Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 18

We're set to play 40 games for qualifying today. First up...

Infinity Torpedoes captain Smudge plays 9-ball with the blue cue. Smudge started the day in perfect form, sinking the 9 to the top right on the break for 0 shots and zero errors. Archtown Arrows veteran Cubby follows that with the silver cue in 12-ball. Cubby kept himself in good positions, taking one error in 19 shots. Royal Crowns star Sunshine is up for 10-ball with the purple cue. Sunshine struggled with control, taking three errors but finishing strong at 18 shots. Freedom Cascades newcomer Kitty draws in for 12-ball with the blue cue. Kitty took no errors in her game, but a slight fade at the end pushed her to 21 shots. Going fifth today, Infinity Torpedoes star Fluffina shoots 13-ball with the red cue. Fluffina left a little too much to chance, needing 24 shots and two errors to clear the table. 

Group two begins as Victoria Spurs newcomer Max shoots 10-ball with the green cue. Max didn't mess around, taking no errors in his 13 shots. Enterprise Independents rookie Ollie draws in for 12-ball with the purple cue. Ollie took one error as his positioning slipped late, but he finished it off in 22 shots. Boston Swifts star Tigerette also shoots 12-ball with the purple cue. Tigerette had nowhere to go at the end of her game, falling apart with 28 shots and four errors after a hot start. Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Gizmo keeps the purple cue active in 10-ball. Gizmo took three errors and fell to 20 shots. Swordpoint Blades captain Mams closes the group with the blue cue in hand for 9-ball. Mams had no traction early, taking two errors before settling to close at 16 shots. 

The third group kicks off with Pronger Tridents captain Precious shooting 10-ball with the blue cue. Precious was tricky early and paid for it with two errors late to end up at 16 shots. Westside Rockers veteran Snowball checks in for 12-ball with the blue cue. Snowball played positioning excellently to end on 18 shots and no errors. Modernistic Union veteran Puff I goes 13th today, using the silver cue in 10-ball. Puff I took 15 shots and no errors, playing fairly well in the game. Harrison Specters veteran Esmeralda uses the purple cue in 9-ball next. Esmeralda took 18 shots and no errors in the game, though her shot selection didn't pan out well. Capital City Sharpshooters mainstay Missy ends the group in 12-ball with the green cue. Missy took a couple of errors and ended up with 22 shots in a difficult finish to her game. 

Everton Eagles veteran Panda leads off group four with the purple cue in 13-ball. An early poor run of positioning left Panda with three errors before he settled to end on 26 shots. Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Cobalt plays 12-ball with the purple cue in today's 17th game. Cobalt took three errors and needed 27 shots to complete the effort, choosing to skip a late chase and instead taking an automatic foul. Everton Eagles newcomer Maggie gets the green cue in 10-ball. Maggie cruised on offense, ending in 7 shots with a 6-10 combination to the top right, and she took no errors. Rookie Alliance member Tenille A. is also set for 10-ball, using the red cue. Tenille A. needed 26 shots with one error to finish, going after a fruitless chase to end the game early with no success. The group closes with Zenith Skywatchers strongman Lionel playing 12-ball with the blue cue. Lionel had some rough placement at the end, pushing him up to 23 shots and two errors. 

The fifth batch opens with Whitewater Shores captain Shaggy shooting 12-ball with the purple cue. Shaggy needed 24 shots and one error to finish, as she had to work on her positioning at the end. Midland Predators captain Rainmane is next up, using the silver cue in 12-ball. Rainmane took two errors for an overfill and a scratch, and she scuffled to 28 shots. More 12-ball is on the way as Archtown Arrows veteran Greg draws in to play with the green cue. Greg looked good in this one, playing patiently but fast with 19 shots and no errors. Freedom Cascades newcomer Shiny also uses the green cue in 12-ball for today's 24th game. Two errors off an explosive break didn't pay off in the end, as Shiny collapsed to 26 shots and four errors overall. Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II finishes the group in 10-ball with the silver cue. Twinkie II couldn't break loose from a slow start, taking 19 shots and one error. 

The sixth set sees Atlantic Pirates newcomer Waluigi take the pace lead with 15-ball and the purple cue. Waluigi did well, taking a couple of early errors before unleashing strong offense to end on 25 shots. Golden Pilots captain Valencia keeps the purple cue active for 13-ball. Valencia played herself into a blockade, and needed three errors to escape the game at 26 shots. Swordpoint Blades newcomer Megan goes 28th today in Rotation with the red cue. Megan took three errors and finished at 27 shots in a fairly average-looking effort. Eastside Sharks captain Taylor M. brings the silver cue back for 12-ball. Taylor M. had good play and good fortune to end on 19 shots with no errors. At the back of the group, Southridge Defenders newcomer Avril shoots 12-ball with the purple cue. Avril needed 23 shots and took no errors to complete a tricky game. 

Group seven starts as Terrace City Knights veteran Oreo plays 12-ball with the green cue. Oreo didn't take an error in her 19 shots, a crisp and clean performance. Lighton Prestige newcomer Gradley steps in for today's 32nd game, using the purple cue in Rotation. Gradley had an awful break and struggled for positioning, but rallied late to end on 33 shots and four errors. Viewpoint Sound Meteors captain Hoot checks in with the silver cue for 13-ball. Hoot had five errors and 28 shots as he couldn't keep the cue ball up in the right positions. Tysini Hummingbirds veteran Slinks tries her luck with the purple cue in 12-ball. Slinks took four errors and really didn't have much going her way in 33 shots. Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Marissa closes the group in 12-ball with the green cue. Marissa had no errors and finished in 20 shots in a commanding turn at the table. 

The final group gets going as Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Josie plays 8-ball with the purple cue. Josie took a pair of errors and managed to finish the game in 22 shots. Queens Flames veteran Mario goes 37th today in 10-ball with the green cue. Mario took one error on missed contact, but rallied to finish with 15 shots. Capital City Sharpshooters captain Chris checks in with the red cue in 12-ball. Chris couldn't get anything down early, taking three errors and 31 shots to get out of the game. Central Warriors star Dustin also plays in 12-ball but with the green cue. Dustin had a good chance to finish well, but twice butchered it on his last ball. He finished in 23 shots with no errors. Infinity Torpedoes star Blaze ends the day with the blue cue in 13-ball. Blaze took 16 shots and one error in a fantastic finale. 

The days keep getting longer with harder events on the schedule. We'll go again tomorrow with 40 more games despite rising frustration around the league.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 17

We're back and still in the middle of the 10-ball majority portion of qualifying. Today's action will see 15-ball become eligible to play. First up...

Pronger Tridents star Spot shoots 9-ball with the blue cue. Spot took 12 shots and no errors in a sharp outing. Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Sierra tries her hand in Rotation with the silver cue. Sierra kept a strong pace and finished the effort in 24 shots with one error. Diamond Gems captain Shadow goes third today, playing 8-ball with the red cue. Shadow managed 21 shots and one error in the appearance, a fairly standard turn. Golden Pilots veteran Strut will also play in 8-ball, using the blue cue. Strut had a decent stretch in the middle of his game to put himself at 22 shots with no errors. Westside Rockers captain Misty ends the group in 12-ball with the red cue. Misty couldn't get enough positioning late, ending at 29 shots with two errors. 

The second group gets going as Lighton Prestige star Citrus shoots 12-ball with the silver cue. Citrus took 19 shots and one error in a solid performance. Oceanside Waves captain Celestia keeps the silver cue active for 13-ball. Celestia took 21 shots and two errors, keeping her groove despite the mistakes. Pacific Volcanoes star Smokey also plays 13-ball with the silver cue today. Smokey made a critical error by sinking the 8 while an overfill went unnoticed. He was charged with five errors and 26 shots in game. Pearl Surfers captain Watermelon steps up ninth today, shooting 12-ball with the red cue. Watermelon took four errors in her appearance, struggling to 27 shots. Enterprise Independents rookie Alina closes the group with the silver cue in 10-ball. Alina was a little sloppy with three errors, but her 5-10 combination to the top right ended her game in 13 shots. 

Group three leads off with Royal Crowns captain Kayla shooting 12-ball with the silver cue. Kayla had to play cautiously despite a hot start, maintaining positioning to end on 18 shots and no errors. Whitewater Shores sophomore Rachel is 12th to play today, using the green cue in 9-ball. Rachel crushed the break to send the 9 to the top right 0 shots and zero errors. After that, Southern Monarchs veteran Dominic plays 12-ball with the red cue. Dominic kept his positioning straight and finished on 18 shots with no errors. Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess activates the purple cue in 12-ball. Princess took one error as she hooked a shot wide, but she still finished in 20 shots. At the back of the group, Maplewood Lumberjacks rookie Tenille T. shoots 13-ball with the silver cue. Tenille T. had one error in 24 shots, playing a mostly solid game. 

The 16th player to shoot today is Atlantic Pirates newcomer Bandit, who plays 10-ball with the silver cue. Bandit took one error in 17 shots in this game, unable to command his play early. Southridge Defenders newcomer Sydney C. gets a turn in 13-ball with the green cue next. Sydney C. didn't get a good break, but she played smart to finish on 22 shots and no errors. Archtown Arrows newcomer Sydney S. shoots 10-ball with the purple cue. Sydney S. played well with kick shots to get contact, then cruised to 13 shots and no errors at the end. Graycliff Aces veteran Paps shoots 12-ball with the blue cue next. Paps took care of his positioning and then charged to finish at 19 shots with no errors. Boston Swifts newcomer Dreamy will also get a look in 12-ball with the blue cue to end this batch. Dreamy took one error as her positioning dried up quickly after a hot start. She finished on 23 shots. 

The fifth group begins as Lighton Prestige star Spirit shoots 8-ball with the green cue. Spirit took one error for a scratch and still locked down the racked in 20 shots. North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach shoots 10-ball with the silver cue in today's 22nd game. Peach got a little sloppy with two errors, but she finished in a decent 16 shots. Phoenix Firebirds captain Neopolitan is set to play 12-ball with the purple cue next. Neopolitan lived dangerously, taking just one error in a lucky 22 shots. Lighton Prestige captain Acorn keeps the purple cue active for 10-ball. Acorn couldn't get anything to hit right, taking one error and 23 shots. At the halfway mark, Central Warriors captain Twilight shoots 9-ball with the blue cue. Twilight took one error on a scratch, but her 6-9 combination to the top right ended her game in 7 shots. 

Set six opens with Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles shooting Rotation with the red cue. Sparkles had a couple of early errors, then cruised through the middle before a late skid to 26 shots. Queens Flames captain Crystal steps in for 9-ball with the silver cue. Crystal had some good looks and made the 6-9 combination with a hard bank to the bottom left. She ended on 8 shots and no errors. Midland Predators newcomer Stephanie is 28th to play today, using the blue cue in 12-ball. Stephanie took two errors and faltered late to end up with 23 shots in the game. Phoenix Firebirds star Twinkie III is next up, using the red cue in 10-ball. Twinkie III had a strong showing early on and stayed on track with one error in 15 shots. Rounding out the group, Southern Monarchs veteran Lorde plays 9-ball with the purple cue. Lorde turned to hunting down the 9 after a slow start, and she got it in 11 shots with a 3-9 combination to the top right. She took no errors. 

The seventh batch starts as Everton Eagles mainstay Puff III plays 12-ball with the blue cue. Puff III needed just 18 shots with no errors to finish the game. Southern Monarchs veteran Molly is up for 9-ball with the green cue. Molly took the 9 on the break to the top right for 0 shots and zero errors. Infinity Torpedoes veteran Shelley keeps the green cue active in today's 33rd game, shooting 12-ball. Shelley took one error late and faded to 23 shots as she didn't have an exit strategy. Phoenix Firebirds veteran Pauline takes a turn in 12-ball using the purple cue. Pauline needed only 20 shots with no errors in a quick outing. Infinity Torpedoes star Fuchsia draws in for 8-ball with the green cue at the end of this set. Fuchsia handled things in 20 shots with no errors. 

