Here's another day of games. Only about half of the brackets are active at this time, but there are some with a lot left. One of those leads us off, as...
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Shelley v. Chimpy. The red cue gets the nod for Accuracy to open the day. Modernistic's Chimpy played an excellent game 1, combining inefficiency from Infinity's Shelley and his own defensive tactics to stake out an 0-4 win and earn a 1-0 series lead in a textbook performance. The Union's Chimpy stayed perfect for game 2, and while the Torpedoes' Shelley made it a bit closer, she couldn't induce a miss as Chimpy clinched the series at 2-0. Chimpy lost a step in game 3, losing 2-3 as Shelley took control late in the game, but Chimpy still won the series 2-1. Ranked #78 for Accuracy, Chimpy will play in the Southwest again in the second round, as he visits the Spurs' B. Chapman at Sprint Hall in Victoria.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Americus v. Dreamy. The red cue stays on to finish its first round obligations in 8-ball. Atlantic's Americus scored two balls on the break, but she couldn't carry momentum. Swordpoint's Dreamy broke through defensive tactics and used a four-ball run-out to win and take a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Americus played very well in game 2, especially for positioning, but her execution lacked sharpness, and the Blades' Dreamy cashed in. Dreamy made a three-ball run-out, including a bank of the 5 from left rail to top right at a bad angle, to win again after Americus left the 8 short at the bottom right, and Dreamy sealed the series at 2-0. Americus made a wicked kick on the 13 to the bottom right to get a late three-ball run, but she shot wide on the 8, allowing Dreamy to bank the 5 to the top side and cut the 8 to the top left to sweep the series 3-0 with another win. Dreamy is the #95 ranked 8-ball player, and she'll play Marsell of the Crowns at Royal's Kraft Forum in the second round.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Chelsea. After visiting Graham recently, Dusty deals with another former teammate in a heated rivalry from the southeast, playing 10-ball with the red cue. Golden's Dusty controlled the pace in game 1, and after one of many fouls by Eastside's Chelsea, Dusty knocked the 5-10 combination from range into the bottom left to win and take a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea made it a much closer game 2, and ended up taking the win with the last two shots as the Pilots' Dusty didn't have the best of luck with her shots. The series stands tied at 1 at this point. Dusty struggled on the 1 in game 3, and she left it too close to the 10, where Chelsea used it as an agent to carom the cue into the 10 and pot the latter at the bottom right for a 2-1 series win. Ranked #74 for 10-ball, Chelsea will travel to Pronger's Ford Forum for a second round match against the Tridents' Hoot.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Sleepy B. The silver cue makes an appearance in Rotation now. Royal's Nightfur came out with quite a bit of luck, but when that left her, Archtown's Sleepy B. had no answer, so Nightfur ground out an 8-2 victory to take a 1-0 series lead with a lot of carom shots. Game 2 didn't play out very quickly either, until the Crowns' Nightfur found pinpoint accuracy and ripped off a four-ball run-out to win 8-5, as the Arrows' Sleepy B. provided virtually no threat to Nightfur securing the series at 2-0. Nightfur wrapped things up with a win in game 3 as well, taking it 8-5 for the 3-0 series sweep as Sleepy B. came off overwhelmed. Ranked #9 for Rotation, Nightfur hosts Sierra of the Todavía Stills in the second round at this venue.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Frosty v. Paige. Urban Core South rivals make up the second part of a doubleheader in Royal, with 8-ball and the blue cue in play. Royal's Frosty rallied with a six-ball run in game 1, but she lost her momentum, allowing Queens' Paige to bounce back and win on a three-ball run-out with good positioning for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Frosty had a rough start to game 2 until the Flames' Paige had a cluster buster sink two of Frosty's balls. This ignited her offense, and she rallied to get the win and tie the series at 1. Paige rebounded in game 3, but it took an epic six-ball run-out for the win as Frosty applied late pressure. Paige sealed the game with a slow-rolling bank of the 8 from right rail to bottom left, adding to the drama in her 2-1 series win. Ranked #92 for 8-ball, Paige will head to Oceanside's AT&T Hall to face Snuggle of the Waves in the second round. With the loss, Frosty may have played her last game for Royal, as she is the fourth player eliminated from the tournament. Paige has her first kill of the season.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Lydia. The blue cue's 8-ball first round ends with an all-Prestige series. Lydia's best shooter ended up being her teammate and captain Acorn, who sank all of his balls and half of hers, including a scratch after sinking the 8 that gave Lydia the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. Acorn kept to himself a bit better this game and was on the verge of a shutout before Lydia sank her suit on two turns. Her shot on the 8 was good to the bottom left, but the cue found the bottom right. After the teammates got their Panic! at the Disco on with their trade of mistakes, the series is tied at 1 in a fun environment. Lydia had another slow start in game 3, and that probably cost her, as Acorn played a responsible finish and won the series 2-1 just as Lydia was catching up. Ranked #3 for 8-ball, Acorn will host the Capital City Sharpshooters' Sprinkles at this venue in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney Sierota v. Starlight. The series is 12-ball with the red cue, with all eyes on Starlight's eye injury and how it might affect her. Pacific's Starlight appeared to be fine in game 1, getting off to a slow start but leaving Harrison's Sydney