueled a three-ball run-out for the Wolves' Kirstin. With the win, Kirstin secured the series at 2-0. Bianca had a little more offense in the middle of game 3, but it didn't matter as Kirstin mopped up at the end. Kirstin swept the series 3-0 to get into the second round.

Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Smokey. The former captain visits his old home for Accuracy with the green cue. Game 1 saw both players maintain a high standard of play, with Diamond's Leonardo just a touch better than Whitewater's Smokey this time. Leonardo won 1-2 and took a 1-0 series lead. Luck went the other way in game 2, a close battle right to the end, where the Gems' Leonardo had his first true trouble. The Shores' Smokey stepped up and held on for the 1-3 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a little tougher at the start, and then Smokey fell off the pace at the end. Leonardo stayed strong for a 1-3 win to take the series 2-1 and move into position to host Viewpoint Sound Meteors newcomer Cobalt in the second round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Nightfur v. Delila. Moving along, the blue cue is up in 12-ball for an Eastern Hills Derby. Eastside's Nightfur made a pair on the game 1 break but couldn't do anything with her positioning after that. Atlantic's Delila capitalized with good shooting to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila had a good start to game 2, and her race for positioning was also successful. The Sharks' Nightfur just missed her last ball, and Delila converted at the bottom right for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Delila had another good start in game 3, but she failed to bring this one home, as Nightfur pushed a three-ball run-out for the win. Delila still took the series 2-1 to get into the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sleepy B. v. Jack. Northeastern rivals clash in Rotation with the blue cue. Game 1 started off very choppy, with Web City's Jack holding a slight edge. Archtown's Sleepy B. turned it around with a four-ball run-out to win 8-5, giving her the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Jack again grabbed the early lead and kept it close in the middle, but the Arrows' Sleepy B. was a little better at the end. Sleepy B.'s last pair of shots gave her an 8-6 win to seal the series at 2-0. Jack again put up a good start in game 3, only to fade under a three-ball run-out by Sleepy B. for her 8-6 win this time. Sleepy B. swept the series 3-0 to get into round two.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Bells. The purple cue returns to action in 13-ball. Central's Twilight was reckless from the break onward in game 1, gifting a few freebies to Todavía's Bells. Twilight still recovered with a three-ball run-out for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight had an early scratch in game 2, which made things look a little grim. The Stills' Bells didn't capitalize on it, and Twilight then had a five-ball run, pacing her en route to another victory and 2-0 series lead. Twilight couldn't finish off the sweep in game 3, playing too loose as Bells worked a four-ball run-out for the win. Twilight took the series 2-1 and will be in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Misty. Solid Core club-mates battle in 9-ball with the silver cue. Freedom's Stripes left a lot of opportunities on the board in game 1, and Westside's Misty eventually cashed in with a 6-9 combination to the bottom left to go ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 went the other way, as the Rockers' Misty struggled to establish herself on offense. The Cascades' Stripes made sure that stuck with a four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Stripes unleashed a flood of offense with a pair of four-ball runs in game 3, only missing one combination attempt. Stripes took the series 2-1 over Misty to get into the second round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Juno. Captains battle in the silver cue's last series of the day in 12-ball. Harrison's Twinkie II gave away a wild-card ball in game 1 on the break, but nearly stormed her way to the win anyway. It took Stonebridge's Juno banking the 4 to the bottom right for the visitor to win for a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Juno gambled late in game 2 that she could give the Specters' Twinkie II a wild-card ball and still finish first. Juno came through with the win when Twinkie II couldn't make her last shot, which clinched the series for Juno at 2-0. Twinkie II finally got on the board in game 3 after Juno scratched to lose her wild-card ball. Juno still won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Katelynn v. Greg. In 8-ball, the blue cue is used. Archtown's Greg steamrolled in game 1, a four-ball run and a three-ball run pacing his attack while Royal's Katelynn didn't make a shot for herself. Greg's dominant showing put him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Arrows' Greg continued to be generous in game 2, but it was a problem as he failed to make much offense of his own. The Crowns' Katelynn, aided by the extra help, easily took the win to tie the series at 1. Katelynn had a good performance in game 3, but Greg kept things competitive and struck for a three-ball run-out at the end after Katelynn missed on the 8. Greg got the win for a 2-1 series win, pulling off the upset to get into the second round.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Blizzard. Another 8-ball series features the green cue. Commerce's Niki was too shaky on offense in game 1, unable to catch up to a slightly more stable attack from Harrison's Blizzard. This gave Blizzard a 1-0 series lead. Roles reversed a bit in game 2, with the Specters' Blizzard falling apart late to allow a three-ball run-out from the Tradewinds' Niki. This surge helped Niki tie the series at 1 to set up a decisive finale. Niki stormed ahead late in game 3 on a five-ball run, an attack so quick that Blizzard didn't reach to it. Niki then potted the 8 to the top side for the win and 2-1 series win that will see her face Todavía Stills newcomer Pedey in the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Rosalina. The red cue's only series today is in 7-ball. Stonebridge's Wild Thing found a four-ball run in game 1, but his miss on the 7 allowed Victoria's Rosalina to pot it at the top left for the win. Rosalina leads the series 1-0. The Spurs' Rosalina didn't dominate in game 2, but a 6-7 combination to the top side was enough for her to beat the Wolves' Wild Thing. Rosalina secured the series at 2-0 with this win. Rosalina didn't have a finisher after her four-ball run came to an end with a miss on the 5-7 combination. That was the sequence Wild Thing potted for his lone win in the series. Rosalina took the series 2-1 and has a spot in the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Buddy. The blue cue gets one more spin today, playing 15-ball. Southern's Mams couldn't convert from ball-in-hand after Atlantic's Buddy had a late scratch. Buddy then made the final pair of shots, the unassuming win good enough for him to take a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Buddy put a little more flow into game 2, including a late four-ball run that went unrewarded with a late miss. The Monarchs' Mams then knocked in a pair of shots for the win, tying the series at 1. Buddy ripped a six-ball run over the middle of game 3, but it didn't work out long-term. Mams replied late and won on a three-ball run-out for the 2-1 series win. Mams will move on to the second round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Sydney S. Today's finale is a Halloween Derby in 15-ball with the purple cue. Web City's Jack didn't get much of a finish in game 1, faltering in the face of Harrison's Sydney S., who came in hot and picked up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Sydney S. had a little momentum carry over into game 2, but by the end it was all in favor of the Spiders' Jack. This hot finish for Jack resulted in a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Sydney S. didn't quite have the right angle for the 15 at the end of game 3, and she left it too close to the bottom right. Jack's tap-in gave him the win, the 2-1 series win, and the trip to Everton for another Northeastern Derby against the Eagles' Bear in the second round.