Group eight is fronted by Zenith Skywatchers enforcer Nightfur, who plays 9-ball with the blue cue. Nightfur took no errors but struggled to 18 shots with few good positional plays. Victoria Spurs captain Spice plays the 37th game today, using the purple cue in 8-ball. Spice took two errors and couldn't find her touch late, fading to 27 shots. Queens Flames newcomer Cleo is next, playing 13-ball with the red cue. Cleo needed 29 shots with two errors to complete the turn, spending too much time on set-up work and not enough on converting shots. Rookie Alliance member Alanna gets the next game, shooting 8-ball with the purple cue. Alanna handled the rack in 21 shots, fading just a bit near the end. Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Diddley ends the group in 8-ball with the blue cue. Diddley faded late in his game, ending up at 23 shots after taking one error for intentionally bumping the table. 

The ninth group is underway as Pacific Volcanoes veteran Leonette shoots 10-ball with the silver cue. Leonette took a couple of errors and managed to finish at 16 shots. Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy is up for 9-ball with the red cue. Ms. Puppy couldn't settle her aim, taking 16 shots and one error in the game. Terrace City Knights sophomore Anna goes next with the purple cue in 13-ball. Anna took three errors for illegally sinking the 8 after a hot start. She bounced right back, closing on 22 shots. Also in 13-ball, Todavía Stills veteran Pedey is ready to play with the silver cue. Pedey had a good look at stripes, but there was nothing for him to do with solids as he took two errors and 27 shots to clear the table. The 45th player drawn today is Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Whiskers, who shoots 12-ball with the green cue. Whiskers had three errors and 28 shots in the game, struggling to line up her last plays. 

The final group sees Oceanside Waves star Patches play 10-ball with the blue cue. Patches took two errors and 17 shots, unable to break out of a league-wide fade towards the end of the day. Victoria Spurs veteran Rosalina will get a chance in 13-ball with the red cue. Rosalina took two errors on a missed contact scratch late, but she closed it on 22 shots. Queens Flames veteran Briana gets the silver cue in today's 48th game, playing 10-ball. Briana got tricky after a scratch on the break was her lone error. She made the 10 on a deflection off the 3 to the bottom right for 4 shots. Atlantic Pirates captain Delila goes next in 9-ball with the red cue. A double-error early hurt Delila's play, but she eventually deflected off the 2 to take the 9 at the top right for 9 shots. Westside Rockers mainstay Goatee ends the day in 10-ball with the blue cue. Goatee found an early finish with a 7-10 bank combination to the bottom right for 11 shots and one error. 

A roller coaster of play today gets a little closer to the upcoming midway point. The next three days will be 40 games each.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 16

We're ready to play another big slate of games with 50 on for today. Rotation is now in the active list, while just two players have yet to make their season debuts. First up...

Graycliff Aces veteran Jennifer plays 12-ball with the red cue. Jennifer started poorly and never really got back on track. She took two errors in 29 shots. Todavía Stills star Ruby is up next with the green cue in 10-ball. Ruby suffered one error on a scratch and closed it at 18 shots. Atlantic Pirates newcomer Waluigi is in for Rotation with the red cue. Waluigi took just one error in 26 shots, showing strong control in a tough game. Central Warriors newcomer Isabella takes a turn in 12-ball with the purple cue. Isabella was good enough early on to weather a late error and end on 17 shots. Freedom Cascades veteran Andrew closes the group in 10-ball with the purple cue. Andrew took two errors for illegally potted balls, ending at 16 shots thanks to some solid strategy.

The second group leads off with Golden Pilots newcomer Toki playing 8-ball with the silver cue. Toki took 20 shots and one error, overcoming a missed contact foul quite well. Eastside Sharks veteran Lily checks in for 9-ball with the green cue. Lily cranked the 9 into the top right on the break to post 0 shots and zero errors. Web City Spiders veteran Nibbles goes eighth today, also using the green cue but in 10-ball. Nibbles took two errors and 21 shots to complete the effort due to poor positioning. Whitewater Shores veteran Marsell checks in for 9-ball with the blue cue. Marsell was sharp early, then took two errors and finished on 16 shots. North Modernistic Nighthawks newcomer Mr. Snowman ends the group in 10-ball with the blue cue. Mr. Snowman was strong, ending on 13 shots and no errors after making three balls on the break. 

Group three kicks off with Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Rosemary shooting 10-ball with the silver cue. Rosemary took one error after a brutal start, then finished early at 15 shots with an 8-10 combination to the top right. Enterprise Independents rookie Ollie also uses the silver cue in 10-ball. Ollie had a hot start, took one error in the middle and closed on 15 shots. Web City Spiders newcomer Sage is up for 9-ball with the blue cue. Sage took two errors as she struggled with control in 15 shots. Another Spider, the veteran Kodiak, keeps the blue cue active for 10-ball. Kodiak couldn't navigate a tough middle of the game, taking two errors in 20 shots. Diamond Gems strongman Leonardo goes 15th today, using the silver cue in 12-ball. Leonardo had some difficult positioning, but he was able to finish it at 24 shots with one error. 

The fourth group begins as Lighton Prestige veteran Angelica shoots 10-ball with the green cue. Angelica took the rack in 14 shots and one error, making a 6-10 combination to the bottom right to bail herself out of trouble. Apex Wonders newcomer Klaus plays 13-ball with the green cue next. Klaus took a scratch on the break, but only needed 15 shots to clear the rack. Queens Flames superstar Violetta is 18th to play today, using the blue cue in 12-ball. Violetta rattled off 20 shots and no errors in a clean performance. Zenith Skywatchers strongman Lionel draws in for 10-ball with the red cue. Lionel took three errors as he lacked control in the game, and he finished at 17 shots. Midland Predators captain Rainmane finished the set with the purple cue in 10-ball. Rainmane had an early error that took down her momentum, forcing her to 17 shots for the game. 

Batch five opens with Pearl Surfers newcomer Dusky playing 8-ball with the red cue. Dusky took no errors in 17 shots in one of the day's smoothest games. Swordpoint Blades veteran Stealth is also set for 8-ball, using the silver cue. Stealth took two errors on scratches, which dragged him down to 20 shots. Oceanside Waves veteran Rocky takes a look in 9-ball with the silver cue. Rocky had a couple of errors, but still finished fast in 13 shots. Stonebridge Wolves sophomore Lindsay follows up with the blue cue in 10-ball. Lindsay took two errors early on but still played well with 14 shots in the game. There's more 10-ball at today's midpoint, with Southern Monarchs captain Pounce checking into the event with the purple cue. Pounce had one error for an illegally potted ball, but he was able to finish in 13 shots. 

Group six starts as Everton Eagles veteran Vincent shoots 9-ball with the blue cue. Vincent took two errors late, wasting a hot start as he faded to 14 shots. Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II is also set to play 9-ball with the purple cue. Twinkie II took one error in 14 shots, a little slow on the finish. Todavía Stills newcomer Juno is up for the 28th game today, using the blue cue in 13-ball. Juno wasn't able to escape trouble very well, taking two errors and 27 shots in the game. Next up, Graycliff Aces rookie Phoebe draws in for 9-ball with the purple cue. Phoebe sank the 9 on an illegal contact, her second error that forced her to clear the table at 16 shots. Everton Eagles captain Goldy wraps up the group in 10-ball with the red cue. Goldy took three errors in 16 shots, making the best of a rough start. 

The seventh batch is underway with Apex Wonders captain Midnight playing 9-ball with the purple cue. Midnight hunted the 9 at the end, making it on a 4-6-9 combination to top right for 10 shots and no errors. Commerce Tradewinds sophomore Blake shoots 12-ball with the blue cue next. Blake took one error early on and ended up at 22 shots. The 33rd game of the day is Pearl Surfers newcomer Shawn playing 10-ball with the red cue. Shawn botched his break and ended up picking up five errors in 23 shots for the game. After that, Midland Predators veteran Americus plays 10-ball with the green cue. Americus took one error in 13 shots in a crisp and well-played effort. At the back of the group, Infinity Torpedoes star Fluffina shoots 12-ball with the purple cue. Fluffina took three errors as she tried to maintain positioning, ending up at 22 shots. 

North Modernistic Nighthawks newcomer Wild Thing makes his team debut in 7-ball with the silver cue to initiate group eight. Wild Thing put the 7 around the table on the break, landing it in the top side for 0 shots and zero errors. Archtown Arrows captain Sally keeps the silver cue active for 12-ball in today's 37th game. Sally took two errors and didn't have the best positioning, ending up with 24 shots in the game. Swordpoint Blades captain Mams goes next with the purple cue in 8-ball. Mams just didn't have the right pace in her game, taking one error and 23 shots. Archtown Arrows veteran Hoppy keeps the purple cue active for a 9-ball appearance. Hoppy took two errors in the effort, ending on 14 shots. Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Marissa closes out the group with the red cue in 10-ball. Marissa had a bad break and just pushed through it, taking three productive errors to end on 14 shots. 

Group nine gets going with Southridge Defenders strongman Wario shooting 10-ball with the purple cue. Wario faltered with two errors in 19 shots. Modernistic Union newcomer Stripes also shoots 10-ball, but with the silver cue. Stripes didn't have an error, but she still needed 19 shots due to some slumps in shooting. Capital City Sharpshooters captain Chris keeps it locked on 10-ball with the purple cue. Chris put in a fairly standard performance, taking one error in his 17 shots. Freedom Cascades newcomer Shiny also shoots 10-ball, using the green cue. Shiny flew through her game in 12 shots, though she did snag an error along the way. The 45th player today is the Rookie Alliance's Olivia, who plays 10-ball with the purple cue. Olivia found the elusive quick finish, connecting on the 2 to deflect the 10 into the top right for 4 shots and no errors. 

The final group is fronted by Terrace City Knights veteran Oreo, who plays 10-ball with the blue cue. Oreo had two errors and lost her control later in the game, skidding to 25 shots. Royal Crowns newcomer Dani draws in for 12-ball with the red cue. Dani started off sizzling, then took three errors and stumbled to 28 shots thanks to awful positioning. Harrison Specters sophomore Bucco is up for 9-ball with the green cue. Bucco took one error on a late scratch, unraveling a great game that ended with 13 shots. Swordpoint Blades newcomer Megan keeps the green cue active for 13-ball. Megan took a couple of errors, but one of them left her with strong positioning, and she closed on 22 shots. Web City Spiders rookie Kinley closes the day in 12-ball with the silver cue. Kinley cruised through the rack on 15 shots and no errors with excellent positioning. 

It was a slog of a day, mostly with average to slightly poor performances and some highlights mixed in. We'll go again tomorrow.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 15

It's a new day for qualifying, where we'll play 40 games. First up...

Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles shoots 13-ball with the green cue. Sparkles had nowhere to go with her shots, taking 36 of them with just one error. Boston Swifts captain Sweetheart goes second today with the red cue in 10-ball. Sweetheart took 12 shots and no errors in a quick appearance. The Rookie Alliance's Tenille A. is up next for 9-ball with the red cue. Tenille A. took two errors and 15 shots in a somewhat difficult game. Lighton Prestige star Citrus is up for 10-ball with the purple cue. Citrus struggled at times, but her 3-10 combination to the top right ended her game at 8 shots and no errors. North Modernistic Nighthawks enforcer Cheddar ends the group with the purple cue in 8-ball. Cheddar took 22 shots and no errors in a decent outing. 