with poor shots late until she positioned herself to take her last two shots, good for a win and a 1- 0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Starlight got the win in game 2 as well, working into position for her last two shots in a game where she and the Specters' Sydney exchanged wild card balls. Starlight clinched the series at 2-0. Starlight didn't stop there, coming from behind to topple Sydney in game 3, making five of her six balls over the last two turns after some extensive set-up work to sweep the series 3-0. Starlight, ranked #101 in 12-ball, will be in Maplewood at UPS Hall to face Diddley of the Lumberjacks in the second round. With the loss, Sydney's once-promising Rookie of the Year campaign closes early, which will push her out of the minds at the end of the season as she is the fifth to be eliminated. She's still likely to return to the Specters. Starlight has her first kill of the season with the big win.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Sugar v. Shiny. Very nearby, the silver cue plays 9-ball in an intra-team game for the Spiders' lesser-known players. Game 1 took almost no time at all, as Shiny responded to a three-ball run from Sugar with a four-ball run-out of her own, winning on a 7-9 combination meticulously assembled to the bottom right for the 1-0 series lead for Shiny. Sugar botched game 2 pretty badly, as Shiny applied pressure and left Sugar with a bad angle on the 5. Her attempt struck the 9 to the top right illegally, giving Shiny a 2-0 series lead instead. Shiny also took a very competitive game 3, banking the 9 to the top left to seal a 3-0 series sweep of her teammate. Ranked #89 in 9-ball, Shiny travels to Terrace City's Audi Hall to face Kiwi of the Knights in the second round.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Dani v. Neopolitan. The blue cue is back in action at Accuracy. Capital City's Dani didn't exactly dominate in game 1, but Pearl's Neopolitan couldn't hold up at all, and while Dani missed a couple late, she won 2-4 for a 1-0 series lead with a bit of comfort. Game 2 saw regulation end in a tie, as the Sharpshooters' Dani twice missed a chance to bury the Surfers' Neopolitan and will have to break in overtime. There, Dani missed twice, and Neopolitan turned in a 2-12 combination to the top right to win 4-5 and tie the series at 1. Neopolitan controlled game 3 pretty well, winning 3-5 over Dani, with the score getting that bad because the last ball was a struggle. Ranked #64 for Accuracy, Neopolitan heads to Tysini to face Hummingbirds rookie Charli XCX in the second round.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Yekaterina Vasilyeva v. Starlight. The blue cue stays in the region for some more Accuracy, as Starlight looks to conquer another rookie. Pacific's Starlight proved a demanding foe for Victoria's Yekaterina, and she couldn't handle the task, falling 1-5 as Starlight proved ruthless to take a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina did better in game 2, keeping pace with the Volcanoes' Starlight and then beating her 1-2 when she missed a bank attempt on the 7, tying the series at 1. Starlight's eye injury started bothering her in game 2 as well, impairing her shooting a bit. Starlight fired back in game 3, still dealing with obstructed vision, and won 1-4 as Yekaterina proved a bit shaky in a chance to beat a superstar. Ranked #65 for Accuracy, Starlight hopes to be healthy for a second round series against Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Fluffina at UPS Hall.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Bells. The red cue gets this 12-ball series here. Oceanside's Bells had a more direct approach in game 1, whereas Modernistic's Puff I tried to endlessly tweak the set-up shots, which led to failure as Bells got behind her defense and took the game on the next turn, good for a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Bells got a little cocky in game 2, giving up two wild card balls, and after the second, the Union's Puff I made good potting her last two shots to tie the series at 1 with the easy win. Puff I got a little too methodical again in her shooting, allowing Bells to come from behind after Puff I missed contact, potting the 5 to the bottom side for the win from a crazy angle. Ranked #102 for 12-ball, Bells will head to Atlantic's McDonald's Hall in the second round to face the Pirates' Americus.
Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Ms. Kitty. The blue cue returns for some Accuracy, its busiest bracket right now. Diamond's Pedey got off to an iffy start, but it wasn't as bad as the one from Pacific's Ms. Kitty, who added a late miss as well and lost the game 2-3 as Pedey takes a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Gems' Pedey didn't need much more in game 2, but he played better, and the Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty self-destructed at the end, eventually falling 1-4 as Pedey secured the series at 2-0. Pedey couldn't keep up his impressive pace in game 3, allowing Ms. Kitty to gain and hold a lead as she won 2-3. Pedey took the series 2-1, and his #10 ranked Accuracy campaign will bring in Cleo of the Everton Eagles in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Mr. Snowman v. Yekaterina Vasilyeva. The silver cue gets a Rotation series to lead off the night series. Victoria's Yekaterina held a lead throughout game 1, and while Viewpoint Sound's Mr. Snowman kept it close, he ultimately lost 8-4 as Yekaterina took a 1-0 series lead with her stronger effort. The Meteors' Mr. Snowman answered with an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1, building up a big lead in game 2 before weathering a comeback attempt from the Spurs' Yekaterina, and then icing the game himself. Yekaterina played pretty even in game 3, and then blew the lid off, ending an 8-2 drubbing with a three-ball run-out to take the series at 2-1. Ranked #96 for Rotation, Yekaterina will play at Capital City SuperCenter against the Sharpshooters' Dani in the second round.