That's all for today. Tomorrow will follow the usual schedule and timing as opposed to today's delayed pattern.

Tournament X - First Round Day 11

We're back for another day that brings us to nearly a quarter completion of the First Round. The purple cue is getting another day off. We begin with...

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Isabella. The red cue opens the day in Accuracy. Lighton's Acorn fell behind early in game 1, but he kept it close. Atlantic's Isabella then dropped into a tie on the last ball and missed her overtime break, allowing Acorn to win 2-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn had a solid performance until late in game 2, when a miss put him behind. The Pirates' Isabella clamped down for the 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Isabella saw her luck run out in the middle of game 3, and Acorn made sure it would stay that way with his own solid shooting. Acorn won 2-4 and took the series 2-1, which allows him to host Swordpoint Blades veteran Dreamy in the second round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Starlight. More Accuracy follows with the blue cue on hand. Both players were perfect down to the last ball, where Pacific's Starlight missed and Royal's Sunshine converted for the 0-1 win. Sunshine is ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 was similar but opposite, with the Crowns' Sunshine taking a scratch on the break as the only flaw on either side. The Volcanoes' Starlight took her 0-1 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was unlike the others, with a spate of early misses on both sides. At the end, Sunshine scratched to fall behind, and Starlight's ball-in-hand play earned her a 3-4 win to take the series 2-1. Starlight will play in the second round.

