Ten-Year Anniversary Tournament - Quarterfinals Day 3

We're set to begin the middle day of the Quarterfinals round. First up...

Shaggy v. Ms. Kitty. Rotation will lead things off today, beginning with the red cue. Whitewater's Shaggy jumped out to an early lead in game 1 on a four-ball run. Pacific's Ms. Kitty put up a good fight, but Shaggy won 8-5 to take the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy had a strong turn in game 2, taking the early lead again. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty lacked offense, and Shaggy finished on a four-ball run-out for the 8-2 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Ms. Kitty finally had her time to shine in game 3, making a nice run near the end to strengthen her lead. Ms. Kitty beat Shaggy 8-3, cutting the series to 2-1 in Shaggy's favor. Shaggy had a stressful game 4, watching her initial lead dissipate as Ms. Kitty applied late pressure. Shaggy then did just enough for an 8-6 win to push her series lead to 3-1. Shaggy never got off the starting blocks in game 5, her poor break leading to struggles. Ms. Kitty broke free eventually and took an 8-1 win to get back to a 3-2 deficit. Ms. Kitty hammered in some fantastic shots in game 6, working her way to an 8-0 shutout win over Shaggy to tie the series at 3. Shaggy had some positive offense in game 7, but it was nothing compared to the extended surge that lifted Ms. Kitty to an 8-5 win for the 4-3 series win. Ms. Kitty will meet the Southern Monarchs' Panda in the semifinals.

Blizzard v. Nightfur. In 9-ball, the blue cue gets a turn at the action. Royal's Nightfur had to wait a bit in game 1, but she won on a 7-9 combination to the bottom left after Everton's Blizzard didn't get much outside of the first turn. Nightfur leads the series 1-0. The Crowns' Nightfur wasn't as sharp in game 2, but it didn't hold her back, as the Eagles' Blizzard missed the 8 at the bottom left. Nightfur made the final pair for the win and 2-0 series lead. More good fortune helped Nightfur escape game 3 with a win, as Blizzard was unable to lock things down at the end after a good start. Nightfur cut the 9 to the top left to extend her series lead to 3-0. Game 4 came down to Blizzard making a mistake after a very poor start. Blizzard made the last five balls, but scratched as she banked the 9 to the bottom side, gifting the series-clinching win to Nightfur, who is up 4-0. Blizzard broke up the sweep attempt in game 5 by making a pair of shots at the end of a close battle versus Nightfur. The series lead still favors Nightfur 4-1. Nightfur had some offense late in game 6, but Blizzard was able to sink the 9 from ball-in-hand after a scratch. Blizzard's win shrunk Nightfur's series lead to 4-2. Blizzard made a four-ball run from the break, but it was Nightfur who closed out game 7 on a three-ball run-out. Nightfur won the series 5-2 and will play in the semifinals.

Twinkie III v. Taylor S. Moving along to 8-ball, where the silver cue checks in. Whitewater's Twinkie III was slow to start game 1, but she beat Eastside's Taylor S. with a four-ball run-out in the end. Twinkie III's surge put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Sharks' Taylor S. made a five-ball run in game 2, but again stalled out after one burst of offense. The Shores' Twinkie III rallied late and took the win to go up 2-0. Taylor S. wasted another good start in game 3, a disturbing pattern for her that Twinkie III continues to exploit. Twinkie III won with a tough bank on the 8 to the top left to stretch her lead to 3-0. Taylor S. had a chance to make a comeback in game 4, making the last five balls but scratching as she sank the 8 at the bottom side. This gifted the win to Twinkie III, who clinched the series at 4-0. Twinkie III had plenty of offense in game 5, but couldn't get the 8 to fall at the bottom left. Taylor S. rallied with an eight-ball run-out and finished cleanly to get on the board in the 4-1 series. Both players started a little slow in game 6, but that changed with Taylor S. making a four-ball run. Twinkie III replied on a five-ball run-out for the win to go ahead 5-1 in the series. Twinkie III had little difficulty getting another win in game 7, making a late four-ball run and beating Taylor S. to the 8 at the end. Twinkie III dominated the series 6-1 to earn a semifinals appearance versus the Diamond Gems' Smokey.

Hoot v. Shiny. Club-mates tangle in 15-ball using the purple cue. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot wasn't able to corral the 15 late in a back-and-forth game 1. Instead, Lighton's Shiny sent it to the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Hoot had a five-ball run late in game 2, but it ended with him scratching as he sank the 15. This gifted the win to the Prestige's Shiny, who now has a 2-0 series lead. Shiny had a good start in game 3, but that all disappeared when she sank the 15 on illegal contact to give a game away to Hoot. Shiny's series lead is down to 2-1. Shiny wasn't down long, getting a four-ball run-out to win game 4 after a testy early battle with Hoot. Shiny is up to a 3-1 series lead. Hoot wasn't able to keep things clean at the end of game 5, and Shiny swooped in with a pair of three-ball runs to get the win, which secured the series in her favor at 4-1. Shiny kept the offense heavy in game 6, as Hoot could do little after the 8 went down. Shiny made the last seven balls over two turns for the win and 5-1 series lead. Shiny had to get unconventional in a frustrating and pointless game 7. Her blast on the 8 deflected the 15 to the bottom side for an accidental win that finished the series for her up 6-1 over Hoot. Shiny will take on Nightfur in a battle of this Tournament's top players.

Dewey v. Neopolitan. The green cue's lone series today comes in 10-ball. Tensions flared just a few shots into game 1 for the one-time regional rivals. Any semblance of actual pool was lost quickly, with Pearl's Neopolitan beating Oceanside's Dewey with a late pair for the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Neopolitan was good at the start of game 2, but lost control late. After a few failures, the Waves' Dewey got the win to tie the series at 1. Neopolitan again fell short of consistent quality in game 3, which allowed Dewey to poach this win with the final pair. Dewey is up 2-1 in the series. Neopolitan impressed with a six-ball run in game 4, only to drop off again late. Dewey picked up the final pair once more and pushed his series lead to 3-1. Dewey showed no mercy in game 5 after Neopolitan scratched on a 5-10 combination attempt. Dewey converted the same play to the bottom left to clinch the series at 4-1. Neopolitan got a game back for posterity in game 6, picking off a 7-10 combination at the top left as Dewey was out of sorts near the end. Dewey remains ahead 4-2 in the series. Neopolitan also grabbed game 7 at the end after Dewey struggled again. Dewey still comfortably won the series 4-3 to get into the semifinals.

Lionel v. Princess. Back to 8-ball, where the red cue makes its exit. Modernistic's Lionel had a good start in game 1, but a pair of scratches derailed his effort. Tysini's Princess picked up the slack and got the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Lionel fired back with an opening five-ball run in game 2. The Hummingbirds' Princess failed to respond, and Lionel won on a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Lionel kept the offense up with a six-ball run in game 3, but he missed the 8 on his first try and scratched as he sank it on the next turn. This gifted the win and 2-1 series lead to Princess. Lionel was not discouraged by the setback, and he kept the offense going strong in game 4. Princess didn't have much for herself, and Lionel didn't give anything away as he easily took the win to retie the series at 2. Lionel served up another freebie after Princess missed the 8 to end a four-ball run late in game 5. Lionel banked the 8 to the bottom right but scratched, and Princess' second free win restored her series lead at 3-2. The back-and-forth nature of the series continued, as Lionel grabbed this win despite a late push from Princess to make it close in game 6. Once more, the series is tied at 3. Lionel came very close on a comeback push in game 7, but Princess was the one who put the 8 away at the top side for the 4-3 series win. Princess will move into the semifinals.

Slinks v. Sunshine. Today's finale is in Rotation with the blue cue. Harrison's Slinks stood firm in game 1 despite a thorough challenge from Royal's Sunshine. Slinks held on for an 8-5 win with a three-ball run-out to put her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Crowns' Sunshine didn't stay down long, making a five-ball run to start game 2. The Specters' Slinks got one point but couldn't challenge as Sunshine won 8-1 to tie the series at 1. Sunshine was a little slow in game 3, and Slinks exploited that to get on the edge of victory. Sunshine fought back but Slinks ended with an 8-5 win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Slinks kept her scoring edge intact in game 4, picking up an 8-4 win this time as Sunshine came close but couldn't pull even. Slinks' series lead is up to 3-1. Sunshine kept himself in the fight in game 5, getting a bit of luck on his early attacks to build a lead. Slinks made a comeback effort but Sunshine won 8-4, trimming the series back to 3-2. Sunshine had all the early offense in game 6, but Slinks unleashed a seven-ball run-out to grab the 8-4 win this time. Slinks secured the series at 4-2 with the win. Slinks added another win for good measure in game 7, taking an 8-6 result after Sunshine put up a good fight. Slinks won the series 5-2 and will take on the Boston Swifts' Sweetheart in the semifinals. 

We've got one more standard day in the round before an extra-long sequence on Wednesday closes out the Quarterfinals.

Ten-Year Anniversary Tournament - Quarterfinals Day 2

After an unscheduled day off, we're back with a fairly difficult slate of series. We begin with...

Sugar v. Kitty. Two of Reality's best from last year clash in 13-ball with the purple cue. Midland's Kitty navigated the rack well in game 1, poking her way to the win after Tysini's Sugar couldn't get a clear look on her final pair. Kitty leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Kitty took way more control in game 2 with a five-ball run early. Two turns later, she made a pair to beat the Hummingbirds' Sugar for a 2-0 series lead. Kitty tried to go through Sugar's defense in game 3, but that resulted in her giving away a freebie. Sugar then made a three-ball run-out for the win to get on the board in the 2-1 series. Kitty had another ill-timed giveaway of a freebie late in game 4, which was Sugar's last ball. Sugar stepped up from there to pot the 8 at the bottom side to tie the series at 2. Kitty got back on track in game 5, controlling the early pace on solids. Sugar went for a slow comeback but fell short as Kitty made the 8 in the top right to secure her victory and a 3-2 series lead. Sugar refused to go down in game 6, aligning herself well for a four-ball run-out after Kitty couldn't work an effective counterattack. Kitty took care of business in game 7, picking a good time to scratch to induce a missed contact by Sugar. Kitty then potted a pair for the win and 4-3 series win that sends her to the semifinals.

Niki v. Jake. Another 13-ball series uses the green cue. Commerce's Niki had all the offense early in game 1, but went for a bad kick on the 8 at the end. She hit the 1 instead, illegally potting the 8 to gift Royal's Jake a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Tradewinds' Niki had less offense but still managed to give away the win, as she sank the 8 illegally again. The Crowns' Jake is now up 2-0 in the series. Jake gave away a freebie early in game 3, but that only helped Niki a little. She couldn't sink her last ball before Jake rallied for a five-ball run-out and the win that put him ahead 3-0. Niki's attempt at a comeback march started in game 4 with a five-ball run. She later added the finishing touches needed to beat Jake, cutting his series lead to 3-1. Niki came out hot with a four-ball run in game 5. Jake tried to bounce back, but his defense failed, and Niki grabbed another win to pull within a 3-2 margin. In game 6, Niki made one of each on the break and chose to ride with solids. It was the right choice as she cruised to another win over Jake to pull even at 3 games each. Niki gave too much away for free in game 7, and Jake used that to his advantage to earn the win with a cut on the 8 at the bottom left. Jake won the series 4-3 and will play in the semifinals.