Apple Center, Todavía: Leonardo v. Panda. A late series of 10-ball with the blue cue gets the Spanish Derby treatment. Southern's Panda looked locked in for game 1, needing just two turns to win, with a four-ball run on his first and a six-ball run-out with excellent positioning to take a 1-0 series lead over a punchless Leonardo of Todavía. The Stills' Leonardo woke up a bit in game 2, cashing in when the Monarchs' Panda blindly swung at the 6, which put it in a decent position for Leonardo to carom the cue off of it and into the 10, which fell in the bottom right for the win, tying the series at 1. Panda ended up with the 2-1 series win, taking game 3 with a strong finish after a spate of scratches. Ranked #90 in 10-ball, Panda will visit Whitewater's Samsung Arena to play the Shores' Twinkie III in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Americus v. Stripes. The red cue finishes up its 15-ball slate for the first round in the Eastern Hills. Game 1 had a quick finish after a long start, with Atlantic's Americus putting up a four-ball run, only to be shut down by a sharp bank of the 15 to the bottom side from Terrace City's Stripes for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Americus thought she was in trouble with a late scratch, but the Knights' Stripes left the 15 short at the top side, and Americus tapped it in to tie the series at 1 in her win. Americus burst out to get the win in game 3, working with excellent positioning to finally get a look at the 15 in a 13-15 combination at the top side after many pass-by shots. The win put Americus in a 2-1 series lead, and the #6 ranked 15-ball player advances to host the Diamond Gems' Cassandra at this venue in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Wild Thing v. Shaggy. The night will end with 9-ball and the silver cue. Whitewater's Wild Thing managed to corral the 9 in game 1, ending a back-and-forth affair in which neither he nor Southridge's Shaggy had much luck with stringing shots together. Wild Thing leads 1-0 in the series. Game 2 started sloppy, but a short leave on the 9 at the top side later resulted in the Shores' Wild Thing using ball-in-hand from illegal contact by the Defenders' Shaggy to pot a 2-9 combination to clinch the series at 2-0. Shaggy salvaged a quick game 3, winning with the last two balls to give Wild Thing a 2-1 series win. Ranked #10 for 9-ball, Wild Thing hosts Wings of the Pearl Surfers in the second round at this venue.
That's all for tonight. Tomorrow has cricket included, so the schedule may be a bit more difficult in the long run.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Monday, January 4, 2016
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 20
The long first round is beginning to show signs of wrapping up now, and we'll be working to get full slates of games in all week. We begin with...
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Dusky v. J. Garcia. The silver cue's last first-round series of 10-ball leads the day. Archtown's Dusky had a late three-ball run in game 1 end up being for nothing when she left the 10 short at the top right, allowing Southridge's Garcia to tap it in for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Dusky provided a much stiffer challenge in game 2, dominating possession and forcing errors on the Defenders' Garcia, eventually taking the game in a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Garcia played well with a four-ball run in game 3, but it wouldn't be enough, as Dusky had good position for the last two balls and won the series 2-1. Dusky, the #1 ranked 10-ball player, hosts Sierra of the Todavía Stills at this venue in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Wild Thing v. Easter. The blue cue is up for 15-ball now. Whitewater's Wild Thing got a bit lucky as his failed bank of the 12 toward the top side got redirected into the bottom left to set up his win by making a straight shot on the 15, stunning an ineffective Easter of Todavía for the 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Easter made quite a few shots off of errors from the Shores' Wild Thing, and it was illegal contact that led Easter to a pair of three-ball runs to end game 2 in a win, tying the series at 1. Wild Thing made a critical error in game 3, trying to kick onto the 4 but coming short off the top rail, sinking the 15 illegally in the top left to give Easter a win and the 2-1 series win. Ranked #97 for 15-ball, Easter will travel to Southridge's GE Stadium Events Center to visit the Defenders' J. Garcia in the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Bryant. The red cue gets its turn for some 12-ball. Maplewood's Bryant had a wonderful finish to game 1, piecing together a four-ball run-out with precision shooting to take a 1-0 series lead, with the win accompanied by excellent defending against Pearl's Watermelon after she got down to one ball remaining. The Surfers' Watermelon survived the game 2 comeback attempt from the Lumberjacks' Bryant, who owned a wild card ball and nearly clinched but missed the 4 at the top right. Watermelon made the 15 in the bottom left from distance, tying the series at 1 with her win. Watermelon had the better of play in game 3, getting herself set up a bit faster. Bryant left her a favorable final shot, which she buried to win the series 2-1. Ranked #23 for 12-ball, Watermelon brings in Infinity Torpedoes captain Smudge in the second round at this venue.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Jack v. Bryant. Bryant continues his western swing with a series of 15-ball with the blue cue on the coast. Pacific's Jack had the worst luck in game 1, watching the cue kick off the left rail and navigate around many balls before illegally hitting and potting the 15 to gift a win and 1-0 series lead to Maplewood's Bryant. The Volcanoes' Jack fought back with a more careful game 2, and things played out pretty evenly. The Lumberjacks' Bryant was on the wrong end of it, as Jack made the last two balls to win the game and tie the series at 1. Jack put himself in trouble with accidental self-defending, but he made contact with the 13. Bryant made him pay for the abrupt end to his four-ball run, converting the 13-15 combination to the top left to win the series 2-1. Ranked #98 for 15-ball, Bryant will visit Archtown's Starbucks Arena to face the Arrows' Ruby in the second round. The loss could be Jack's final career loss in pool, as he became the third player eliminated this season, while Bryant collects his first kill of the year.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Shawn v. Sleepy B. The blue cue stays in for its 15-ball first round finale from the Southwest. Archtown's Sleepy B. had a very unfortunate late scratch in game 1 after playing fairly well, scratching after the 14 to let Swordpoint's Shawn make the 15 from ball-in-hand for the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Arrows' Sleepy B. fired back with a game 2 win, as both players exchanged runs in the free flowing game. The Blades' Shawn tried to pin the cue on the 15 late, but it slipped off, and Sleepy B. cut the 15 to the bottom left to win the game and tie the series at 1. Shawn had a late three-ball run in game 3, but as we often see, the money ball provided too much pressure and he left it short at the top right, where Sleepy B. earned the win on the tap-in, and took the series 2-1. Ranked #102 for 15-ball, Sleepy B. will next play in Kraft Forum in Royal against the Crowns' Marsell in the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Ruby v. Blizzard. Northeastern rivals exchange pleasantries in a series of 9-ball with the silver cue. Archtown's Ruby stole game 1 away from Everton's Blizzard, as the latter dominated possession and had three- and five-ball runs only to leave the 9 short, which Ruby made for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Ruby had to try a bit harder in game 2, but the Eagles' Blizzard wasn't all that sharp either. Ruby ended the game with the last two balls, knocking the 8 in and getting a great bounce off the top side to set up the 9 in that spot, good for a 2-0 series lead. Blizzard salvaged game 3 to leave the series with something, winning on a three-ball run-out spurred by strong positioning to make it a 2-1 series. Ruby advances her #24 ranked 9-ball campaign to the second round, where she'll bring in Whitewater Shores veteran Cheddar to this venue.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. A. Charlton. The red cue is back in action for some 8-ball. Golden's Charlton took awhile to ignite her offense in game 1, but Terrace City's Oreo never got going, so Charlton's seven-ball run-out made things look quite lopsided as she takes a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Knights' Oreo charged back with a four-ball run to pace her attack in game 2, and while the Pilots' Charlton did a decent job of catching up, Oreo used her miss to carom the 8 off the 10 and into the top side for the win that tied the series at 1. Oreo and Charlton battled again in game 3, and Charlton left the 8 very short at the top left. Oreo buried the 1 that she had scratched on earlier, and then tapped the 8 for a 2-1 series win. Ranked #5 in 8-ball, Oreo hosts Leonette of the Pacific Volcanoes in the second round at this venue.
