Tournament X - First Round Day 45

This is it for the First Round, with just sixteen more bids to push through. Today's round-ending action gets going with...

Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Shaggy. Urban rivals battle in Rotation with the silver cue. A close start to game 1 quickly tipped the favor to Whitewater's Shaggy, who had a double-pot on a five-ball run-out. Shaggy beat Modernistic's Kodiak 8-2 for the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy had only a three-ball run-out to get game 2, coming about when the Union's Kodiak committed a stick foul while shooting at the 7. Shaggy again won by an 8-2 score, sealing the series at 2-0. Shaggy had a little more good luck in game 3, but a three-ball run-out was all skill as she beat Kodiak 8-2 yet again. Shaggy swept the series 3-0 and will visit the Pearl Surfers' Neopolitan in the second round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut v. Max. The red cue tags in for 8-ball between Pilots teammates. Max made things look easy in game 1, running the table with solids after Strut couldn't make a ball on the break. Max didn't have many simple shots, but perfect execution has him ahead 1-0 in the series. Max grabbed solids on the game 2 break, but he wasn't as sharp this time. Strut had the lead for most of the battle, until Max recovered from a scratch with a five-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Strut came closest in game 3, but his miss on the 8 at the top left allowed Max to finish a sequence of five balls potted over his last two turns. Max got the win, the 3-0 series sweep, and the right to host Queens Flames newcomer Pauline in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Lionel. Back in Rotation, the purple cue is used. Capital City's Chris built a lead in game 1 with good fortune on his shots. North Modernistic's Lionel tore it down on a four-ball run, then added a pair for the 8-6 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Sharpshooters' Chris did a little better in game 2, keeping even with the Nighthawks' Lionel initially. Chris then went ahead on a four-ball run and ended up with an 8-4 win to tie the series at 1 a couple of turns later. Lionel led early in game 3, but he couldn't finish the effort. Chris was persistent and slowly worked his way back into things. Chris would get the win 8-6 to take the series 2-1, and he'll visit a Southwestern rival in the Victoria Spurs' Sage in the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Klaus v. Kitty. The silver cue cycles in for Accuracy. Midland's Kitty was perfect deep into game 1, but when Archtown's Klaus took control of positioning, Kitty fell apart. Klaus was able to push her down and earn the 1-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Kitty took positional control very early in game 2, and that led to a quick deficit for the Arrows' Klaus. Kitty maintained her perfect play throughout, a 0-3 win serving to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Kitty missed early in game 3, but it didn't factor in to the result later. It all came down to the final ball, which Klaus missed at the bottom left, and Kitty converted for a 1-2 win to take the series at 2-1. Kitty will visit Reality club-mate and Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II in the second round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Boots v. Ms. Kitty. Longtime Coastal rivals tangle in Rotation with the silver cue. Pearl's Boots had a good start in game 1, but she went totally cold at the end. Pacific's Ms. Kitty made a slow climb to the lead and eventually an 8-4 win. Ms. Kitty leads the series 1-0. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty had virtually no offense early in game 2, but the Surfers' Boots would go cold later on. Ms. Kitty's comeback effort came up just short, as a frustrated Boots finished with an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Boots came close to the win in game 3 as well, but this time she fell short. Ms. Kitty had a four-ball run to add pressure, then added a pair for the 8-7 result. Ms. Kitty won the series 2-1 and will visit Harrison Specters newcomer Dewey in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Maison. The green cue makes its daily debut in the last Accuracy series of the round. Eastside's Maison had a nice lead in game 1, then faded near the end. Everton's Cleo came up short on the comeback, missing just after Maison had dropped into a tie. Maison held on with his second chance, a 3-4 win giving him a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Maison made a ball on the game 2 break, but he had no margin for error this time. The Eagles' Cleo played perfectly in her 0-2 win to tie the series at 1 as Maison was just not quite on that pace. Cleo wasn't perfect in game 3, but she was good enough, as Maison's deficit slowed him down at the end. Cleo won 1-3, taking the series 2-1 and will visit Todavía Stills star Sierra in the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Smokey v. Jake. The red cue takes a turn in Rotation. Whitewater's Smokey had virtually no offense in game 1, as Royal's Jake produced nice bursts of scoring in his quick 8-1 win. Jake leads the series 1-0. The Crowns' Jake wasn't as dominant in game 2 at first, as the Shores' Smokey was able to pull even near the middle of the rack. Jake then took over with a five-ball run-out after Smokey committed a foul. Jake won 8-3 and clinched the series at 2-0. Jake had built up another lead in game 3 before an error turned over possession. Smokey surprisingly went deep from here with a seven-ball run-out for the 8-5 win. Jake settled for a 2-1 series win, and he'll visit North Modernistic Nighthawks star Gal in the second round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Spirit v. Steven. The silver cue exits with the last 15-ball series of the round. Lighton's Spirit had a five-ball run to shine in the middle of game 1. Atlantic's Steven tried to gain leverage later, but Spirit remained firm and picked up the win on a pair of shots for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit got unusually aggressive in game 2, making a four-ball run but faltering multiple times after that. The Pirates' Steven benefited with five balls over his last two turns to claim the win. Steven's patient victory tied the series at 1. A close battle in game 3 finally tipped toward Spirit at the end, as she made a four-ball run-out to win the series 2-1 over Steven. Spirit will host another Pirate in the second round as the captain Delila pays a visit.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Hershey. The blue cue and 7-ball are both done after this series. Southern's Dominic lost his edge late in game 1, allowing Stonebridge's Hershey to collect the win by making the last pair of shots. Hershey holds a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey got nothing from the break in game 2, and the Monarchs' Dominic quickly took advantage of favorable positioning. Dominic made a 1-7 combination to the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 1. Hershey needed two turns to get the win in game 3, but Dominic's late miss on the 6 made it possible. Hershey converted the final pair and won the series 2-1, and he'll visit Pronger Tridents veteran Potter in the second round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Chris. Former teammates meet in 12-ball with the red cue. Viewpoint Sound's Dani hated solids from the break in game 1, but she played them anyway. Capital City's Chris would give away a wild-card ball before finding his footing in time for a quick finish and the win. Chris leads the series 1-0. The Sharpshooters' Chris came up with solids in game 2 and managed to avoid giving away wild-card balls, but the Meteors' Dani had fantastic positioning all over the table. Dani wasn't as smooth as possible, but she did well to earn the win, tying the series at 1. Chris didn't get much of a chance to make an impact in game 3, as Dani struck quickly on stripes. Dani was efficient with positioning and made four balls over her last two turns for the win. Dani advances to the second round on a 2-1 series win, and she'll visit North Modernistic Nighthawks newcomer Gizmo.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Sage. The last series of 10-ball features the purple cue. Victoria's Sage saw most of the offense in game 1, but she missed on the 9. Pronger's Potter gladly took a pair of easy shots at the end to earn the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Tridents' Potter didn't have a bad start to game 2, but the Spurs' Sage came back with a vengeance this time. Sage rallied with a seven-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1 by keeping Potter from the table. Sage again showed a majority of the offense on a six-ball run, but she missed on the 8 and the 10 to ruin her chances. Potter poached another victory and took the series 2-1, setting him up to visit the Oceanside Waves' Josie in the second round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Ruby v. Smudge. Star players collide in Rotation with the green cue. Todavía's Ruby put up a good fight early in game 1, but her miss on the 8 allowed Infinity's Smudge to surge to an 8-4 win on a four-ball run-out. The late push was enough to put Smudge ahead 1-0 in the series. The Stills' Ruby bounced back well, wrestling the lead away from the Torpedoes' Smudge early in game 2. Ruby kept it going later and emerged with and 8-6 win, tying the series at 1. Smudge seemed to have the edge early in game 3, but that disappeared later on. Ruby pulled close in the middle and then rallied further with a four-ball run-out to get the 8-6 win for a 2-1 series win. Ruby is set to serve as the visitor against her captain, the Stills' Easter, in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Puff III. Rotation comes to a close with the purple cue. Freedom's Roxy fell flat to start game 1, and she was never able to catch up. Everton's Puff III pushed back with a big run in the middle, and she would go on to win 8-1. Puff III has a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III saw the Cascades' Roxy put up a much bigger fight in game 2. Puff III went cold in the middle and fell into a tie as Roxy pressured late. Puff III snapped out of it in time, working a three-ball run-out for an 8-5 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Puff III was back to a mostly unchallenged effort in game 3, working her way to an 8-2 win over Roxy to complete the 3-0 series sweep. Puff III will visit an Enterprise club-mate in the Royal Crowns' Sunshine in the second round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Maggie v. Cheddar. A bitter Urban rivalry sees the green cue exit with the last 12-ball series. Modernistic's Maggie gave away a wild-card ball on the game 1 break, but she was persistent with solids. A three-ball run made things close, and North Modernistic's Cheddar was out of position. Maggie then made a pair for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Union's Maggie took a scratch on the game 2 break as she picked stripes. The Nighthawks' Cheddar was more effective with solids, working around the table and winning at the top side to tie the series at 1. Maggie was speedy at the start of game 3, but a rookie error on her last ball after a foul by Cheddar would decide the game. Cheddar made no such youthful mistakes, converting to the bottom right for the win and 2-1 series win. Cheddar will visit Golden Pilots captain Valencia in the second round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fuchsia v. Blaze. The newcomer and the rookie for the Torpedoes meet in 8-ball with the purple cue. Both players had three-ball runs in game 1, and added scratches soon after that. Fuchsia had a late three-ball run, but her look at the 8 clipped the edge of the bottom side. Blaze then made a pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw a nice run from Blaze in the middle. Fuchsia replied with a three-ball run, but butchered her shot on the 8. Blaze then worked a three-ball run-out for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. In game 3, Fuchsia worked a seven-ball run on her first turn. Blaze answered with a six-ball run, and Fuchsia buried the 8 to the top side on a bank to get the close-call win. Blaze still won the series 2-1 and will host a Southwestern rival in the Victoria Spurs' Sage in the second round.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Snowball. The host's second series today is the First Round finale in 13-ball with the red cue. Swordpoint's Snowball needed to catch up in game 1, but a scratch didn't help her. Southern's Dominic then made his last stripe illegally, but Snowball couldn't do anything with the ball-in-hand. Dominic sank the 8 to the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Snowball came within half an inch of winning game 2, as her last stripe lingered at the top side. The Monarchs' Dominic quickly cut the 8 to the bottom side for the win, the close call enough for him to secure the series at 2-0. Dominic showed no mercy in game 3, pounding a five-ball run off the break. Snowball got a lot of it back with a four-ball run, but a scratch allowed Dominic to finish the win and the 3-0 series sweep. Dominic will visit Maplewood Lumberjacks star Whiskers in the second round.

That's all for the First Round. We'll have a Standings update in the next few minutes, followed by a new Schedule for the Second Round coming out tomorrow. Play will resume on Saturday as the players rest after this big opening binge of games.