Nightfur v. Roxy. The red cue is ready to play in 12-ball. The only ball credited to Freedom's Roxy in game 1 was a wild-card, while Royal's Nightfur otherwise dominated her to the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Nightfur again yielded a wild-card ball in game 2, although the Cascades' Roxy put up a better fight this time. It wasn't enough, as Nightfur won on a four-ball run-out to go up 2-0 in the series. Nightfur didn't have the same smooth play in game 3, and Roxy was able to capitalize on one of her mistakes to make a three-ball run-out. Roxy's win trimmed Nightfur's series lead to 2-1. Roxy took stripes off the break and looked good for much of game 4, but couldn't finish it at the top side. Nightfur rallied back and got the win to push her series lead to 3-1. Nightfur remained in control in game 5, while Roxy needed to do a lot to get positioning. Roxy missed her first kick attempt, and Nightfur finished at the bottom side to seal the series at 4-1. Nightfur had some good plays in game 6 and received an early wild-card ball, but couldn't beat Roxy's defense at the end. Roxy nabbed a win here to get back to a 4-2 deficit. Roxy yielded two wild-card balls to Nightfur in game 7, making it an easy win for the TYAT star. Nightfur took this series 5-2 and punches her ticket to the semifinals.

Nightfur v. Leandra. The designated host goes back-to-back, this time in 15-ball with the blue cue. Tysini's Leandra made a five-ball run in the middle of game 1, but sputtered at the end. Royal's Nightfur cleaned up the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Leandra stepped up in game 2 after the Crowns' Nightfur scratched. Leandra won on a four-ball run-out, finishing with a deflection off the 13 to make the 15 in the top left, which tied the series at 1. In game 3, Nightfur took a swipe at the 5-15 combination to the top right but rattled it out. Leandra checked the same play from a shorter distance and converted for the win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Leandra couldn't keep the pace from before, struggling in game 4. This got worse as the game went on, and Nightfur poked a 12-15 combination to the top right for the win. Nightfur has retied the series at 2. Nightfur got aggressive in game 5 and it paid off when her deflection off the 5 slammed the 15 into the bottom right after Leandra failed previously on a trick play. Nightfur retook the series lead at 3-2. Leandra looked ready to respond with a four-ball run early in game 6, but she couldn't back it up. Nightfur slammed the door at the end with a three-ball run-out to clinch the series at 4-2. Nightfur struggled initially in game 7, then had one good turn before Leandra charged to victory on a six-ball run-out. Nightfur settled for a 4-3 series win to advance another bid to the semifinals.

Shiny v. Snowball. The time has come for Accuracy with the silver cue. Web City's Shiny struggled early in game 1, but managed to play enough late defense to get Swordpoint's Snowball to miss her last four shots. Shiny won 3-4 and took a 1-0 series lead. Both players improved in game 2, but a miss from the Blades' Snowball was the only mistake on either side. The Spiders' Shiny picked up the win by a 0-1 score to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Snowball had another late fade in game 3, unable to hold onto her early lead this time. Shiny kept doing everything right with positioning to get this 2-4 win, which puts her up 3-0 in the series. Shiny lost her pace in game 4, slipping up hard at the end as Snowball locked on for a 2-4 win this time. Shiny's series lead is still at 3-1. Shiny didn't stay down long, getting Snowball to squander a tied score early in game 5. Shiny then took over all the way for a 1-4 win, securing the series at 4-1 in the process. Snowball decided not to leave the series quietly, grabbing a 2-4 win in game 6 to trim Shiny's series lead back to 4-2. Shiny wasn't able to keep a clean effort in game 7, allowing Snowball to win the finale 0-2. Shiny settled for a 4-3 series win that sends her to face the Archtown Arrows' Dusky in the semifinals.

Chimpy v. Shannon. Another Accuracy series features the purple cue. Both players stayed perfect deep into game 1, but Southern's Shannon faltered more in the end. Westside's Chimpy went ahead 1-0 in the series on a 1-2 win. The Monarchs' Shannon wasn't able to make anything special happen in game 2, as the Rockers' Chimpy was perfect in a 0-3 win to go up 2-0 in the series. Chimpy had little trouble keeping his offense up in a 1-4 win over Shannon in game 3. Chimpy's series lead is now at 3-0. Chimpy fell off the pace badly in game 4. It was a close battle that ultimately went to Shannon by a 3-4 score, which helped her cut the deficit to 3-1. Shannon kept herself going with a 1-2 win in game 5, which saw Chimpy keep things close throughout until a late miss set him behind. Chimpy's series lead is down to 3-2. Chimpy fought off the momentum against him in game 6, playing nearly perfect in his 1-3 win over Shannon to seal the series at 4-2. Chimpy was perfect again in game 7, capping his 5-2 series win with a 0-4 win over Shannon this time. Chimpy lines up to face the Pronger Tridents' Zach in the semifinals.

Sweetheart v. Acorn. Prime club-mates finish the day in Rotation with the green cue. Boston's Sweethear came out roaring on a five-ball run. Lighton's Acorn fought back a bit, but Sweetheart closed her 8-3 win on a three-ball run-out to take a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn had little offense in game 2, as the Swifts' Sweetheart made a pair on the break and only needed a couple more turns to claim an 8-1 win. Sweetheart's series lead is at 2-0. Sweetheart slowed down at the start of game 3, and Acorn immediately took advantage to establish a lead. Acorn's later four-ball run helped, and he won 8-5 to get on the board in the 2-1 series. Acorn kept up the offense in game 5, building his lead early this time. Sweetheart had virtually no response, and Acorn took the 8-1 win to tie the series at 2. Acorn struggled in game 5, especially in the middle. His troubles allowed Sweetheart to work through her own before taking a four-ball run-out for the 8-3 win. Sweetheart regained the series lead at 3-2. Sweetheart finished game 6 on a hot streak, making a large run to beat Acorn 8-1 in the game and 4-2 in the series. Sweetheart took it right down to the end in game 7, but she got the 8-7 win to take a 5-2 series win over Acorn. Sweetheart will appear in the semifinals. 

We'll go again tomorrow and the next two days to finish off the Quarterfinals.

Ten-Year Anniversary Tournament - Quarterfinals Day 1

Two rounds are done, three are left to play. We begin the seven-game series in the Quarterfinals with...

Smokey v. Fluffina. The blue cue starts the round in 8-ball. Maplewood's Fluffina was significantly more effective on offense in game 1, easily outpacing Diamond's Smokey for the win. Fluffina leads the series 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Fluffina was a little slower in game 2, but that wasn't her ultimate problem. The Gems' Smokey made improvement and stayed close until he could win on a three-ball run-out that tied the series at 1. Both players opened game 3 with a four-ball run, but it was Fluffina's stick foul on her second turn that allowed Smokey to pick up a three-ball run-out. Smokey's win put him ahead 2-1 in the series. Fluffina roared back with force on a six-ball run in game 4. This put her far ahead, and Smokey didn't catch up before Fluffina banked the 8 to the top left for the win. Fluffina retied the series at 2. Fluffina didn't have as much success in game 5, where Smokey challenged for better positioning and won on the final pair. Smokey regained the series lead at 3-2. Things were close again in game 6, but this time it was Fluffina who burst forward at the end with a four-ball run-out to beat Smokey. The series is tied once more at 3. Smokey found his groove just in time in game 7, collecting a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out to get the 4-3 series win over Fluffina. Smokey is the first player to reach the semifinals.

Spirit v. Frosty. Moving along to 12-ball, the silver cue gets a turn. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty tried to play catch-up in game 1, but yielded a wild-card ball. Lighton's Spirit was able to capitalize and earn the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit had a good start to game 2, but a late scratch ruined her ability to keep up. The Meteors' Frosty escaped with a win this time and tied the series at 1. Spirit shot right back in game 3 with a pair of three-ball runs to quickly earn the win for a 2-1 series lead over Frosty, who had a four-ball run of her own. Spirit cruised in game 4, needing just three turns to navigate through the stripes suit as Frosty struggled with positioning. Spirit's win this time extended her series lead to 3-1. Spirit received a wild-card ball in game 5, but Frosty was able to overcome that with a run and good positioning. Frosty's late surge kept her going as she trails 3-2 in the series. Spirit fought off the danger with a comeback effort in game 6, blocking Frosty from making her last ball before sinking a pair herself for the win. Spirit clinched the series at 4-2 with the smart play. Spirit made two of each on the game 7 break, giving Frosty a lot of flexibility. Instead, Frosty stumbled at the end, and Spirit was able to sneak in for the win and 5-2 series win. Spirit is set to play in the semifinals.

Leonardo v. Zach. The purple cue gets in on the action with Accuracy. A highly competitive game 1 saw Pronger's Zach lose pace at the end, allowing Diamond's Leonardo to grab the 0-1 win. Game 2 was of a similar style, but the Gems' Leonardo was the one who fell off at the end. The Tridents' Zach was able to hold on and grab a 0-2 win to tie the series at 1. Another close battle in game 3 was too much for Leonardo to handle, as he slipped behind late and let Zach snag a 1-2 win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Both players slipped slightly again in game 4, but it wasn't enough for Leonardo to flip the result, as Zach gained a 2-3 win this time to extend his series lead to 3-1. Leonardo wasn't quite done yet, getting Zach to scratch late in game 5 to force overtime. Leonardo then made both of his shots to beat Zach 2-3 in the extra rack, while Zach's series lead shrunk to 3-2. Zach returned to the perfect life in game 6, beating Leonardo by a 0-1 margin. Zach also sealed the series at 4-2 with this win. Zach showed little mercy in game 7, fading late on a tricky last ball but still winning 3-4 over Leonardo. Zach's series win stood at 5-2 as he moved into the semifinals.

Waluigi v. Violetta. The green cue's only outing today is in 9-ball. Queens' Violetta couldn't quite stay in form in game 1, allowing Web City's Waluigi to pick off the 9 at the end for the win. Waluigi is up 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Waluigi didn't get much of a chance in game 2, as the Flames' Violetta put up a rickety but successful five-ball run-out. Violetta's win tied the series at 1. Violetta stepped back again in game 3, but nearly got the win with an exciting finish. Waluigi made a three-ball run-out and came a fraction of a rotation of the cue ball away from the loss. Waluigi now leads the series again at 2-1. Waluigi scratched after a three-ball run in game 4, leading to Violetta taking a cheeky attempt at the 3-9 combination. She missed the top side, and Waluigi got the win on a three-ball run-out to move ahead 3-1 in the series. Violetta took a surprising win in game 5 after Waluigi couldn't extend a three-ball run. Violetta kicked the 4-9 combination with a deflection off the 5 to get into the bottom side, pulling back to just a 3-2 series deficit. Violetta put up a good fight in game 6, but Waluigi put an end to it with a three-ball run-out, well made to secure the series at 4-2. Waluigi added another win in game 7 with a 2-9 combination to the top left to put Violetta far down. Waluigi is headed to the semifinals.

Diddley v. Panda. The red cue gets a turn in Rotation. Maplewood's Diddley started well in game 1, but a six-ball run helped Southern's Panda get the lead. Panda finished with an 8-4 win and 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Panda didn't slow down in game 2, capitalizing on scratches by the Lumberjacks' Diddley instead. Panda ended up winning 8-3, moving up to a 2-0 series lead. Panda engaged in a back-and-forth battle in game 3, but couldn't slow down Diddley at the end. Diddley picked off the final pair of shots to get the 8-7 win, cutting the series to 2-1. Diddley couldn't quite hang on at the end of a choppy game 4, as Panda struck a remarkable double-pot of the 12 to the top right and the 15 to the bottom side. Panda's 8-6 win put him up 3-1 in the series. Panda didn't back down in game 5 at all, punishing with multiple makes on his turns as Diddley floundered. Panda shut the door with an 8-2 win to seal the series at 4-1. Panda kept things close in game 6 as Diddley made a good effort this time, but the latter was short again. Panda won on a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 win to stretch his series lead to 5-1. Diddley salvaged a result from game 7, picking up an 8-2 win as Panda looked significantly unmotivated to compete. Panda won the series 5-2 and will play in the semifinals.