Ebay Center, Queens: Max v. Nicole. The red cue stays at the table for some 12-ball. Queens' Max gave up a wild card ball in game 1, but it worked for the better, as Southern's Nicole was just a tad too slow to set herself up when Max kicked the 5 to the top left for the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Flames' Max used a strong defensive presence to block a good shot for the Monarchs' Nicole, and then worked to set things up, eventually tapping in his last two shots to seal the series at 2-0. Max had a solid break in game 3 but gave up a wild card ball, which Nicole promptly returned on a scratch. Nicole later had a four-ball rally, but she fell short as Max made his last two shots to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #20 for 12-ball, Max will host sister and former teammate, Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Fluffina, in the second round at this venue.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Jake. The silver cue has a series of Accuracy where Dustin hosts the Warrior he replaced, Jake, in front of the very passionate Central crowd. Central's Dustin held control in game 1, missing a few late but holding on to beat Royal's Jake 3-4 with some confident shooting for the 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake induced three straight misses on the Warriors' Dustin in game 2, working himself to a 2-5 win that tied the series at 1 with good defensive play. Dustin answered with a perfect run in game 3, while Jake kept up with him for most of the game before losing 0-2. Dustin took the series 2-1 to send the fans home happy, but they'll return in the second round when their #13 ranked Accuracy players hosts Ruby of the Archtown Arrows.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Boots v. Oreo. The silver cue makes its first round finale for Accuracy with a bracket doubleheader. Southridge's Boots began strong and held on despite Terrace City's Oreo attempting late defense, with Boots' knock of the 9 along the top rail sealing her 2-3 win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 played out very closely, with a late miss by Boots of the Defenders forcing overtime. There, the Knights' Oreo had a chance to win and missed her shot, only to miss another a few turns later to lose 3-4 and give Boots the clinching win with a 2-0 series lead. Boots had a comedy of errors in blowing away game 3, allowing Oreo to take the game 3-4 to make it a 2-1 series. Ranked #2 for Accuracy, Boots will host Wild Thing of the Whitewater Shores at this venue in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Lydia v. Kirstin. The blue cue is up for 10-ball at this time. Lighton's Lydia nearly won game 1 with a 2-10 combination to the top right that also knocked the 6 to the bottom right, but she scratched, negating the victory. Southern's Kirstin came close to running things out, but her shot on the 8 was weak. Lydia had a three-ball run-out instead, ending with a classic bank finish to the bottom side for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Lydia got pushed around a lot in game 2, as the Monarchs' Kirstin owned a couple of runs, including a late three-ball run that ended with a narrow miss on the 8. Lydia used this as the catalyst for her three-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Lydia seemed to be mailing it in for game 3, but she took advantage of more poor shooting late from Kirstin, smashing another three-ball run-out for the 3-0 sweep. Ranked #14 in 10-ball, Lydia welcomes Cowzart of the Pearl Surfers to this venue in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Mams v. Bright. The red cue will wrap up the afternoon with 7-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Mams needed only two shots to snag the game 1 win, burying the 2 to the bottom side and 4 to the bottom right on the break, and then converting the 1-7 combination to the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead as Tysini's Bright could only watch. The Meteors' Mams smashed her way through game 2 as well, but the Hummingbirds' Bright got a pair of shots this time, both misses. Mams ran out the last five balls with good positioning, clinching the series at 2-0 quite effectively. Bright had a four-ball run in game 3, but it wouldn't be enough after Mams scored the last two balls for a 3-0 series sweep. Ranked #15 for 7-ball, Mams will bring in Twilight of the Central Warriors to this venue for the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Paige v. Rainmane. The silver cue gets a look for 15-ball in the evening. Queens' Paige snagged the game 1 win in a back-and-forth affair that came out evenly match, making the last two balls to take a 1-0 series lead over Web City's Rainmane. In game 2, Rainmane of the Spiders brought things to a close with her 13-15 combination. The game was a bit slow to progress, as the Flames' Paige did not produce a good break, leaving many shots over-covered. Rainmane's win tied the series at 1. Paige opted for a cut on the 15 in game 3 rather than a bank, and she paid for it as the cue fell in the top side as the 15 found the bottom right, giving Rainmane the win and a 2-1 series win. Ranked #75 for 15-ball, Rainmane will travel to Southridge's GE Stadium Events Center to face the Defenders' Shaggy in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Cubby v. Stinky. The silver cue will wrap up its first round 15-ball with this series. Both players played an uninspiring game 1, but Freedom's Stinky made the last two balls for the win and a 1-0 series lead in the close but average game against Maplewood's Cubby. The Cascades' Stinky secured the series at 2-0 in game 2 after the Lumberjacks' Cubby tossed up a desperation shot on the 6 that made contact but set Stinky up to use a 6-15 combination to the bottom side for the win, and the 6 fell in the bottom right for the double-pot in the win. Cubby ended up with the win in game 3 despite a hot start by Stinky. He won on a four-ball run-out, with the last being a 12-15 combination where the cue provided the deflection for the 15 to fall in the bottom right. Stinky won the series 2-1, and his #76 ranked 15-ball bid heads to Modernistic to face the Union's Juno in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Bells v. Charli. The red cue gets its last series of 7-ball for the first round right here. Oceanside's Bells potted three balls on the break and ran out the last three balls as well to top Tysini's Charli for a 1-0 series lead, with Charli getting just two shots in all of game 1. The Waves' Bells made even quicker work of game 2, potting the 7 on the break in the top side to prevent the Hummingbirds' Charli from making a comeback as Bells seals the series at 2-0. Charli fought back enough in game 3 to get the win, but Bells still took the series 2-1. Ranked #11 for 7-ball, Bells hosts Ms. Kitty of the Pacific Volcanoes in the second round at this venue.