Tournament X - First Round Day 44

The second-to-last day of the First Round shows a bit of a calm before the storm. Leading off...

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Whiskers. The blue cue opens the day in Rotation. Freedom's Nikolai had an easier time on offense in game 1, as Maplewood's Whiskers struggled to get anything going. Nikolai picked up an 8-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai made a pair early in game 2, again quickly establishing his lead. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers had a worse effort this time, only making two shots before Nikolai finished the 8-2 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Whiskers made a big response in game 3, getting her lone win with a six-ball run-out that featured two double-pots. Whiskers won the game 8-1, but Nikolai took the series 2-1, and his top-seeded bid moves on to host the Everton Eagles' Vincent in the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Rainmane. Another Rotation series also uses the blue cue. Victoria's Yekaterina opened with a three-ball run in game 1 and added a four-ball run on her next turn. Midland's Rainmane did well to slow the host down, buying Rainmane enough time to make the comeback. Capped by a three-ball run-out, Rainmane won 8-7 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina looked a little rattled in game 2, missing contact a couple of times. The Predators' Rainmane overcame another early deficit with a three-ball run, and added a three-ball run-out for the 8-4 win to secure the series at 2-0. Rainmane and Yekaterina battled evenly in game 3, but a couple of flubbed shots by Rainmane would cost her the game. Yekaterina earned the 8-7 win, while Rainmane advanced to the second round on a 2-1 series win. Rainmane will visit Golden Pilots captain Valencia for a Southeastern Derby.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Ice Cream. The green cue comes aboard for 10-ball. Boston's Ice Cream impressed with a five-ball run over the middle of game 1, but she missed on the 8. Infinity's Smudge fired back with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The early pace in game 2 was a bit slower, but the Torpedoes' Smudge turned it around with a five-ball run-out after the Swifts' Ice Cream failed to take control. Smudge sealed the series at 2-0 with this win. Ice Cream made a four-ball run early in game 3, then watched Smudge pot five balls over two turns. Smudge whiffed on the 10, and Ice Cream converted it for her lone win of the series. A 2-1 series win sets Smudge up to visit Swordpoint Blades captain Snowball in a second round Southwestern Derby.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Josie. The venue doubleheader ends with the purple cue in 13-ball. Oceanside's Josie prioritized the side pockets in game 1, while Infinity's Fluffina went corners first. Josie was a little quicker on offense, winning on a three-ball run-out to take the 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Josie lost a bit of her precision in game 2, and her positioning didn't help. Josie illegally overfilled at the bottom left, and the ball-in-hand led the Torpedoes' Fluffina to a six-ball run-out for the win that tied the series at 1. Fluffina opened game 3 with a four-ball run to apply pressure on Josie immediately. Josie would get a three-ball run on her second turn, but Fluffina sent the 8 to the top left for the win and 2-1 series win on the next shot. Fluffina will host Southridge Defenders star Bianca in the second round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Luigi v. Sarah. Another 13-ball series features the silver cue. Southridge's Luigi had the edge for most of game 1, but he didn't get a clear look at the 8. Tysini's Sarah made sure he didn't get a second chance, pulling off a tough cut on the 1 to the top left as part of a stunning four-ball run-out. Sarah leads the series 1-0. The Hummingbirds' Sarah had a positive start to game 2, but a five-ball run by the Defenders' Luigi was stronger. Sarah tried to answer, but she missed a kick on the 1 toward the bottom left. Luigi soon made the 8 in the same spot for the win, tying the series at 1. Luigi looked dangerous when he struck a three-ball run on the break. His shooting to the left corners was disappointing, and Sarah's attacks were sharp enough to make three balls on the last two turns for the win. Sarah took the series 2-1 and will face her friend, Southwestern rival, and Victoria Spurs star Yekaterina in the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Goldy. The blue cue cycles in for 7-ball after the lunch break. Everton's Goldy started well in game 1, but Pronger's Potter made two pairs of shots to get the win and 1-0 series lead with a quick effort. Scratches shaped game 2 pretty significantly, especially when the Tridents' Potter had one after making the 5. The Eagles' Goldy grabbed the final pair of shots from ball-in-hand to tie the series at 1. Goldy struggled with offense in game 3, missing many shots hard and wide. Potter eventually got on track with a four-ball run-out to take the series at 2-1. Potter will appear in the second round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Crystal. The green cue is done for the day after this Rotation series. Queens' Crystal wasted a lot of opportunities with scratches and fouls. Westside's Midnight wasn't exactly clean in game 1 either, but she was good enough to win 8-5 for the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Crystal continued to take too many errors, with the free possessions leading to cheap offense for the Rockers' Midnight. That likely made the difference in a slow 8-3 win for Midnight, who clinched the series at 2-0 in the process. Crystal finally found offense early in game 3 with a four-ball run. Midnight came close to catching up, but Crystal was able to close for an 8-6 win. Midnight won the series 2-1 and will host Midland Predators captain Shawn in the second round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Delila v. Bianca. The silver cue steps back in for 15-ball. Atlantic's Delila had a lot of the early offense in game 1 despite no distinct runs. Southridge's Bianca got a little bit back before missing the 8-15 combination to the top left. Delila converted that same play for the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Defenders' Bianca again looked like a passenger in game 2, and she missed a 5-15 combination narrowly at the bottom left. The Pirates' Delila deflected off the 5 to tap the 15 down for the win, securing the series at 2-0. Delila had most of the offense again in game 3, but a late four-ball run ended with a miss on the 14. Bianca made the final pair to get her lone win, while Delila heads to the second round on a 2-1 series win.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Snowball v. Stealth. A sister hosts her brother and Swordpoint Blades  teammate in 7-ball with the blue cue. Game 1 was almost all Stealth, as the acting visitor made a three-ball run at each end of the game while Snowball only struggled to pot one ball. Stealth leads the series 1-0. Stealth quickly doubled down, winning game 2 on the break with the 7 flying cleanly into the bottom side to seal the series at 2-0 over Snowball. Stealth made a pair from the break in game 3, but he couldn't strike the 3 down. The Blades' Snowball took one double-pot and added some smooth plays to get a win on a five-ball run-out to avoid the sweep. Stealth's 2-1 series win puts him in Freedom in the second round to face the Cascades' strongman Nikolai.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Goldy. Both players' second series of the day is in 8-ball for the red cue's lone appearance today. Everton's Goldy made an effort to keep game 1 close, but she couldn't quite finish it. Infinity's Smudge held on long enough to get the win instead, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Eagles' Goldy began game 2 with a four-ball run, only to go cold after that. The Torpedoes' Smudge struck a four-ball run late and then added the 8 when Goldy had no response. Smudge's comeback clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Smudge didn't get much offense in game 3, especially with Goldy's six-ball run highlighting the game. Goldy did pick up the win two turns later to avoid the sweep, as Smudge will take a 2-1 series win into her road series versus the Westside Rockers' Chimpy.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Panda v. Mario. The silver cue is on for 15-ball. Southern's Panda started with a three-ball run in game 1, but Queens' Mario had a four-ball run in response and finished with a three-ball run-out for the win. Mario holds a 1-0 series lead after the fast performance. The Flames' Mario kept the energy high to start game 2, adding a couple of runs initially. The Monarchs' Panda weathered that storm and then turned in five of the last six balls, including the 15 to the top left for the win. Panda's victory tied the series at 1. Game 3 kept the pace high at the start and tapered off a bit at the end. Mario had a look at the 15 but it rattled away from the top right, and Panda knocked it to the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series win. Panda will visit Diamond Gems veteran Leonardo in the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Pauline. Another silver cue series is the last 9-ball of the round. Queens' Pauline worked a three-ball run in the middle of game 1, but Victoria's Spice answered with a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead in an otherwise unspectacular effort. The Spurs' Spice got lucky on the game 2 break, with the 6 dropping at the bottom left and the 9 slowly trickling into the top left for the win. Spice sealed the series at 2-0 over the Flames' Pauline. Spice didn't have the easiest time on offense in game 3, and Pauline made her pay for it with a pair at the end to get her lone win. Spice's 2-1 series win allows her to host Freedom Cascades veteran Stripes in the second round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Princess. Today's marquee series is in 15-ball with the purple cue. Lighton's Acorn looked pretty composed in game 1, and a six-ball run to get onto the 15 was strong, but he missed the medium-range shot. Viewpoint Sound's Princess cleaned it up, a poached win good for her to take the 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Princess scratched on the break in game 2, and the Prestige's Acorn went deep with an eleven-ball run from ball-in-hand. His miss on the 12 allowed Princess to counter with a four-ball run-out, clinching the series at 2-0. Princess finally grabbed the majority of the offense in game 3 with a six-ball run and a later three-ball run. Acorn had a chance at the win, but his lack of finish burned him again, and Princess completed the 3-0 series sweep. Princess will visit Victoria Spurs star Yekaterina in a big second round series.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Dewey v. Boots. The silver cue gets a turn in 15-ball here. Three noticeable runs pace Harrison's Dewey in game 1, with a pair of four-ball efforts and a five-ball run-out to leave basically no room for Pearl's Boots. Dewey's massive showing gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots looked to get a little offense early in game 2, but she wasn't able to sustain that through the whole battle. A few mistakes eventually set up the Specters' Dewey for an impressively orchestrated five-ball run-out, which secured the series for him at 2-0. Dewey lacked a big and sweeping attack in game 3, but the sweep would be his with a pair at the end to deny Boots a win in her best effort. Dewey's 3-0 series win sets him up to host Capital City Sharpshooters veteran Sprinkles in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Oreo. Two veterans collide in 7-ball with the silver cue. Terrace City's Oreo had a three-ball run on her first turn but couldn't convert a pair at the end. Everton's Cleo mopped up the 7 at the bottom left for the tight win and 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Cleo took care of a four-ball run to start game 2. With a couple turns to work, the Knight's Oreo came up short, and Cleo made a pair at the end, a dominant win to seal the series at 2-0. Cleo continued her offense at the start of game 3, but it fell apart in the middle. Oreo took over late with a three-ball run-out to avoid the sweep, as Cleo settled for a 2-1 series win. Cleo will host the North Modernistic Nighthawks' Cheddar in a huge second round meeting.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Dominic. The purple cue closes out the day in 8-ball. Tysini's Sugar had the initial burst of offense in game 1, but Southern's Dominic made things interesting with a scratch-shortened five-ball run. The close finish just favored Sugar with the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Sugar was far too slow out of the gate in game 2, and she only had a three-ball run to her credit. The Monarchs' Dominic had already made a four-ball run, and he played smart at the end to get the win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Dominic had a scratch early in game 3, but still managed a five-ball run to get a late lead. He couldn't corral the 8, and Sugar eventually won with a three-ball run-out. Sugar will host Reality club-mate Gizmo of the North Modernistic Nighthawks in the second round.