Dusty v. Shadow. Two of the biggest stars of the league battle in 9-ball with the blue cue. Golden's Dusty had an excellent six-ball run to open game 1, but Web City's Shadow replied on a three-ball run-out to take the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty cashed in on her dominant offense in game 2, making a six-ball run and adding the 9 on the next turn as the Spiders' Shadow stumbled late. Dusty tied the series at 1. Dusty was solid on her opening turn, but she didn't get a second chance in game 3. Shadow won this time with a 2-9 combination to the top left, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Dusty returned to her possession-heavy form in game 4, getting the win over Shadow with a five-ball run-out. Dusty's big finish retied the series at 2. Dusty opened game 5 with a four-ball run, but that was all she could manage. A few turns later, Shadow won on a three-ball run-out, pulling ahead 3-2 in the series. Consecutive wins finally became a thing in game 6, as Dusty's four-ball run in the middle was overpowered by Shadow making five balls over two turns to secure the series at 4-2. Shadow showed no fear in game 7, adding another win to his count with a three-ball run-out for the 5-2 series win over Dusty. Shadow is set to meet Waluigi in the semifinals.

Dusky v. Bear. The day ends with the silver cue playing Accuracy. Archtown's Dusky was almost perfect in game 1, dominating in a 1-3 win over Whitewater's Bear to earn the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Bear introduced chaos into game 2, with a double-pot and a scratch before dropping into a late tie. The Arrows' Dusky took two balls on the overtime break and won 2-3 when Bear missed the next shot. Dusky is up 2-0 in the series. Bear was perfect deep into game 3, and much longer than he needed to be as he took an easy 2-6 win over Dusky to get on the board in the 2-1 series. Dusky did much better to get back in form in game 4, but she couldn't make her early lead hold up. Bear bounced back and nabbed a 1-2 win to tie the series at 2. Bear kept things close for most of game 5, only falling off the pace at the end as Dusky regained the series lead at 3-2 with a 1-3 win. Bear faded hard in game 6, never really challenging for the lead as Dusky marched to a 1-4 win to clinch the series at 4-2. Game 7 was a little sloppier on both sides, but Dusky still won 3-4 to finish off a 5-2 series win over Bear. Dusky will play in the semifinals. 

We'll begin at a later time tomorrow but should still play a full schedule.

Ten-Year Anniversary Tournament - Round 2 Day 8

We're ready to finish the second round today, beginning with...

Oreo v. Shadow. The silver cue gets the start today in 9-ball. Web City's Shadow struggled initially but recovered with a five-ball run-out to beat Royal's Oreo in game 1. Shadow holds a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow again started slow in game 2, but bounced back with a four-ball run-out this time as the Crowns' Oreo failed to keep her offense steady. Shadow's series lead is up to 2-0. Game 3 saw Oreo get a real chance to win, but she sent the 9 wide of the bottom side. Shadow was good enough to cut it to the bottom right, his win sealing the series at 3-0. Oreo was determined to avoid the sweep in game 4, making a six-ball run-out this time to dominate her way to a win. Shadow's series lead is now 3-1. Oreo struck again late in game 5, making a three-ball run-out to defeat Shadow once more. Shadow took the series 3-2 and will play the Golden Pilots' Dusty in the quarterfinals.

Chimpy v. Shadow. The designated visitor goes again in 15-ball with the purple cue. Game 1 saw plenty of errors on both sides, but Westside's Chimpy settled in to win with a four-ball run-out after an illegal contact from Web City's Shadow. Chimpy leads the series 1-0. The Rockers' Chimpy had a decent attack in game 2, but his miss on the 12 ended a three-ball run. The Spiders' Shadow then finished with a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Chimpy had no trouble getting back in the win column, biding his time in game 3 as Shadow chipped in offense early. Chimpy roared back with a six-ball run-out for the win to put him ahead 2-1 in the series. Chimpy posted a six-ball run to start game 4. Shadow answered late on a five-ball run, but Chimpy was there to pot the final pair for the win that clinched the series at 3-1. Chimpy continued to mix skill and luck well in game 5, getting just enough to end a three-ball run-out at the top side that gave him a 4-1 series win over Shadow. Chimpy will face the Modernistic Union's Kiwi in the quarterfinals.

Dusty v. Bear. Reality club-mates tangle with the green cue in Accuracy. Golden's Dusty fell behind multiple times in game 1 and still forced overtime, but missed her lone shot on the extra rack. Whitewater's Bear earned a 4-5 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pilots' Dusty quickly got back on track with a perfect performance in game 2, beating the Shores' Bear 0-4 to tie the series at 1. Bear bounced back as well in game 3, this time going perfect himself while Dusty faltered off that lofty pace. Bear won 0-2 and regained the series lead at 2-1 in a back-and-forth battle. The intensity rose in game 4, as both players remained perfect until a late miss from Bear. Dusty still had to be good for three shots, converting them all for a 0-1 win to retie the series at 2. Bear narrowly got the edge in game 5 early on, but it grew as Dusty got more desperate and less accurate. Bear won 1-5 this time and took the series 3-2, which pits him against the Archtown Arrows' Dusky in the quarterfinals.

Slinks v. Easter. Experienced veterans play Rotation with the red cue. Harrison's Slinks built up an early lead that Todavía's Easter surpassed at the midway point. Slinks then rallied again at the end and grabbed an 8-7 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. Remarkable pace defined game 2, as the Specters' Slinks made five balls over two turns. The Stills' Easter outpaced that with a five-ball run and a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Easter wasn't as smooth on offense in game 3, but she still had a lot more of it than Slinks, who couldn't assemble a run. Easter closed her out with an 8-4 win, going ahead 2-1 in the series. Easter was unable to capitalize on a good start in game 4, and Slinks took advantage of that to beat her to the finish line in an 8-6 win. Slinks' victory retied the series at 2. Slinks stepped up big in game 5, running five balls from the break. Easter never mustered a response as Slinks took the 3-2 series win with an 8-0 shutout. Slinks will meet Royal Crowns rookie Sunshine in the quarterfinals.

Blizzard v. Chelsea. The blue cue's lone outing today is in 9-ball. Everton's Blizzard started slow in game 1, then ripped a five-ball run-out to stun Eastside's Chelsea. Blizzard's win gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea had a chance to strike in game 2, but she couldn't get the 8 to fall. The Eagles' Blizzard made the final pair for the win, extending her series lead to 2-0. Chelsea made three balls over her last two turns in game 3, but a miss on the 9 proved costly. Blizzard was there to clean it up at the top left, giving her the win to secure the series at 3-0. It just wasn't meant to be Chelsea's series, as she missed the 9 twice in game 4 before Blizzard made it on her own second attempt. Blizzard's win stretched her series lead to 4-0. In game 5, Chelsea unfortunately rattled the 9 out of the top right on her only shot at the win. Blizzard tapped it down to complete the 5-0 series sweep that sets her up to face the Royal Crowns' Nightfur in the quarterfinals.

Spice v. Cubby. Along to 7-ball, where the silver cue draws in. Eastside's Cubby put in a good challenge in game 1, but Victoria's Spice picked off the 7 at the bottom right to get the win and 1-0 series lead. A back-and-forth game 2 led to a slow offense. The Spurs' Spice nearly broke that at the end, but missed on the 7, which the Sharks' Cubby cleaned up at bottom right. The series is tied at 1. Game 3 remained choppy, as neither player took full control. At the end, Cubby had an awkward miss on the 7, and Spice put it away at the bottom right to regain the series lead at 2-1. Cubby opened up the offense in game 4 with a three-ball run, but it was Spice who slammed the 7 to the top right at the end. Spice clinched the series at 3-1 in the process. Spice stayed consistent in game 5, nothing remarkable early on but enough offense to snag the 7 after Cubby's late miss. Spice won the series 4-1 and meets the Maplewood Lumberjacks' Gabe in the quarterfinals.

Taylor S. v. Isabella. In 12-ball, the purple cue holds court. Commerce's Taylor S. had strong positioning in game 1, good enough to overcome an overfill and a yielded wild-card ball to Atlantic's Isabella, who only mustered a three-ball run. Taylor S. made the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. made a pair on the break and gave away a wild-card ball to the Pirates' Isabella. Taylor S. then responded a few turns later with a three-ball run-out to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Once again, Taylor S. gave away a wild-card ball in game 3. Isabella looked very close to taking advantage of it, but her three-ball run stalled with multiple misses on her last ball at the bottom right. This gave Taylor S. enough time to finish off her final pair for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Taylor S. finally let up, getting stripes on the break of game 4 but failing to make anything of the positioning. Isabella was steady in her march to the win, cutting Taylor S.'s series lead to 3-1. Taylor S. couldn't get much going in game 5, and Isabella had no trouble snagging another win. Taylor S. settled for a 3-2 series win to meet Queens Flames rising star Briana in the quarterfinals.

Goldy v. Cheddar. A budding rivalry occurs in 15-ball with the green cue. Everton's Goldy showed a bit more focus than Whitewater's Cheddar late in game 1. Goldy had a three-ball run and followed up with a strike on the 15 after Cheddar missed her chance to win. Goldy leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Goldy had a massive eight-ball run in game 2, and then capitalized on multiple errors from the Shores' Cheddar after that. Goldy coasted to the win and went ahead 2-0 in the series. Both players lost their pace a bit at the end of game 3, and with Goldy's miss on the 15, Cheddar was able to get a win with a tap-in at the bottom left. Cheddar cut the series to 2-1. In game 4, a hot start for Cheddar turned into a cold middle. Goldy was a little better until she missed on the 14, allowing Cheddar to sink the final pair for the win that tied the series at 2 games apiece. In game 5, Goldy returned to form quite well with a lot of early offense. Cheddar fought back late, but Goldy won on a three-ball run-out and took the series 3-2. Goldy will meet Lionel in the quarterfinals.

Mams v. Nightfur. Closing the round, the red cue administers 10-ball. Neither player could get much going in terms of a run. Royal's Nightfur would regret her late miss on the 10, as Southern's Mams cleaned it up to the top left. Mams leads the series 1-0. The Monarchs' Mams worked an early run in game 2, but stalled out after that. The Crowns' Nightfur fired back at the end on a five-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Nightfur got a little too confident in game 3, missing the 6 from short range at the bottom left. This ignited a three-ball run-out for Mams, who retook the series lead at 2-1 in the process. Nightfur didn't stay down for long, sinking the 1 to the bottom side, the 2 to the top left, and the kicked 3-10 combination to the bottom side on her first turn to beat Mams. The series is tied again at 2. Nightfur made a 4-10 combination to the top left to win game 5 and the 3-2 series after Mams couldn't defend the position. Nightfur will face the Tysini Hummingbirds' Princess in the quarterfinals. 

That's all for the second round. We're scheduled for a two-day break before resuming with the quarterfinals on Friday.

Ten-Year Anniversary Tournament - Round 2 Day 7

Everything appears good to go for today's action, beginning with...