Intel Center, Diamond: Debby v. Midnight. Determined players meet in 9-ball with the silver cue. Diamond's Debby had a good stretch of offense in game 1, but it took Westside's Midnight misplaying the 9 for Debby to get the win. Debby leads the series 1-0. The Gems' Debby had another good game 2 effort, but it wasn't enough. Debby made illegal contact on the 9, setting up the Rockers' Midnight for a pair of shots from ball-in-hand to win the game and tie the series at 1. Midnight took over the offense in game 3 with a four-ball run initially and a five-ball run-out on her second turn to stun Debby. Midnight won the series 2-1 with the dominant effort, and she'll visit an Urban rival in the Modernistic Union's Puff I in the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Mr. Snowman v. Jane. The silver cue stays on for 8-ball. Stonebridge's Jane squandered far too many attempts at the 8 in game 1, allowing Central's Mr. Snowman to pick up a lucky win for the 1-0 series lead. Another close battle in game 2 surfaced, with the Warriors' Mr. Snowman just missing a late bank attempt on his last stripe. The Wolves' Jane attacked with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1 with her win. Mr. Snowman slowly chipped in offense in game 3, leaving him totally unprepared for a six-ball run-out from Jane. This huge burst gave Jane the win and 2-1 series win to move her into the second round.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Pauline. Younger players clash in 13-ball with the green cue. Commerce's Rosemary went to great lengths to set up at the top side, but Queens' Pauline protected that pocket quite well. Rosemary finally struck there but missed on the 8, and Pauline made a pair at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Pauline made one of each and scratched on the game 2 break. She elected to take solids, and that proved to be the correct move, as the Tradewinds' Rosemary struggled on stripes. Pauline would get a late pair for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Pauline again made one of each on the break in game 3, and once again she had the better positioning compared to Rosemary. Pauline's finish was still pretty close, but she got the win and a 3-0 series sweep to vault her into the second round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Maison. The green cue goes again in 9-ball. An unimpressive game 1 on both sides ended with Boston's Gradley making a pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead over Eastside's Maison. The Sharks' Maison benefited from the Swifts' Gradley suffering a miscue in game 2, which resulted in a scratch. Maison then rallied with a four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Game 3 had a stunning finish, with Gradley's miss on the 1 leading to Maison throwing the 1 at the 9 and getting rewarded when the latter fell in the bottom side for the win. Maison took the series in a 2-1 upset and will visit Tysini Hummingbirds sophomore Sarah in the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Melissa v. Sparkles. The silver cue is set to play in Rotation. Terrace City's Melissa had a pair of four-ball runs in game 1, more than enough to top a three-ball run from Golden's Sparkles. Melissa's 8-3 win gave her the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Sparkles made more of an effort in game 2, one that the Knights' Melissa couldn't keep pace with. Sparkles won with a double-pot of the 11 and 12 to the right corners on a perfect deflection for the 8-5 win that tied the series at 1. Sparkles had the lead and a clear shot to get the win, but a miscue resulted in a scratch. Melissa then tied the game and banked the 14 to the top right for the 8-7 win to take the series at 2-1. Melissa's lucky escape has her in the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Ruby. Bringing us to halfway complete today, the blue cue plays 12-ball. Queens' Briana had a positive attack in game 1, and her defensive positioning prevented Todavía's Ruby from making a comeback. Briana made three balls over the last two turns for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Ruby had a tough stretch at the start of game 2, but the Flames' Briana failed to capitalize on it. After some positional play, Ruby worked a four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Ruby surrendered a wild-card ball on the break in game 3 but still took it down to the wire. Ruby was a shot away from winning when Briana struck her last ball to the top side for a 2-1 series win. Briana moves on to round two.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Summer v. Angelica. Another 12-ball series with the blue cue is here. Positioning was good for both players in game 1, but Lighton's Angelica had a little more luck maintaining it. She did give away a wild-card ball on the winning shot, allowing Maplewood's Summer a counterattack chance that fell a shot short. Angelica leads the series 1-0. The Prestige's Angelica worked a three-ball run from the break and kept the Lumberjacks' Summer out of good positions in game 2. A couple turns later, Angelica had a quick win to secure the series at 2-0. Summer avoided the sweep with a solid game 3, aided by Angelica's scratch as she made her last ball. Angelica still won the series 2-1 to get a trip to the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Solaris. The silver cue also gets a look in 12-ball. Pronger's Spot surrendered a wild-card ball in game 1, and Commerce's Solaris used the flexibility well at the end to get the win. Solaris holds a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Solaris started game with a three-ball run, but a pair of scratches slowed him down. The Tridents' Spot wasn't able to capitalize on good positioning, and his missed contact allowed Solaris to end the game victorious. Solaris sealed the series at 2-0. Spot put up quite a fight in game 3, but it still wasn't enough to dethrone Solaris. The visitor Solaris finished off a 3-0 series sweep at the bottom right to punch his ticket to the second round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Americus. A daughter hosts her mother in 8-ball with the red cue. Midland's Americus had a five-ball run to get herself back in game 1, but she illegally potted the 8 to gift a still well-earned win to Tysini's Leandra, who will own a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra continued to have a consistent offense in game 2, and it was stronger than what the Predators' Americus brought. Leandra finished this win with a nice cut on the 8 to the bottom side to clinch the series at 2-0. Leandra continued her heavy attack in game 3, pushing the 8 right through Americus' defense at the end. Leandra swept the series 3-0 and will host Lighton Prestige rookie Angelica in the second round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Josie v. Kodiak. Outcast club-mates battle in 9-ball with the red cue. Oceanside's Josie put down a three-ball run in game 1, but choppy offense after that led to Modernistic's Kodiak picking up the win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Union's Kodiak had a majority of the possession in game 2, but his miss on the 9 would cost him the result. The Waves' Josie made no mistake on the winning shot to tie the series at 1. Josie made a ball on the break and missed her next shot in game 3. Kodiak ripped a seven-ball run-out from there, finishing with an 8-9 combination to the top left to win the series 2-1. Kodiak heads into round two.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Watermelon. Stars of different league eras square off with the blue cue in 10-ball. Pearl's Watermelon had a four-ball run early in game 1, but her finishing was a touch off. Lighton's Spirit struck back with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 lead in the series. The Prestige's Spirit was a little more involved throughout game 2, while the Surfers' Watermelon had a few too many misses on easy shots. Spirit's pair of shots at the finish sealed the series at 2-0. Spirit came very close to picking up a sweep, but her shot on the 10 in game 3 left it on the edge of the top left. Watermelon tapped it in for the win, leaving Spirit to take a 2-1 series win as she sets up to host the Royal Crowns' Jake in the second round.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Chicky Phil v. Oreo. The day-ending stretch of Accuracy begins here with the green cue. Midland's Chicky Phil had an awful time keeping up in game 1, as Terrace City's Oreo took a convincing 2-7 win for the 1-0 series lead. An even performance through regulation left the Knights' Oreo with the overtime break, which she got very little movement on. The Predators' Chicky Phil converted a long-range shot on the 13 to take the 2-3 win, which in turn tied the series at 1. Chicky Phil held on at the very end of a back-and-forth game 3 to get a 3-4 win, as Oreo couldn't force him into a miss. Chicky Phil ended up winning the series 2-1, which puts him in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Vincent v. Citrus. Another Accuracy series features the red cue. Everton's Vincent fouled by moving a ball accidentally with his stick in game 1. That set off a massive collapse that allowed Lighton's Citrus to escape with a 1-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. While not quite as dramatic, the Eagles' Vincent still faded late in game 2. The Prestige's Citrus held steady as she did before, winning 1-4 to clinch the series at 2-0. Citrus kept the same standard in game 3, but this time it wasn't enough, as Vincent played perfectly for a 0-1 win. Citrus settled for a 2-1 series win to earn the right to host Autumn of the Diamond Gems in the second round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Celestia. Finally, the silver cue closes the day in Accuracy. Margins were thin in game 1, with Lighton's Shiny learning that the hard way. Her lone miss in the middle of the game set up Oceanside's Celestia for a 0-1 win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia appeared set for a similar result until the end of game 2, where her lead fell apart. The Prestige's Shiny did a little pushing to get the 2-3 win that tied the series at 1. Celestia pushed back in game 3, although some shaky mid-game play put her in danger. Shiny faded at the end this time, and Celestia's 3-5 win was enough to give her the series at 2-1.

We'll go again tomorrow as the First Round chugs along.

Tournament X - First Round Day 10

We'll continue along with the First Round here, beginning with...