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Shawn v. Max. The last series of the night is 8-ball with the red cue. Queens' Max contributed nothing but missed shots to game 1, which made it very easy for Swordpoint's Shawn to walk away with the win, ending on a four-ball run-out to get the 1-0 lead in the series. The Flames' Max made an ill-advised attempt to go through defense, and the Blades' Shawn punished that with a four-ball run-out to clinch the series at 2-0 with good positioning and execution. Max did well to save some face with a big win in game 3, making it a 2-1 series as Shawn mailed it in. Ranked #4 for 8-ball, Shawn will host Dusky of the Archtown Arrows at this venue in the second round.
We're still on pace for a Friday finish for the round. More to come all week.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Dusky v. J. Garcia. The silver cue's last first-round series of 10-ball leads the day. Archtown's Dusky had a late three-ball run in game 1 end up being for nothing when she left the 10 short at the top right, allowing Southridge's Garcia to tap it in for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Dusky provided a much stiffer challenge in game 2, dominating possession and forcing errors on the Defenders' Garcia, eventually taking the game in a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Garcia played well with a four-ball run in game 3, but it wouldn't be enough, as Dusky had good position for the last two balls and won the series 2-1. Dusky, the #1 ranked 10-ball player, hosts Sierra of the Todavía Stills at this venue in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Wild Thing v. Easter. The blue cue is up for 15-ball now. Whitewater's Wild Thing got a bit lucky as his failed bank of the 12 toward the top side got redirected into the bottom left to set up his win by making a straight shot on the 15, stunning an ineffective Easter of Todavía for the 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Easter made quite a few shots off of errors from the Shores' Wild Thing, and it was illegal contact that led Easter to a pair of three-ball runs to end game 2 in a win, tying the series at 1. Wild Thing made a critical error in game 3, trying to kick onto the 4 but coming short off the top rail, sinking the 15 illegally in the top left to give Easter a win and the 2-1 series win. Ranked #97 for 15-ball, Easter will travel to Southridge's GE Stadium Events Center to visit the Defenders' J. Garcia in the second round.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Bryant. The red cue gets its turn for some 12-ball. Maplewood's Bryant had a wonderful finish to game 1, piecing together a four-ball run-out with precision shooting to take a 1-0 series lead, with the win accompanied by excellent defending against Pearl's Watermelon after she got down to one ball remaining. The Surfers' Watermelon survived the game 2 comeback attempt from the Lumberjacks' Bryant, who owned a wild card ball and nearly clinched but missed the 4 at the top right. Watermelon made the 15 in the bottom left from distance, tying the series at 1 with her win. Watermelon had the better of play in game 3, getting herself set up a bit faster. Bryant left her a favorable final shot, which she buried to win the series 2-1. Ranked #23 for 12-ball, Watermelon brings in Infinity Torpedoes captain Smudge in the second round at this venue.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Jack v. Bryant. Bryant continues his western swing with a series of 15-ball with the blue cue on the coast. Pacific's Jack had the worst luck in game 1, watching the cue kick off the left rail and navigate around many balls before illegally hitting and potting the 15 to gift a win and 1-0 series lead to Maplewood's Bryant. The Volcanoes' Jack fought back with a more careful game 2, and things played out pretty evenly. The Lumberjacks' Bryant was on the wrong end of it, as Jack made the last two balls to win the game and tie the series at 1. Jack put himself in trouble with accidental self-defending, but he made contact with the 13. Bryant made him pay for the abrupt end to his four-ball run, converting the 13-15 combination to the top left to win the series 2-1. Ranked #98 for 15-ball, Bryant will visit Archtown's Starbucks Arena to face the Arrows' Ruby in the second round. The loss could be Jack's final career loss in pool, as he became the third player eliminated this season, while Bryant collects his first kill of the year.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Shawn v. Sleepy B. The blue cue stays in for its 15-ball first round finale from the Southwest. Archtown's Sleepy B. had a very unfortunate late scratch in game 1 after playing fairly well, scratching after the 14 to let Swordpoint's Shawn make the 15 from ball-in-hand for the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Arrows' Sleepy B. fired back with a game 2 win, as both players exchanged runs in the free flowing game. The Blades' Shawn tried to pin the cue on the 15 late, but it slipped off, and Sleepy B. cut the 15 to the bottom left to win the game and tie the series at 1. Shawn had a late three-ball run in game 3, but as we often see, the money ball provided too much pressure and he left it short at the top right, where Sleepy B. earned the win on the tap-in, and took the series 2-1. Ranked #102 for 15-ball, Sleepy B. will next play in Kraft Forum in Royal against the Crowns' Marsell in the second round.