Group two sees Diamond Gems captain Shadow shooting 7-ball with the purple cue in its last turn in the event. Shadow's break sent the 7 indirectly to the bottom left for 0 shots and zero errors. Central Warriors star Dustin activates the blue cue for 10-ball. Dustin took no errors and 13 shots to finish the outing. Zenith Skywatchers captain Blizzard goes eighth today, using the silver cue in 9-ball. Blizzard struggled early but only took one error in 19 shots. Royal Crowns veteran Jake is up next, shooting 12-ball with the red cue. Jake played patient early and closed the effort in 19 shots with no errors. Oceanside Waves captain Celestia also uses the red cue in 12-ball to end the set. Celestia took one error for an overfill and babied the final ball in to finish at 22 shots. 

The third group kicks off with Tysini Hummingbirds star Sarah playing 9-ball with the silver cue. Sarah scratched and made two balls on the break, then finished at 6 shots with just the one error on a 7-9 bank combination to the top right. Graycliff Aces rookie Adele takes a look at 9-ball with the green cue. Adele made the 9 on the break to the top right for 0 shots and zero errors. Boston Swifts veteran Dreamy shoots 10-ball with the purple cue in today's 13th game. Dreamy took three errors, but she salvaged the game at 14 shots with a deflection off the 4 to make the 10 at the top right. Harrison Specters veteran Esmeralda is next up for 8-ball with the red cue. Esmeralda buried the rack in 18 shots with no errors. Queens Flames newcomer Cleo checks in with the purple cue in 12-ball. Cleo played smart and finished in 17 shots with no errors. 

Apex Wonders sophomore Maren leads the fourth group with the red cue in hand for 10-ball. Maren kept it clean with 16 shots and no errors. The blue cue's last 7-ball qualifier is Enterprise Independents rookie Sasha's career debut. Sasha didn't have much success, taking two errors and 15 shots after a very sluggish start. Archtown Arrows veteran Greg draws in for 10-ball with the purple cue. Greg took two errors and 19 shots, unable to find the right touch for much of the game. Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess will also get a look in 10-ball with the green cue. Princess made a ball on the break and played well to finish on 13 shots with no errors. The group ends with Pacific Volcanoes captain Ms. Kitty shooting 10-ball with the purple cue. Ms. Kitty started well and lost control at the end, taking one error in 18 shots. 

Batch five gets going with Southridge Defenders returnee Caitlin playing 12-ball with the green cue. Caitlin took a couple of late errors but held on for 19 shots. Midland Predators newcomer Sleepy B. is the 22nd player of the day, shooting 9-ball with the red cue. Sleepy B. had no errors in a decent 14 shots. Capital City Sharpshooters mainstay Missy is next in 10-ball with the green cue. Missy recorded 15 shots and one error in a solid showing. North Modernistic Nighthawks rookie Cinder draws in for 8-ball with the blue cue. Cinder played smart and precise for 21 shots and no errors. Everton Eagles newcomer Maggie rounds out the group with the green cue in 9-ball. Maggie finished fast with a 3-9 combination to the top left for 4 shots and no errors. 

The sixth group begins as Victoria Spurs veteran Strawberry plays 10-ball with the red cue. Strawberry took one error on an early illegal contact, but settled down at 14 shots for the game. Everton Eagles veteran Panda shoots 12-ball with the blue cue next. Panda was a little sloppy with three errors in 22 shots in his outing. Lighton Prestige newcomer Gradley goes 28th today, using the green cue in 13-ball. Gradley took an early error but was able to settle in for 25 shots at the end. Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Cobalt is next, using the silver cue in 10-ball. Cobalt took two early errors and didn't really recover, ending with 21 shots. Wrapping up the group, Archtown Arrows newcomer Sydney S. shoots 9-ball with the purple cue. Sydney S. sent the 9 to the top right on the break for 0 shots and zero errors. 

The 31st player drawn today is Boston Swifts veteran Ice Cream, who is set to play 12-ball with the purple cue. Ice Cream had a good early strategy, but couldn't support it late. She ended with no errors in 22 shots. Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Summer follows that with the red cue in 10-ball. Summer took two errors, including one for an uncalled sinking of the 10 after a long chase. She finished with 19 shots. Freedom Cascades newcomer Kitty tries her luck in 10-ball with the silver cue. Kitty took 12 shots and no errors in an efficient performance. Harrison Specters veteran Snuggle takes a turn in 10-ball with the green cue. Snuggle did well early, then faltered without taking errors to land at 16 shots. Eastside Sharks newcomer Twinkie I activates Rotation and plays with the red cue. Twinkie I was an event too early on sinking the 15 on the break, but she was still good after that. She took one error in 24 shots. 

The final group starts with Zenith Skywatchers newcomer Brownie playing 8-ball with the purple cue. Brownie had two errors and finished very slowly at 26 shots. Capital City Sharpshooters newcomer Nikolai is 37th to play today, using the silver cue in 9-ball. Nikolai took 6 shots and no errors, making a deflection off the 5 to put the 9 in the bottom right. Oceanside Waves veteran Daisy keeps the silver cue active for 12-ball. Daisy failed to plan for the second half of the rack, taking 27 shots without an error as she chased for positioning. Terrace City Knights sophomore Anna tries 12-ball with the red cue. Anna had two errors in 24 shots in another sloppy finish due to bad positioning. Graycliff Aces newcomer Paps closes the day in 10-ball with the red cue. The late theme continued as Paps did well early, then took one error and skidded to 20 shots. 

That's all for today's action. We'll try to squeeze in 50 tomorrow.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 14

We'll complete a second week of qualifying today, now firmly in the range of 9-ball and 10-ball as the primary events. First up on this 50-game day, we have...

Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi playing 12-ball with the purple cue. Kiwi took one error in 18 shots in a strong opening game of the day. Queens Flames star Briana will play 9-ball with the blue cue next. Briana took 7 shots and no errors, ending early on a deflection off the 6 to sink the 9 at the top right. Atlantic Pirates newcomer Waluigi takes a turn in 13-ball with the red cue. Waluigi was more cautious than necessary as he completed this qualifier in 19 shots and one error. Whitewater Shores star Katharine goes fourth today in 10-ball with the silver cue. Katharine rattled off a solid 15 shots and no errors. Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II closes the group with the red cue in 8-ball. Twinkie II didn't extend her runs well enough, ending up with 25 shots and three errors. 

The second group starts with Todavía Stills newcomer Juno playing 12-ball with the green cue. Juno took 17 shots and no errors in a crisp performance. Going seventh today, Terrace City Knights veteran Oreo shoots 9-ball with the green cue. Oreo took one error in 6 shots after a missed contact, but she finished with a 3-5-9 combination to the top right. Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Sierra is next up, shooting 13-ball with the purple cue. Sierra couldn't get anything down early, and then she stumbled with five errors in 32 shots. North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach is up for 9-ball with the red cue. Peach took two errors on a bad kick shot, then finished in 23 shots after long chases on the last three balls. Modernistic Union newcomer Bear checks in for 8-ball with the blue cue at the back of the group. Bear had a slow start but only took one error in 21 shots. 

Group three opens with Swordpoint Blades newcomer Megan shooting 12-ball with the green cue. Megan stayed in control from the start, taking just 17 shots with no errors. Southern Monarchs veteran Molly is next up for 8-ball with the red cue in today's 12th game. Molly went for 20 shots and no errors in the appearance. Todavía Stills captain Easter takes on 9-ball with the green cue. Easter blasted the 9 to the top right off the break for 0 shots and zero errors. Whitewater Shores captain Shaggy follows that with the red cue in 10-ball. Shaggy took one error for a scratch on the break and then finished in 15 shots. Phoenix Firebirds newcomer Pauline is up for 10-ball with the blue cue to end the group. Pauline had some lucky bounces to end with 15 shots and no errors. 

The 16th player today is Lighton Prestige captain Acorn, who shoots 9-ball with the green cue. Acorn made quick work of this one, taking a 2-9 combination at the top side for 2 shots and no errors. Queens Flames superstar Violetta keeps the green cue active in 10-ball. Violetta wasn't the best with calling her shots accurately, taking three errors in 17 shots. Pronger Tridents star Spot goes next with the green cue in 8-ball. Spot started a little slow, then picked up the pace to end on 19 shots with no errors. Southridge Defenders newcomer Avril is ready for 10-ball with the silver cue. Avril brought some chaos and finished in 5 shots with no errors on a 3-10 combination to the top right. Web City Spiders veteran Nibbles brings back the green cue in 9-ball to finish off the set. Nibbles found the sweet spot to get the 9 on the break at the top right for 0 shots and zero errors. 

The fifth group kicks off with Southridge Defenders strongman Wario shooting 9-ball with the silver cue. Wario took one error in 16 shots, with a deflection off the 6 to take the 9 at the top right saving him from disaster. Maplewood Lumberjacks rookie Tenille T. is 22nd to play today, using the green cue in 12-ball. Tenille T. had two errors and 22 shots in the appearance, losing her control in the middle before a good finish. Westside Rockers veteran Chimpy is next up with the blue cue in 9-ball. Chimpy ended it with 5 shots and no errors, taking a 5-9 combination to the top right. Everton Eagles captain Goldy also plays 9-ball, using the green cue. Goldy kept it clean in 14 shots, harnessing movement to keep the score down. Pearl Surfers veteran Boots takes us to the halfway mark today, playing 10-ball with the blue cue. Boots wasn't challenged much, taking 13 shots with no errors. 

The sixth set gets going as Swordpoint Blades rookie Anton shoots 10-ball with the red cue. Anton took one error for a scratch and closed on a decent 16 shots. Atlantic Pirates newcomer Graham draws in for 8-ball with the green cue. Graham rallied late to end on 18 shots with no errors. Tysini Hummingbirds veteran Slinks uses the green cue for 10-ball in today's 28th game. Slinks took an error for a scratch on the break, but her double-pot of the 3 to the bottom left and the 10 to the top right ended her game at 9 shots. Central Warriors newcomer Rudolph is in for 8-ball with the silver cue. Rudolph took one error for an early scratch and struggled to 28 shots at the end. Tysini Hummingbirds veteran Sugar also uses the silver cue in 8-ball. Sugar took one error in 19 shots, fading a bit after making three balls on the break. 

Group seven begins with Terrace City Knights veteran Melissa playing 10-ball with the red cue. Melissa put the 10 near the top right on the break, then double-potted with 2 to the corners for 3 shots and no errors. The Rookie Alliance's Olivia is ready for 9-ball with the silver cue. Olivia did essentially the same thing in her game, finishing on 3 shots and no errors. Diamond Gems veteran Salmo goes 33rd today, using the purple cue in 12-ball. Salmo shot pretty well until the end. He had two errors in 21 shots. Victoria Spurs veteran Max also has the purple cue up in 9-ball. Max took one error for a stick foul and closed on 13 shots. Rounding out the batch, Graycliff Aces veteran Jennifer shoots 10-ball with the silver cue. Jennifer cruised with 13 shots and no errors in her game. 

Batch eight is led by Boston Swifts star Tigerette, who shoots 10-ball with the silver cue. Tigerette couldn't get much going, taking one error and 19 shots to finish. The 37th player today is Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Whiskers, who shoots 10-ball with the blue cue. Whiskers took a scratch early, but made a couple of smart plays before sinking a 3-10 combination to the bottom side for 6 shots. Next up, Enterprise Independents rookie Misha shoots 9-ball with the red cue. Misha was solid, taking one error for illegal contact in 14 shots. Modernistic Union veteran Quincy also plays 9-ball but with the blue cue. Quincy lined up the 7-9 combination early and converted it later to end on 10 shots and one error. Wrapping up the group, Midland Predators veteran Americus plays 9-ball with the red cue. Americus didn't miss a shot after the break, taking 9 shots and no errors in the game. 