Tomorrow, the First Round comes to its long-awaited close.

Tournament X - First Round Day 43

We're back for another day of games, beginning with...

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Shelley. The silver cue opens the action today with Accuracy. Pearl's Bright had a decent showing in game 1, but most notably, he was much better than Infinity's Shelley. Bright had just a couple of stumbles late, winning 2-7 for the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Bright missed the last ball in regulation in game 2, and immediately missed on the overtime break as well, turning his lead into a deficit. The Torpedoes' Shelley answered both calls for the 2-3 win, tying the series at 1. Bright had a scratch early in game 3, but he held his ground well and got Shelley to trip up later. Bright ended up with a 2-4 win for the 2-1 series win that will allow him to host the Commerce Tradewinds' Niki in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Blizzard. The green cue gets a turn in 10-ball. Capital City's Missy had a messy game 1, with multiple scratches and poor shooting. Harrison's Blizzard started with a three-ball run and had enough left at the end to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Blizzard didn't have much at the start of game 2, but she was let off the hook when the Sharpshooters' Missy missed the 7-10 combination to the bottom left. Blizzard then converted a three-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Blizzard had multiple miscues in game 3, giving free possession to Missy, who would win quickly with a 4-10 combination to the top left. Blizzard settled for a 2-1 series win to get into round two.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor S. v. Greg. The green cue stays up for Rotation. A close start in game 1 saw Archtown's Greg keep pace initially, only for Commerce's Taylor S. to rip a five-ball run-out at the end with skill and good luck. Taylor S. won 8-2 and took a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. led for almost all of game 2, but she couldn't finish the effort. A pair of three-ball runs helped the Arrows' Greg accelerate his comeback 8-7 win, which tied the series at 1. Taylor S. again had a lead in game 3, and was again victimized by a late three-ball run-out from Greg, who took another 8-7 win for the 2-1 series win. Greg will visit Oceanside Waves star Celestia in the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Sweetheart. Southeastern rivals meet in Accuracy with the red cue. Queens' Crystal suffered an early scratch in game 1, and Boston's Sweetheart caused some mayhem with defensive positioning. Sweetheart faltered in the middle but held on to win 2-4, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Crystal missed on the last ball in a tied game 2, but she was lucky to see the Swifts' Sweetheart also fail. This forced overtime, and Sweetheart's overtime break was empty. Crystal made a tap-in at the top left for the 2-3 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw momentum swing from Crystal to Sweetheart at the end, as it was the latter making difficult shots despite the former's positional play. Sweetheart then won early in overtime by a 1-2 score to take the series 2-1. Sweetheart will visit Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Kirstin in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Dusky. The purple cue draws in for some 8-ball. Freedom's Nikolai opened game 1 with a five-ball run and then struggled toward the finish. Atlantic's Dusky pushed back but failed to catch up, and Nikolai got the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai made a four-ball run from the break in game 2, but again stalled out. The Pirates' Dusky reacted well this time, bringing herself even. Dusky then found a four-ball run-out a couple turns later for the win, tying the series at 1. Nikolai had a steady offense in game 3, which Dusky tried to counter all at once at the end. Dusky had a six-ball run-out on her stick, but she scratched as she made the 8, gifting the win and 2-1 series win to Nikolai, who heads to the second round to host the Infinity Torpedoes' Fluffina.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Mario. Onward to 13-ball, with the green cue in hand. Whitewater's Marsell had a four-ball run from the break, while adding a little defense. That defense paid off, as Queens' Mario scratched and sank one of Marsell's balls after a four-ball run. With the added flexibility, Marsell easily won and took a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell kept the pace high in game 2, which the Flames' Mario matched with a five-ball run. Mario twice missed on the 8, buying just enough time for Marsell to pot a pair of shots for the win that clinched the series at 2-0. Marsell had a good start to game 3, but this was Mario's time to shine. Mario made a three-ball run to get the lead, then slowly worked his way to the win to avoid the sweep. Marsell won the series 2-1 and will host Gal of the North Modernistic Nighthawks in the second round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Blizzard v. Omari. Northeastern rivals tangle in Rotation with the silver cue. A tight battle at the start of game 1 slipped out of the hands of Web City's Omari, as his missed contact led to Harrison's Blizzard using ball-in-hand for a four-ball run-out. Blizzard's 8-4 win put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Specters' Blizzard scratched on the game 2 break. From ball-in-hand, the Spiders' Omari ignited a six-ball run to establish a huge lead. He would bring it home as an 8-2 win eventually, tying the series at 1. Omari wasn't dominant in game 3, but he was good enough to pick up the 8-2 win for a 2-1 series win over Blizzard. Omari will return to Web City in the second round, playing the visiting role versus Spiders teammate Nibbles.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Marissa v. Kiwi. The halfway point today is 12-ball with the silver cue. Maplewood's Marissa made one of each on the game 1 break, giving Terrace City's Kiwi a wild-card ball. Marissa made a three-ball run, but she benefited more from Kiwi missing at the top side twice. Marissa then made her last shot at the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Marissa had a good start to game 2, and she got down to her last ball, but the Knights' Kiwi found a four-ball run and a pair on consecutive turns for the win. Kiwi's sudden blast of offense tied the series at 1. Kiwi made a four-ball run to start in game 3, and she looked safe to win. Marissa erased that safety after Kiwi missed contact. Marissa surged on a four-ball run-out for the win to take the series 2-1. Marissa will host the Midland Predators' Kitty in the second round.

Intel Center, Diamond: Debby v. Sarah. The blue cue gets its daily debut in 8-ball. Diamond's Debby fell behind Tysini's Sarah early in game 1. Debby was better through the middle of the rack, and recovered for the win in the end, going up 1-0 in the series. The Hummingbirds' Sarah had one impressive run in game 2, but a lack of support would be her downfall. The Gems' Debby stayed consistent throughout the game, enough to get the win again to secure the series at 2-0. Sarah got deep into game 3 with relative ease, but Debby wasn't far behind. Debby used a four-ball run-out to get her win, banking the 8 to the top side to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Debby is set to host Capital City Sharpshooters veteran Lorde in the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Slinks. Another 8-ball series uses the blue cue. Westside's Slinks made a five-ball run in game 1, but her finishing skills were lacking. Queens' Briana used a four-ball run to get close, then added a pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Briana led off game 2 with a five-ball run, which the Rockers' Slinks answered in fairly short order. Briana then made a three-ball run-out, executing her shots with a little zing to seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 started with a defensive tilt, which favored Slinks. Briana broke out on a five-ball run but couldn't make her last solid, and didn't get a second chance. Slinks ran out the last five shots for her lone win in the series. Briana won the series 2-1 and is set to host Viewpoint Sound Meteors newcomer Cobalt in the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Strawberry v. Twilight. The silver cue exits the day in 12-ball. Victoria's Strawberry selected solids off the break, but Central's Twilight quickly made a three-ball run to establish herself in game 1. Strawberry's later errors made it easier for Twilight to collect the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight had a good effort in game 2, but the Spurs' Strawberry stayed even. It all came down to the top right, and Strawberry got the inside positioning, forcing Twilight into defense. Strawberry won two turns later, tying the series at 1. Neither played immediately grabbed control of game 3 with offense, so Twilight used defense to set herself apart. Strawberry couldn't catch up after Twilight removed the defense, as the visitor converted to the bottom side for the win. Twilight's 2-1 series win sets her up to visit Southridge Defenders captain Stephanie in the second round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Sparkles. The red cue cycles in for 15-ball. Tysini's Charli set the tone early in game 1 with a large chunk of offense. She added a small run in the middle and won on a five-ball run-out, leaving little for Golden's Sparkles to do. Charli's dominant showing put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Hummingbirds' Charli threatened again with a pair on the game 2 break, so the Pilots' Sparkles completely changed her style. Sparkles left bad positioning for Charli, generating her own offense off of ball-in-hand plays. At the end, a frustrated Charli accidentally clipped the 7 while aiming for the 4, and the play ended with the 15 illegally in the bottom side to gift the tying win to Sparkles. Game 3 was more of the same, as Charli had some good looks and Sparkles mixed in enough defense to keep the pace comfortable for herself. At the end, Charli couldn't make the 15, and Sparkles sent it to the top right to win the series 2-1. Sparkles will visit Lighton Prestige rookie Angelica in the second round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Maggie v. Twinkie III. Urban rivals battle in 10-ball with the purple cue. Modernistic's Maggie made a ball on the game 1 break, and later finished a four-ball run-out with the 5 and 10 double-potted to the left corners as called. Maggie leads Whitewater's Twinkie III 1-0 in the series. The Union's Maggie didn't have it as easy in game 2. The Shores' Twinkie III chipped in with a little offense, but there was little flow to the battle. Maggie then found a three-ball run-out at the end for the win, securing the series in her favor at 2-0. Maggie couldn't keep control in game 3, faltering late. Twinkie III made the last four balls over two turns to get the win, avoiding the sweep as Maggie advanced on a 2-1 series win. Maggie will host club-mate Pauline of the Queens Flames in the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Salmo. The host's second series today is in 15-ball with the red cue. A sloppy start to game 1 saw difficulties arise on both sides. Diamond's Salmo then unleashed a seven-ball run, just missing the 15 on a cut toward the bottom right. Whitewater's Marsell tapped it in to steal a win for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell showed a little more skill in game 2, putting some pressure on the Gems' Salmo. The visitor was up to the task, as Salmo made a six-ball run-out with a cut on the 15 to the top left to tie the series at 1 with his win. Marsell took a gamble on a 10-15 kick combination attempt, missing the play and scratching. Salmo cleaned up a 10-15 combination traditionally to the top left to win the series 2-1 in a massive upset. Salmo will visit Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Frosty in the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Briana. The visitor gets a second look today, using the blue cue in Accuracy. Queens' Briana was nearly perfect until late in game 1. Archtown's Sally tried to make Briana fall flat, but Briana forced overtime, where she lost two turns in. Sally took a tough 1-2 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Briana didn't allow game 2 to get close, leaving the Arrows' Sally in tough positions throughout. Sally made a good response most of the time, but it taxed her, and she fell off the pace later. Briana scooped up a 2-4 win to tie the series at 1. Briana was behind from the start in game 3 with a scratch on the break. Sally didn't let her get back into the competition, holding a firm line for a 1-3 win. Sally won the series 2-1 and will host Boston Swifts veteran Ice Cream in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Sunshine. A veteran and a rookie meet in 10-ball with the green cue. Capital City's Lorde made a 3-10-4 combination to the bottom left in game 1, but the scratch turned possession to Royal's Sunshine. From there, Sunshine made a five-ball run and added the 10 on his second try after Lorde couldn't steal it. Sunshine leads the series 1-0. Game 2 was a little slower at the start, but things sped up again after the Sharpshooters' Lorde had another ill-timed scratch. The Crowns' Sunshine took over with a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand. This clinched the series for Sunshine at 2-0. Lorde had a six-ball run early in game 3, but again failed to finish. She left the 10 near the top left, and Sunshine tapped it in for the 3-0 series sweep. Sunshine will visit Harrison Specters veteran Blizzard in the second round.