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Peach. The blue cue opens the day in Rotation. Golden's Strut had a good start to game 1, later adding a three-ball run before closing the 8-2 win over North Modernistic's Peach. Strut leads the series 1-0. The Nighthawks' Peach fought back hard in game 2, taking the early lead. The Pilots' Strut got close, but Peach won 8-4 on a four-ball run-out that saw her double-pot a 10-13 combination to the top left with the 10 falling at the bottom left. This tied the series at 1. Peach had a rougher start to game 3, but a close middle set her up for a four-ball run-out again, sealing her win at 8-5 and her series win at 2-1. Peach is through to the second round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Hoppy. The blue cue stays in action for Accuracy. Westside's Goatee had a slight fade in game 1, but Archtown's Hoppy couldn't hold the lead late. Goatee went on to win 2-3 in the game, taking a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was close at first, but the Arrows' Hoppy fell off the pace near the end. The Rockers' Goatee only stumbled once, taking a 1-4 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 was more of the same, with Goatee holding a tight line that Hoppy couldn't stay on. Goatee won this one by a 1-3 score to sweep the series 3-0 and earn the right to host Tysini Hummingbirds star Charli in the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Shaggy v. Rosemary. Urban rivals in the Industrial Derby battle with the red cue in 8-ball. Whitewater's Shaggy made a pair of stripes on the game 1 break and didn't really slow down much after that. Commerce's Rosemary wasn't bad, but she wasn't fast enough either. Shaggy's win put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Shores' Shaggy didn't have as much early offense in game 2, but it was a scratch that doomed her. The Tradewinds' Rosemary executed a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was close throughout, with Shaggy getting the early lead but finding herself unable to finish a run. Rosemary took a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win, which will see her into the second round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Rosemary. The visitor completes her road doubleheader in 7-ball with the blue cue. Commerce's Rosemary played well in game 1, but her win came more from Boston's Gradley missing the 7 at short-range near the top left. Rosemary leads the series 1-0. A faster game 2 saw the Swifts' Gradley get left behind as he was unable to boost his offense. The Tradewinds' Rosemary won on a three-ball run-out here, clinching the series at 2-0. Rosemary eased up in game 3, especially as her offense wasn't quite connecting as well as she liked. Gradley did his part with a pair at the end for the win to leave Rosemary with her 2-1 series win to get into round two.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Max. Time for 9-ball with the silver cue. Stonebridge's Juno worked a four-ball run-out at the end of game 1 after sparring with Golden's Max for the early possession. The Wolves' Juno had a five-ball run to start game 2, but that offense went to waste in the end. The Pilots' Max turned in the final pair of shots for the win, good enough to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw inconsistency on both sides. Juno couldn't settle herself very well on offense, including a miss on the 9 that allowed Max to grab the win and 2-1 series win. Max will play in the second round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Goldy. The silver cue remains active for Rotation. Everton's Goldy had a four-ball run in game 1 and finished it off with an 8-6 win over Todavía's Sierra. Goldy holds a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra had a much better time in game 2, working an early run and chipping in more offense in the late stages. The Eagles' Goldy was too shaky to keep up as Sierra won 8-3 to tie the series at 1. Goldy had a huge lead in game 3 at one point, but she couldn't bring it home as Sierra made a late push to win the game 8-7. Sierra's 2-1 series win puts her in line to host Pearl Surfers veteran Wings in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Vincent v. Dusky. The blue cue is up for 7-ball here. Everton's Vincent needed just two shots in game 1, with the 5 going into the bottom left on the break and a 1-7 combination to the same spot giving him a 1-0 series lead over Atlantic's Dusky. The Eagles' Vincent scratched on the game 2 break, but the added opportunities for offense did little to help the Pirates' Dusky. Vincent would win with a three-ball run-out capped by a bank on the 7 to the top side to seal the series at 2-0. Vincent pulled off an impressive seven-ball run-out on his second turn of game 3, again denying Dusky a successful shot to finish a 3-0 series sweep. Vincent is set to host Commerce Tradewinds youngster Rosemary in the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Blaze. Young talents meet in Rotation with the red cue. Terrace City's Quincy greatly outpaced Infinity's Blaze in game 1. Quincy made sure to finish strong with a four-ball run-out for the 8-2 win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Blaze quickly notched a four-ball run in game 2, and that would be his margin of victory in an 8-4 win over the Knights' Quincy. The series is now tied at 1. Game 3 came down to the wire, with Quincy nearly taking the win until he scratched on the last ball. Blaze converted from ball-in-hand for an 8-7 win to take a 2-1 series win with him into the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Jennifer v. Max. The venue doubleheader concludes with the purple cue in 10-ball. Terrace City's Jennifer had a little more offense in game 1, but her late run ended with a miss on the 10. Golden's Max cleaned it up to the top left to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Knights' Jennifer picked up a 9-10 combination to the bottom left to end game 2 after the Pilots' Max was unable to complete the same shot. Jennifer's win tied the series at 1. Jennifer had an early shot go in during game 3, but she fell to Max's impressive nine-ball run-out. Max won the series 2-1 with the play, and he'll advance to the second round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Pedey v. Lionel. The purple cue stays on for Accuracy between Brute Force club-mates. North Modernistic's Lionel didn't have enough control over his shots in game 1, allowing Todavía's Pedey to get the 2-4 win with a fairly average effort. Pedey leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Pedey made a ball on the break in game 2, but his precision dropped in the mid-game. The Nighthawks' Lionel was better this time, and he would go on to win by a 2-4 score to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was much closer on both sides, with Pedey this time getting a 1-2 win as Lionel suffered a late miss that set him too far back. Pedey's 2-1 series win gets him into the second round.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Americus v. Cobalt. The green cue's lone appearance today is in Accuracy. A close finish in game 1 saw Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt falter late, allowing Midland's Americus to wrap up a 2-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Americus had a good shot, and a double-pot from the Meteors' Cobalt gave Americus the last-shot advantage. Both players missed evenly in the middle, leading to overtime, where Cobalt made two on his break and Americus couldn't pot one. Cobalt won 3-4 to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was nearly perfect until the final ball, which saw Americus squander a whopping six chances to finish off Cobalt. Ultimately, overtime was required, and Americus missed on her break, while Cobalt converted for a 7-8 win to take the series 2-1. Cobalt's comeback puts him in the second round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Megan v. Shadow. The silver cue draws in for 13-ball. Diamond's Shadow had a lot of early success in game 1, but a scratch and bad positioning slowed him. Oceanside's Megan then attack with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 followed a similar pattern, where the Gems' Shadow had a scratch and the Waves' Megan capitalized on her better positioning to get the win. Megan secured the series at 2-0 this time. Megan didn't need much time in game 3 to finish off the sweep, working her way to a five-ball run-out on her third turn to beat Shadow. Megan's 3-0 series win places her at home against the Central Warriors' Mr. Snowman in the second round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Lize v. Twilight. The blue cue is back for 7-ball. Southridge's Lize won game 1 in a simple three shots, making a ball on the break and striking the 3-7 combination to the top side for the 1-0 series lead over Central's Twilight. In game 2, the Defenders' Lize had a tougher time. The Warriors' Twilight picked up the slack with a three-ball run but rattled the 7 out of the top side, only for Lize to scratch while she potted it. Twilight took the gifted win to tie the series at 1. Twilight couldn't finish off a rally in game 3, leaving the 7 for Lize to tap into the bottom right for the win and 2-1 series win. Lize heads to the second round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Buddy v. Isabella. Atlantic Pirates teammates clash in 7-ball with the purple cue. Game 1 saw both players make three-ball runs, but Isabella left the 7 short at the bottom left. Buddy tapped it down for the win and 1-0 series lead. In game 2, Buddy was doing fine until he had a scratch. Isabella took over from there with a four-ball run-out for the win, which tied the series at 1. Isabella just came up short on the 7 at the bottom right in game 3, while Buddy knocked it in to the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series win. Buddy moves on to play in the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Stealth. The red cue's last series today comes in Rotation. Pronger's Potter trailed for most of game 1 as Swordpoint's Stealth had an edge on offense. Potter then ripped a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win to pull ahead 1-0 in the series. The Tridents' Potter seemed to have his eyes on another late comeback in game 2, but the Blades' Stealth put an end to that with a late pair of shots. Stealth won 8-3 and tied the series at 1. Game 3 tipped heavily in favor of Stealth early on, and he again took care of business as Potter struggled all-around. Stealth's 8-2 win won him the series 2-1, and he'll visit the Southridge Defenders captain Stephanie in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Cobalt. We'll end the day with the blue cue in 12-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt had a positive start in game 1 and hardly slowed down, leaving Capital City's Missy in the dust by the end. Cobalt leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Cobalt received a wild-card ball late in game 2, but he wasn't able to make contact on his last ball. The Sharpshooters' Missy finally broke through Cobalt's defense for the win to tie the series at 1. Missy fell apart with a pair of late scratches in game 3, allowing Cobalt to play patiently and cleanly before he earned his win. Cobalt took the series 2-1 and will play in round two.