The ninth group is underway as Enterprise Independents rookie Ollie plays 9-ball with the purple cue. Ollie kept it clean with no errors and ended at 13 shots. Capital City Sharpshooters sophomore Ellie plays 10-ball next with the purple cue. Ellie started slow, then took her lone error and finished in 16 shots on a surge. Queens Flames veteran Mario is next to play, taking up the green cue in 9-ball. Mario took one error and closed at 12 shots after crisp positioning worked in his favor. Capital City Sharpshooters captain Chris keeps it on 9-ball with the silver cue in today's 44th game. Chris took one error for an early scratch and clawed it back to end on 15 shots. Victoria Spurs veteran Rosalina closes the group in 12-ball with the blue cue. Rosalina took three errors and didn't seem to have a plan to deal with bad positioning as she ran her score up to 26 shots. 

Royal Crowns sophomore Ingrid fronts the last group, playing 8-ball with the silver cue. Ingrid cruised early and finished in 17 shots with no errors. Eastside Sharks newcomer Gal gives 8-ball a try with the red cue. Gal took one error and then got a little lucky as she finished at 22 shots with a fortunate run of play. Royal Crowns captain Kayla shoots 10-ball with the green cue in today's 48th game. Kayla made four balls on the break and still took an illegal contact error. She was fast to finish on 10 shots. Pearl Surfers captain Watermelon also uses the green cue in 10-ball. Watermelon took no errors and played patient to finish at 15 shots. Todavía Stills veteran Pedey ends the day in 12-ball with the silver cue. Pedey blitzed through the rack in 12 shots with no errors in a fantastic performance. 

A mostly good day gives the league's players less reason for hostility. They'll play 40 games tomorrow to cross the one-third mark of qualifying.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 13

We're going for another 40-game slate today, beginning with...

Royal Crowns newcomer Dani shooting 10-ball with the purple cue. Dani had some good plays, but too many were off-target in her 21 shots and four errors. Southern Monarchs veteran Lorde goes second today in 8-ball with the blue cue. Lorde put the rack down in 17 shots with no errors in a fast outing. Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess brings the purple cue back for 9-ball. Princess took one error for an early missed contact, but pulled back to end on 14 shots. Oceanside Waves veteran Daisy is up for 10-ball with the purple cue. Daisy took three errors, but an 8-10 bank combination saved her game at 18 shots. Boston Swifts veteran Ice Cream ends the group in 10-ball with the silver cue. Ice Cream took two errors on an early shot, but finished at a reasonable 19 shots in the game. 

Central Warriors star Dustin begins the second group in 9-ball with the red cue. Dustin took three errors and needed 17 shots to close the game. Stonebridge Wolves sophomore Lindsay also plays 9-ball but with the purple cue. Lindsay showed some command with 13 shots and one error in her game. Commerce Tradewinds sophomore Blake goes eighth today, using the purple cue in 10-ball. Blake took a couple of errors for scratches, but she settled for 15 shots. Lighton Prestige newcomer Gradley jumps into 12-ball with the blue cue. Gradley wasn't challenged too much, landing at 22 shots with one error. Rounding out the group, Enterprise Independents rookie Alina shoots 9-ball with the blue cue. Alina left the 9 near the top right on the break, and she cleaned it up with a 5-9 combination to end on 9 shots and no errors. 

Group three leads off with Golden Pilots captain Valencia shooting 12-ball with the red cue. Valencia buried the rack in 19 shots with no errors in a confident appearance. Graycliff Aces captain Starlight checks in 12th today for 9-ball with the silver cue. Starlight took one error in 4 shots, scratching on the break but getting a quick finish with a 3-9 combination to the top right. Next up, North Modernistic Nighthawks newcomer Mr. Snowman also shoots 9-ball with the silver cue. Mr. Snowman took 14 shots and one error in this game. Southern Monarchs veteran Dominic is next with the purple cue in 10-ball. Dominic sank three balls on the break and finished at 4 shots and no errors with a 5-10 combination to the top right. Archtown Arrows veteran Cubby follows that in 10-ball with the blue cue. Cubby collected one error for a scratch on the break but still finished in 11 shots, as it appears the league has found the breaking meta in 10-ball. 

The fourth group is fronted by Pacific Volcanoes star Smokey, who shoots 12-ball with the silver cue. Smokey took one error in 17 shots in a fast showing. Viewpoint Sound Meteors captain jumps in for 12-ball with the purple cue in today's 17th game. Hoot took care of business with 19 shots and no errors in his game. Phoenix Firebirds rookie Emma goes next in 8-ball with the red cue. With excellent command, Emma needed just 17 shots and no errors to get through her second game. Westside Rockers captain Misty checks in for 10-ball with the blue cue. Misty got in a bit of trouble early, but a 4-10 bank combination ended her game in 11 shots with no errors. Victoria Spurs veteran Strawberry ends the group with the blue cue in 9-ball. Strawberry, after some trouble getting the rack set, was able to send the 9 to the top right for 0 shots and zero errors.

Batch five gets going with Harrison Specters veteran Snuggle shooting 9-ball with the silver cue. Snuggle had some tough plays but escaped with no errors and 11 shots thanks to a 7-9 combination to the top right. Midland Predators captain Rainmane activates the green cue in 9-ball. Rainmane took one error and needed 16 shots to finish a somewhat challenging rack. Harrison Specters veteran Puff II is next up, using the silver cue for 10-ball. Puff II took 13 shots and no errors to complete the game despite a tough break. The 24th player today is Diamond Gems veteran Leonardo, who shoots 10-ball with the blue cue. Leonardo took three errors and 22 shots, crashing back to earth as the breaking meta seems to have fallen. Apex Wonders sophomore Maren ends the group in 9-ball with the silver cue. Maren had one error early on, then finished off at 12 shots for the game. 

The sixth set opens with Web City Spiders rookie Kinley playing 10-ball with the red cue. Kinley got into a bit of early trouble with three errors, then settled down to finish in 18 shots. Eastside Sharks newcomer Twinkie I continues to pace the field, playing 13-ball with the silver cue to open the league to its sixth event for qualifying. Twinkie I took a couple of errors, but she finished in 20 shots for a good performance. Apex Wonders sophomore Blair goes 28th today in 9-ball with the red cue. Blair had two good stretches and one bad, taking one error in 14 shots for the game. Archtown Arrows captain Sally keeps the red cue in action for 10-ball. Sally zipped through the rack in 12 shots with no errors. Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles closes the group with the red cue in 12-ball. Sparkles rallied to finish on 23 shots and three errors after an ugly start. 

The 31st game of the day sees Todavía Stills veteran Hughbert shooting 12-ball with the purple cue. Hughbert took two errors but still managed to end with 21 shots. Everton Eagles veteran Panda keeps the purple cue up for 10-ball. Panda took one error in 14 shots, but it was a crafty deflection off the 4 that sent it back around to sink the 10 at the top side that ended what could have been a long qualifier. Pacific Volcanoes veteran Leonette goes next in 9-ball with the blue cue. Leonette left the 9 near the top right and buried it on a 2-9 combination for 6 shots and no errors. Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Cobalt also uses the blue cue in 9-ball. The 1 gave Cobalt some trouble, but he used it for a 1-9 combination to end with 4 shots and no errors. Zenith Skywatchers enforcer Nightfur wraps up the group with the green cue in 8-ball. Nightfur blitzed on offense to end in 15 shots with no errors. 

The final group starts with Phoenix Firebirds newcomer Gabby shooting 10-ball with the green cue. Gabby had a double-error early on, but it worked out for her to finish on 7 shots with a 1-10 combination at the top right. The 37th player called today is Diamond Gems star Debby, who plays with the green cue in 9-ball. Debby posted 14 shots and one error in her appearance. Archtown Arrows veteran Hoppy brings in the purple cue for 8-ball. Hoppy buried 22 shots and took no errors for a solid outing. Pronger Tridents veteran Potter is next up with the silver cue for 9-ball. Potter suffered an error early and struggled to 21 shots in the game. Today's action ends with Vladimir making his Southern Monarchs debut in 7-ball with the silver cue. Vladimir was unbothered by some hostility towards him before the game, and he ended on 9 shots with no errors. 

That's all for a relatively smooth day of games. We'll be back on for 50 tomorrow.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 12

After a vote of the players returned a 151-59 result to continue playing, we're back to the grind today. It's 40 games on the schedule, beginning with...

Terrace City Knights veteran Melissa playing 9-ball with the green cue. Melissa put the 9 near the top right on the break, but needed 13 shots and one error to get it down. Eastside Sharks captain Taylor M. is next up, using the red cue in 10-ball. Taylor M. had one error in 18 shots in a fairly standard game for the event. Todavía Stills star Ruby goes third today, using the blue cue in 9-ball. Ruby took 19 shots and no errors, struggling to make anything happen on cuts or banks. Atlantic Pirates newcomer Waluigi checks in for 12-ball with the silver cue. Waluigi cruised pretty well in this one, taking 17 shots and no errors. Infinity Torpedoes star Blaze closes the group with the silver cue in 12-ball. Blaze stayed composed well to finish on 19 shots and one error. 

The second group gets going with Terrace City Knights sophomore Anna shooting 10-ball with the silver cue. Anna didn't have a quick finish this time, but she closed on 12 shots and no errors in a good game. Whitewater Shores mainstay Marsell is ready to go in 8-ball with the green cue. Marsell took one error in 20 shots, a good result, but it could have been better with a stronger finish. Eastside Sharks rising star Maison is ready to play in 12-ball with the purple cue. Maison looked good initially, but he faltered late with two errors to end up at 23 shots. Everton Eagles star Puff III goes ninth today, using the red cue in 10-ball. Puff III wasn't very fortunate, taking three errors in 19 shots, with a missed kick sparking the downward spiral. Victoria Spurs veteran Rosalina also shoots 10-ball to end the group, using the purple cue. Rosalina took no errors and picked up the pace late to end at 16 shots. 

The third batch kicks off with Southridge Defenders newcomer Avril shooting 9-ball with the purple cue. Avril was good from the start, then fell apart with one error, falling to 17 shots. Capital City Sharpshooters newcomer Nikolai gets a look in 8-ball with the silver cue. Nikolai had a couple of lazy errors and finished with 23 shots for the game. Oceanside Waves captain Celestia is up in 10-ball with the purple cue. An early scratch didn't slow Celestia down, as she finished in just 10 shots with the one error. Also in 10-ball, Midland Predators newcomer Stephanie shoots with the red cue in today's 14th game. Stephanie played smart early and got lucky to make a 4-10 combination to the top right for 7 shots and no errors. Heading into the break, Whitewater Shores sophomore Rachel uses the red cue for 8-ball. Rachel had two errors and 25 shots in her performance, showing a little shakiness with her control of the cue ball. 

After the break, Todavía Stills newcomer Juno shoots 10-ball with the purple cue. Juno was bad from the start and needed 27 shots with five errors to finish. Infinity Torpedoes captain Smudge is next up in 8-ball with the red cue. Smudge unleashed a great outing, sinking four balls on the break and closing with 14 shots and no errors. Pearl Surfers veteran Boots keeps the red cue up for 9-ball. Boots took the 9 on the break to the top right for 0 shots and zero errors. Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Rosemary follows that with the purple cue in 9-ball. Rosemary posted 10 shots and no errors, showing confidence from the start. Boston Swifts veteran Tigerette goes 20th today, using the red cue in 9-ball. Tigerette found a deflection off the 3 to sink the 9 at the top right for 3 shots and no errors. 

Group five starts as North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach shoots 8-ball with the red cue. Peach couldn't miss early, and she kept it clean for no errors in 17 shots. Archtown Arrows veteran Greg is up for 9-ball with the blue cue in today's 22nd game. Greg made a pair on the break and finished the rack in 8 shots with no errors. Westside Rockers sophomore Carly J. is up for 9-ball with the green cue. Carly J. stumbled down to 16 shots and one error after some shaky finishing. Next up, Freedom Cascades veteran Frosty plays 10-ball with the blue cue. Frosty couldn't shake free of bad positioning, taking five errors in 32 shots for one of the worst games so far. The group ends with Capital City Sharpshooters captain Chris using the purple cue in 8-ball. Chris didn't mess around at the end, taking two errors to get closer to the finish, where he landed at 21 shots. 