We'll be back tomorrow for the penultimate day of the First Round.

Tournament X - First Round Day 42

We're ready to go with a new day, and we'll lead off with a big series...

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Lily. The green cue comes between rookie siblings in 12-ball. Royal's Sunshine had a decent start, but a scratch slowed him down. He had the sequence of shots he needed to win game 1, but couldn't convert, and Eastside's Lily saw a previous three-ball run pay off as she took the win at the bottom right. Lily leads the series 1-0. The Sharks' Lily took a bite out of game 2 with a five-ball run at the start. The Crowns' Sunshine was unable to make much of a counterattack, and Lily eventually made a sharp cut to the bottom right to seal the series at 2-0. Lily gave Sunshine a wild-card ball on the game 3 break. It took some time, but Sunshine eventually found his way to a four-ball run-out for the win. Lily won the series 2-1 and will host the Stonebridge Wolves' Wild Thing in an Eastern Hills Derby in the second round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie v. Ms. Puppy. Captains collide in 10-ball with the red cue. Southridge's Stephanie got in trouble when she sank the 8 at the top right without calling it in game 1. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy deferred possession, and Stephanie fouled. Ms. Puppy then took the 3-10 combination to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Ms. Puppy left the 10 very near the top left on the break. The Defenders' Stephanie never got a good look at it, but her miss on the 4 set up Ms. Puppy to convert a 4-10 combination to the top left. This secured the series at 2-0 for Ms. Puppy. Stephanie avoided the sweep with a smooth three-ball run-out after a tough battle in game 3. Ms. Puppy settled for a 2-1 series win and will visit Pacific Volcanoes veteran Leonette in the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Mr. Snowman. The blue cue comes aboard for 15-ball. Whitewater's Twinkie III surged late in game 1 with an eight-ball run-out, leaving Central's Mr. Snowman to watch. Twinkie III's big push gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Mr. Snowman put up more of a fight in game 2, but it would be for nothing. He scratched to end a late three-ball run, and the Shores' Twinkie III used the ball-in-hand to make the 15 at the bottom side for the win. Twinkie III clinched the series at 2-0. Twinkie III was strong again in game 3 with a four-ball run and a pair at the end after Mr. Snowman's counterattack fell short. Twinkie III swept the series 3-0 and will visit an Urban rival, the Modernistic Union rookie Maggie, in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Paps v. Charli. Southwestern rivals meet in Rotation with the purple cue. Tysini's Charli had no trouble in game 1, getting a quick lead on a run. Capital City's Paps made the ending a little tougher, but Charli held on and won 8-4 for a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Charli built the initial lead, but the Sharpshooters' Paps bounced back with a six-ball run. Charli poked ahead again on a four-ball run, only for Paps to make the final pair for the 8-7 win that tied the series at 1. Charli returned to form with a couple of short runs in game 3. Paps was too loose in possession, and Charli got an 8-3 win to take the series 2-1. Charli will host the Pearl Surfers' Bright in the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Brownie. Another Rotation series also uses the purple cue. Pronger's Precious scratched on the game 1 break, leading to a four-ball run from ball-in-hand for Royal's Brownie. A short struggle in the middle saw Precious fight back with a four-ball run before Brownie closed out her 8-5 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Crowns' Brownie used a three-ball run to overcome a deficit in game 2, but her scratch on the 11 undid all that effort. The Tridents' Precious finished off her 8-6 win with a pair of shots to tie the series at 1. Brownie held the lead for virtually all of game 3, while Precious made a slow comeback effort at the end. Precious wasn't fast enough, and Brownie won 8-6 this time to take the series 2-1. Brownie will visit Lighton Prestige captain Acorn in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Maggie. The purple cue remains active in 7-ball. Everton's Puff III made a three-ball run early in game 1, but Modernistic's Maggie made things tough at the end, and Maggie earned the win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a tight contest between the two players. The Union's Maggie had more of the offense, but missed a bank on the 7. The Eagles' Puff III finished it at the top left, tying the series at 1. Maggie didn't get anything on her first turn in game 3, and Puff III made a five-ball run-out on her second turn to win on a 6-7 combination to the bottom left. Puff III completed the series comeback 2-1 and will visit Central Warriors newcomer Mr. Snowman for a Northeastern derby in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Wings. Club-mates meet in 13-ball with the red cue. Pearl's Wings made a push with a three-ball run late in game 1, but his turned ended with the 8 falling illegally at the top side. Freedom's Nikolai took the free win for a 1-0 series lead after a tough battle for awhile in the opener. The Cascades' Nikolai made a pair of solids and one stripes on the game 2 break. The Surfers' Wings moved forward with a three-ball run on stripes. His finish wasn't elegant, but Wings got the better of Nikolai to tie the series at 1 with his win. Wings had a good start in game 3, but he couldn't get better positioning on solids. Nikolai waited a bit, then struck an unlikely but stunning six-ball run-out for the win, taking the series 2-1 as well. Nikolai is set to visit Central Warriors veteran Noelle in the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Spot v. Whiskers. The blue cue's last outing today is in 8-ball. Maplewood's Whiskers enjoyed some offense at the start, but she stalled out far too soon. Pronger's Spot battled back and found the win with a four-ball run-out. Spot leads the series 1-0. The Tridents' Spot missed contact on the 8 after going for a four-ball run to pull ahead in the game. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers used the ball-in-hand for a three-ball run before also missing contact with the 8, and that gave Spot a free shot for the win. Spot clinched the series at 2-0 with a shot to the top left. Whiskers seemed to have things under control in game 3, but luck smiled upon Spot, who got a few favorable bounces en route to a seven-ball run-out. Spot swept the series 3-0 and will visit Everton Eagles star Cleo in the second round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Rocky. A captain faces a rookie in 9-ball with the green cue. Harrison's Twinkie II had the edge on offense in game 1, including a four-ball run that ended with a miss on the 8. Oceanside's Rocky wasn't far behind, taking the final pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The pace remained very fast in game 2, with a four-ball run from the Waves' Rocky ending in a scratch. The Specters' Twinkie II launched a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Rocky had a decent start in game 3, and a three-ball run in the middle kept him sharp. At the end, he missed on the 8, and Twinkie II buried a pair for the win and 2-1 series win. Twinkie II is set to host the Atlantic Pirates newcomer Dusky in the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Juno v. Buddy. Eastern Hills rivals tangle in 8-ball with the red cue. Stonebridge's Juno had the lead for most of game 1, but a slow effort at the end allowed Atlantic's Buddy to rally. Buddy got the win with a three-ball run-out, putting him ahead 1-0 in the series. the Pirates' Buddy had no need for a comeback in game 2, as he controlled the offense from the start. The Wolves' Juno made just a single ball, while Buddy worked a three-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Buddy took just three turns to get the win in game 3, while Juno failed to make a ball this time. Buddy swept the series 3-0 and will visit Todavía Stills star Ruby in the second round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie v. Rudolph. A second series for the host today sees Accuracy played with the silver cue. Southridge's Stephanie made a ball on the game 1 break, but it didn't do her much good. Harrison's Rudolph was clean and got the 2-4 win after Stephanie's comeback effort fell short. Rudolph is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Specters' Rudolph couldn't keep the lead in game 2, and then missed on the overtime break as well. The Defenders' Stephanie took care of business to get the 1-2 win, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was a mess on both sides, but it was Stephanie who failed to hold onto her lead. In overtime, Stephanie went empty on the break, and Rudolph walked away with a 4-5 win for the 2-1 series win. Rudolph will visit Modernistic Union veteran Kodiak in the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Boots. The host's second series of the day is in 12-ball with the green cue. Whitewater's Twinkie III had a great start with a three-ball run, and a little positioning was all she needed for a big win over Pearl's Boots. Twinkie III leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Twinkie III briefly gave up a wild-card ball in game 2, but the Surfers' Boots soon scratched to give it back. Twinkie III made an illegal play from the kitchen to set up her defense at the top right, and Boots couldn't beat it. Twinkie III won on the next turn and secured the series at 2-0. In game 3, Boots had the lead for most of the battle, but she had given Twinkie III a wild-card ball. That advantage came in handy for Twinkie III on a three-ball run-out that allowed her to secure a 3-0 series sweep. Twinkie III will visit Freedom Cascades veteran Nikolai in round two.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Rosalina v. Autumn. The purple cue exits the day with 10-ball. Victoria's Rosalina showed a little more composure in game 1, while Diamond's Autumn shot in a frenzied style. Rosalina found the win with a long cut on the 10 to the bottom right for the 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Rosalina showed no mercy in game 2, making a double-pot of the 3 to the bottom left and the 10 deflected to the top left on just her second turn to get the win that clinched the series at 2-0 over the Gems' Autumn. In game 3, Autumn had a three-ball run near the end, but she scratched as she made the 7. Rosalina took the final pair of shots to get the win, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Rosalina is set to host Atlantic Pirates newcomer Dusky in the second round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Patches v. Cheddar. The red cue finishes its day in 9-ball. Boston's Patches struck a four-ball run on the break in game 1. North Modernistic's Cheddar couldn't quite get calibrated, and Patches chipped in more later to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar showed a little more quality early in game 2, but an error wiped that away. The Swifts' Patches locked in for a five-ball run-out, earning the win to seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 was a little more subdued on offense, but it still went to Patches, as she cleaned up the 9 at the top right after Cheddar left it there. Patches swept the series 3-0 and will host fellow Southeastern captain Crystal of the Queens Flames in the second round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Katelynn v. Cheddar. The visitor's road doubleheader ends with Accuracy using the silver cue. Both players stayed perfect deep into game 1, but Royal's Katelynn fell apart more at the end. North Modernistic's Cheddar showed situational awareness to add a double-pot late to secure the win, which ended up being a 1-3 margin for her 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar found herself deep in the hole in game 2, but the Crowns' Katelynn faltered enough to make it even. Katelynn had a chance to win and missed the shot, forcing overtime. Katelynn then used a soft break on the extra rack, and Cheddar blasted it, sinking three balls to loudly earn the 4-5 win that sealed the series at 2-0. Katelynn again had a chance to get the win in game 3, but fell apart late. The tie forced overtime, and Cheddar made a pair from the break on the extra rack, followed by Katelynn missing her first shot. Cheddar won 4-5 again and took the series in a 3-0 series sweep. Cheddar will host Oceanside Waves youngster Celestia, a Youth Movement club-mate, in the second round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Nightfur v. Bandit. Closing the day, the silver cue plays 9-ball. Eastside's Nightfur had a nice break in game 1, but it was Swordpoint's Bandit who deployed a decoy shot on the 4 to bump the 5-9 combination to the top left after a three-rail carom. Bandit's highlight-reel shot was good for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Nightfur didn't back down in game 2, finding a five-ball run-out to stun the Blades' Bandit. Nightfur's surge tied the series at 1 game apiece. Nightfur didn't get much going in game 3, and Bandit knocked in a 4-9 combination to the top left after a few turns. Bandit's two moments of trickiness earned him the 2-1 series win, and he'll visit a Southwestern rival in the Infinity Torpedoes' Fuchsia in the second round.