There's still five full weeks of First Round action to go, which will continue tomorrow.

Tournament X - First Round Day 9

We're on the 20th day of Tournament play this year, and we'll begin with...

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Solaris v. Bear. The green cue opens the day in 13-ball. Commerce's Solaris started with a five-ball run in game 1, which Everton's Bear impressively matched. Solaris then struck to the bottom right and made the 8 on his second try for the win to go up 1-0 in the series. The Tradewinds' Solaris had good offense in game 2 as well, but he couldn't corral his last ball. The Eagles' Bear took advantage with positioning and then a three-ball run-out for the win, which tied the series at 1. Solaris and Bear both played fast in game 3, and they defended against each other at the bottom side. Solaris eventually broke through for the win and 2-1 series win to earn his spot in the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Molly v. Pedey. The green cue remains in action for 8-ball. Southern's Molly got blocked on her last ball, leaving Todavía's Pedey to push his way to a three-ball run-out with good positioning. Pedey converted and took a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Molly did a little better in game 2, working a shot on the 8 but missing wide of the top left. The Stills' Pedey again used a three-ball run-out of easy shots to win, clinching the series at 2-0. Game 3 was much the same, with Molly getting to the edge of success only to be denied by another miss on the 8. Pedey finished off the win to complete his 3-0 series sweep, sending him to the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Hoot. Established veterans battle in Accuracy with the green cue. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot didn't have much on offense in game 1, staying behind after the middle. Everton's Puff III finished off a 3-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Hoot missed out on perfection in game 2, but he still had a convincing win by a 1-4 score to defeat the Eagles' Puff III. This tied the series at 1. Hoot had no trouble taking game 3 as well, with Puff III collapsing early. Hoot's 1-5 win gave him a 2-1 series win and will allow his passage to the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Sunshine. The silver cue draws in for 15-ball. Royal's Sunshine had a bit of a scratching problem early in game 1, but Freedom's Roxy was hardly better in that regard. Sunshine unleashed a five-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Sunshine had a four-ball run from the break in game 2, but he wouldn't get back to the table. The Cascades' Roxy used a four-ball run-out that ended on a 6-15 kick combination to the bottom side for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw a return of scratching early on, before Sunshine had a four-ball run. Roxy then fired a three-ball run before her scratch allowed Sunshine to take the 15 from ball-in-hand. Sunshine won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Bear v. Lize. Another 15-ball series uses the purple cue. Southridge's Lize made a threatening seven-ball run in game 1, but it wasn't quite enough as she missed on the 15. Everton's Bear poached the victory at the top left, going ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 came to an early end, with the Defenders' Lize missing contact on the 2 giving the Eagles' Bear ball-in-hand. Bear skimmed a shot off the 2 that bumped the 15 to the edge of the top left. The play potted the 6 at the bottom right, with the vibration causing the 15 to drop for the game-winning double-pot. Bear sealed the series at 2-0. Bear couldn't quite get away with the sweep, his game 3 effort tailing off at the end. Lize was able to close down a win and make it a 2-1 series win for Bear, who will host again in the second round.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Salmo. The blue cue takes a turn in 10-ball. A cagey start to game 1 fell apart when Swordpoint's Dreamy poked a 3-10 combination to the top left to get the win and 1-0 series lead over Diamond's Salmo. The Blades' Dreamy had a solid performance in game 2 with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out, while the Gems' Salmo scuffled throughout. Dreamy clinched the series at 2-0 with her strong attack. Dreamy didn't have any big play in game 3, simply making a 9-10 combination to the top left that Salmo couldn't convert on his own. Dreamy swept the series 3-0 and will play in the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Spirit. The green cue is back for this 12-ball set. Queens' Mario had a nice start and received a wild-card ball in game 1, but his weak attempt to finish was overpowered by a three-ball run-out from Lighton's Spirit. This gave Spirit the 1-0 series lead. Once again, the Prestige's Spirit gave away a wild-card ball and then rallied with a three-ball run-out in game 2 to double down on the Flames' Mario to win the series at 2-0. Spirit and Mario got into a race in game 3, which was pretty close until Spirit blocked the bottom right to seal the 3-0 series sweep. Spirit will host Boston Swifts captain Patches in the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Sage. Onward to Accuracy, which will use the silver cue. Both players were perfect deep into game 1 before struggling. Victoria's Sage had the worst of it, and Southern's Mams scooped up a 3-5 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. A similar pattern emerged in game 2, with the Spurs' Sage again fading first. The last ball caused problems, tarnishing the Monarchs' Mams in a 2-4 win that sealed the series at 2-0. Game 3 was a little more intense, as Mams made a triple-pot on the break, which Sage answered with a pair of double-pots. Mams missed the last ball to sportingly let Sage win 1-2. Mams took the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Shawn. Captains do battle in 9-ball with the red cue. Midland's Shawn picked up his pace at the end of game 1 and snagged the win for a 1-0 series lead over Lighton's Acorn. Another close but unremarkable game in game 2 saw the Predators' Shawn pick off a pair of shots at the end to beat the Prestige's Acorn again. Shawn completed the upset as he secured the series at 2-0. Acorn worked a six-ball run in game 3, but it wasn't any good when he missed on the 8. Shawn cleaned up the last pair of shots to finish a 3-0 series sweep, which sets him up to visit the Infinity Torpedoes' Fluffina in the second round.