Set six opens with Harrison Specters sophomore Bucco playing 8-ball with the blue cue. Bucco couldn't keep his pace up at the end, taking 24 shots with no errors to end it. Swordpoint Blades newcomer Megan gets the next game, using the silver cue in 10-ball. A couple of errors didn't put Megan off too much as she closed with 15 shots. Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Sierra goes 28th today, using the blue cue in 12-ball. Sierra bordered on disaster, but she pulled it back at 24 shots and two errors. Southridge Defenders newcomer Sydney C. also plays 12-ball with the blue cue. Sydney C. also managed to avoid the worst-case scenario with a lucky bounce, ending at 24 shots with no errors. Royal Crowns captain Kayla wraps up the group with the silver cue in 9-ball. Kayla settled down for 16 shots and no errors, but the shooting was just okay. 

The seventh group leads off with Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Summer playing 9-ball with the blue cue. Summer took a lot of offense early, then coasted to 11 shots and no errors. Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi goes next in 10-ball with the green cue. Kiwi couldn't get good angles, taking 26 shots and one error to finish her game. Capital City Sharpshooters sophomore Ellie goes 33rd today in 9-ball with the silver cue. Ellie was a little too loose, taking two errors among her 16 shots. Queens Flames newcomer Cleo steps in for 10-ball with the green cue. Cleo had decent control and only took one error for an illegally potted ball to end at 12 shots. Boston Swifts captain Sweetheart keeps the green cue active for 9-ball. Sweetheart looked good early despite one error, but her long chase on the 9 put her at 15 shots. 

The final group begins as Commerce Tradewinds rookie Carly P. shoots 9-ball with the silver cue. Carly P. took down three balls on the break, most notably the 9 at the top right for 0 shots and zero errors. Today's 37th player is Zenith Skywatchers captain Blizzard, who shoots 8-ball with the purple cue. Blizzard didn't take any errors, though a couple of painful misses ran her score up to 22 shots. Pearl Surfers captain Watermelon follows up with 9-ball and the red cue. Watermelon was creative and successful to end in 11 shots with no errors. Tysini Hummingbirds star Charli is up for 8-ball with the red cue. Charli stayed fearless on offense, closing at 19 shots with no errors. Web City Spiders captain Jack ends the day in 8-ball with the green cue. Jack needed 22 shots with two errors to finish a solid performance. 

Some discontent remains in the league, but this was a better day and the players agreed to go on without a formal vote tomorrow.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 11

It's been a tough couple of days in the league, and the increasing 10-ball share is likely to challenge players further. We begin today's 40-game slate with...

Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles shooting 10-ball with the green cue. Sparkles took 17 shots and one error in a fairly standard 10-ball performance. Maplewood Lumberjacks rookie Tenille T. is up for 10-ball with the silver cue. Tenille T. needed 22 shots with three errors to finish the outing, another in a long line of unnecessarily difficult ones in the event. Web City Spiders rookie Kinley goes third today, using the green cue in 9-ball. Kinley took two errors in 14 shots, dealing with some positional trouble early on. Everton Eagles veteran Vincent is ready to go in 8-ball with the green cue. Vincent nearly pulled off a miracle, but the 8 lingered on the edge of the bottom left to make his game more difficult. He handled it well with 21 shots and no errors. Victoria Spurs newcomer Max also shoots 8-ball with the green cue to round out this group. Max kept things wide open and ended in 16 shots with no errors. 

Group two gets going as Stonebridge Wolves veteran Dewey shoots 10-ball with the silver cue. Dewey took 15 shots and no errors in a solid performance. Royal Crowns star Sunshine keeps the silver cue action for 9-ball. Sunshine was sharp, and he used the 5 to sink the 6 at the top right and the 9 at the bottom right to finish on 6 shots and no errors. Whitewater Shores star Katharine activates the blue cue for 9-ball. Katharine got what she wanted, sinking the 2 and 9 to the top right on the break for 0 shots and zero errors. Going ninth today, Oceanside Waves veteran Rocky uses the green cue in 8-ball. Rocky had a couple of early errors, but he recovered to finish on 21 shots. Southern Monarchs captain Pounce finishes this batch with the blue cue in 9-ball. Pounce escaped some trouble to finish in 13 shots and no errors. 

The third group begins as Apex Wonders sophomore Blair shoots 8-ball with the green cue. Blair couldn't get solids to fall early, but his strong play on stripes led to a finish at 19 shots and no errors. Oceanside Waves veteran Daisy is ready to go in 9-ball with the blue cue in today's 12th game. Daisy couldn't get anything to go right in her 25 shots and two errors. Viewpoint Sound Meteors captain Hoot is up next with the purple cue in 10-ball. Hoot was another victim of bad positioning, though he salvaged 18 shots and one error. The Rookie Alliance's Claire is next, shooting 8-ball with the red cue. Claire was on quite a run before scratching and illegally sinking the 8 in the same shot. That gave her four errors and pushed her score to 22 shots. Midland Predators newcomer Stinky brings us to the lunch break with the red cue in 8-ball. Stinky took 17 shots and no errors in a crisp performance. 

After the break, Freedom Cascades newcomer Sprinkles also plays 8-ball with the red cue. Sprinkles put down the rack in 20 shots and one error. Southridge Defenders veteran Caitlin is next up for 10-ball with the purple cue. Caitlin couldn't get a clear look for most of her game, taking 23 shots and one error. Everton Eagles veteran Panda goes 18th today with the red cue in 9-ball. Panda faltered on a number of plays, ending at 15 shots and no errors. Oceanside Waves star Patches steps in for 9-ball with the purple cue. Patches took two errors and ran up to 21 shots with unfortunate movement. The seal is broken on 12-ball as Eastside Sharks newcomer Twinkie I wraps up this group in the event with the red cue. Nothing went down early, forcing Twinkie I to take 26 shots with one error. 

The fifth group starts with Tysini Hummingbirds star Sarah shooting 8-ball with the blue cue. Sarah took two errors and 22 shots to get through another frustrating game. Infinity Torpedoes veteran Fluffina draws in next for 10-ball with the red cue. Fluffina pushed through the mess early, taking three errors before landing at 18 shots. Todavía Stills veteran Hughbert is up to play 10-ball with the green cue. Hughbert settled things down a little with one error in 14 shots. Going 24th today, Pronger Tridents newcomer Omari plays 8-ball with the blue cue. Omari was good with 19 shots and no errors, taking what the table gave him with ease. Victoria Spurs veteran Strawberry also gets a look in 8-ball, using the green cue. Strawberry faded a little at the end but still closed at 21 shots and no errors. 

Set six opens with Modernistic Union mainstay Puff I shooting 9-ball with the green cue. Puff I avoided danger and closed on 11 shots with no errors. Royal Crowns mainstay Jake keeps the green cue active for 10-ball. Jake suffered three errors and needed 20 shots to finish off the rack. Lighton Prestige newcomer Gradley also uses the green cue in 10-ball for today's 28th game. Gradley kept a clean performance and ended on 17 shots despite some tough positioning. Freedom Cascades newcomer Shiny checks in to play 9-ball with the purple cue. Shiny butchered an early play for one error, but she bounced back with a deflection off the 5 to make the 9 at the top right for 9 shots. Rounding out the group, Diamond Gems veteran Salmo shoots 10-ball with the red cue. Salmo took a double-error early for illegal contact and an illegally potted ball, but he deflected off the 4 later to sink the 10 at the bottom right for 9 shots. 

The 31st player called today is Westside Rockers star Snowball, who plays 10-ball with the green cue. Snowball scratched on the break and took finished in 16 shots, fading late after a hot start. Infinity Torpedoes veteran Shelley keeps it on 10-ball, using the red cue. Shelley couldn't keep it clean, suffering four errors in 22 shots. Viewpoint Sound Meteors newcomer Wings is next up with the purple cue in 9-ball. Wings had a few looks at a quick finish, but it strung out to 16 shots with one error. Phoenix Firebirds newcomer Pauline plays 9-ball with the blue cue. Pauline tumbled to 14 shots and one error after starting fairly well. Diamond Gems veteran Leonardo also uses the blue cue in 9-ball to wrap up this group. Leonardo didn't mess around, taking 9 shots and no errors to complete this game. 

The final group kicks off with Pronger Tridents veteran Potter shooting 8-ball with the blue cue. Potter posted 19 shots and no errors in this appearance. Apex Wonders newcomer Klaus goes 37th today, using the blue cue for 12-ball. Klaus put in a solid showing with 23 shots and one error. Terrace City Knights newcomer Lexi keeps the blue cue active for 10-ball. Lexi went relentless on offense, sinking the rack in 11 shots with no errors in a rare good outing. Central Warriors star Noelle steps in for 8-ball with the green cue. Noelle took one error, but her offense was mostly sharp to finish in 18 shots. Commerce Tradewinds star Solaris ends the day with the green cue in 9-ball. Solaris tried to get crafty and took one error, but still finished on 11 shots. 

That's it for today's games. The league's players will conduct a vote before continuing tomorrow due to poor play, though the early consensus is that the season will continue.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 10

Another longer day is ready today. There's a possibility for 12-ball to start, though 9-ball will remain the focus in this one. We begin with...

Central Warriors newcomer Rudolph shooting 7-ball with the purple cue. Rudolph took one error on a late scratch and posted 10 shots in the game. North Modernistic Nighthawks newcomer Mr. Snowman goes second today, using the purple cue in 8-ball. Mr. Snowman took one late error for missed contact and finished with 20 shots, fading from a hot start. Pearl Surfers captain Watermelon will jump in for 8-ball with the green cue. Watermelon sent the cue ball off the table on the break, the first of five errors that included illegally sinking the 8 and a late scratch. She ended with 28 shots. Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Rosemary enters the action in 8-ball with the silver cue. Rosemary didn't have any luck early, needing 27 shots and two errors to finish the game. Archtown Arrows newcomer Sydney S. tries 8-ball with the green cue to end this group. Sydney S. took a scratch on the break and sank the 8 illegally for four errors in 22 shots. 

North Modernistic Nighthawks enforcer Cheddar leads off group two with the purple cue in 7-ball. Cheddar cashed in a deflection off the 3 to sink the 7 at the top side for 4 shots and no errors. Infinity Torpedoes star Blaze is ready to try 10-ball with the green cue. Blaze couldn't get any momentum, taking 20 shots and one error for a scratch on the break. Atlantic Pirates newcomer Bianca shoots eighth today, using the red cue in 9-ball. Bianca had terrible angles to play with, but she finished in 11 shots on a 6-9 bank combination to the bottom left, and she only took two errors. Tysini Hummingbirds captain Leandra shoots 9-ball with the purple cue next. Leandra read her positioning well, taking a 3-9 combination to the top side to end on 4 shots and no errors. Todavía Stills star Ruby ends the set with 8-ball and the green cue. Ruby took two errors on a missed contact scratch and ended the game on 26 shots. 

Group three kicks off with Archtown Arrows captain Sally shooting 9-ball with the blue cue. Sally showed no hesitation in her game, taking the 9 on the break to the top right for 0 shots and zero errors. Graycliff Aces veteran Jennifer follows that with the purple cue in 9-ball. Jennifer left the 9 near the top right but still needed 9 shots and no errors before she could put it down. Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Gizmo draws in for 9-ball with the red cue. Gizmo fired off a good break to get the 9 in the top left for 0 shots and zero errors. Phoenix Firebirds captain Neopolitan is ready to shoot 10-ball with the silver cue. Neopolitan couldn't get a clear look on anything, taking two errors in 22 shots. Queens Flames superstar Violetta goes 15th today with the purple cue in hand for 9-ball. Violetta took two errors early, then surged to finish on 12 shots. 