Twinkie II v. Gradley. Two fiery competitors battle in 7-ball with the purple cue. Harrison's Twinkie II didn't have a ton of confidence in game 1, but she managed to make the last pair for the win and 1-0 series lead over Boston's Gradley. The Swifts' Gradley continued to struggle in game 2, but the Specters' Twinkie II improved for a faster win this time. Twinkie II holds a 2-0 series lead. In game 3, Twinkie II didn't look to have much on the break until the 7 caromed around for a late fall in the bottom side. This helped her secure the series at 3-0 over Gradley. Twinkie II did all the work in game 4 and got no reward, sinking a six-ball run before missing contact on the 7. Gradley took the free shot from ball-in-hand to grab a win, cutting Twinkie II's series lead to 3-1. Twinkie II had a four-ball run on her lone turn in game 5, but Gradley made a three-ball run-out for the win. Twinkie II won the series 3-2 and will face the Swordpoint Blades' Dreamy in the quarterfinals.

Kitty v. Andrew. The second series today uses the green cue in 13-ball. Midland's Kitty took an early lead in game 1 and benefited from Freedom's Andrew sinking a double-pot illegally. Kitty then cruised to the win and went ahead 1-0 in the series. The Predators' Kitty took stripes after making one of each on the game 2 break. The Predators' Andrew put up a good fight but couldn't make his last ball as Kitty walked on to the win and 2-0 series lead. Kitty maintained a strong start in game 3, but Andrew pressured with a late three-ball run. Kitty didn't budge, making a three-ball run-out to seal the series at 3-0. Andrew continued to struggle in late-game moments, missing contact this time as he gave Kitty a free shot at the 8. Kitty converted and moved ahead 4-0 in the series. Kitty had no trouble winning game 5, as Andrew only made a single shot. Kitty swept the series 5-0 and will challenge the Tysini Hummingbirds' Sugar in the quarterfinals.

Dusty v. Sierra. Stars shine in 7-ball with the red cue. Golden's Dusty made a five-ball run off the break in game 1, but still needed two more turns before she finished off the win over Todavía's Sierra. Dusty leads the series 1-0. The Pilots' Dusty remained good early in game 2, but faded on offense earlier this time. The Stills' Sierra did enough to pick up the win, tying the series at 1. Sierra made a five-ball run in game 3 but twice missed on the 6, leading to Dusty making the final pair for the win. Dusty retook the series lead at 2-1. Both players had three-ball runs to open game 4, but it was Sierra who whiffed on the 7 at the end of hers. Dusty tapped it in at the top left to claim the win and clinch the series at 3-1. Dusty had some moments in game 5, but Sierra was able to get control and sink a 4-7 combination to the bottom left for the win. Dusty advanced to the quarterfinals on a 3-2 series win and will face the Victoria Spurs' Sage.

Twinkie III v. Neopolitan. Club-mates tangle in 8-ball using the blue cue. Pearl's Neopolitan got out of the gate faster in game 1 and maintained that lead over Whitewater's Twinkie III all the way. Neopolitan's win gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Neopolitan started game 2 on a five-ball run, but couldn't corral the 8 in the end. A steady pace lifted the Shores' Twinkie III to the win this time, tying the series at 1. Neopolitan didn't get much of a chance to create offense in game 3, as Twinkie III instead rattled off a lot of shots over two turns. Twinkie III had no trouble earning the win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Neopolitan held the lead for much of game 4, but she wasn't able to sink the 8. Twinkie III roared back with a four-ball run-out for the comeback win to seal the series at 3-1. Neopolitan got one back in game 5, playing quite well and finishing with a pair as Twinkie III took it easy. Twinkie III won the series 3-2 and will face the Eastside Sharks' Taylor S. in the quarterfinals.

Twinkie II v. Shannon. The designated host's second series today is the only one for the silver cue, playing Accuracy. Southern's Shannon didn't miss in game 1, making it impossible for Harrison's Twinkie II to catch up after each of her shortcomings. Shannon took a 0-3 win to gain a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II turned things around well in game 2, getting the Monarchs' Shannon into trouble early. Twinkie II held on for a 1-3 win here, tying the series at 1. Shannon recovered in game 3, getting Twinkie II to miss early this time. Shannon then stayed strong throughout and earned a 1-4 win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Game 4 saw a closer battle between the two players, but Shannon was able to come up with a 1-2 win to secure the series at 3-1 over Twinkie II. In game 5, Twinkie II fell behind early and never caught up as Shannon fended her off for the 2-3 win. Shannon's 4-1 series win sends her to the quarterfinals.

Oreo v. Fluffina. Established veterans meet in 8-ball with the purple cue. Terrace City's Oreo wasted many chances to advance her offense in game 1, including a pair of late missed contacts. Eventually, Maplewood's Fluffina cashed in for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Fluffina wasn't as crisp to start game 2, and an illegal contact foul at the end stalled her run at four. The Knights' Oreo stepped up to make the final pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Oreo made a six-ball run that was truncated by a scratch in game 3, and she never really recovered from that. Fluffina ended up digging her way to a win here, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Oreo had a late scratch in game 4, but Fluffina wasn't able to capitalize on the situation. Oreo then made a pair of shots on the next turn for the win, retying the series at 2. Oreo's lack of late-game quality struck again in game 5 as she couldn't sink her last ball. Fluffina went on a three-ball run-out for the win to take the series 3-2 as she gets into the quarterfinals versus the Diamond Gems' Smokey.

Briana v. Starlight. The green cue cycles in for a 12-ball series. Queens' Briana took stripes on the break in game 1, but solids were the better suit. Pacific's Starlight didn't mess around in earning the win and 1-0 series lead. Roles reversed in game 2, as the Volcanoes' Starlight made a pair on the break and stalled out. The Flames' Briana had no trouble on offense, dominating in the win that tied the series at 1. Briana quickly got down to her last ball in game 3, but needed a lot of time to position it. Starlight was very close to getting positioning for herself when she accidentally sank Briana's last ball to gift away the win. Briana leads the series 2-1. Briana came within inches of the win in game 4, but left her last ball outside the bottom right. With a wild-card ball to her name, Starlight rallied to win on a four-ball run-out, tying the series at 2. Starlight sank a pair on the break in game 5, but her lack of other positioning allowed Briana to pull ahead and easily win the series 3-2. Briana is set to appear in the quarterfinals.

Chimpy v. Rainmane. In Accuracy, the red cue gets another turn. Westside's Chimpy was merciless after Web City's Rainmane committed a stick foul. Chimpy held on to win 2-5 despite a late fade, which gave him a 1-0 series lead after game 1. Both players made double-pots on their first shots of game 2, then missed on their second. That tied score stayed until the Rockers' Chimpy missed at the end, giving the Spiders' Rainmane a 1-2 win to tie the series at 1. Quality of play fell off a cliff in game 3, especially as Chimpy lost his temper. His late scratch allowed Rainmane to collect an ugly 5-6 win that put her ahead 2-1 in the series. Chimpy got back under control in game 4, and he was much stronger than Rainmane, who shot erratically all around the table. Chimpy held on for the 1-4 win to retie the series at 2. Game 5 wasn't the cleanest in the series, but Rainmane couldn't keep up with the pace at the end. Chimpy finished with a 3-5 win and took the series 3-2 to get into a quarterfinals series versus the Southern Monarchs' Shannon.

Nightfur v. Paige. Former Southeastern rivals end the day battling in 15-ball with the blue cue. Royal's Nightfur started a little slow in game 1, then pushed back to earn the win over Queens' Paige with a five-ball run-out. Nightfur leads the series 1-0. The Crowns' Nightfur lost her temper late in game 2, and that caused her offense to get much worse. The Flames' Paige was a little calmer and earned the win with a four-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Paige had one of the best turns of the tournament, making a thirteen-ball run in game 3, but it ended in tragedy as she left the 15 short. Nightfur tapped it into the top left, a poached win if there ever was. Nightfur regained the series lead at 2-1. Paige had a pair of four-ball runs in game 4, but it still took a second-attempt tap-in on the 15 at the top right to beat Nightfur this time. Paige's win retied the series at 2. Paige continued to chunk offense effectively, but she sputtered late and Nightfur grabbed the final pair to win the series 3-2. Nightfur will meet the Tysini Hummingbirds' Leandra in the quarterfinals. 

There's one more day in the second round, which will be played tomorrow.

Ten-Year Anniversary Tournament - Round 2 Day 6

Today's action is under threat of an injury postponement, but we'll give it a shot by starting with...

Fuchsia v. Dusty. The green cue opens the day in 9-ball. Midland's Fuchsia had a pair at the end of game 1 to get the win after Golden's Dusty saw her three-ball run come up short. Fuchsia leads the series 1-0. The Predators' Fuchsia stayed hot on a five-ball run off the break in game 2. The Pilots' Dusty made one ball, but Fuchsia ended on a three-ball run-out to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Fuchsia cruised with a four-ball run at one point in game 3, but Dusty struck back with the final pair to get the win. Fuchsia's series lead is down to 2-1. Fuchsia scratched after cutting the 5 to the top left in game 5, allowing Dusty to make the 6-9 combination to the top left from ball-in-hand. Dusty converted and tied the series at 2 with this win. Dusty completed the comeback in game 5, a slow start not enough to stop her from finishing with a four-ball run-out to beat Fuchsia. Dusty won the series 3-2 and will play in the quarterfinals.

Noelle v. Jake. The red cue cycles in for some 7-ball action. Central's Noelle picked up a five-ball run early in game 1, but Royal's Jake made two shots on his only turn to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake made a ball on the game 2 break and scratched on his next shot. The Warriors' Noelle had no interest in mercy, instead sinking the 1-7 combination to the bottom left from ball-in-hand to tie the series at 1. Jake had another ill-timed scratch in game 3, right as he sank the 5. Noelle took advantage of that to make the final pair from ball-in-hand, which put her ahead 2-1 in the series. Jake had another misplay in game 4, missing contact at tap-in range on the 6. Noelle again buried the last two shots to earn the win, this time sealing the series at 3-1. Noelle was the one to fall short in game 5, her four-ball run ending with a miss on the 6 before Jake got the win with the final pair. Noelle took the series 3-2 and will play the Pacific Volcanoes' Leonette in the quarterfinals.

Gabe v. Mario. Also in 7-ball, there's a series with the blue cue. A back-and-forth game 1 ended with Maplewood's Gabe cutting the 7 into the bottom left after Queens' Mario couldn't finish a run. Gabe leads the series 1-0. The Lumberjacks' Gabe was strong in game 2, converting a four-ball run-out in a fairly dominant win over the Flames' Mario. Gabe leads the series 2-0. Gabe couldn't keep the momentum up in game 3, narrowly missing on the 7 near the end. Mario cleaned it up this time, getting on the board but still trailing 2-1 in the series. Gabe narrowly missed his cut attempt on the 6 in game 4, and that left the door open for Mario to sink the final pair for the win to tie the series at 2. Mario wasn't able to complete the comeback, as Gabe stood his ground well enough in game 5 to earn the win. Gabe took the series 3-2 and will move on to the quarterfinals.

Snowball v. Bianca. Along to Accuracy, featuring the silver cue. A tight start fell apart on both sides near the end of regulation in game 1. Southridge's Bianca then went empty on the overtime break, and Swordpoint's Snowball claimed a 1-0 series lead with a 3-4 win. The Blades' Snowball turned up the heat on offense, making a ball on the break and staying perfect to beat the Defenders' Bianca 0-2 in game 2. Snowball leads the series 2-0. Snowball wasn't as sharp with her shooting in game 3, leading to Bianca controlling things this time. Bianca claimed a 2-4 win to get on the board, although Snowball remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Snowball got back on track offensively with a strong game 4, taking the win 1-3 over Bianca as the latter sputtered out. Snowball secured the series at 3-1. Snowball showed no mercy in game 5, collecting a 1-2 win as Bianca tried and failed to hang in there. Snowball won the series 4-1 and moves on to the quarterfinals versus the Web City Spiders' Shiny.