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Blizzard. Another 9-ball series is on with the silver cue. Midland's Rainmane made four of the last five balls in game 1, but it was the 9 that escaped her grasp. Harrison's Blizzard tapped it in the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Blizzard kept the Predators' Rainmane from the table in game 2. Blizzard made a ball on the break and finished with a 2-9 combination to the bottom left to seal the series at 2-0. Blizzard popped off early in game 3, but it was Rainmane who shut it down for her lone win in Blizzard's 2-1 series win. Blizzard will visit Web City Spiders veteran Waluigi in the second round for a Northeastern Derby series. This was Rainmane's 100th unique opponent.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Yekaterina. In 15-ball, the purple cue is on hand. Boston's Puff II had a big break in game 1, netting a pair of balls. The rest of the game was quick, with Victoria's Yekaterina picking up the win and 1-0 series lead with a three-ball run-out. The Swifts' Puff II had a three-ball run that got sandwiched by a three-ball run and an 11-14-15 combination from the Spurs' Yekaterina. The latter play gave Yekaterina a win and clinched the series at 2-0 in her favor. Yekaterina brought the series to a quick finish in game 3, turning a foul from Puff II into a 2-15 combination at the bottom right. Yekaterina's 3-0 series sweep puts her in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Gradley. A pair of veterans battle it out in Accuracy with the blue cue. Boston's Gradley and Capital City's Missy had a fantastic start to game 1, but both faltered a bit late. Gradley just held on for a 2-3 win after the last ball proved troublesome for Missy. Gradley owns a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley had a relatively easy time in game 2, as the Sharpshooters' Missy fell apart mid-game. Gradley won 1-5 and secured the series at 2-0. Gradley had only one mistake in game 3, while Missy stayed perfect for a 0-1 win to avoid the sweep. Gradley won the series 2-1 to get into the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Sage v. Bear. Multiple series for both players today, this one in Rotation with the purple cue. A very tight game 1 was not an easy win for Victoria's Sage, who escaped by an 8-7 margin after Everton's Bear had just a three-ball run near the end. Sage is up 1-0 in the series. Game 2 was a little more convincing for the Spurs' Sage, although it took her much longer to activate her offense. The Eagles' Bear presented a threat at the end, but Sage held on for the 8-5 win to seal the series at 2-0. Sage again came away with a narrow win in game 3, this time by an 8-6 score after a fast start turned into a tough battle against Bear. Sage swept the series to move into the second round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Hoppy. The blue cue's last series today is in 10-ball. A slow start turned into a quick finish, as Archtown's Hoppy saw her three-ball run matched by Royal's Jake to end the game. Jake's win gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake couldn't replicate that in game 2, his offense fading at the end. The Arrows' Hoppy was not smooth but still picked up the win, which tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw Hoppy slip up late with an error. Jake worked a three-ball run-out off of that to get the win, which also gave him the 2-1 series win. Jake is through to the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Blaze. The host's second series of the day is in 10-ball with the red cue. Infinity's Blaze did alright in game 1, but he rattled the 10 out of the bottom side. Victoria's Yekaterina was there to mop it up for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Blaze found a five-ball run over the middle of game 2, but his miss on the 7 sparked a four-ball run-out on the counterattack for the Spurs' Yekaterina, who sealed the series at 2-0. Yekaterina absolutely shook the bottom right with her miss on the 3 after sinking the 10 illegally on the game 3 break. Blaze avoided the sweep with a heroic eight-ball run-out. Yekaterina's 2-1 series win has her on the road against the Southern Monarchs' Mams in the second round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Cheddar. The day ends in 8-ball with the purple cue. A scratch on the break didn't hold Pacific's Twinkie I back, as she would ignite for a seven-ball run-out to get the 1-0 series over North Modernistic's Cheddar. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I didn't have one big attack in game 2, but she still needed just three turns to beat the Nighthawks' Cheddar this time. Twinkie I clinched the series at 2-0. Twinkie I had a challenge on her hands in game 3, but she was strong enough to win with a three-ball run-out to beat Cheddar once more. Twinkie I's 3-0 series sweep sets her up for a second round appearance.