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Ruby v. Blizzard. Northeastern rivals exchange pleasantries in a series of 9-ball with the silver cue. Archtown's Ruby stole game 1 away from Everton's Blizzard, as the latter dominated possession and had three- and five-ball runs only to leave the 9 short, which Ruby made for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Ruby had to try a bit harder in game 2, but the Eagles' Blizzard wasn't all that sharp either. Ruby ended the game with the last two balls, knocking the 8 in and getting a great bounce off the top side to set up the 9 in that spot, good for a 2-0 series lead. Blizzard salvaged game 3 to leave the series with something, winning on a three-ball run-out spurred by strong positioning to make it a 2-1 series. Ruby advances her #24 ranked 9-ball campaign to the second round, where she'll bring in Whitewater Shores veteran Cheddar to this venue.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. A. Charlton. The red cue is back in action for some 8-ball. Golden's Charlton took awhile to ignite her offense in game 1, but Terrace City's Oreo never got going, so Charlton's seven-ball run-out made things look quite lopsided as she takes a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Knights' Oreo charged back with a four-ball run to pace her attack in game 2, and while the Pilots' Charlton did a decent job of catching up, Oreo used her miss to carom the 8 off the 10 and into the top side for the win that tied the series at 1. Oreo and Charlton battled again in game 3, and Charlton left the 8 very short at the top left. Oreo buried the 1 that she had scratched on earlier, and then tapped the 8 for a 2-1 series win. Ranked #5 in 8-ball, Oreo hosts Leonette of the Pacific Volcanoes in the second round at this venue.
Ebay Center, Queens: Max v. Nicole. The red cue stays at the table for some 12-ball. Queens' Max gave up a wild card ball in game 1, but it worked for the better, as Southern's Nicole was just a tad too slow to set herself up when Max kicked the 5 to the top left for the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Flames' Max used a strong defensive presence to block a good shot for the Monarchs' Nicole, and then worked to set things up, eventually tapping in his last two shots to seal the series at 2-0. Max had a solid break in game 3 but gave up a wild card ball, which Nicole promptly returned on a scratch. Nicole later had a four-ball rally, but she fell short as Max made his last two shots to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #20 for 12-ball, Max will host sister and former teammate, Maplewood Lumberjacks captain Fluffina, in the second round at this venue.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Jake. The silver cue has a series of Accuracy where Dustin hosts the Warrior he replaced, Jake, in front of the very passionate Central crowd. Central's Dustin held control in game 1, missing a few late but holding on to beat Royal's Jake 3-4 with some confident shooting for the 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake induced three straight misses on the Warriors' Dustin in game 2, working himself to a 2-5 win that tied the series at 1 with good defensive play. Dustin answered with a perfect run in game 3, while Jake kept up with him for most of the game before losing 0-2. Dustin took the series 2-1 to send the fans home happy, but they'll return in the second round when their #13 ranked Accuracy players hosts Ruby of the Archtown Arrows.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Boots v. Oreo. The silver cue makes its first round finale for Accuracy with a bracket doubleheader. Southridge's Boots began strong and held on despite Terrace City's Oreo attempting late defense, with Boots' knock of the 9 along the top rail sealing her 2-3 win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 played out very closely, with a late miss by Boots of the Defenders forcing overtime. There, the Knights' Oreo had a chance to win and missed her shot, only to miss another a few turns later to lose 3-4 and give Boots the clinching win with a 2-0 series lead. Boots had a comedy of errors in blowing away game 3, allowing Oreo to take the game 3-4 to make it a 2-1 series. Ranked #2 for Accuracy, Boots will host Wild Thing of the Whitewater Shores at this venue in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Lydia v. Kirstin. The blue cue is up for 10-ball at this time. Lighton's Lydia nearly won game 1 with a 2-10 combination to the top right that also knocked the 6 to the bottom right, but she scratched, negating the victory. Southern's Kirstin came close to running things out, but her shot on the 8 was weak. Lydia had a three-ball run-out instead, ending with a classic bank finish to the bottom side for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Lydia got pushed around a lot in game 2, as the Monarchs' Kirstin owned a couple of runs, including a late three-ball run that ended with a narrow miss on the 8. Lydia used this as the catalyst for her three-ball run-out to secure the series at 2-0. Lydia seemed to be mailing it in for game 3, but she took advantage of more poor shooting late from Kirstin, smashing another three-ball run-out for the 3-0 sweep. Ranked #14 in 10-ball, Lydia welcomes Cowzart of the Pearl Surfers to this venue in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Mams v. Bright. The red cue will wrap up the afternoon with 7-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Mams needed only two shots to snag the game 1 win, burying the 2 to the bottom side and 4 to the bottom right on the break, and then converting the 1-7 combination to the bottom left for a 1-0 series lead as Tysini's Bright could only watch. The Meteors' Mams smashed her way through game 2 as well, but the Hummingbirds' Bright got a pair of shots this time, both misses. Mams