The fourth batch starts with Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Marissa shooting 9-ball with the red cue. Marissa was clinical, taking two balls on the break and just 8 shots with no errors to clear the table. Golden Pilots veteran Strut is up for 7-ball with the purple cue. Strut's tight break was a rapid-fire shot that popped the 7 to the top left for 0 shots and zero errors. Pacific Volcanoes star Smokey jumps in with 10-ball and the purple cue. Smokey surged with 9 shots and no errors in an excellent performance. Whitewater Shores captain Shaggy follows that with 9-ball and the blue cue. Shaggy took just 4 shots and no errors to finish on a 4-9 combination at the top right. Atlantic Pirates newcomer Bandit closes the set with the silver cue in 9-ball. Bandit struggled to string his plays together, ending with 15 shots and no errors. 

Group five opens as Lighton Prestige veteran Angelica plays 9-ball with the green cue. Angelica rattled too many shots out, taking one error and 17 shots to finish. Archtown Arrows veteran Cubby checks in with the purple cue in 9-ball. Cubby blasted the 9 to the bottom right on the break for 0 shots and zero errors, as a clear divide emerges between the cues. Going 23rd today, Terrace City Knights sophomore Anna shoots 9-ball with the red cue. Anna finished with 2 shots and no errors, a deflection off the 1 helping her make the 2 to the bottom side and the 9 to the bottom right. After that, Harrison Specters veteran Puff II also uses the red cue in 9-ball. Puff II took advantage of the breaking meta, taking the 9 to the top right for 0 shots and zero errors. Pearl Surfers newcomer Shawn ends the group in 9-ball with the purple cue. Shawn also took 0 shots and zero errors by putting the 9 in the top right off the break. 

The sixth set gets going when Lighton Prestige star Citrus shoots 9-ball with the green cue. Citrus couldn't get much movement from the break and ended up with 15 shots and one error. Atlantic Pirates newcomer Waluigi is up next with the blue cue in 10-ball. Waluigi posted 14 shots and no errors in a level and smooth turn. His brother, Southridge Defenders strongman Wario, plays 8-ball with the red cue next. Wario took one error at the end because he wasn't able to finish well, closing with 24 shots. Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Summer is the 29th player today, using the blue cue in 8-ball. Summer had some good play early, but a double-error and a slow finish pushed her to 25 shots. Wrapping up the group, Eastside Sharks veteran Maison uses the red cue for 10-ball. Maison did great early, then never recovered from chasing the 5, taking 23 shots and two errors. 

Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Josie is ready to shoot 7-ball with the blue cue to spark the seventh group. Josie was solid with 10 shots and one error in her season debut. Zenith Skywatchers veteran Bells is set to play 9-ball with the blue cue. Bells had a good break, but it was a spinning 4-9 kick combination to the top right that sealed her game at 5 shots with no errors. Westside Rockers sophomore Carly J. is up for 8-ball with the red cue in today's 33rd game. Carly J. had a good break and kept it going to finish on 17 shots with no errors. Southridge Defenders newcomer Avril is up next in 8-ball with the silver cue. Avril stayed composed in the tough moments, closing on 18 shots and no errors. Rounding out the batch, Midland Predators veteran Americus shoots 8-ball with the green cue. Americus got lucky on a close refereeing decision on the 8, and she finished the game at 20 shots with no errors. 

Group eight is fronted by Pearl Surfers veteran Bright shooting 9-ball with the silver cue. Bright didn't have much going until a fortunate collection of the 9 at the bottom left to end on 10 shots and no errors. Graycliff Aces captain Starlight goes 37th today, using the purple cue in 8-ball. Starlight notched 22 shots and no errors, wasting a good start with poor finishing. Midland Predators newcomer Stephanie goes next with the red cue in 9-ball. Stephanie couldn't find the sweet spot and fell to 15 shots with two errors. Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy is set to play 8-ball with the green cue. Ms. Puppy took three errors and still managed to finish in 21 shots. Apex Wonders sophomore Maren finishes the group in 8-ball with the blue cue. Maren took one error on a scratch, but she closed it off at 20 shots. 

The ninth group sees Stonebridge Wolves veteran Jane playing 10-ball with the blue cue. Jane was sharp from the start to finish with 13 shots and no errors. Enterprise Independents rookie Scotty will draw in with the purple cue for 8-ball. Scotty picked up 22 shots and no errors in a solid outing. Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi is next, playing 9-ball with the green cue. Kiwi needed 13 shots and no errors to complete this outing. Pacific Volcanoes veteran Leonette is the 44th player of the day, shooting 8-ball with the silver cue. Leonette needed 23 shots and one error to complete this appearance. Modernistic Union veteran Quincy ends the set in 8-ball with the purple cue. Quincy left too many shots hanging, leaving him with 27 shots and one error in the game. 

The final group is underway as Swordpoint Blades newcomer Megan plays 9-ball with the purple cue. Megan didn't mess around, taking 11 shots with one error for a scratch on the break. Graycliff Aces veteran Paps also shoots 9-ball with the purple cue. Paps had no errors in 11 shots, though he missed a couple of looks for an early finish. Commerce Tradewinds rookie Carly P. goes 48th today, shooting 8-ball with the green cue. Carly P. took one error on a scratch, but she buckled down for 20 shots at the end. Golden Pilots captain Valencia takes a turn in 10-ball with the purple cue. Valencia had an unfortunate outing. She took three errors, two for scratches and one for illegally sinking the 10, and she also had her finger run over by a ball before ending at 19 shots. Victoria Spurs veteran Rosalina ends the day with the purple cue in 9-ball. Rosalina was aggressive and still finished in 9 shots with no errors thanks to a deflection off the 5 to get the 9 in the top right. 

Outside of a good stretch in the middle, it was another challenging day as frustration grows within the league. Qualifiers will continue tomorrow despite the unrest.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 9

We'll push to play 50 games today. First up...

Infinity Torpedoes veteran Shelley plays 9-ball with the red cue. Shelley wasted no time, nearly getting the 9 at the bottom right on the break. She banked a 1-9 combination to end with 1 shot and no errors. Boston Swifts veteran Ice Cream is next up, using the blue cue in 9-ball. Ice Cream buried a 2-9 combination to the top side to end on 4 shots and no errors. Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Whiskers keeps it on 9-ball and plays with the purple cue. Whiskers took one error on a late scratch, but it worked out as she finished with 10 shots. Harrison Specters veteran Snuggle is up for 8-ball with the silver cue. Snuggle was sharp despite a bad break, ending in 18 shots with no errors. Freedom Cascades newcomer Shiny goes fifth today, using the purple cue in 8-ball. Shiny buried the rack in just 15 shots and no errors in an excellent showing. 

The second group kicks off with Web City Spiders captain Jack making his season debut in 7-ball with the red cue. Jack's break was perfect, sending the 7 cleanly to the top side for 0 shots and zero errors. Royal Crowns veteran Jake is up next, also using the red cue in 9-ball. Jake took one error for a scratch on the break, and he had to play out the rack as the 9 went down on that shot. He ended with 11 shots. Central Warriors captain Twilight shoots eighth today, using the blue cue for 8-ball. Twilight had some tough angles to play, taking 21 shots and no errors. Pearl Surfers newcomer Dusky activates in 7-ball with the green cue. Dusky left the 7 near the bottom right on the break, then made it on a 2-7 combination to end on 9 shots with no errors. Terrace City Knights newcomer Lexi ends the group with 9-ball and the silver cue. Lexi had some struggles to close out her game, taking 14 shots and one error. 

Group three leads off with Stonebridge Wolves veteran Dewey shooting 9-ball with the green cue. Dewey took 9 shots and one error, finishing with a double-pot of the 5 to the top left and the 9 to the bottom right. Victoria Spurs star Yekaterina keeps the green cue up for 10-ball. Yekaterina was sharp early and closed at 15 shots with no errors. Tysini Hummingbirds veteran Slinks is ready to go in 9-ball with the silver cue. Slinks took two errors and 16 shots to finish the appearance. Oceanside Waves captain Celestia shoots 14th today, using the blue cue in 9-ball. Celestia took a couple of errors, though both were productive in helping her finish on 11 shots. Diamond Gems veteran Salmo closes the group in 9-ball with the purple cue. Everything fell apart for Salmo early, giving him one error and 17 shots to complete the outing. 

Harrison Specters sophomore Bucco starts group four with the red cue in 7-ball. Bucco tried to set up the quick finish, but ended up clearing the table in 8 shots with no errors anyway. Central Warriors newcomer Isabella goes 17th today, using the purple cue in 10-ball. Clean angles weren't there for Isabella, who needed 21 shots with four errors to finish. Phoenix Firebirds sophomore Gabby is up next with the red cue in 9-ball. Gabby started well, then took an error and fell to 14 shots. Pacific Volcanoes captain Ms. Kitty also shoots 9-ball with the red cue. Ms. Kitty did even worse with two errors in 20 shots. Harrison Specters captain Twinkie II closes the group with the blue cue in 7-ball. Twinkie II took three errors and 16 shots to complete the outing as the league has fallen apart quickly. 

The fifth group opens as Terrace City Knights veteran Melissa plays 8-ball with the green cue. Melissa needed 19 shots with no errors to clear the table, though she enjoyed a lot of luck. Commerce Tradewinds veteran Luigi also uses the green cue for 8-ball. Luigi took one error in the middle and faded to 27 shots as solids gave him problems late. Phoenix Firebirds rookie Emma is set to debut in 7-ball with the red cue. Emma couldn't get any positioning without fouls, taking three errors in 17 shots. Oceanside Waves newcomer Chicky Phil is up in 9-ball with the blue cue in today's 24th game. Chicky Phil looked to turn things around and made a 3-9 combination to the top right for 6 shots and no errors. Lighton Prestige star Spirit is at the back of the group, shooting 7-ball with the green cue. Spirit ripped it off the break, taking the 7 to the top left for 0 shots and zero errors. 

Set six begins with Boston Swifts veteran Tigerette playing 8-ball with the red cue. Tigerette was aggressive to finish with 22 shots and two errors. Queens Flames newcomer Cleo steps in for 9-ball with the purple cue. Cleo took one error for illegal contact, but a 6-9 combination to the bottom right helped her end on 12 shots. The Rookie Alliance's Claire is set to debut in 7-ball with the green cue. Claire was calm and composed, clearing the rack in 8 shots with no errors. Todavía Stills newcomer Juno goes 29th today, playing 9-ball with the red cue. Juno took one error for illegal contact, and she needed 15 shots to finish it. Commerce Tradewinds captain Taylor S. ends the group with the green cue in 9-ball. Taylor S. had a nightmarish game, needing 18 shots with one error. 

The seventh batch is underway as Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles plays 9-ball with the silver cue. Sparkles rocketed the break to send the 9 to the top right for 0 shots and zero errors. Southridge Defenders newcomer Sydney C. plays 10-ball with the red cue in today's 32nd game. A bad break forced Sydney C. into three errors, but she deflected a shot off the 6 to sink the 10 at the top right for 14 shots. Capital City Sharpshooters mainstay Missy shoots 9-ball with the green cue next. Missy tried the same spot as Sparkles on her break, and got the same result of 0 shots and zero errors. Apex Wonders veteran Cowzart plays 9-ball with the purple cue. Cowzart didn't enjoy that success, instead taking two errors in 15 shots to finish. More 9-ball sees Modernistic Union newcomer Stripes shooting with the red cue. Stripes made a 4-9 combination to the bottom right to end on 5 shots and no errors after a strong run of play. 

Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Sierra heads group eight in 10-ball with the green cue. Sierra took three errors as positioning did her no favors in her 18 shots. Royal Crowns captain Kayla shoots 37th today, playing 8-ball with the blue cue. Kayla couldn't get much pace in her game, but she finished with a solid 21 shots and no errors. Phoenix Firebirds veteran Twinkie III is next up, using the red cue in 9-ball. Twinkie III fired off 8 shots with no errors, finishing with a 4-9 combination to the top right. Westside Rockers captain Misty keeps the red cue up for another 9-ball game. Misty took one error and 18 shots in the appearance after adjusting from the current breaking meta in the event. Pronger Tridents veteran Potter rounds out the group with the red cue in 7-ball. Potter needed 9 shots with no errors to complete his season debut. 

The ninth group sees Lighton Prestige newcomer Gradley shooting 9-ball with the silver cue. Gradley ended with 1 shot and no errors after his 1-2 combination came back to collect the 9 at the bottom side. Westside Rockers veteran Chimpy keeps the silver cue active for 8-ball. Chimpy couldn't get the right angles to keep his momentum up, crashing to 24 shots with one error. Viewpoint Sound Meteors star Princess will try her hand in 8-ball with the silver cue. Princess took a couple of errors and settled on 22 shots to finish the game. Capital City Sharpshooters newcomer Nikolai checks in for the green cue's last 7-ball game in qualifying. Nikolai turned a near-disaster into success, banking the 1-7 combination to the top side for 2 shots and no errors in his Sharpshooters debut. Todavía Stills veteran Hughbert completes the group in 9-ball with the purple cue. Hughbert took 13 shots with no errors, keeping a good pace throughout. 

The final group gets going with Zenith Skywatchers strongman Lionel playing 9-ball with the red cue. Lionel scratched on the break for his lone error, then made the 2-9 combination to the top right to end on 3 shots. Capital City Sharpshooters sophomore Ellie draws in for 8-ball with the purple cue next. Ellie's attack worked perfectly early, and she finished with 16 shots and no errors. Diamond Gems star Debby is ready to go in 8-ball with the blue cue. Debby buried the rack in 16 shots, getting a little good luck at the end to hasten the finish. The 49th game of the day is Apex Wonders newcomer Klaus playing 10-ball with the silver cue. Klaus was a good shooter here, but two errors bumped his score up to 13 shots. Whitewater Shores rookie Ivy ends the day with her career debut in 7-ball with the purple cue. Ivy had a nice shot to get the 7, but she scratched for one error in 12 shots after having to finish the rack. 

We've had better days in these qualifiers, and the league did see some vocal dissent from today's action. Nonetheless, we'll play on tomorrow.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 8

We're back to begin the second week of qualifying. Leading off...

Tysini Hummingbirds star Sarah shoots 7-ball with the red cue. Sarah made a ball on the break and then finished on 2 shots with a 3-7 combination to the bottom right. She took no errors. Southern Monarchs veteran Dominic keeps the red cue active for 9-ball. Dominic played it safe at the end to finish on 12 shots and no errors. Modernistic Union mainstay Puff I plays 8-ball with the purple cue next. Puff I was sharp in this one, popping off early and closing on 18 shots with no errors. Queens Flames veteran Mario goes fourth today, using the red cue for 8-ball. Mario posted 19 shots and no errors in another strong showing. Rounding out the first group, Enterprise Independents rookie Alina plays 8-ball with the purple cue. Alina took just 17 shots and no errors, navigating a tough break excellently. 

Group two kicks off with the Archtown Arrows' Greg playing 8-ball with the silver cue. Greg had a rough break, but he was able to handle it with 21 shots and no errors. Graycliff Aces veteran Jennifer also uses the silver cue in 8-ball. Jennifer took no errors in 21 shots, navigating some rough aim in the middle well. Freedom Cascades newcomer Kitty goes eighth today, using the red cue in 9-ball. Kitty rushed through the rack in 10 shots with one error for a scratch. Diamond Gems strongman Leonardo brings the blue cue aboard for 8-ball. Leonardo had some shaky plays early, then settled for for 21 shots and no errors. Graycliff Aces veteran Paps closes the set with the red cue in 8-ball. Paps took 21 shots and no errors in his game, a solid showing despite another tough distribution of shots. 

The third group starts with Pronger Tridents veteran Prism using the blue cue for 8-ball. Prism had one error in 20 shots for a solid performance. Viewpoint Sound Meteors captain Hoot draws in for 9-ball with the green cue. Hoot had a good break and better play after that, taking 9 shots and no errors. Maplewood Lumberjacks rookie Tenille T. also plays 9-ball with the green cue in today's 13th game. Tenille T. put in another good appearance with 12 shots and no errors. Capital City Sharpshooters sophomore Kelsea is ready to go in 9-ball with the red cue. Kelsea took one error in 14 shots in a decent showing. Royal Crowns newcomer Dani ends the group in 9-ball with the silver cue. Dani was sharp on offense, closing at 12 shots and no errors. 

Tysini Hummingbirds captain Leandra opens group four in 8-ball with the blue cue. Leandra didn't string much together, taking two errors and 26 shots in this game. Central Warriors star Dustin also plays 8-ball, using the silver cue. Dustin had a good start, then lost it all late with 29 shots and four errors, including three for sinking the 8 with a scratch. Freedom Cascades veteran Frosty is up for 9-ball with the green cue. Frosty completed the game in 11 shots with no errors. Web City Spiders veteran Nibbles takes a turn in 8-ball with the purple cue. Nibbles pummeled the rack down in 19 shots and no errors, and that was with a late fade. Going 20th today, Southern Monarchs veteran Lorde plays 7-ball with the blue cue. Lorde made the 6 and the 7 on the break for 0 shots and zero errors in her season debut. 

The fifth group gets going as Infinity Torpedoes captain Smudge shoots 7-ball with the silver cue. Smudge took one error early on, but still finished on 8 shots. The Rookie Alliance's Tenille A. is up for 8-ball with the green cue. Tenille A. took three errors, struggling with control in her 26 shots. Web City Spiders rookie Kinley is up for 8-ball with the red cue. Kinley kept control well and finished on 18 shots with no errors. The 24th game today is for Lighton Prestige veteran Angelica to play 8-ball with the silver cue. Angelica took three errors in a loose outing, finishing on 23 shots. Her sister, Eastside Sharks veteran Lily, also shoots 8-ball but with the purple cue to close out this batch. Lily did just enough to end on 21 shots despite one error for a scratch in the middle. 

Group six is headed by Oceanside Waves veteran Daisy, who shoots 8-ball with the green cue. Daisy needed 21 shots with no errors to finish the rack. Pearl Surfers newcomer Shawn is up for 8-ball with the blue cue. Shawn had a good start, then took one error and slipped to 22 shots. Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Rosemary is ready for her team debut in 7-ball with the purple cue. Rosemary needed 11 shots to clear the table in a solid showing. Phoenix Firebirds captain Neopolitan draws in 29th today for 9-ball with the green cue. Neopolitan was lucky to take no errors, and a kicked 6-9 combination to the bottom right ended her game in 10 shots. Infinity Torpedoes star Blaze ends the set with 9-ball and the red cue. Blaze buried a 2-9 combination to the top right to end on 2 shots and no errors in a quick appearance. 

The seventh set begins as Midland Predators newcomer Sleepy B. shoots 8-ball with the red cue. Sleepy B. buried the rack in 20 shots with no errors, overcoming a slow start. Eastside Sharks newcomer Twinkie I is the first player to dip into 10-ball, shooting with the silver cue. Twinkie I had one error for a missed contact, but she finished on a 5-10 combination to the bottom left to end at 11 shots. Queens Flames superstar Violetta keeps the silver cue up for 8-ball in today's 33rd game. Violetta buried 19 shots with no errors in a fairly strong performance. Next up, Pearl Surfers veteran Bright shoots 8-ball with the blue cue. Bright had a special game going, then got jittery late to end with a strong 18 shots and no errors. At the back of the group, Pronger Tridents captain Precious plays 9-ball with the silver cue. Precious took an error on the break for a scratch, then cruised to 9 shots for the game. 

The final group is fronted by Oceanside Waves veteran Rocky, who shoots 7-ball with the red cue. Rocky had a good break and buried the 1-7 combination as a double-pot to the bottom left for 2 shots and no errors. Today's 37th game is 8-ball with the red cue for Atlantic Pirates newcomer Bianca. She started well, but some misses led Bianca to taking 23 shots with no errors. Swordpoint Blades newcomer Buddy is ready to shoot 8-ball with the green cue. Buddy had a great start, then wiped that out with four errors to end at 24 shots. Todavía Stills veteran Pedey is ready to go in 10-ball with the red cue. Pedey took a couple of errors and ended up with 19 shots. Infinity Torpedoes star Fluffina ends the day in 9-ball with the blue cue. Fluffina took one error in 14 shots for a rather pedestrian finish. 

We'll be back tomorrow for 40-50 games, depending on the flow of play.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 7

We'll play 40 or 50 games in today's qualifying session, which has a small chance of starting 10-ball and the introduction of more 9-ball. First up...

Freedom Cascades newcomer Sprinkles plays 7-ball with the green cue. Sprinkles was good in her team debut, taking 8 shots and no errors. Golden Pilots newcomer Toki is up next, playing 7-ball with the purple cue. Toki had a good performance getting a clutch double-pot late to end on 7 shots with no errors. Everton Eagles veteran Panda goes third today, using the blue cue for 8-ball. Panda pulled off some lucky shots and finished the rack in 19 shots. Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Whiskers tries her hand in 8-ball with the green cue. Whiskers had some trouble with finishing her game, ending at 22 shots and no errors. Southridge Defenders newcomer Sydney C. shoots 9-ball with the blue cue to close the group. Sydney C. took one error for missed contact, but finished with an 8-9 combination to the bottom right for 13 shots. 

The second group opens with Pacific Volcanoes captain Ms. Kitty shooting 8-ball with the blue cue. Ms. Kitty mastered the bank shot in her outing, taking one error in 22 shots. Royal Crowns star Sunshine plays 8-ball with the purple cue. Sunshine missed too many plays early, taking 27 shots and no errors in the outing. Whitewater Shores captain Shaggy is set to play 8-ball with the silver cue. Shaggy notched 22 shots and no errors, showing decent command. Atlantic Pirates newcomer Bandit goes ninth today, activating the red cue in 8-ball. Bandit unleashed 17 shots and no errors in a crisp showing. Golden Pilots star Dusty ends the set with the blue cue in 9-ball. Dusty couldn't get the play she wanted, taking 14 shots and no errors to end it. 

After the break, Apex Wonders newcomer Klaus plays 9-ball with the silver cue. Klaus hounds the 9 after a good break, but needs 8 shots with no errors before kicking in a 1-9 combination to the top right. Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Marissa is in for 8-ball with the silver cue. Marissa was sharp early, then rattled too many out for 25 shots and no errors in the end. Commerce Tradewinds rookie Carly P. is set to play 7-ball with the green cue in her career debut. Carly P. ended up at 12 shots with no errors, unable to pull off a couple of tough plays. Eastside Sharks captain Taylor M. goes 14th today, playing 9-ball with the red cue. Taylor M. gave it everything she had to avoid errors, and a double-pot of the 6 to the top side and 9 to the top right ended her game at 15 shots. Pronger Tridents star Spot rounds out the group in 7-ball with the silver cue. Spot took a far-out angle and got the 7 to go down at the top side on the break for 0 shots and zero errors. 

The fourth group starts with Stonebridge Wolves newcomer Sierra playing 9-ball with the green cue. Sierra made a 5-9 combination to the bottom right after a tough stretch, ending on 9 shots with no errors. Royal Crowns captain Kayla is next up, using the silver cue in 7-ball. Kayla found a groove to end on 10 shots with no errors. Zenith Skywatchers strongman Lionel keeps the silver cue active for 8-ball. Lionel had good plays, but his long-range shooting was poor. He ended on 27 shots and no errors. More 8-ball is next, with Southridge Defenders veteran Roxy using the green cue. Roxy showed strong command and strategy, clearing the table in 20 shots with no errors. Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi is 20th to shoot today, playing 8-ball with the blue cue. Kiwi did fine until an illegal contact error in the middle of her game. She ended up at 24 shots with the lone error. 