Lionel v. Hannah B. The purple cue's lone series today is in 8-ball. Queens' Hannah had a fairly strong start in game 1, but couldn't corral her last ball. Modernistic's Lionel ripped a four-ball run-out for the comeback win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Hannah stalled out a little too early in game 2, while the Union's Lionel ultimately won after making the 8 on his second try. Lionel's series lead is up to 2-0. Hannah had a surge of offense with a four-ball run in game 3, but she left her last ball standing. Lionel responded in full force on a six-ball run-out capped by a bank of the 8 to the bottom right for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Lionel was in danger of losing game 4 as Hannah played well this time, but her late scratch derailed her effort. Lionel held on for the final pair of shots to get the win and 4-0 series lead. Lionel couldn't quite complete the sweep, as Hannah played at her best in game 5 to get her lone win. Lionel's 4-1 series win takes him into the quarterfinals versus the Tysini Hummingbirds' Princess.

Smokey v. Crystal. The green cue is back to handle this 8-ball series. A close, back-and-forth game 1 tipped to Queens' Crystal at the end on a three-ball run-out after Diamond's Smokey stalled out. Crystal owns a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey butchered his shot on his last ball in game 2, opening the door for the Flames' Crystal to strike in the final pair of shots. Crystal converted both and won, going up 2-0 in the series. Crystal was a little slower out of the gate in game 3, allowing Smokey to take the lead on offense. Smokey left the 8 at the top side on his first try, but Crystal couldn't complete a run, and Smokey made a tap-in for the win. Crystal's series lead is down to 2-1. Smokey maximized his defense in game 4, as Crystal got onto the 8 but couldn't get through his blocks. Smokey then fired off an eight-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 2 after the dangerous sequence. Smokey benefited more from the slow start to game 5, as he eventually unraveled a six-ball run-out this time to beat Crystal in the game and the 3-2 series. Smokey is through to the quarterfinals.

Brownie v. Diddley. The red cue gets a turn in Rotation here. Royal's Brownie held a good lead in game 1, but let it fade as Maplewood's Diddley picked up a five-ball run. Diddley finished the effort with a pair and won 8-6 for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Diddley took a large lead in game 2, then had to fight back as the Crowns' Brownie made it close at the end. Diddley repelled the comeback to get an 8-7 win for the 2-0 series lead. Brownie took an early lead with a four-ball run in game 3, but fell short of the finish line. Diddley rallied back with a four-ball run-out for the 8-7 win, clinching the series at 3-0. Brownie finally made a comeback effort stick in game 4, as Diddley couldn't get anything going after his initial burst. Brownie picked up an 8-4 win to cut the series down to 3-1. Diddley bounced back with another close result in game 5, winning 8-6 for the 4-1 series win over Brownie. Diddley will meet the Southern Monarchs captain Panda in the quarterfinals.

Snowball v. Sage. Southwestern rivals meet in 7-ball with the blue cue. Swordpoint's Snowball opened game 1 with a five-ball run and then added a pair on her second turn when Victoria's Sage missed on the 5. Snowball leads the series 1-0. The Blades' Snowball had a little less pop in game 2, and a late miss on the 7 was costly. The Spurs' Sage tapped the winning shot to the top right to tie the series at 1. Sage nearly had game 3 under control, but she scratched as she sank the 7 to close a four-ball run. This gifted the win to Snowball, who retook the series lead at 2-1. Snowball couldn't build momentum in game 4, scuffling through a couple of turns before Sage unleashed a five-ball run-out for the win. The series is tied again at 2. Both players had chances to finish game 5, but it ended up going to Sage on her second attempt to sink the 7 at the bottom right. Sage won the series 3-2 and will play in the quarterfinals.

Dani v. Melissa. The day ends with the silver cue playing 13-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Dani had her challenges with scratches in game 1, but she still outpaced Terrace City's Melissa easily for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Dani received two freebies from the Knights' Melissa in game 2, but still managed to lose. Dani was passive at the end, and Melissa fought back to earn the win, tying the series at 1. Melissa was bold in her positioning attempt late in game 3, but ended up kicking the 8 prematurely into the bottom right to gift the win to Dani, who regained the series lead at 2-1 on the play. A tense game 4 caused more chaos in the series, as Dani couldn't get a clear look on her last shot. Melissa ultimately took a shaky win to retie the series at 2 games each. Dani had to settle for a defensive position in game 5, and Melissa eventually beat her on it to get the win. Melissa took the series 3-2 and will face the Lighton Prestige's Citrus in the quarterfinals. 

Tomorrow's action is under an injury watch to see if it will be played on schedule.

Ten-Year Anniversary Tournament - Round 2 Day 5

We begin the second half of the second round today, leading off with...

Lionel v. Marsell. The red cue starts the action with 10-ball. North Modernistic's Lionel struggled on offense in game 1, while Whitewater's Marsell was only slightly better. Marsell made the 10 to the top left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell made a four-ball run in the middle of game 2, but couldn't sink the 9, allowing the Nighthawks' Lionel to pot the final pair for the win. This tied the series at 1. Marsell had some good moments on offense to start game 3, but it was Lionel who delivered a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series lead. Marsell recovered quite well in game 4, snagging a five-ball run-out after Lionel couldn't keep his offense up. The series is tied again at 2. Lionel was lucky to not be punished for a scratch late in game 5. Marsell made the 8 but couldn't corral the 10, which Lionel sent to the bottom right to claim a 3-2 series win. Lionel will face the Pronger Tridents' Avril in the quarterfinals.

Ruby v. Leonette. The blue cue gets into play some 8-ball. Todavía's Ruby made a four-ball run in game 1, but fell short with missed contact on the 8. Pacific's Leonette ended up making the final pair to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Stills' Ruby improved her attack in game 2, although she was lucky the Volcanoes' Leonette didn't capitalize on her scratch. Ruby then made a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Ruby planned her big attack quite well in game 3, letting Leonette free up a little space at first. Ruby then surged on a seven-ball run-out for the win, going ahead 2-1 in the series. Ruby struggled early in game 4, but Leonette never got into a position to take advantage of it. Ruby worked her way back to get the win, clinching the series at 3-1. Leonette did what she needed to do in game 5 to get some consolation, making a five-ball run-out to stun Ruby a bit. Ruby won the series 3-2 and will meet the Queens Flames' Briana in the quarterfinals.

Easter v. Americus. Back in 10-ball, the silver cue is activated. Todavía's Easter had a rough break in game 1 and took a stick foul in the middle, but still beat Midland's Americus at the end by making the 10 to the bottom left. Easter leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Easter did better early in game 2, but the Predators' Americus won this time with a four-ball run and a pair at the end, including a bank of the 10 to the top left. The series is tied at 1. Americus didn't slow down in game 3, making a four-ball run early and a three-ball run-out for the win in response to Easter's three-ball run. Americus claimed a 2-1 series lead. Americus' miss on the 4 left the 10 lingering near the top side in game 4. Easter struck the 4 to the bottom side and then made a 5-10 combination to the top side for the win to retie the series at 2. Easter stuck in there for game 5, battling with the 10 very near the top left. Americus sank it illegally to respawn it, and Easter went on to make a four-ball run-out in the end. Easter won the series 3-2 and will take on the Lighton Prestige's Spirit in the quarterfinals.

Sally v. Victoria. Moving along to 9-ball, we have the purple cue. Pearl's Victoria looked great in game 1 with a pair of four-ball runs to dominate the offense in the win over Archtown's Sally. Victoria holds a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Victoria worked a solid offense in game 2, although the Arrows' Sally was more involved this time. Victoria still for the win with a 6-9 combination to the top left to go ahead 2-0. Victoria made an early pair in game 3, but fouled after that. Sally took two shots, winning on a 2-9 combination to the bottom left to get on the board in the 2-1 series. Sally couldn't keep it up in game 4, and Victoria was able to go on a massive seven-ball run-out to get the win this time, sealing the series at 3-1. Sally fell apart in game 5, as Victoria cruised to victory on a four-ball run-out with great positioning. Victoria won the series 4-1 and will act as visitor to the Capital City Sharpshooters' Missy in the quarterfinals.

Chelsea v. Spirit. The green cue's lone series today is in 12-ball. Lighton's Spirit gave away a wild-card ball in game 1 and couldn't get past the defense of Eastside's Chelsea at the top right. Chelsea ended up being gifted the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea made a good start on stripes in game 2, but the Prestige's Spirit responded on a six-ball run-out for the win in stellar fashion. Spirit tied the series at 1. Spirit started with a fiery four-ball run in game 3, but it appeared she could be in trouble when Chelsea found a five-ball run. Unfortunately for Chelsea, her defense was gone and Spirit made the final pair for the win and 2-1 series lead. Spirit again played well early in game 4, and she was able to repel another counterattack from Chelsea. Spirit made a pair at the end for the win, securing the series at 3-1. Spirit remained strong in game 5, and earned another win with a little help from Chelsea giving away a wild-card ball late. Spirit won the series 4-1 and heads to the quarterfinals versus the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Frosty.

Gradley v. Taylor S. The red cue is back for an 8-ball series. Boston's Gradley was a disaster in game 1, failing on most of his shots. Eastside's Taylor S. didn't have many good moments until she made a five-ball run-out to claim the win and 1-0 series lead. These two players won't win any awards for pace of play, as it was another slow battle in game 2 that saw the Sharks' Taylor S. just stay a couple steps ahead of the Swifts' Gradley. Taylor S. is up to 2-0 in the series. Gradley finally found a surge on offense with a five-ball run, but the same shot that potted the 13 also collected the 8 to the top left, gifting the win away to Taylor S. This helped Taylor S. clinch the series at 3-0 despite another mediocre effort. Gradley took game 4 right down to the wire, but he couldn't pot his last solid. Taylor S. made a pair on her final turn to stretch her series lead to 4-0. Gradley again got down to his last ball in game 5, but Taylor S. roared back on a four-ball run-out to complete the 5-0 series sweep. Taylor S. is into the quarterfinals.

Roxy v. Jack. Club-mates battle in 12-ball with the blue cue. Freedom's Roxy made one of each on the break in game 1, but got by Web City's Jack this time with better positioning. Roxy won at the top right to take a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy overfilled on the game 2 break, but that didn't slow her down. The Spiders' Jack was too slow to get into position, and Roxy won with a pair this time to go up 2-0 in the series. Roxy was out of position for all of game 3 and a scratch did not help her cause at all. Jack enjoyed the freedom to attack at will and got the win, cutting Roxy's series lead to 2-1. Jack gave away a wild-card ball on the break of game 4, and while Roxy gave it back near the end, she still managed to poke her way to the win to seal the series at 3-1. Roxy wasn't able to get anything going late in game 5, while Jack was lined up to pot the final pair with ease. Roxy settled on a 3-2 series win that gets her into a series versus Nightfur in the quarterfinals.

Easter v. Leonette. The designated host plays her second series today, a Coastal derby in 7-ball with the silver cue. Todavía's Easter made a four-ball run in game 1, but it ended with missed contact as she tried and failed to kick onto the 7. Pacific's Leonette took the free shot for a win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Easter opened with a three-ball run in game 2, but the Volcanoes' Leonette responded with a four-ball run-out for the win, going up 2-0 in the series. Game 3 was a reverse of the series opener, as Leonette had the late four-ball run before leaving the 7 short at the bottom left. Easter tapped it in for the win, cutting Leonette's lead to 2-1. Easter's break was empty in game 4, and her attempt to jump the 7 to get onto the 1 led to her illegally potting the 7 to give away the game. Leonette took the gift to seal the series at 3-1. Leonette wasted no time in game 5, making the 7 on the break on a hit-and-run off the 1. Leonette won the series 4-1 to get into the quarterfinals.