We'll go again tomorrow despite some lingering feelings of fatigue. A break day is not currently scheduled but may be taken in the near future.

Tournament X - First Round Day 8

We're ready to go with another day of games. First up...

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sleepy B. v. Autumn. The green cue plays in 12-ball to lead off. Diamond's Autumn had a strong start to game 1, but a scratch and an overfill at the top side ruined her performance. Archtown's Sleepy B. recovered in time for the win at the top right to take a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Autumn received a wild-card ball on the game 2 break, but gave it away with a late scratch. The Arrows' Sleepy B. pulled off another comeback with a kick on the 7 to the bottom right for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Sleepy B. had an easier distribution in game 3, easily pacing the attack for the win and 3-0 series sweep. Sleepy B. will host the Commerce Tradewinds' Taylor S. in the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sleepy B. v. Sparkles. The host's home doubleheader ends with the blue cue in 10-ball. Archtown's Sleepy B. cleaned up the last pair of shots in game 1 after Golden's Sparkles had an ill-timed scratch while shooting the 9. Sleepy B. leads the series 1-0. The Pilots' Sparkles gained an edge on offense in game 2 with a three-ball run, and then cleaned up the 10 to the top right after the Arrows' Sleepy B. missed her cut attempt. Sparkles' win tied the series at 1. Game 3 came down to the wire, with Sleepy B. initially potting the 10 illegally. Sparkles then deferred possession, allowing Sleepy B. to miss a cut before Sparkles took the win for a 2-1 series win. Sparkles will visit Central Warriors newcomer Graham in the second round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Panda. Coastal rivals battle in 9-ball with the purple cue. Scratches held back Viewpoint Sound's Dani at first, but when Southern's Panda scratched on the 7, Dani converted a 7-9 combination to the bottom right for the win. Dani leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Dani posted a six-ball run in game 2, but her miss on the 8 proved pivotal. The Monarchs' Panda struck for the final pair of shots to get the win, tying the series at 1. Dani had a chance to take a back-and-forth game 3 at the very end, but she under-hit her attempt at the 9, and Panda tapped it in to win the series 2-1. Panda is set to visit Tysini Hummingbirds newcomer Sugar in the second round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Kiwi. Two veterans tangle in 10-ball with the red cue. Terrace City's Kiwi picked up the offense with a four-ball run in game 1, and added a pair at the end after Pacific's Leonette came up short on a counterattack. Kiwi holds a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Kiwi slipped up in game on the 4. The Volcanoes' Leonette took over a bit, capping a three-ball run-out with her 7-10 combination to the bottom side for the win to tie the series at 1. Kiwi worked a five-ball run in game 3, but again came up short. Leonette made the last pair for the win and a 2-1 series win, which sends the host to the second round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Sunshine. The purple cue is back for Rotation between these young opponents. Atlantic's Isabella had a strong start from the break and Royal's Sunshine failed to keep up. Isabella won game 1 by an 8-2 margin for the 1-0 lead in the series. The Pirates' Isabella looked threatening in the middle of game 2, but the Crowns' Sunshine potted four balls over his last two turns to get the win by an 8-6 score. This tied the series at 1. Isabella hardly got a chance in game 3, her lone shot being a missed contact. Sunshine had a seven-ball run from the break and a tap-in on the 8 at the top right for the 8-0 shutout win to take the series 2-1. Sunshine will play in the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Kayla. The green cue takes a twirl in Accuracy. Victoria's Spice failed to live up to the name of the game, falling apart quite early. Royal's Kayla wasn't great, but she'll take a 3-7 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Spice did a much better job in game 2, forcing overtime, but she faltered there with a scratch and a miss in three turns. The Crowns' Kayla just held on to get the 3-4 win, clinching the series at 2-0. Game 3 was the closest of the bunch, but Spice sportingly let it go as Kayla was able to take the 1-2 win. Kayla swept the series 3-0 and will play in the second round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Delila. Longtime captains are set to face off in Rotation with the purple cue. A back-and-forth game 1 saw Atlantic's Delila with a chance to work a finishing run, but she missed the 14. Lighton's Acorn deposited it at the bottom right for the 8-6 win to pull ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 was also close, as the Prestige's Acorn got on the brink of victory, then saw Delila tie it up. Acorn missed contact on the 15, and Delila converted for the 8-7 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was also close and choppy near the end, with Delila missing on the 14 once again. Acorn made the final pair of shots for the win to take the 8-7 win and 2-1 series win. Acorn is headed to the second round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Puff II. A Southeast Derby in 10-ball uses the silver cue. Golden's Valencia battled with Boston's Puff II early in game 1, but it was Valencia who made a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia came close to the win in a much slower game 2, but her four-ball run was short of what was needed. The Swifts' Puff II buried the last shot on the 10 to the top left to tie the series at 1. Puff II seemed to have an edge in game 3 until she threw away her shot on the 10 by missing contact. Valencia took the free shot for the win to secure a 2-1 