That's all for today. There are three remaining game days in the First Round.

Tournament X - First Round Day 41

It's turning into a sprint to the finish now, with the final five days of the First Round upon us. Leading off...

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Panda. The silver cue starts the day in Rotation between captains. A very slow start to game 1 quickly turned into a dominant effort for Westside's Misty, who wound up with an 8-1 win after a four-ball run-out. Southern's Panda had nothing go right as Misty went ahead 1-0 in the series. The Rockers' Misty had a slower performance in game 2, as the Monarchs' Panda held the lead early on. Misty recovered nicely with a five-ball run-out for the 8-5 win to seal the series at 2-0. Misty pulled off another tough comeback in game 3, making five balls over two turns as Panda failed to finish the effort. Misty won 8-7, swept the series 3-0, and will host Urban rival Jennifer of the Terrace City Knights in the second round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Maison. The red cue gets an appearance in 15-ball. Eastside's Maison had a rough game 1, including a late scratch when he tried to bank the 15. Golden's Valencia wasn't much better, but veteran savvy served her well in the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia didn't have as much fortune in game 2, mostly because of improvements from the Sharks' Maison, who made a pair of three-ball runs and other offense in a strong win. This tied the series at 1. Maison had a tougher start to game 3, with Valencia applying renewed pressure this time. Maison escaped with a 7-15 combination to the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win, earning him the right to face Todavía Stills captain Easter in the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Violetta v. Peach. Arguably the biggest series today, the purple cue is on for 12-ball. North Modernistic's Peach had a three-ball run in game 1, but nothing else really worked her way. Queens' Violetta wasn't clinical in her finish, but she got the win and pulled ahead 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Violetta started game 2 with a four-ball run, and while the Nighthawks' Peach came close to a win, her late missed contact was critical. Violetta used the ball-in-hand to make her last ball for the win, overcoming a wild-card ball deficit to clinch the series at 2-0. Peach didn't even get a shot in game 3, as Violetta ran the table from the break in excellent form. Violetta swept the series 3-0 and will host Freedom Cascades captain Stinky in the second round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Wario v. Esmeralda. Back in 15-ball, the blue cue is used. A pair on the break set the tone for Southridge's Wario, who had a near dominant offense. Swordpoint's Esmeralda didn't attack much, and Wario got the win for a 1-0 series lead with five of the last six balls. The Defenders' Wario wasn't as dangerous to start game 2, but when the Blades' Esmeralda failed to pot the 9, Wario attacked with a seven-ball run-out. The sudden blitz finish gave Wario the series at 2-0. Game 3 was tough for both players, as Wario's break didn't produce a great spread. Esmeralda still had trouble shooting well, and her miss on the 15 at the end allowed Wario a tap-in for the 3-0 series sweep. Wario will host the Freedom Cascades' Andrew in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Bells. The blue cue remains active for 8-ball. Todavía's Bells twice sank balls for Everton's Puff III in game 1, an unnecessarily generous effort. Puff III capitalized with a four-ball run-out at the end, going up 1-0 in the series. The Eagles' Puff III grabbed stripes on the break, and then made a four-ball run after the Stills' Bells committed illegal contact. Puff III kept the offense up at the end of game 2, winning on a three-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Puff III had a five-ball run in game 3 after Bells had led the way for most of the battle. Puff III missed the 8 multiple times before Bells made it at the bottom side to avoid the sweep. A 2-1 series win puts Puff III in the second round versus Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Shiny. The green cue activates in 15-ball. Whitewater's Katharine made good use of her shots in game 1, controlling the offense and adding some defense. Lighton's Shiny had no angle on the 10, and her cluster-buster set up Katharine for a 10-15 combination to the top left. Katharine now leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Katharine had a three-ball run from the break and a five-ball run late in game 2 to pace the offense again. The Prestige's Shiny made her shot on the 15, but the cut to the bottom left led to a scratch at the top right, gifting Katharine the win and the series at 2-0. Katharine again controlled play with a five-ball run and a three-ball run, but she missed the 15 this time. Shiny cut it to the bottom right to dodge the sweep, as Katharine's 2-1 series win will be what sets her up to face the Eastside Sharks rookie Toki in the second round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Sleepy B. Northeastern rivals tangle in 7-ball with the red cue. Web City's Jack made three balls on the break, then went cold. It took a little time for Archtown's Sleepy B. to get comfortable, but she delivered with a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sleepy B. doubled down on the game 2 break, getting the 3 to fall at the top left and the 7 to the top right after narrowly missing a scratch. The Arrows' Sleepy B. secured the series at 2-0 over the Spiders' Jack. Sleepy B. had a decent start in game 3, but Jack used a three-ball run-out to get the win, avoiding the sweep. Sleepy B. rides a 2-1 series win into another Northeastern derby against the Everton Eagles' Bear in round two.

Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Greg. The silver cue cycles in for 9-ball. Diamond's Leonardo left the 9 near the bottom left on the game 1 break. Both players took swipes at it, and Archtown's Greg connected on a 2-9 combination on his second try, getting the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Greg continued to put in mild efforts on offense. The Gems' Leonardo had little success with aggressive shooting, but tweaked to a softer style and won on a three-ball run-out in game 2. This tied the series at 1 game apiece. Leonardo made a four-ball run from the break, but Greg took over with a three-ball run later. Greg just missed the 9 at the top left, where Leonardo delivered the winning shot to take the series 2-1. Leonardo will host Esmeralda of the Swordpoint Blades in the second round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Jack v. Sarah. The host gets a second look today, using the silver cue in 10-ball. A relatively normal game 1 saw a sloppy finish, as Web City's Jack missed the 9 and Tysini's Sarah scratched as she made it. Jack took the 10 to the top left from ball-in-hand to earn the 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Sarah used a five-ball run to establish some quality in game 2, but her miss on the 9 proved crucial. The Spiders' Jack responded with the final pair of shots for the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Sarah finally struck for a win in game 3, taking another close battle to the finish before making a pair to beat Jack. The series was 2-1 in Jack's favor, and he'll host former teammate and current Pronger Trident Avril in the second round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Summer. Young players meet in 8-ball with the silver cue. Southridge's Bianca had a scratch on the break in game 1. Maplewood's Summer gladly took over with a three-ball run. A tight battle briefly emerged before Summer won on a five-ball run-out for the 1-0 lead in the series. The Lumberjacks' Summer tried to make a late push after struggling for most of game 2. She potted one of the Defenders' Bianca's balls illegally, and then scratched while making the 8 on her next turn, gifting a win to Bianca. The series is tied at 1. Bianca had a good start in game 3, but Summer made it interesting with a late five-ball run. The close finish just went to Bianca, who ended up with a 2-1 series win that allows her to visit Archtown Arrows newcomer Klaus in the second round.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Luigi v. Salmo. The venue doubleheader ends with the purple cue in 7-ball. Southridge's Luigi turned a pair of balls on the break into a five-ball run-out, winning on a 5-7 combination to the top right for the 1-0 series lead over Diamond's Salmo. The Gems' Salmo had chances to shoot in game 2, but his success rate was rather low. He missed on the 7 most notably, and the Defenders' Luigi struck for the win at the bottom right, clinching the series at 2-0. Luigi wasn't as strong in game 3, and Salmo took advantage of that with a four-ball run-out for his lone win of the series. Luigi won the series 2-1 and will host the winner of the next series.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Cowzart v. Shawn. Another 7-ball series uses the purple cue. Pacific's Cowzart started with a five-ball run in game 1, but he was let off the hook when Midland's Shawn couldn't pot the 7. Cowzart converted at the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Cowzart had an empty break in game 2, but followed up with a five-ball run-out after the Predators' Shawn couldn't form a run. Cowzart's strong finish sealed the series in his favor at 2-0. Shawn avoided the sweep with a good finish to game 3 after Cowzart's intimidating but toothless first turn. Cowzart won the series 2-1 and will visit Southridge Defenders veteran Luigi in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Andrew v. Hoppy. The blue cue's last turn today is in Rotation. Archtown's Hoppy played with a steady offense throughout game 1, easily building a lead against Freedom's Andrew. Hoppy held on for the 8-3 win in the end, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Cascades' Andrew didn't let his loss bother him, bouncing back with a quick lead in game 2. The Arrows' Hoppy remained close throughout the game, but Andrew was strong enough to win 8-4, tying the series at 1. Hoppy held the lead for much of game 3, but Andrew surged with a six-ball run-out at the end to take the 8-6 win. The improbable comeback gave Andrew a 2-1 series win, and he'll head to the second round to host Tysini Hummingbirds newcomer Hughbert.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Shiny. The purple cue exits with 13-ball. Lighton's Shiny applied defense to the top right, which Pearl's Neopolitan tolerated for awhile. After Shiny butchered her positioning, Neopolitan took over and steadily worked her way to the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny made a stronger resistance in game 2, but her last attack came up short on the 8. Already on thin margins, the Surfers' Neopolitan made a pair of shots to get the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Neopolitan had a pair of stripes on the break, but Shiny went out of her way to make things difficult throughout the series. The effort was wasted, as Neopolitan still took the win for a 3-0 series sweep. Neopolitan will host Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Cobalt. The green cue gets a turn in Rotation. Everton's Cleo went from nothing to everything quite fast in game 1, using an eight-ball run-out to get the 8-1 win over Viewpoint Sound's Cobalt, who was stunned at the end. Cleo leads the series 1-0. A much tougher game 2 awaited for the Eagles' Cleo, who finally pulled ahead with a late four-ball run. The Meteors' Cobalt didn't go quietly, but he left the 13 at the top right after a long bank attempt. Cleo tucked it in for an 8-6 win to seal the series at 2-0. Cleo again had a bumpy route to victory in game 3, but this one wasn't too bad as Cobalt seemed resigned to the series loss and put forth little effort. Cleo swept the series 3-0 with an 8-2 win in the finale, and she'll host Commerce Tradewinds veteran Niki in the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Mario v. Klaus. Ending the day, the green cue plays 9-ball. A slow start on both sides opened the door for Queens' Mario to explode with a six-ball run-out. His big push left Archtown's Klaus in awe, and Mario grabbed a 1-0 series lead with the effort. The Arrows' Klaus had a chance for a big run in game 2, but he scratched two turns into the sequence. The Flames' Mario used ball-in-hand quite well, igniting a five-ball run-out that secured the series at 2-0 in his favor. Mario couldn't pull off a big run again in game 3, and this time Klaus made a pair at the end for the win. Mario won the series 2-1 and will host Atlantic Pirates captain Delila in the second round.