Cowzart v. Acorn. Finally, the purple cue ends the day in Rotation. Lighton's Acorn took control fairly early in game 1, and Freedom's Cowzart only watched for most of the battle. Acorn won 8-1 and established a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn took more time to start in game 2, but he maintained his high level of play in an 8-2 win over the Cascades' Cowzart. Acorn is up 2-0 in the series. Acorn had a merciless attack in game 3, ripping a three-ball run-out at the end after playing very quickly to get there for the 8-0 shutout win over Cowzart. This sealed the series at 3-0 for Acorn. Cowzart got a little redemption in game 4, dominating the early portion and ending up with an 8-5 win after holding off Acorn's counterattack. Acorn remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Cowzart made a good comeback with a six-ball run in game 5, and ended up with an 8-7 win. Acorn still advanced to the quarterfinals with a 3-2 series win, and he'll next face the Boston Swifts' Sweetheart. 

Tomorrow, we'll continue the round with another set of series.

Ten-Year Anniversary Tournament - Round 2 Day 4

We're ready to reach the halfway mark of the second round. Today's action begins with...

Snuggle v. Sunshine. A veteran and a rookie clash in Rotation with the blue cue. Royal's Sunshine got loose on a couple of short runs, building up his lead. Oceanside's Snuggle only had one chance to make a comeback and failed, with game 1 going to Sunshine by an 8-3 score for the 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Sunshine wasn't as effective in game 2, while the Waves' Snuggle enjoyed some offense this time. Snuggle went on to win 8-3, tying the series at 1. Sunshine rounded back into form for game 3, battling well with Snuggle at the start. Sunshine then pulled away and won on a three-ball run-out for an 8-2 victory. Sunshine leads the series 2-1. Sunshine had another good start, then survived a tough middle in game 4 before winning on a three-ball run-out. His 8-3 victory clinched the series at 3-1 over Snuggle. In game 5, things were close until Sunshine made the last four balls over two turns for an 8-4 win over Snuggle. Sunshine advanced to the quarterfinals on a 4-1 series win.

Kiwi v. Spice. Two captains battle in 15-ball with the silver cue. A choppy pace of play saw Modernistic's Kiwi scratch late in game 1. Victoria's Spice made the final pair to earn the win and 1-0 series lead. The pace of play improved in game 2, aided by a four-ball run from the Spurs' Spice. The Union's Kiwi had promising play late, then missed contact on the 15. Spice took the win from ball-in-hand to go up 2-0 in the series. Game 3 saw Spice make three balls on the break before completely falling apart on offense. Kiwi was a little stronger early on, then turned up with a five-ball run-out to get on the board. Spice remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Neither player was very good in game 4, but Spice's frustration got the better of her this time. Kiwi capitalized on a late error by making the final pair to tie the series at 2. Spice had a six-ball run and five more successful shots after that in game 5, but Kiwi made the final pair to claim victory and a 3-2 series win that gets her into the quarterfinals.

Acorn v. Celestia. Along to 12-ball, where the purple cue comes into action. Lighton's Acorn came out strong on solids in game 1, although Oceanside's Celestia kept it close until a miss at the top side. Acorn won at the top right to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Prestige's Acorn took a pair on the break in game 2, but the Waves' Celestia responded with a five-ball run. Celestia took her time to finish at the bottom side, but still beat Acorn to tie the series at 1. Acorn bounced back in game 3, as Celestia's early offense quickly faded. Acorn controlled play with strong positioning, earning him the win and restoring his series lead at 2-1. Acorn couldn't quite replicate the effort in game 4, trying to bully Celestia out of position before a missed contact foul ruined his effort. Celestia made the last pair easily and her win retied the series at 2. Celestia had perhaps too good of a break in game 5, making two of each. Acorn would give her a late wild-card ball on his last turn before sinking his final pair. Acorn won the series 3-2 and will play against the next series winner in the quarterfinals.

Goatee v. Dusty. Established veterans meet in 12-ball with the green cue. Westside's Goatee made a pair of stripes on the break and saw very little response from Golden's Dusty in game 1. Goatee had no trouble earning the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Goatee made one of each in game 2, and that helped the Pilots' Dusty make it a little closer. Dusty nearly had the win, but instead opened the door for Goatee to win at the bottom side to go up 2-0 in the series. Dusty did nearly everything right in game 3, but her last ball wouldn't fall at the bottom left. Dusty yielded a wild-card ball, and the extra flexibility helped Goatee claim the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Goatee had a lackluster break in game 4, but still managed to put a dent in stripes on the first turn. Dusty pulled back later, but trailed the entire time as Goatee finished off another win for a 4-0 series lead. Dusty finally got on the board in game 5, returning the wild-card ball Goatee gave away on the break but still beating her to the finish. Goatee won the series 4-1 and will take on Acorn in the quarterfinals.

Briana v. Victoria. A fiery 8-ball battle awaits with the red cue. Queens' Briana had an unimpressive break in game 1, but she made up for it over the next two turns as she decimated Pearl's Victoria at the end. Briana's fast offense has her ahead 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Briana surged to start game 2, making a four-ball run from the break. The Surfers' Victoria never covered that damage, and Briana went unchallenged this time to earn the win and 2-0 series lead. Victoria got down to the 8 quickly in game 3, but she wasn't able to put it away. Briana made a four-ball run that ended with a scratch, then added a three-ball run-out for the comeback win to seal the series at 3-0. Briana nearly had game 4 as well, but a scratch took her out of position. Victoria rallied for a six-ball run-out and the win, getting on the board but trailing Briana 3-1. Victoria had an active break in game 5, but made the mistake of sticking with solids. Briana made seven balls over two turns to earn the win for a 4-1 series win that puts her in the quarterfinals.

Chimpy v. Waluigi. Journeymen are up in 9-ball with the blue cue. Web City's Waluigi was more steady on offense, collecting a three-ball run-out in game 1 to beat Golden's Chimpy. Waluigi has a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Chimpy took two swipes at deflections off the 2 to push toward the 9. The first missed and the second ended as a scratch when the cue followed the 9, gifting the Spiders' Waluigi a win in game 2. Waluigi holds a 2-0 series lead. Chimpy scratched on a double-pot in the middle of game 3. It appeared Waluigi would run out from there, but he missed on the 7, and Chimpy made the final pair for the win. Waluigi remains ahead 2-1. Chimpy didn't back down in a close game 4. Waluigi again had a late miss, this time on the 8 at the top right, and Chimpy buried the last pair to tie the series at 2 with his win. Chimpy gave a good effort early in game 5, but he ran out of steam as Waluigi slammed a four-ball run-out for the win. Waluigi took the series 3-2 and will face the Queens Flames' Violetta in the quarterfinals.

Bryant v. Dusky. Next up is Accuracy using the silver cue. Archtown's Dusky just barely held on in game 1, pulling off a 4-5 win over Maplewood's Bryant in a rather sloppy encounter. Dusky is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Lumberjacks' Bryant continued to struggle in game 2, and that made it easy for the Arrows' Dusky to double her series lead to 2-0. Dusky dominated in a 1-4 win. In game 3, Bryant fell far behind early on. Dusky started to skid near the end, but dug out of it well enough to get the 2-4 win that secured the series in her favor at 3-0. Dusky put in a similar effort in game 4, as Bryant faltered early again and didn't have enough quality to catch up as Dusky stumbled late. Dusky's 2-4 win this time made it 4-0 in the series. Dusky completed the 5-0 series sweep with a strong game 5 performance, beating Bryant 1-2 this time. Dusky is off to the quarterfinals.

Sweetheart v. Dreamy. One-team veterans meet in Rotation using the purple cue. Boston's Sweetheart had three-ball runs early and late in game 1, the latter securing an 8-4 win over Swordpoint's Dreamy. Sweetheart leads the series 1-0. The Swifts' Sweetheart paced the offense early in game 2, but hit a slowdown in the middle. The Blades' Dreamy got out of the doldrums faster, earning an 8-6 win in the end to tie the series at 1. Sweetheart bounced back well in game 3, staking out a large lead quite quickly. Dreamy made a half-hearted comeback effort, but Sweetheart fended it off and won 8-3 to go up 2-1 in the series. Dreamy didn't have much of anything left in game 4, allowing Sweetheart to make shots two at a time on her way to an 8-1 win. Sweetheart secured the series at 3-1 with this win. Sweetheart build up a lead again in game 5, but Dreamy rallied this time, making seven balls over two turns to claim an 8-6 result. Sweetheart won the series 3-2 and will move into the quarterfinals.

Dominic v. Watermelon. Closing out today, the green cue features in 13-ball. Pearl's Watermelon ripped a five-ball run and then fought for positioning, narrowly beating Southern's Dominic in game 1 for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was much less thrilling on offense, but the Surfers' Watermelon remained solid in positioning to outplay the Monarchs' Dominic. Watermelon's win gave her a 2-0 series lead. Watermelon backed up a positive start in game 3 with a four-ball run-out after taking time to position herself. Dominic had no chance to respond, and Watermelon clinched the series at 3-0 with this win. Dominic avoided the sweep in game 4, capitalizing on a slow start from Watermelon. Dominic was able to get onto the 8 first and convert it at the bottom left on the next turn to trim the deficit to 3-1. Dominic grabbed another win in a close game 5, even after an odd foul at the end for grabbing the cue ball after Watermelon made legal contact. Watermelon took the series 3-2 and will face the Lighton Prestige's Shiny in the quarterfinals. 

We've got four more days in the second round before taking a two-day break for Thanksgiving.

Ten-Year Anniversary Tournament - Round 2 Day 3

We're ready to go with another day of games. This one is likely to test players' patience, but we begin with...

Valencia v. Shaggy. The silver cue gets the start today in Rotation between daughter and mother. Golden's Valencia suffered a scratch near the middle of game 1, and Whitewater's Shaggy struck a five-ball run to take control. Shaggy eventually won 8-5 to go up 1-0 in the series. The Shores' Shaggy got buried by the Pilots' Valencia with defensive positioning. Valencia left no clear shots on the board and cruised to an 8-0 win to tie the series at 1 after game 2. Valencia ripped a five-ball run off the break and made one more before fouling in game 3. Shaggy surged on a seven-ball run, but left the 14 short of the bottom right. Valencia then made a pair for the 8-7 win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Shaggy finally got loose again on offense and gathered an 8-4 win over Valencia to retie the series at 2. Shaggy and Valencia had a very tight start, but Shaggy pulled away at the end on a five-ball run-out for the 8-3 win. Shaggy took the series 3-2 and moved into the quarterfinals.

Quincy v. Panda. Another Rotation series uses the purple cue. Terrace City's Quincy made five balls over two early turns, building an unassailable lead to beat Southern's Panda 8-2 in game 1. Quincy leads the series 1-0. The Monarchs' Panda had no trouble turning things around in game 2, controlling the offense in an 8-3 win over the Knights' Quincy to tie the series at 1. In game 3, things were a bit closer between the two players. Panda pulled away in the end on a three-ball run-out, beating Quincy 8-5 this time as Panda earned a 2-1 series lead. Quincy appeared to be building up his luck in game 4, but that all evaporated as Panda broke through a cluster in the middle. Panda ran to the finish for an 8-4 win to clinch the series at 3-1. A tight start to game 5 gave way to Quincy ripping a six-ball run-out for the 8-2 win and a little consolation against Panda, who took the series 3-2. Panda is into the quarterfinals.