ran out the last five balls with good positioning, clinching the series at 2-0 quite effectively. Bright had a four-ball run in game 3, but it wouldn't be enough after Mams scored the last two balls for a 3-0 series sweep. Ranked #15 for 7-ball, Mams will bring in Twilight of the Central Warriors to this venue for the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Paige v. Rainmane. The silver cue gets a look for 15-ball in the evening. Queens' Paige snagged the game 1 win in a back-and-forth affair that came out evenly match, making the last two balls to take a 1-0 series lead over Web City's Rainmane. In game 2, Rainmane of the Spiders brought things to a close with her 13-15 combination. The game was a bit slow to progress, as the Flames' Paige did not produce a good break, leaving many shots over-covered. Rainmane's win tied the series at 1. Paige opted for a cut on the 15 in game 3 rather than a bank, and she paid for it as the cue fell in the top side as the 15 found the bottom right, giving Rainmane the win and a 2-1 series win. Ranked #75 for 15-ball, Rainmane will travel to Southridge's GE Stadium Events Center to face the Defenders' Shaggy in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Cubby v. Stinky. The silver cue will wrap up its first round 15-ball with this series. Both players played an uninspiring game 1, but Freedom's Stinky made the last two balls for the win and a 1-0 series lead in the close but average game against Maplewood's Cubby. The Cascades' Stinky secured the series at 2-0 in game 2 after the Lumberjacks' Cubby tossed up a desperation shot on the 6 that made contact but set Stinky up to use a 6-15 combination to the bottom side for the win, and the 6 fell in the bottom right for the double-pot in the win. Cubby ended up with the win in game 3 despite a hot start by Stinky. He won on a four-ball run-out, with the last being a 12-15 combination where the cue provided the deflection for the 15 to fall in the bottom right. Stinky won the series 2-1, and his #76 ranked 15-ball bid heads to Modernistic to face the Union's Juno in the second round.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Bells v. Charli. The red cue gets its last series of 7-ball for the first round right here. Oceanside's Bells potted three balls on the break and ran out the last three balls as well to top Tysini's Charli for a 1-0 series lead, with Charli getting just two shots in all of game 1. The Waves' Bells made even quicker work of game 2, potting the 7 on the break in the top side to prevent the Hummingbirds' Charli from making a comeback as Bells seals the series at 2-0. Charli fought back enough in game 3 to get the win, but Bells still took the series 2-1. Ranked #11 for 7-ball, Bells hosts Ms. Kitty of the Pacific Volcanoes in the second round at this venue.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Shawn v. Max. The last series of the night is 8-ball with the red cue. Queens' Max contributed nothing but missed shots to game 1, which made it very easy for Swordpoint's Shawn to walk away with the win, ending on a four-ball run-out to get the 1-0 lead in the series. The Flames' Max made an ill-advised attempt to go through defense, and the Blades' Shawn punished that with a four-ball run-out to clinch the series at 2-0 with good positioning and execution. Max did well to save some face with a big win in game 3, making it a 2-1 series as Shawn mailed it in. Ranked #4 for 8-ball, Shawn will host Dusky of the Archtown Arrows at this venue in the second round.
We're still on pace for a Friday finish for the round. More to come all week.
Club Cricket Challenge: Wild Card Round
We're into the knockout stages, and each Wild Card match is best-of-three format. Each series has a compelling storyline, but we'll start with the close one, as...
Oriental United (OU) hosts Humanity- (H-) at Lighton's Pepsi Prestige Park. Oriental United competed in a group with the other two Humanity teams, and will try to conquer the third unit. Charli got off to an unfortunate start with only 110 for H-. Goldy scooped up 642 for OU to give them a strong lead. Bryant slugged 1043 to keep H- involved in the game. Hoot faltered with 128 for OU, putting them at a deficit. Lydia added a reasonable 264 for H-, boosting their lead a little. Stealth chopped 460 for OU, cutting into the deficit as the game reaches half completion. Debby tried one too many backhands for H-, although she succeeded on two earlier, but her 343-point addition isn't all that confident. Sparkles just about covered the deficit with her 466 for OU, making things close again. Amber faltered with 76 for H-, leaving them vulnerable to the third head of the OU beast. Bells didn't do great, but her 152 pulled OU into a minuscule lead with a player each to go. Shannon popped 232 for H-, leaving them at 2068 overall. Chimpy ran away with 1055 for OU, with the scorching performance giving them a final of 2903 in the win.
In Everton's Chevrolet Field, the other Wild Card has Reality welcoming the Reality/Humanity Coalition (RH), which is essentially Reality 2. Bear launched 352 for RH against his club's primary team, which will be a major motivation for the cats of RH. Starlight, who has been fighting an eye injury since Reality's last game, produced 736 for her team to give them the lead. Stinky had a poor 147 for RH, and they are trailing badly already. Twilight added another 600 for Reality, extending their lead pretty well. Gizmo fired back with 445 for RH, but got beat on a swing-and-miss to halt his rally. Twinkie II let the Reality lead slip as she took only 146 to bring the game halfway complete. Twinkie I made the gap close pretty well with her 407 for RH. Patches suffered from an odd bounce, ending her turn early at 179 for Reality as things tighten up late. Puff I cut into the deficit even more, adding 252 for RH despite losing steam late in her turn. Dusty staved it off with 280 of her own for Reality, but they aren't safe yet. Sugar had only 240 for RH, and they took the loss at 1843. Missy's 177 gave Reality 2118 to claim the win with.