We're down to four days left in the First Round, which will continue tomorrow.

Tournament X - First Round Day 40

We're getting close to the end of the First Round. Today's action kicks off with...

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Dustin. The blue cue starts the day in 9-ball. Pacific's Ms. Kitty made a pair on the game 1 break, but little else went right for her. Central's Dustin made a four-ball run that ended in a scratch, but Ms. Kitty missed the 9 and Dustin cleaned it up for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty provided more resistance in game 2, but her three-ball run near the end failed, as she missed the 9 with a thin cut. The Warriors' Dustin potted it to the bottom left for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Dustin's break in game 3 left the 9 near the top left, but he couldn't get a look at it. Ms. Kitty deflected a shot off the 3 to sink the 9 for her lone win in Dustin's 2-1 series win. Dustin will visit Pronger Tridents newcomer Prism in the second round.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Blaze. The blue cue remains active for 13-ball. Midland's Shawn gave away a ball to Infinity's Blaze, who couldn't strike on his last ball until he scratched. Shawn then used a three-ball run and the ensuing ball-in-hand to pot the 8 at the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead in a tight game. The Predators' Shawn made three balls on the game 2 break, but the rest of his offense was unimpressive. The Torpedoes' Blaze fought back late with a four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Shawn saved his effort in game 3 with a four-ball run to get onto the 8. Shawn used the 8 defensively at first to force Blaze into a late kick shot, which he missed. Shawn then put the 8 in the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series win. Shawn will host the Capital City Sharpshooters' Sprinkles in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Watermelon. The purple cue comes on for 9-ball. Pearl's Watermelon tried a late jump in game 1, which sent the cue ball off the table. Capital City's Sprinkles made the final pair from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles played well on the break turn in game 2, but she was unable to support it later. The Surfers' Watermelon stepped up with a three-ball run-out capped by a 5-9 combination to the bottom side to tie the series at 1. Watermelon showed a little of the form that made her a breakout start last year, using a seven-ball run-out in game 3 to defeat Sprinkles. Watermelon won the series 2-1 and will visit the Todavía Stills captain Easter in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Puff I. The blue cue is back in 10-ball. Everton's Puff III had a poor performance from the break in game 1, leading to a choppy battle that saw Modernistic's Puff I snag the last two shots. Puff I leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Puff III made improvements in game 2, mainly with a five-ball run. The Union's Puff I couldn't keep up, and her miss on the 10 at the end allowed Puff III to tap in the winning shot to tie the series at 1. Puff I made a late four-ball run in game 3, but it didn't work out after her miss on the 9. Puff III surged for the last two shots to get the win and 2-1 series win. Puff III will visit Archtown Arrows newcomer Klaus in the second round.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Crystal. Southeastern superstars meet in 8-ball with the silver cue. Golden's Dusty greatly outpaced Queens' Crystal in a game 1 filled with rattled shots and fractured runs. Dusty's better play was enough for a 1-0 series lead despite little confidence. The Flames' Crystal had total control for much of game 2, but the 8 proved elusive. The Pilots' Dusty slowly chipped back into competition, but Crystal's bank on the 8 to the bottom right would fail her as she also scratched on the play. This gifted the win to Dusty, who took the series at 2-0. Dusty wouldn't slow down in game 3, commanding the offense quite well on solids as Crystal struggled. Dusty easily made a three-ball run-out for the win and 3-0 series sweep, which allows her to host the Atlantic Pirates' Steven in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Puff III v. Luigi. The host's second series today is in 12-ball with the purple cue. Everton's Puff III pushed with a three-ball run in game 1, a pressure that Southridge's Luigi failed to shrug off. Luigi's missed contact allowed Puff III to finish the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Eagles' Puff III made a solid on the game 2 break, and then added a later run to counter good positioning from the Defenders' Luigi. On their last balls, Luigi faltered and Puff III struck the bottom left for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Puff III looked to be in trouble despite a great start to game 3, as Luigi offered a lot of resistance. However, Luigi made a ball for Puff III, and she was able to add the final pair immediately after that for the win, the 3-0 series sweep, and the right to face fellow Eagle Cleo in the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Sierra. The red cue debuts today in 9-ball. Stonebridge's Hershey made the final pair in game 1 after a back-and-forth battle saw Todavía's Sierra unable to string many shots together. Hershey holds a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Sierra made an improvement with a four-ball run in game 2, but she scratched on the final shot of that stretch. The Wolves' Hershey made the 9 from ball-in-hand to the top left for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Sierra again made a four-ball run late in game 3, and again came up short on the 9, which Hershey was able to take with relative ease to complete his 3-0 series sweep. Hershey is set to host Pronger Tridents star Spot in an Eastern Hills derby in the second round.

Apple Center, Todavía: Easter v. Strawberry. We're back to 13-ball with the blue cue at the halfway point today. Todavía's Easter had one of each on the game 1 break, and she chose stripes. It was a wise decision, as positioning was tough for Victoria's Strawberry. At the end, Easter made a tough pair of cuts for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Easter had to be a little tougher in game 2, as positioning didn't come easy. The Spurs' Strawberry scratched late, and Easter illegally potted her last stripe. Strawberry only made a pair from ball-in-hand before Easter finished the game for a win to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw a high pace on both sides, but Easter just missed on her chance at the 8. Strawberry took the final pair of shots for a win, leaving Easter to head to the second round on a 2-1 series win. Easter will host Terrace City Knights veteran Melissa in the second round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Patches v. Tigerette. Struggling captains collide in Accuracy with the red cue. Boston's Patches had the first miss in game 1, but recovered after that while Commerce's Tigerette entered a free-fall. Patches held on for a 3-5 win and took the 1-0 lead in the series. Both players improved in game 2, but the Swifts' Patches made sure to maintain the margin quite well. Patches was perfect this time, leaving no way out for the Tradewinds' Tigerette. Patches' 0-2 win sealed the series at 2-0. Patches had another positive start in game 3, but she ran out of luck, and Tigerette took over in the middle. Tigerette managed a 1-3 win, making it a 2-1 series win for Patches to earn the right to host Oceanside Waves rookie Rocky in the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Sally. Another captains' battle goes in 15-ball for the silver cue's last turn today. Pronger's Precious began to feel frustrated in game 1 as shots stopped working. Archtown's Sally went bold for a kick on the 7, which ended up bumping the 15 into the top side for a fortunate win and 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Sally had a number of noticeable runs in game 2, but she appeared to wear out by the end. The Tridents' Precious stepped up at the perfect moment, making three balls over her last two turns for the win to tie the series at 1. Precious had a lot of early momentum in game 3, only for Sally to return in force later. Sally had a four-ball run near the end that ended in a scratch, allowing Precious to pot the 15 from to the top left from ball-in-hand. Precious won the series 2-1 and will host her son, Royal Crowns rookie Sunshine, in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Paps v. Mario. The red cue finishes its day in 8-ball. Capital City's Paps found an early five-ball run in game 1, which Queens' Mario later answered on a six-ball run. The close finish favored Paps, who sank a pair to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Paps put the 8 very close to the top left on the break, but it didn't fall. It would come back to hurt him, as he tried to sneak the 2 behind the 8 and failed, gifting the win to the Flames' Mario in a close game 2. This tied the series at 1. Paps had almost no offense in game 3 until he made two pairs of shots over two turns. Mario's early success had given him enough runway to get the win, and that in turn won him the series at 2-1. Mario will visit North Modernistic Nighthawks veteran Lionel in the second round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Vladimir. The purple cue cycles in for 15-ball. Royal's Jake had an attempt to kick the 3-15 combination to the top left in game 1, but he missed contact. Maplewood's Vladimir used the ball-in-hand to convert the same play directly for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake had a five-ball run in game 2, making an impressive push near the end, but the Lumberjacks' Vladimir would again have the last word as he potted a pair to get the win. Vladimir sealed the series at 2-0. Vladimir brought the heat with a hard-hitting run at the start of game 3, and then a five-ball run-out at the end for a dominant win and sweep of Jake. Vladimir is set to visit Pacific Volcanoes veteran Leonette in the second round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Noelle. The green cue enters the action in 8-ball. An awful break by Infinity's Shelley slowed things at the start of game 1. Central's Noelle had a little more fun on offense, and she won with a four-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle had a much better break in game 2, her five-ball run to start things giving her a huge advantage. The Torpedoes' Shelley didn't get particularly close, and Noelle wasted no time at the end as she earned the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Noelle didn't get much early in game 3, but it was a scrap all the way to the end against Shelley, who missed her lone chance on the 8 with missed contact. Noelle made her last two shots from ball-in-hand for the win to finish a 3-0 series sweep. Noelle is set to visit the Eastside Sharks' Lily in the second round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Gizmo. The venue doubleheader ends with the purple cue in Accuracy. North Modernistic's Gizmo look infallible in game 1, but his play fell apart late, and Infinity's Fluffina did just enough to snag a 4-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Gizmo regained his previous form in an excellent game 2, refusing to miss a single shot. His perfect game was too high a standard for the Torpedoes' Fluffina, as Gizmo tied the series at 1 with a 0-2 win. Gizmo looked ready to command game 3, but he fell apart again later on. Fluffina did what she needed to for the 3-5 win, which helped her take the series at 2-1. Fluffina is set to host Enterprise club-mate and Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi in the second round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sugar v. Spot. The blue cue is up for Rotation now. Pronger's Spot made a four-ball run early in game 1, and that would provide him a margin to work with. Tysini's Sugar got a bit closer, but Spot held on and won 8-4 to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Tridents' Spot got to the verge of victory in game 2 with a four-ball run, only to struggle near the end. The Hummingbirds' Sugar made a disjointed comeback effort before Spot finished off the win at 8-6. Spot clinched the series at 2-0 in the process. Spot couldn't settle down after a scratch on the break in game 3, and Sugar was determined to avoid the sweep. Sugar got an 8-3 win, and Spot heads to the second round on a 2-1 series win before visiting the Central Warriors' Graham.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Stealth v. Stripes. A brother and sister meet in 13-ball with the green cue to end the day. Freedom's Stripes can blame her problems in game 1 on a couple of mid-game errors. Swordpoint's Stealth took his time to finish off the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stripes had most of the offense to start game 2, but it wasn't enough. Meticulous planning helped the Blades' Stealth stage a seven-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Stealth had a chance at a comeback in game 3 when Stripes intentionally fouled to open up a finish. Stealth was on a four-ball run-out, but he scratched as he potted the 8 to transfer the win to Stripes. Stealth won the series 2-1 and will host Golden Pilots veteran Max in the second round.

We'll be back at it again tomorrow, now with five days left in the First Round.

Tournament X - First Round Day 39

It's the 50th day of Tournament play this year, beginning with...