Patches v. Leandra. The third series today is 15-ball with the green cue between tough opponents. Tysini's Leandra popped a five-ball run late in game 1 after an absolutely wretched start for both players. Boston's Patches struck back with the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Patches had the better offense near the end of a more cohesive game 2, but her late misses allowed the Hummingbirds' Leandra to pick off the last two balls for the win. This tied the series at 1. Patches picked up a little speed late in game 3 with a three-ball run, but Leandra answered with a three-ball run-out for the win to gain a 2-1 series lead. Patches wasn't done yet, locking in on offense late in game 4 to get the win on a five-ball run-out after Leandra's offense sputtered. The series is tied at 2. Leandra took total control at the end of game 5, making a five-ball run and a four-ball run-out on consecutive turns to beat Patches 3-2 in the series. Leandra punched her ticket to the quarterfinals with gusto.

Midnight v. Violetta. Along to 9-ball, where the red cue draws in. Queens' Violetta controlled game 1 with a four-ball run and a pair at the end for a simple win and 1-0 series lead over Westside's Midnight. The Flames' Violetta was unimpressive in game 2, making a late three-ball run but mostly struggling after a bad break. The Rockers' Midnight wasn't much better until she won with a late pair to tie the series at 1. Midnight fell off the pace in a tight game 3 with a scratch after a contact play on the 8. Violetta needed two swipes at the 9 before making it at the top right to regain the series lead at 2-1. Midnight kept herself in the series in game 4, weathering a creative attack from Violetta earned that petered out with a foul. Midnight then raked in a four-ball run-out to tie the series again at 2. Violetta got a favorable referee decision in game 5, and then made the 5-9 bank combination with a deflection off the 8 to get into the bottom side to beat Midnight 3-2 in the series. Violetta's heroics have her in the quarterfinals.

Jane v. Princess. In 8-ball, we'll have the blue cue's lone series today. Tysini's Princess opened game 1 on a five-ball run, and Stonebridge's Jane was never able to catch up after that. Princess leads the series 1-0. The Hummingbirds' Princess started well in game 2, but the Wolves' Jane took control with a seven-ball run. Jane won on her second turn with the 8 at the top left, tying the series at 1. A slower start to game 3 built up a little tension. Jane looked to get clear near the end but never could, and Princess rallied with a six-ball run-out instead for the win. Princess earned a 2-1 series lead. Jane had all the early offense in game 4, but took her time getting onto the 8 and fouling on her second try at it. Princess took the ball-in-hand and made another six-ball run-out to clinch the series at 3-1. Both players had massive runs early in game 5, but Jane was able to back hers up while Princess' six-ball effort was wasted. Princess still won the series 3-2 and will play in the quarterfinals.

Puff II v. Ms. Kitty. Back to Rotation, as the silver cue cycles in. Boston's Puff II started well in game 1, but couldn't sustain the attack. Pacific's Ms. Kitty took over after a dull middle of the game and ended up winning 8-4 for a 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Puff II again struck first in game 2, but her lead was short-lived. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty pushed back quickly and later found a six-ball run-out for the 8-2 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Ms. Kitty started a little too slow in game 3, and her comeback came up short as Puff II finally protected a lead. Puff II took the 8-5 win this time, but still trails 2-1 in the series. Puff II triple-potted at the bottom left on the break in game 4, but that would be nearly all of her offense. A four-ball run-out lifted Ms. Kitty to an 8-5 win that secured the series in her favor at 3-1. Ms. Kitty built up a lead in game 5, then took her time at the end before winning 8-3 for the 4-1 series win over Puff II. Ms. Kitty heads to the quarterfinals versus the Whitewater Shores' Shaggy.

Nightfur v. Debby. Former Southeastern captains tangle in 12-ball with the purple cue. Royal's Nightfur had a lot of offense early on, and received a favorable judgement by the referee as she banked the 10 to the top right after Southridge's Debby scratched. Nightfur then made the 9 at the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Debby wasn't very smooth in completing game 2, chipping her way to victory as the Crowns' Nightfur couldn't get a good position to save her life. Debby's slow-burn win tied the series at 1. Nightfur yielded a wild-card ball in the middle of game 3, but Debby couldn't cash in on it. Nightfur instead rallied for a four-ball run-out for the win, retaking the series lead at 2-1. Game 4 turned into a defensive battle at the end, as Debby resisted giving away a wild-card ball, but Nightfur showed no mercy in pushing her out of position. Nightfur eventually won at the top side to seal the series at 3-1. Nightfur nearly repeated the effort in game 5, but a foul allowed Debby to step in for the win. Nightfur won the series 3-2 and is headed to the quarterfinals.

Niki v. Diddley. In 13-ball, the green cue gets a look. Commerce's Niki made one of each and scratched on the break in game 1, choosing to keep solids. Maplewood's Diddley kept it close, but couldn't outrun Niki, who got the win with the 8 in the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Niki had a slow start and a couple of fouls in game 2. The Lumberjacks' Diddley kept pace and had positioning late, but Niki burst back with a five-ball run-out for the win to go ahead 2-0. Niki was relentless, taking stripes on the break and letting Diddley clear some balls off the table early in game 3. Niki then fired back on another five-ball run-out for the win, clinching the series at 3-0. Niki couldn't kick her offense up a notch in game 4, while Diddley was steady throughout and earned a long-awaited win to cut Niki's lead to 3-1. Diddley did it again in game 5, outplaying Niki as she tried to battle for positioning at the bottom right. Diddley made the last pair for the win, but Niki advanced to the quarterfinals with a 3-2 series win.

Sarah v. Jake. The finale today is also in 13-ball, using the red cue. Tysini's Sarah flirted with danger when she scratched on her last solid. Royal's Jake couldn't punish her for it, and Sarah later made a pair to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Sarah will regret her missed opportunities in game 2, as she chipped the 8 wide of the bottom left at the end. The Crowns' Jake had a few misses of his own but converted this time for the win to tie the series at 1. Jake made one of each on the break in game 3, and chose to play solids. He kept his offense dynamic, while Sarah took too long to set herself up at the end. Jake then made a pair for the win and went ahead 2-1 in the series. Sarah made an impressive comeback in game 4, rallying on a four-ball run to get onto the 8. Jake had a chance to win but missed, and Sarah converted to retie the series at 2. Jake had a three-ball run early in game 5, and that little boost was enough for him to keep ahead of Sarah. Jake won the series 3-2 and will face Niki in the quarterfinals. 

We'll be back with another set of games tomorrow.

Ten-Year Anniversary Tournament - Round 2 Day 2

We're back for the second day of the second round. Leading off...

Patches v. Zach. The purple cue gets an Accuracy series to start the day. Boston's Patches had a misstep late in game 1, leading her to take a 1-2 loss versus Pronger's Zach in a tightly contested opener. Zach leads the series 1-0. The Swifts' Patches looked totally lost in game 2, struggling early both in regulation and overtime. The Tridents' Zach slipped up late in regulation but recovered to win 5-6 in overtime to go up 2-0 in the series. Another polar change in quality occurred in game 3, as both players were perfect until Zach missed a ball late. Patches wouldn't stumble, winning 0-1 to get on the board while Zach maintains a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 didn't go as well for Patches, as she fell behind early, and Zach stood perfect this time to win 0-3, clinching the series 3-1 as well. Zach initially struggled in game 5, but managed to drag Patches back into a tie before sportingly letting her take the win 4-5 at the end. Zach won the series 3-2 and will play the visiting role in the quarterfinals versus the Diamond Gems' Leonardo.

Citrus v. Noelle. The green cue comes aboard for some 13-ball. Central's Noelle made a couple of mistakes in decision-making, leading to Lighton's Citrus finding a three-ball run-out for the game 1 win. Citrus is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Noelle had a couple of scratches in game 2, but her positioning remained strong throughout. The Prestige's Citrus couldn't keep up, and Noelle took the win to tie the series at 1. Citrus bounced back well in game 3, even as Noelle produced a great break and start on solids. Citrus' late positioning helped her to a win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Noelle was first onto the 8 after a good stretch of play on solids, but Citrus made the final pair for a small comeback win that sealed the series at 3-1. Game 5 came down to the top side, where Citrus kicked in the 5 and then converted the 8 to the top left before Noelle could blink. Citrus won the series 4-1 and will play in the quarterfinals.

Rosalina v. Lionel. Moving along to 15-ball, the red cue is in play. Commerce's Lionel shot aggressively in game 1, finding a four-ball run-out at the end to beat Diamond's Rosalina. Lionel has a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Lionel found a five-ball run-out on his second turn of game 2, including a deflection off the 4 to send the 15 to the top left, followed by the 4 after a series of caroms. Lionel leads the Gems' Rosalina 2-0 in the series. Game 3 wasn't as fast, but Rosalina didn't put up much of a fight with a lot of errors. Lionel was stronger on offense as well and eventually got the win to secure the series at 3-0. Another slower game occurred in game 4, with Rosalina getting creative but not generating a lot of offense. Lionel came through at the end on a 7-15 combination to the top right for the win, moving him up to a 4-0 lead. A choppy finish didn't save Rosalina from the sweep, as her late misses allowed Lionel to pick up another win for the 5-0 series win. Lionel will play in the quarterfinals.

Neopolitan v. Puff II. Experienced veterans duel in 10-ball with the blue cue. Pearl's Neopolitan stunned with a six-ball run from the break in game 1. Boston's Puff II didn't recover well, and Neopolitan won with the 10 in the bottom right for a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Neopolitan remained stronger on offense in game 2, as the Swifts' Puff II struggled to string a run together. Neopolitan won on a three-ball run-out to go up 2-0 in the series. Neopolitan wasn't flat-out dominant in game 3, but she banked the 4-10 combination to the top left with perfection to beat Puff II again. This win clinched the series for Neopolitan at 3-0. Game 4 saw the 2 and 10 get jammed together at the top left. Neopolitan poked the 2 in and then missed contact on the 3, which saw Puff II soon follow up on a 4-7-10 combination that double-potted the 7 and 10 for her first win. Neopolitan is up 3-1 in the series. Puff II nabbed another win in game 5, taking a 3-10 combination with ease to the top left to leave Neopolitan with a 3-2 series win. Neopolitan will oppose Dewey, representing the Oceanside Waves, in the quarterfinals.

Shiny v. Charli. The silver cue's lone series today is in Accuracy. Web City's Shiny was perfect until her last two shots in game 1, which allowed Tysini's Charli to surge ahead and earn a 1-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw a massive reduction in quality, although the Spiders' Shiny trailed the entire time. The Hummingbirds' Charli faltered her way to a 4-6 win in the end, going up 2-0 in the series. Charli skidded at the start of game 3, scratching on the break and missing again on her next shot. Shiny wasn't dominant, but she earned a 2-4 win to cut the series to 2-1. In game 4, Charli had another slow start. Shiny was perfect until the end, where a late miss forced her to settle for a 1-3 win that allowed her to tie the series at 2. Shiny completed the series comeback with a confident 1-3 win in game 5 after Charli had a couple of early misses in quick succession. Shiny won the series 3-2 and moves into the quarterfinals.