Group five kicks off with Victoria Spurs veteran Rosalina using the green cue in 8-ball. Rosalina had a couple of lucky bounces, but she converted well in 18 shots with no errors. Todavía Stills newcomer Juno draws in 22nd today to play 8-ball with the red cue. Juno took one error for a scratch but still finished in 18 shots. Everton Eagles star Puff III is up next with the silver cue in 9-ball. Puff III made a double-pot of the 5 to the bottom right and the 9 to the top left for 7 shots and no errors. Boston Swifts newcomer Dreamy also uses the silver cue in 9-ball. Dreamy did even better, sinking the 2 and 9 to the top right on the break for 0 shots and zero errors. Another 9-ball game wraps up the group, with the Westside Rockers mainstay Goatee playing with the green cue. Goatee couldn't settle her positioning late, taking one error and 18 shots to finish. 

The sixth set leads off with Eastside Sharks rising star Maison using the green cue for 9-ball. Maison pushed hard early, then eased up to end at 15 shots and no errors. Another 9-ball game has the Freedom Cascades' Andrew up with the silver cue. Bad positioning forced Andrew into three errors among his 18 shots. Stonebridge Wolves veteran Jane also gets a look in 9-ball with the silver cue. Jane took two errors in 15 shots, though her hot start should have earned her a far better result. Swordpoint Blades rookie Anton draws in for 9-ball with the red cue. Anton was able to work through mid-game troubles, ending on 14 shots with one error. At the back of the group, Midland Predators captain Rainmane plays 8-ball with the green cue. Rainmane couldn't get any control at the end of her game, taking two errors and 30 shots to finish. 

Going 31st today, Phoenix Firebirds veteran Pauline uses the purple cue in 8-ball. Pauline cleared the table in 20 shots and no errors in a crisp showing. Commerce Tradewinds sophomore Blake brings up the red cue for 9-ball. Blake kept things loose early, taking two errors, then struggling to end on 15 shots. Viewpoint Sound Meteors veteran Cobalt is next, using the silver cue in 8-ball. Cobalt attacked well and finished with just 15 shots and no errors. Terrace City Knights newcomer Lexi is up for 8-ball with the green cue. Lexi had a great start, but again joined the growing ranks of players who had to slow down late. She had one error in 23 shots. Rounding out the batch, Lighton Prestige captain Acorn plays 8-ball with the red cue. Acorn overcame an early error to end on 20 shots, though he wasted time with a late rattler. 

The eighth group begins as Boston Swifts veteran Ice Cream plays 8-ball with the green cue. Ice Cream suffered a foot injury late in the qualifier, but gutted it out for 21 shots and no errors. Infinity Torpedoes veteran Fuchsia goes 37th today, using the blue cue in 7-ball. Fuchsia got tricky, missing a 1-7 combination on her first try but sinking both on a double-pot for 2 shots and no errors. Whitewater Shores star Katharine is next, using the blue cue in 8-ball. Katharine was thrown off by a bad shot at a critical time, slipping to 22 shots with no errors. Atlantic Pirates captain Delila is next up in 8-ball, playing with the purple cue. Delila scratched on the break, but made up for it with pace to end at 20 shots. The group ends with Eastside Sharks newcomer Gal shooting 7-ball with the purple cue. Gal was a little chaotic, but she got the game done in 9 shots with no errors. 

Group nine gets going with Web City Spiders veteran Kodiak shooting 9-ball with the silver cue. Kodiak sank three balls on the break, and he played strong but cautious to end in 9 shots with no errors. Ingrid is set for her Royal Crowns debut with the red cue in 7-ball. Ingrid didn't get the right combinations to hit, but she ended on 10 shots with the 4-7 falling to the top left. She took no errors. Victoria Spurs star Yekaterina steps in for 9-ball with the silver cue next. Yekaterina took an early error, but bounced back to double-pot the 7 to the top right and the 9 to the bottom side for 12 shots. Tysini Hummingbirds veteran Slinks is the 44th player of the day, playing 8-ball with the silver cue. Slinks had one error on a scratch, but she held on for 22 shots. Closing the batch, Queens Flames newcomer Cleo shoots 8-ball with the purple cue. Cleo took three errors for sinking the 8 early, and still managed to finish on 22 shots. 

The final group is headed by Stonebridge Wolves sophomore Lindsay, who shoots 8-ball with the red cue. Lindsay took a pair of errors before finishing on a solid 21 shots. Atlantic Pirates newcomer Waluigi takes a turn in 9-ball with the purple cue. Waluigi bungled an early chance to surge, ending up with one error in 13 shots. The 48th game of the day belongs to the Southridge Defenders' Caitlin, who also uses the purple cue in 9-ball. Caitlin took one error early, but channeled the frustration into 14 shots. Rookie Alliance member Alanna debuts in 7-ball with the red cue. Alanna made the 7 to the bottom side on the break for 0 shots and zero errors. Stinky ends the day with his Midland Predators debut, using the blue cue in 7-ball. Stinky cruised through the finish for 7 shots and no errors. 

That's all for the first week of qualifying, which has improved as its gone along. There will be 40 games tomorrow.

Tournament XII Qualifiers - Day 6

We're back for another 40-game day. There's more likely to be 9-ball today, though 8-ball remains the dominant style for now. First up...

Infinity Torpedoes star Fluffina shoots 8-ball with the green cue. Fluffina rattled off 18 shots and no errors in a good opening game. The Rookie Alliance's Tenille A. is next up, making her career debut in 7-ball with the blue cue. Tenille A. held on for 9 shots and no errors after making a pair on the break. Phoenix Firebirds star Twinkie III goes third today, playing 8-ball with the purple cue. Twinkie III took one error for illegal contact, but she still stormed away with 16 shots. Todavía Stills veteran Pedey activates the silver cue for 9-ball. Pedey made the 9 on the break but also scratched for his lone error. He still finished quickly with nine shots. Pacific Volcanoes star Smokey will also get a look in 9-ball with the purple cue. Smokey needed 15 shots and no errors to clear the table, barely maintaining control in the game.

The second group is underway with Capital City Sharpshooters mainstay Missy playing 8-ball with the purple cue. Missy played steady and finished in 22 shots with no errors. Queens Flames captain Crystal also takes a turn in 8-ball, using the green cue. Crystal was pretty sharp on offense, though she took one error that bumped her up to 21 shots. Golden Pilots veteran Sparkles is up for 8-ball with the silver cue. Sparkles made one of each suit on the break and finished with 18 shots and no errors. Royal Crowns stalwart Jake is ready to go in 8-ball with the red cue in today's ninth game. Jake had a lackluster break but still finished in 21 shots with no errors. Westside Rockers star Snowball closes the group with the silver cue in 9-ball. Snowball had to sacrifice on a couple of plays, ending up at 14 shots with no errors. 

Group three starts with Midland Predators newcomer Stephanie playing 8-ball with the blue cue. Stephanie battled through some tough spots, finishing on 18 shots and no errors. Swordpoint Blades veteran Mams uses the red cue in 7-ball for her season debut. Mams didn't do so well, taking two errors in 12 shots in a rough start. Eastside Sharks newcomer Twinkie I draws in for 9-ball with the silver cue. Twinkie I had a major mistake with a stick foul early, and she needed 17 shots with two errors to finish it. Commerce Tradewinds captain Taylor S. draws in for 8-ball with the purple cue. Taylor S. made a mess midway through, taking two errors and stumbling to 28 shots. Westside Rockers sophomore Carly J. goes 15th today, using the green cue in 7-ball. Carly J. held her own despite an early error, ending with only 9 shots. 

The fourth batch opens with Apex Wonders sophomore Maren shooting 7-ball with the silver cue. Maren made two on the break and finished in 5 shots with no errors. Central Warriors newcomer Isabella goes 17th today, using the green cue in 9-ball. Isabella played smart, using positioning to her advantage to end on 11 shots with a 7-9 combination to the top right. She took no errors. Omari is set for his Pronger Tridents debut with the silver cue in 7-ball. Omari made the best of a tough game, taking 10 shots and no errors. Maplewood Lumberjacks veteran Summer also uses the silver cue for 7-ball. Summer also needed 10 shots to finish, though she had one late error. Harrison Specters veteran Snuggle takes a turn in 7-ball with the blue cue to end the group. Snuggle also finished with 10 shots, and he took an early error for a scratch. 

The fifth group kicks off as Pacific Volcanoes newcomer Gizmo uses the purple cue in 8-ball. Gizmo was merciless with 13 shots and no errors to clear the table. Southern Monarchs captain Pounce also uses the purple cue for 8-ball. Pounce put in a good effort, keeping things clean with no errors in 17 shots. More 8-ball follows with Infinity Torpedoes veteran Shelley playing with the silver cue. Shelley had some shaky play around the table, but her shooting was solid for 22 shots and no errors. Tysini Hummingbirds star Sugar is up 24th today, using the green cue in 7-ball. Sugar took an early error with missed contact and faltered to 13 shots in the game. Rounding out the group, Todavía Stills captain Easter is set to play 8-ball with the purple cue. Easter rattled off 19 shots with one error in a good outing. 

Oceanside Waves newcomer Chicky Phil uses the silver cue in 8-ball to front the sixth group. Chicky Phil took one error on illegal contact, but he closed with 20 shots. Boston Swifts captain Sweetheart is called for 8-ball with the blue cue. Sweetheart had one error for a scratch, and that slowed her down at the end. She finished in 24 shots. North Modernistic Nighthawks captain Peach gets the 28th game today, using the silver cue in 7-ball. Peach took two errors in an ugly game, and she was lucky to finish in 15 shots. Central Warriors captain Twilight follows that with the blue cue in 7-ball. Twilight took one error on a scratch, but rebounded to finish on 10 shots. Graycliff Aces rookie Adele ends the group with the silver cue in 8-ball. Adele did alright with one error and 21 shots in this game. 

The seventh set gets going as Queens Flames star Briana uses the silver cue in 8-ball. Briana took one error on a scratch, but she finished in 19 shots. Southridge Defenders newcomer Avril is set for her season debut in 7-ball with the green cue. Avril didn't have a great turn, taking one error in 14 shots in a difficult outing. Freedom Cascades veteran Frosty is up next with the purple cue in 8-ball. Frosty just avoided an error in this game, but she still needed 23 shots to finish. Zenith Skywatchers captain Blizzard draws in for 7-ball with the blue cue. Blizzard scratched on the break for her lone error but still ended with 7 shots. North Modernistic Nighthawks newcomer Mr. Snowman is set to play in 7-ball with the green cue to wrap up the group. Mr. Snowman made the 4-7 combination to the bottom right for 5 shots and no errors. 

The final group begins with Lighton Prestige newcomer Gradley playing 8-ball with the red cue. Gradley was good at first, but two errors and 25 shots were his finishing totals. Going 37th today, Apex Wonders captain Midnight shoots 8-ball with the blue cue. Midnight had a better break, but she also took two errors and fell to 25 shots. Bear is ready for his Modernistic Union debut, playing 7-ball with the blue cue. Bear had good straight-line shooting, but his creative played lacked, giving him one error in 11 shots. Queens Flames veteran Mario is up with the purple cue in 7-ball. Mario stumbled in the middle but finished on 10 shots and no errors. Modernistic Union newcomer Stripes ends the day in 8-ball with the purple cue. Stripes was able to close it out in 22 shots despite two errors near the end. 

Tomorrow has 50-game potential, though it's not guaranteed.