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Gizmo. The blue cue opens the day in Rotation. North Modernistic's Gizmo was good early in game 1, but his lead faded under pressure late. Golden's Valencia rallied for a four-ball run-out, taking an 8-6 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Valencia had a four-ball run in the middle of game 2 to establish her lead. The Nighthawks' Gizmo fired back with a three-ball run, but Valencia was clean in an 8-5 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Valencia didn't have much offense in game 3, as Gizmo's five-ball run put her into desperation mode. Valencia got one back, but Gizmo won the game 8-2. A 2-1 series win sees Valencia through to the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Rosalina v. Stinky. More Rotation features the green cue. Victoria's Rosalina had a reasonable start to game 1, but her miss on the 6 proved critical. Freedom's Stinky went on a five-ball run-out for the 8-3 win, including a 10-12 combination to the top side and a pinch on the 10 to the top right. Stinky leads the series 1-0. The Cascades' Stinky had the lead early in game 2, but he couldn't hold on as errors piled up later. The Spurs' Rosalina steadily pulled closer and then made a pair at the end for an 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Rosalina couldn't get out of the gate in game 3, while Stinky was strong throughout. Stinky won 8-2 and took the series 2-1, earning a trip to Central to visit the Warriors' Noelle in the second round.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Bandit v. Puff II. The red cue gets a look in 7-ball. Swordpoint's Bandit set a standard with a four-ball run to open game 1, and Boston's Puff II was very inconsistent with her shooting. Bandit would scrape together more offense later for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Bandit had a good chunk of offense in game 2, but his positional play on the 7 ended in a scratch. The Swifts' Puff II took the win from ball-in-hand, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was also a back-and-forth battle for the two players, which saw Bandit clean up a pair of shots at the end after Puff II missed contact. Bandit won the series 2-1 and will visit club-mate Jake of the Royal Crowns in the second round. This was Puff II's 100th unique opponent.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Esmeralda v. Dani. The venue doubleheader ends with the blue cue in 8-ball. Swordpoint's Esmeralda used a five-ball run to get deep into game 1, and not even a scratch was enough to hold her back. Viewpoint Sound's Dani made a three-ball run before missed contact allowed Esmeralda to pot her final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Esmeralda had a steady offense in game 2, but it wasn't enough. The Meteors' Dani made four balls over her last two turns to pick up the win, tying the series at 1. Esmeralda tried to make a comeback in game 3, but Dani's pair on the break was a solid margin for her to protect. Dani won the game and the 2-1 series, and she'll visit Southridge to face the Defenders' Luigi in the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Katharine v. Leonardo. The red cue is back in action for 13-ball. Whitewater's Katharine had decent positioning in game 1, but Diamond's Leonardo was stronger to finish it off. Leonardo pushed Katharine out of position and then made a pair of shots for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Leonardo potted a pair of each suit on the game 2 break. He took stripes, and while he had some setbacks, a fortunate three-ball run set him up. The Shores' Katharine was too slow at the end, and Leonardo won again to seal the series at 2-0. Leonardo continued to play well from the break in game 3, and his work on solids was plenty to complete the 3-0 series sweep over Katharine. Leonardo will travel to Web City to face the Spiders' Jack in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Violetta. Back in 8-ball, the silver cue will make an appearance. Queens' Violetta had a four-ball run and a three-ball run in game 1, but it wasn't enough. Freedom's Roxy did enough early on for her four-ball run-out to be enough for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy again started slow in game 2, while the Flames' Violetta was faster. At the end, Violetta stalled out and Roxy had a luck-fueled four-ball run-out for the win to secure the series at 2-0. Roxy made a ball on the game 3 break, but her next shot sank the 8 illegally, gifting the win away to Violetta. Roxy settled for a 2-1 series win that sees her set to host an Eastern Hills rival in the Stonebridge Wolves' Jane in round two.

Intel Center, Diamond: Leonardo v. Lize. The host's second series today is in Rotation with the purple cue. A slow start quickly gave way to a four-ball run by Diamond's Leonardo. Southridge's Lize made a 5-10-13 combination to the top right, but that was it. Leonardo had two more pairs of shots for an 8-1 win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Leonardo was a little slower on offense in game 2. The Defenders' Lize found more success, but not nearly enough to flip the result, as Leonardo won 8-3 this time to clinch the series at 2-0. Leonardo was once again good in game 3, although Lize's four-ball run put up a good fight at the end. Leonardo then made a pair to win 8-5, completing the 3-0 series sweep that allows him to host the Atlantic Pirates' Steven in an Eastern Hills derby in the second round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Bianca. The purple cue stays up for 13-ball. Web City's Waluigi made a ball on the break in game 1, but Southridge's Bianca eventually managed a five-ball run to take the lead. Waluigi had no answer as Bianca picked up the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Bianca used a four-ball run in game 2 to get onto her last shot. The Spiders' Waluigi countered with a five-ball run, but his attempt on the 8 left things lined up for Bianca to make a pair of shots for the win. Bianca secured the series at 2-0 for the upset series win. Bianca made a crazy kick on the 10 to the bottom side, but the 8 eluded her just after that, buying Waluigi time to make a comeback for the win. Bianca won the series 2-1 and will head to the second round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Blizzard v. Shelley. Another 13-ball series with the purple cue follows. Harrison's Blizzard worked a four-ball run early in game 1, but nearly found herself in trouble as Infinity's Shelley fought back late. Blizzard held on and got the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 saw the players battle back and forth. The Torpedoes' Shelley seemed to have it after the Specters' Blizzard missed contact. Shelley's three-ball run left the 8 standing, and Blizzard made the last pair for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Shelley made things interesting in game 3, after Blizzard had an overfill on the break. Shelley attacked firmly with a big run, but couldn't corral the 8. Blizzard pulled back on a four-ball run-out for the win, completing the 3-0 series sweep. Blizzard will host Atlantic Pirates rookie Buddy in the second round.

Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Esmeralda v. Kiwi. Club-mates meet with the purple cue in Accuracy. Swordpoint's Esmeralda made a good start in game 1, while Terrace City's Kiwi struggled a bit. Kiwi kept it close and capitalized as Esmeralda fell apart, with Kiwi getting a 2-4 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Kiwi had an awful start in game 2, and even as the Blades' Esmeralda faded, Kiwi couldn't correct her play. The result was a 5-6 win for Esmeralda, who will get away with some sloppy play to tie the series at 1. Esmeralda made a ball on the game 3 break, but scratches and generally bad play doomed her after that. Kiwi controlled the game and got a 1-6 win to take the 2-1 series win. Kiwi will play in the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Melissa. Cue exits today begin with the green cue in 8-ball. Central's Dustin got a much quicker start on offense in game 1, while Terrace City's Melissa struggled to get anything going. Dustin had a tougher finish but still took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin scratched on the game 2 break, but had a solid five-ball run on his second turn. The Knights' Melissa answered with a five-ball run of her own, and she made the 8 to the top left on the next turn for the win. Melissa's victory tied the series at 1 game apiece. Game 3 saw Dustin work a seven-ball run on his first turn, but a pair of scratches would slow him down. Melissa's defense was a factor, but not enough, as Dustin struck late for a pair of shots to get the win and 2-1 series win. Dustin will visit Victoria Spurs veteran Strawberry in the second round.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Waluigi v. Andrew. A second series for the host sees the blue cue up for 12-ball. Web City's Waluigi made a four-ball run from the game 1 break, even while giving Freedom's Andrew a wild-card ball. Andrew did nothing with it, and Waluigi had no trouble making his last two balls for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Waluigi made one of each on the game 2 break, but this time his offense soon went cold. With the added flexibility, the Cascades' Andrew made five balls over two turns for the win, tying the series at 1. Andrew gave away a wild-card ball as he made a four-ball run from the break in game 3. Waluigi made a four-ball run immediately after that, but he couldn't strike a shot to either of the right corners. Andrew survived a scratch and got the win, taking the series 2-1. Andrew will visit Southern Monarchs rookie Molly in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Goldy v. Lionel. The silver cue cycles in with 13-ball. Everton's Goldy committed a handling foul early in game 1, setting up a big run for North Modernistic's Lionel. Goldy didn't have time to recover, and Lionel easily got the win for a 1-0 series lead on a three-ball run-out. The Nighthawks' Lionel completely fell apart in game 2, a mess of scratches and misses plaguing him this time. The Eagles' Goldy didn't have a standout turn, but steady play all around helped her get the win to tie the series at 1. Goldy scratched on the break in game 3, an unfortunate event that sparked Lionel's early offense. With bad positioning weighing her down, Goldy was far behind when Lionel won with the 8 dropping in the bottom right. Lionel took the series 2-1 and will visit a major Urban rival, the Modernistic Union rookie Maggie, in the second round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Sunshine v. Bear. A rookie takes on a veteran in 9-ball with the purple cue. Royal's Sunshine had a decent start to game 1, but the finish belonged to Everton's Bear, who made a three-ball run-out for the win. Bear leads the series 1-0. The Crowns' Sunshine refused to go quietly, as the Eagles' Bear had a staggering start to game 2. Sunshine then found the opening for a six-ball run-out to get the win, tying the series at 1. Sunshine kept his offense up in game 3, taking a couple of turns to get going against a defensive Bear. Sunshine then found a four-ball run-out, capped by a 7-9 kick combination to the bottom left for the 2-1 series win. Sunshine will host Capital City Sharpshooters mainstay Missy in the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Mr. Snowman v. Americus. Another 9-ball series uses the red cue. Central's Mr. Snowman opened game 1 with a five-ball run, but he got shaky at the end. His miss on the 9 allowed Midland's Americus to poach the win at the top left for a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Americus remained good at the start of game 2 with three balls on the break, but she couldn't keep it up. The Warriors' Mr. Snowman made a four-ball run, missed a bank on the 9, and then cleaned it up at the top side on the next turn after Americus also missed a bank attempt. The series is tied at 1. Americus had a modest performance in game 3, keeping it even with Mr. Snowman. At the end, Mr. Snowman left the 9 short at the bottom left, and Americus potted it for the win to take the series 2-1. Americus will visit Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi in the second round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M. v. Rosemary. The day ends with the purple cue in Accuracy. A close start turned into an absolute blowout as Eastside's Taylor M. held a perfect line for the 0-5 win over a skidding and slumping Commerce's Rosemary. Taylor M. is up 1-0 in the series. The Tradewinds' Rosemary stayed in the series with a 2-4 win in game 2, as the Sharks' Taylor M. had one costly skid in the middle. Rosemary made it closer at the end, but held on to tie the series at 1. Rosemary fell apart in game 3, a scratch and a couple of tough misses ruining her performance. Taylor M. was strong, with a 2-4 win to her credit to win the series 2-1. Taylor M. will host the Royal Crowns' Jake in the second round.

That's all for today. We're six days out from the end of the First Round, which gives many players a chance for a little positive momentum in the coming days.