Twinkie II v. Missy. Reality club-mates tangle with the purple cue in 9-ball. Harrison's Twinkie II had a solid start, but lacked command later in game 1. Capital City's Missy exploited this by striking in the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II made another mistake late in game 2, missing contact on the 8. The Sharpshooters' Missy took the final pair again from ball-in-hand for the win and 2-0 series lead. Missy mastered the art of the small counterattack in game 3, waiting for Twinkie II to sputter late. Twinkie II missed the 8, which Missy banked in before sinking the 9 for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Missy kept doing what works, allowing Twinkie II to chunk offense until she missed the 8 once again in game 4. Missy sniped in the last pair and moved to a 4-0 series lead. Missy took more control of the offense in game 5, a grand finale that saw her post an eight-ball run-out to sweep Twinkie II 5-0 in the series. Missy heads to the quarterfinals.

Ruby v. Dreamy. A 7-ball set features the green cue. Archtown's Ruby took a 1-0 lead on the first shot of game 1, getting the 7 to drop in the top side for the win over Swordpoint's Dreamy. In game 2, the Blades' Dreamy had more of the offense, but she couldn't sink the 6 at the bottom side. The Arrows' Ruby would pick off the final pair for the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Ruby took a gamble in game 3 on a three-ball run, narrowly missing the 7 on a bank toward the bottom right. Dreamy put it away for the win to get on the board in a 2-1 series. Dreamy continued to gain momentum in game 4, maintaining a large share of the offense and picking off the 7 on her second try after Ruby struggled. Dreamy's win this time tied the series at 2 games apiece. Ruby made a three-ball run in the middle of game 5, but Dreamy surrounded it with pairs to get the win and a 3-2 series win on the comeback. Dreamy heads to the quarterfinals.

Nightfur v. Crystal. Aggressive former regional rivals renew their battle in 9-ball with the red cue. Queens' Crystal was a little too loose on some shots. Royal's Nightfur had her troubles as well, but she made the last three balls over two turns for the game 1 win and 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Crystal made improvements in game 2, but regressed by the end. The Crowns' Nightfur won with her second attempt on the 9, moving ahead 2-0 in the series. Nightfur started with a four-ball run in game 3, but that ended with a scratch. Crystal fired back on a five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to get the win, cutting Nightfur's series lead to 2-1. It took some time, but Nightfur grabbed the offense and ran the table a few turns into game 4, giving her the win to secure the series at 3-1. Crystal had a foul early in game 5, and that allowed Nightfur to make the 2 to the bottom left and then the 3-9 combination at the top left for the win. Nightfur took the series 4-1 and earned a place in the quarterfinals.

Stinky v. Frosty. The finale today is with the blue cue in 12-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty was sloppy to give up a wild-card ball in game 1, but she also took away the keystone of positioning for Freedom's Stinky. Frosty then battled to get the edge and ultimately won for a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Frosty yielded a wild-card ball on the game 2 break, but the Cascades' Stinky returned the favor very late. Frosty had just enough in the tank for a three-ball run-out to get the win and a 2-0 series lead. Frosty kept up the good work with a hot start on solids in game 3. Stinky battled back and got to his last ball, but lost the race for positioning and the game as Frosty finished in the bottom side to seal the series at 3-0. Frosty made quick work of game 4, using a four-ball run off the break and a successful shot on each of the next two turns to overcome giving away a wild-card ball to Stinky. Frosty holds a 4-0 series lead. Frosty overfilled on the game 5 break, her lone mistake of the game. It was still a close call, but Stinky finished at the bottom side to dodge a sweep as Frosty advanced to the quarterfinals on a 4-1 series win. 

We're already a quarter through the second round. More to come tomorrow.

Ten-Year Anniversary Tournament - Round 2 Day 1

We're ready to begin the second round of the TYAT, which will last from this Tuesday to next Tuesday before a two-day Thanksgiving break. Series will be five games long in the second round, beginning with...

Ms. Kitty v. Shiny. The green cue begins the round with 15-ball. A slow start to game 1 on both sides made for a painful battle. Pacific's Ms. Kitty eventually ended it with a 9-11-15 combination to the top left to beat Lighton's Shiny for the 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty again struggled early on, but managed to assert herself enough late in game 2 to win on a three-ball run-out for the 2-0 series lead over the Prestige's Shiny. In game 3, Ms. Kitty took another dip in shot quality. Shiny was better, and won on a four-ball run-out capped by a 9-15 kick combination to the top right. This cut Ms. Kitty's series lead to 2-1. Shiny pulled out another quick finish in game 4, sinking the 7 and the 8-15 combination both to the bottom left to tie the series with Ms. Kitty at 2 games apiece. Shiny completed the series comeback with an epic game 5 effort, posting a three-ball run-out to beat Ms. Kitty once more for the 3-2 series win. Shiny is the first player to reach the quarterfinals.

Sugar v. Delila. In 13-ball, the red cue activates. Tysini's Sugar used impressive positioning and execution late in game 1 to make a four-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead over Atlantic's Delila. The Pirates' Delila put up a better fight in game 2, but couldn't stop the Hummingbirds' Sugar at the end even with Sugar's scratch. Sugar then made a late pair for the win, going up 2-0 in the series. Sugar was frustrated by poor positioning in game 3, and a late scratch sealed Delila's ability to get the win. Delila made the 8 from the kitchen to the top left for the win, getting on the board in a 2-1 series. Delila had to play defensively in game 4, but that strategy only held up for so long. Sugar eventually broke through and kicked the 8 to the top left for the win to seal the series at 3-1. Sugar couldn't get a good look at her last ball in game 5, and Delila took over with a four-ball run-out after that to get the win. Sugar won the series 3-2 and heads to the quarterfinals.

Leonardo v. Smudge. A pair of mates will battle in Accuracy with the blue cue. Infinity's Smudge had a lead for a lot of game 1, but faded late as Diamond's Leonardo clamped down. Smudge's missed bank at the top right allowed Leonardo to win 2-3 for the 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge continued to skid early in game 2, and that allowed the Gems' Leonardo to build a lead. He would need all of the lead to get the 3-4 win this time, putting him ahead 2-0. Both players rattled off streaks of 12 successful makes in game 3, which put them over halfway through overtime before Smudge's missed meant Leonardo took a 0-1 win to secure the series at 3-0. Leonardo was in firm control for most of game 4 as well, but slipped into a late tie and then let Smudge take a 1-2 result to avoid overtime. Leonardo remains ahead 3-1. Leonardo wasn't totally steady in game 5, but his strong start helped pace him to a 2-3 win over Smudge to take the series 4-1. Leonardo is in the quarterfinals.

Sarah v. Hoot. Back to 15-ball, where the silver cue draws in. Tysini's Sarah took her time early in game 1, then stepped up to beat Viewpoint Sound's Hoot on a three-ball run-out. Sarah leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Hoot played a little more creatively in game 2, but the Hummingbirds' Sarah answered the call at the end with a three-ball run-out to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Sarah wasn't as in control in game 3, missing the 15 multiple times at the end before Hoot put it away for his first win in a 2-1 series. Sarah's shot quality dropped again in game 4, but Hoot wasn't exactly sharp either. Hoot got lucky with a deflection off the 8 that drove the 15 into the top left for the win to tie the series at 2. Sarah tried desperately to keep up in game 5, but she scratched late, and Hoot made the final pair to take a 3-2 series win. Hoot will face the Lighton Prestige's Shiny in the quarterfinals.

Dustin v. Princess. Two tough competitors play 10-ball in the purple cue's lone series today. Central's Dustin left the 10 tantalizingly close to the top left on the game 1 break, but couldn't collect it as a three-ball run ended. Tysini's Princess sent the 4 to the top right and got the right deflection to also make the 10 for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Hummingbirds' Princess did a similar break in game 2, but the Warriors' Dustin made the 10 illegally and never got a chance to do it right. Princess buried the last two shots for the win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Princess was better on offense in game 3 with a five-ball run, but two bad errors gave Dustin all he needed to earn the win, pulling to within 2-1 in the series. Dustin evened the series in game 4, beating Princess with a savvy 4-10 combination deflected lightly off the 6 to fall in the bottom left. Dustin's smart play tied the series at 2. Dustin couldn't keep it going in game 5, falling off the pace and missing a kick on the 9 after Princess nudged into a bad position. Princess then made the final pair for the win and 3-2 series win to get into the quarterfinals.

Strut v. Shiny. The designated visitor plays a second series today in 13-ball with the green cue. Golden's Strut had a good start on stripes, but quickly ran out of steam. Lighton's Shiny replied with better play, taking her time in a steady win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut again had a short burst of offense before dropping back. The Prestige's Shiny even had a late scratch in game 2, but it didn't stop her from taking the win to go up 2-0 in the series. Strut surged late in game 3 on a three-ball run, but failed to execute an intentional scratch. Shiny made a pair after that to get the win, clinching the series at 3-0. Shiny continued to dominate the series with positive offense early in game 4. Strut made some plays to catch up, but Shiny easily won at the top left to grab a 4-0 series lead. Shiny couldn't complete the sweep in game 5, as Strut made a six-ball run before slowly picking up the 8 at the end. Shiny won the series 4-1 and will play in the quarterfinals.

Dusky v. Spirit. We return to 10-ball with the red cue in hand. Atlantic's Dusky had a good start in game 1, but shooting into a cluster late allowed Lighton's Spirit to pick off some shots for the win. Spirit owns a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Dusky illegally sank the 4 in game 2, but the Prestige's Spirit made only a pair before her miss on the 7. Dusky then rallied on a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Dusky was playing from behind outside of a nice early run in game 3. At the end, her miss on the 8 opened the way for Spirit to take a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series lead. Both players aspired for runs in game 4, but it was Spirit who found more success than Dusky. Spirit won on a three-ball run-out to secure the series at 3-1. Spirit had another burst of offense late in game 5, but couldn't corral the 10 to the top left. Dusky instead tapped it down at the bottom left, leaving Spirit to advance to the quarterfinals on a 3-2 series win.

Dewey v. Tigerette. More 10-ball features the blue cue. Oceanside's Dewey placed plenty of pressure on Commerce's Tigerette in game 1, but Dewey missed the 10 at the end. Tigerette put it away for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette went from slow start to a nine-ball run in game 2, only to shank the 10 wide of the top left. The Waves' Dewey poached the win on a tap-in, tying the series at 1. Dewey missed a clear look at the 1-10 combination early in game 3, but wouldn't fail when he deflected a shot off the 2 to put the 10 in the top left, making Tigerette wonder what went wrong. Dewey pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Tigerette illegally sank the 8 on an uncalled play, and Dewey decided to keep possession. That helped him win game 4, as Dewey deflected the cue off the 3 to hit the 10 into the bottom left, which in turn gave him the series at 3-1. Dewey slipped up on offense early in game 5, but when Tigerette's attempt on the 9 landed in the wrong pocket, Dewey was able to take the 10 for free at the top left. Dewey won the series 4-1 to get into the quarterfinals.

Roxy v. Avril. Another 10-ball series ends the day using the silver cue. Pronger's Avril woke up in the middle of game 1, firing off a six-ball run-out for the win and strong 1-0 series lead over Freedom's Roxy. Both players made late mistakes on the 9, but it was the Tridents' Avril who flubbed the easier shot. The Cascades' Roxy got on track and made a pair after that to win, tying the series at 1. Avril struck early in game 3 to regain the series lead over Roxy at 2-1. Avril's play was a deflection off the 3 to send the 10 to the bottom left for the quick finish. Roxy wasn't ready to bow out yet, making the 9 on her second chance and then winning game 4 with a snipe of the 10 to the top right to retie the series at 2. Roxy fell short in game 5, a miss on the 8 leading to Avril making a three-ball run-out to claim the win. Avril won the series 3-2 and continues on to the quarterfinals. 

We've got seven more days to go in this round, continuing tomorrow.