series win. Valencia will host another Southeastern rival in the Midland Predators' Rainmane in the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Ice Cream. Enterprise club-mates clash in 8-ball with the green cue. Victoria's Strawberry had a mildly decent start in game 1, but Boston's Ice Cream unleashed a five-ball run-out for the win, posting a 1-0 series lead in the process. The Spurs' Strawberry suffered a scratch in game 2, but it didn't slow her down. The Swifts' Ice Cream didn't get close on her last turn, and Strawberry made a pair for the win, tying the series at 1. Ice Cream received a boost when Strawberry scratched late in game 3, but Ice Cream failed to corral the 8. Strawberry then surprisingly put up a three-ball run-out to get the win, taking the series 2-1 as she moves into the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Mams v. Snuggle. Another Coastal Derby features the red cue in 10-ball. Oceanside's Snuggle pushed toward a three-ball run late in game 1, but his miss on the 10 at the top left allowed Southern's Mams to tap it in for the win. Mams leads the series 1-0. The Waves' Snuggle deferred possession a lot in a reckless start to game 2 for the Monarchs' Mams. At the end, Mams illegally potted the 10 again, and Snuggle went for it this time, but he missed. Mams got the win with another easy shot, securing the series at 2-0. Mams brought game 3 to an early finish with a kick off the 6 to bump the 10 to the top left. Mams swept Snuggle 3-0 to get into round two.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Megan v. Dreamy. The purple cue gets a look in 15-ball. Oceanside's Megan had a shaky game 1, showing much less command than the visiting Swordpoint's Dreamy. That disparity allowed Dreamy to strike late for the win, putting her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Waves' Megan went hunting for the 15 early in game 2, and she was relentless. The Blades' Dreamy missed contact at one point, and Megan turned that into a 3-15 combination to the top left to tie the series at 1. It wasn't always easy in a full-length game 3 battle, but Megan's early four-ball run set a tone that she backed up in the end to defeat Dreamy. Megan won the series 2-1 and will host Hoppy of the Archtown Arrows in the second round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Nibbles. The red cue draws back in for Accuracy. Modernistic's Puff I faltered a bit too much early in game 1, while Web City's Nibbles stayed true for the 1-3 win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Nibbles kept things close in game 2, but consecutive misses put him behind and he also missed on the last ball. The Union's Puff I closed it out as a 2-3 win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Game 3 saw Puff I drop behind fairly early on, and she didn't give herself enough time to recover. Nibbles got away with a slight fade, ending with a 2-4 win to take the series 2-1. Nibbles is set to play in the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Klaus v. Pounce. We've got 8-ball with the silver cue here. Southern's Pounce had a four-ball run and a three-ball run, but he couldn't put away the 8 at the end. Archtown's Klaus had just enough time to make the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce had a little offense to start game 2, but he went absolutely cold and watched as the Arrows' Klaus pulled back. Klaus finished with a four-ball run-out this time, sealing the series at 2-0. Klaus tried to be the comeback king again in game 3 with a five-ball run, but he was unable to sink the 8 this time. Pounce countered on a three-ball run-out for the win, leaving Klaus with a 2-1 series win to take with him to the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Marissa. A veteran hosts a rookie for 10-ball with the red cue. Freedom's Roxy had some decent shots in game 1, but Maplewood's Marissa ripped a three-ball run-out at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy had to be patient at times in game 2, but she made five of the last seven shots. The Lumberjacks' Marissa couldn't keep pace as Roxy stormed to the win to tie the series at 1. Marissa went wild with a five-ball run early in game 3, only matched by her double-pot of the 9 to the bottom side and 10 to the bottom right to end game 3. Marissa beat Roxy 2-1 in the series, the upset pushing her to the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Klaus v. Isabella. Both players get a second series today, as the former teammates meet in 12-ball with the silver cue. Atlantic's Isabella looked very prepared in game 1 of the grudge match. Archtown's Klaus had decent positioning at the end, but Isabella turned in a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Isabella had a huge three-ball run to start game 2, and the Arrows' Klaus gifted away a wild-card ball soon after that. Isabella strategically scratched and set herself up for a pair on her next turn to get the win that sealed the series at 2-0. Klaus had some good looks in game 3, but his last shot opened a path for Isabella to put her final pair for the win. Isabella had a convincing 3-0 series sweep to get into the second round.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Josie. The silver cue ends the day with Accuracy. Swordpoint's Stealth was perfect in game 1, while Oceanside's Josie was decidedly much worse. Stealth went on to play a perfect game in a 0-6 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Stealth wasn't perfect in game 2, but he was still better than the Waves' Josie, who made some improvements but couldn't even challenge the host. Stealth's 1-4 win clinched the series in his favor at 2-0. Game 3 tightened things up even more, but Stealth again turned perfect in a 0-2 win over Josie to sweep the series at 3-0. Stealth will host the Midland Predators' Rainmane in the second round.

That's it for today, wrapping up on time despite a slow start. Be ready for more tomorrow.