Tournament X - First Round Day 38

League play continues to move along in the First Round. Today's action starts with a huge matchup between...

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Dusty. Reality club-mates meet in 12-ball with the red cue in today's marquee series. Pacific's Starlight had a bold start in game 1, and Golden's Dusty was up to task to match it. Dusty later scratched, and Starlight worked a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Starlight made a mess of game 2, giving the Pilots' Dusty a wild-card ball before scratching on the next turn. Dusty used a three-ball run to take control, and her patient play worked just fine in the win to tie the series at 1. Starlight had a wild-card ball, but she scratched twice, giving it away and losing ground as Dusty showed strength late. Dusty was patient to make her last two balls for the win, getting the series 2-1 in the process. Dusty will visit the Capital City Sharpshooters' Lorde in the second round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Charli v. Frosty. The silver cue draws in for 10-ball between star players. Tysini's Charli made the 10 on the break in game 1, which allowed her to play on a bit. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty answered later with a four-ball run, but Charli won with a three-ball run-out and a bank on the 10 to the top right for the 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Charli scratched on the game 2 break, giving the Meteors' Frosty a lot of time to play. Frosty didn't dominate, and Charli took advantage of it with a four-ball run-out at the end to seal the series at 2-0. Charli scratched twice in game 3, but it was Frosty's late scratch that bailed out the host. Charli took a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to complete the 3-0 series sweep that sets her up to host the Central Warriors' Noelle in the second round.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Dreamy. The red cue is back for 9-ball. Commerce's Niki had a good look on offense in game 1, striking early for a pair. Swordpoint's Dreamy tried a couple of tricks on the 9 but failed each time, and Niki got the win with a 5-9 combination to the top left. Niki leads the series 1-0. The Blades' Dreamy had a better showing in game 2, working a three-ball run-out after the Tradewinds' Niki struggled to string plays together. Dreamy's win tied the series at 1. Dreamy seemed to keep the momentum up in game 3, but the 7 stalled her out. Niki picked up the slack for a three-ball run-out and the win, which gave her the series 2-1. Niki is set to visit Eastside Sharks rookie Lily in the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Noelle v. Luigi. The red cue remains up for Accuracy. Central's Noelle was merciless in game 1, playing a perfect game after making a ball on the break. Southridge's Luigi was merely good, as Noelle took a 0-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Noelle was a little worse in game 2, but the Defenders' Luigi butchered his chance to force overtime. Noelle then made a tap-in to complete the 2-3 win that clinched the series in her favor at 2-0. Noelle fell behind in game 3, although Luigi couldn't maintain the lead. At the end of the game, Noelle sportingly missed to give Luigi a 2-3 win. Noelle won the series 2-1 and will host another Defender, the newcomer Lize, in the second round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Leonette v. Dusky. The purple cue's lone series today is in 15-ball. Pacific's Leonette was perhaps robbed of a couple of balls on the game 1 break, so she made up for it with a spinning 5-9 kick combination to the top right, with a carom that collected the 15 at the top side for the win. Leonette stunned Atlantic's Dusky and even herself as she went ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 saw the Pirates' Dusky erupt for a six-ball run, and her shot on the 8 nearly collected the 15 at the top side. It lingered there for the rest of the game, but the Volcanoes' Leonette scratched as she went for it. Dusky then made it from ball-in-hand to tie the series at 1. Dusky seemed to have the edge for awhile in game 3, but Leonette made a four-ball run-out at the end, including a double-pot of the 13 and 14 to the left corners with a great leave on the 15. Leonette won the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Andrew v. Brownie. The green cue's daily debut is in 7-ball. Royal's Brownie converted a 1-7 combination to the bottom left with a deflection off the 6, after Freedom's Andrew failed to make a ball on the break. Brownie's quick win was good for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie was still creative in game 2, but it didn't pay off when the Cascades' Andrew buried a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Andrew worked a six-ball run on his second turn of game 3, only to miss the 7. He left it in a bad spot, and Brownie also missed before Andrew put the 7 in the bottom right to win the series 2-1. Andrew is set to host Mario of the Queens Flames in the second round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Chicky Phil. The host gets a second series today, playing Rotation with the green cue. Midland's Chicky Phil opened with a four-ball run in game 1. Pacific's Starlight pulled even briefly before Chicky Phil made a three-ball run, and he won a turn later by an 8-5 score. Chicky Phil is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Volcanoes' Starlight had a better start in game 2, but a pair of three-ball runs carried the Predators' Chicky Phil to an 8-6 comeback win. Chicky Phil's late surge sealed the series at 2-0. Chicky Phil used a four-ball run to establish his lead in game 3, but it wouldn't last. Starlight fired back with a four-ball run-out for the 8-6 win, avoiding the sweep in Chicky Phil's 2-1 series win.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Princess v. Chimpy. The 600th series of the round is in 9-ball with the silver cue. Westside's Chimpy was a little shaky at first, then found some control in game 1. It wasn't enough, as Viewpoint Sound's Princess made a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. On the game 2 break, the cue got in the way of a 6-4 pinch play at the bottom right, denying the Meteors' Princess from taking possession. The Rockers' Chimpy fired off a 1-9 combination to the top left immediately for the win, tying the series at 1. Chimpy had a ball on the game 3 break, but missed his 1-9 combination. Princess wrangled a five-ball run later on, but Chimpy struck for the final pair of shots to get the win and 2-1 series win. Chimpy will visit the Freedom Cascades' Nikolai in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Missy v. Twilight. The blue cue plays 15-ball between Reality club-mates. Capital City's Missy couldn't get anything going in game 1, and Central's Twilight also had trouble until her shot on the 4 deflected to pot the 15 at the bottom right. Twilight's stunning trick play gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight had a positive start to game 2, but that quickly turned into a choppy battle. The Sharpshooters' Missy worked a late three-ball run, only to miss her cut on the 15 that Twilight cleaned up to the top right to seal the series at 2-0. Twilight cleaned up another battle in game 3, as Missy made a three-ball run and left the 15 at the top right again. Twilight swept the series 3-0 and will host the Victoria Spurs' Strawberry in the second round.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Rosalina. The host's second series of the day is in 12-ball with the green cue. Victoria's Rosalina had the better offense in game 1, but faltered at the end with scratches. This gave Commerce's Niki just enough time to take the win at the bottom right for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Spurs' Rosalina worked a three-ball run in game 2, but she yielded a wild-card ball to the Tradewinds' Niki. Rosalina then removed her defense on the next turn, and Niki potted a pair for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Niki had to work a little bit for positioning in game 3, but she still greatly outpaced Rosalina. Niki won with a bank to the top right to sweep the series 3-0, and she'll host Ms. Kitty of the Pacific Volcanoes in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Goldy. Veterans clash in Accuracy with the silver cue. Everton's Goldy managed to blow a large lead in game 1. She led by three at one point, but Freedom's Roxy buckled down late as Goldy unraveled, and Roxy would end up winning 4-5 for the 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy had a similarly slow start in game 2, but she couldn't bust out of the skid this time. The Eagles' Goldy exploited that weakness with positioning, leading to Goldy's 1-8 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 could have gone either way, as Goldy had trouble in the middle of the game, but she never trailed. Roxy couldn't maintain a lead, and her miss on the last ball allowed Goldy to win the game 3-4 and the series 2-1. Goldy will visit club-mate Mams of the Southern Monarchs in the second round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M. v. Rosalina. The visitor has a second series today, using the blue cue in 15-ball. Eastside's Taylor M. showed more poise in game 1, including a four-ball run among her strong offense. A late fade didn't matter, as Victoria's Rosalina left the 15 short at the bottom left and a tap-in from Taylor M. put the host ahead 1-0 in the series. The Sharks' Taylor M. looked strong at times in game 2, but other parts were choppy. The Spurs' Rosalina held on just long enough to bank the 15 into the top left for the win, tying the series at 1. Rosalina popped up with a four-ball run to start game 3, but Taylor M. also brought pace in an energetic battle. Taylor M. ended up with the win, taking the final pair to win the series 2-1. She'll visit Southern Monarchs veteran Mams in the second round.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Bright v. Puff I. The silver cue cycles in for 8-ball. Pearl's Bright had a six-ball run from the break in game 1, but couldn't find a home for his last stripe. Modernistic's Puff I shot back on her second turn with a six-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Puff I had a slower start in game 2 until she made a six-ball run on the second turn. The Surfers' Bright mustered only a three-ball run in response, and Puff I won two turns later to secure the series at 2-0. Puff I went off again with a six-ball run in game 3 to start the battle. Bright's lone shot was a scratch with no balls potted, giving Puff I full ball-in-hand to make her last two shots. Puff I converted both to finish a 3-0 series sweep that gets her into the second round on the road against the Diamond Gems newcomer Salmo.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Prism v. Shaggy. The blue cue exits the day in 13-ball. Pronger's Prism had more of the offense in game 1, but after potting a pair, her kick on the 14 collected the 8 illegally at the bottom left. This gifted the win to Whitewater's Shaggy, who leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Shaggy took solids on the break in game 2 and later made a four-ball run with positioning on her last ball. Desperate in the series, the Tridents' Prism pulled off a four-ball run-out, including an incredible kick on the 12 to the bottom left with a decent set-up to follow on the 8. Prism's big comeback tied the series at 1. Prism again took care of business in game 3, showing poise even as Shaggy got down to her last ball. Prism kept defense at the top side and then unleashed a four-ball run-out for the win, taking the series 2-1. Prism will host Pacific Volcanoes veteran Twinkie I in the second round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Angelica v. Bells. The silver cue returns in Rotation. Todavía's Bells made a threatening attack in game 1, but Lighton's Angelica responded on a four-ball run to gain the lead. Angelica eventually finished it off for an 8-5 win to take the 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Bells attacked with a four-ball run early in game 2, but she never really supported it. The Prestige's Angelica slowly recovered from that, then exploded for a four-ball run-out to get the 8-5 win again. Angelica sealed the series at 2-0 with that win. Angelica couldn't get on track after Bells made an early double-pot in game 3. Bells continued to cruise and won 8-3, avoiding the sweep as Angelica advanced to the second round with a 2-1 series win. Angelica is set to host Atlantic Pirates veteran Dusky.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Quincy. Today's action ends with 8-ball and the red cue. Boston's Gradley started well in game 1, but he couldn't finish it. Even with a scratch, Terrace City's Quincy rode his six-ball run to the finish to get a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Swifts' Gradley posted a strong and steady offense in game 2, leaving little room for the Knights' Quincy to work with. Gradley was much faster to finish, tying the series at 1 with his win. Quincy rattled a six-ball run in game 3, but Gradley fired back on a five-ball run to stay close. Both players slipped a bit, with Quincy's miss on the 8 particularly noteworthy. Gradley went on to get the win and 2-1 series win, and he'll visit Pronger Tridents captain Precious in the second round.

With just one week remaining, the First Round is getting near its end.