Back at Pepsi Prestige Park, Oriental United (OU) looks to move on with their second game against Humanity- (H-). Chris butchered the start for H-, taking a weak 64 and leaving them in a bunch of trouble. Goldy stayed steady, smacking 614 to give OU a huge lead. Bryant had a respectable 364 for H-, but they still face a tough task. Shelley held up with 208 for OU, keeping the damage on the peripheries. Lydia didn't get much with 232 for Humanity-, and they are still behind heading to the halfway point of the game. Stealth tacked on 341 for OU, solidifying their lead a bit. Debby couldn't recover it for H-, taking just 211 as they begin to fade. Sparkles hammered 554 for OU, padding their lead decently. Shawn fell in step with his team, taking 256 for H- as a loss appears imminent. Wild Thing slipped with 99 for OU, but they still lead confidently. Shannon's 75 meant that H- ended with 1202 and are eliminated. Chimpy took 208 to ice the OU total at 2024, and they will face Brute Force in the semifinals starting Wednesday.
Game 2 at Chevrolet Field sees Reality bring in the Reality-Humanity Coalition again. Bear picked a bad time to produce a dud, taking only 96 for RH. Starlight gave Reality a lead on 364, but it's not a particularly solid lead. Stinky covered the deficit with 344 for RH. Twilight cancelled that out with her 354 for Reality, keeping them in charge early on. Gizmo got shut down at 264 for RH, but they have covered the deficit successfully again. Patches did not do well, hitting a meager 112 for Reality to bring the game to half-completion. Twinkie I rolled 279 for RH to gain the lead in a lower-scoring affair than before. Puff II regained Reality's trust after being benched for five games, lining 376 to give them a more stable lead. Puff I collapsed with 20 for RH, putting them in a lot of danger late in the game. Spice grabbed only 215 for Reality, which leaves them far from safe with a player each to go. Sugar slapped 423 to force a very small response as RH ends with 1426. Dusty tapped 82 to send Reality to a win on 1503 total. Reality advances to face Solid Core 2 in the semifinals on Wednesday.
No games tomorrow with both series tonight ending 2-0. We'll be back with a similar organizational structure on Wednesday.
Oriental United (OU) hosts Humanity- (H-) at Lighton's Pepsi Prestige Park. Oriental United competed in a group with the other two Humanity teams, and will try to conquer the third unit. Charli got off to an unfortunate start with only 110 for H-. Goldy scooped up 642 for OU to give them a strong lead. Bryant slugged 1043 to keep H- involved in the game. Hoot faltered with 128 for OU, putting them at a deficit. Lydia added a reasonable 264 for H-, boosting their lead a little. Stealth chopped 460 for OU, cutting into the deficit as the game reaches half completion. Debby tried one too many backhands for H-, although she succeeded on two earlier, but her 343-point addition isn't all that confident. Sparkles just about covered the deficit with her 466 for OU, making things close again. Amber faltered with 76 for H-, leaving them vulnerable to the third head of the OU beast. Bells didn't do great, but her 152 pulled OU into a minuscule lead with a player each to go. Shannon popped 232 for H-, leaving them at 2068 overall. Chimpy ran away with 1055 for OU, with the scorching performance giving them a final of 2903 in the win.
In Everton's Chevrolet Field, the other Wild Card has Reality welcoming the Reality/Humanity Coalition (RH), which is essentially Reality 2. Bear launched 352 for RH against his club's primary team, which will be a major motivation for the cats of RH. Starlight, who has been fighting an eye injury since Reality's last game, produced 736 for her team to give them the lead. Stinky had a poor 147 for RH, and they are trailing badly already. Twilight added another 600 for Reality, extending their lead pretty well. Gizmo fired back with 445 for RH, but got beat on a swing-and-miss to halt his rally. Twinkie II let the Reality lead slip as she took only 146 to bring the game halfway complete. Twinkie I made the gap close pretty well with her 407 for RH. Patches suffered from an odd bounce, ending her turn early at 179 for Reality as things tighten up late. Puff I cut into the deficit even more, adding 252 for RH despite losing steam late in her turn. Dusty staved it off with 280 of her own for Reality, but they aren't safe yet. Sugar had only 240 for RH, and they took the loss at 1843. Missy's 177 gave Reality 2118 to claim the win with.
Back at Pepsi Prestige Park, Oriental United (OU) looks to move on with their second game against Humanity- (H-). Chris butchered the start for H-, taking a weak 64 and leaving them in a bunch of trouble. Goldy stayed steady, smacking 614 to give OU a huge lead. Bryant had a respectable 364 for H-, but they still face a tough task. Shelley held up with 208 for OU, keeping the damage on the peripheries. Lydia didn't get much with 232 for Humanity-, and they are still behind heading to the halfway point of the game. Stealth tacked on 341 for OU, solidifying their lead a bit. Debby couldn't recover it for H-, taking just 211 as they begin to fade. Sparkles hammered 554 for OU, padding their lead decently. Shawn fell in step with his team, taking 256 for H- as a loss appears imminent. Wild Thing slipped with 99 for OU, but they still lead confidently. Shannon's 75 meant that H- ended with 1202 and are eliminated. Chimpy took 208 to ice the OU total at 2024, and they will face Brute Force in the semifinals starting Wednesday.
Game 2 at Chevrolet Field sees Reality bring in the Reality-Humanity Coalition again. Bear picked a bad time to produce a dud, taking only 96 for RH. Starlight gave Reality a lead on 364, but it's not a particularly solid lead. Stinky covered the deficit with 344 for RH. Twilight cancelled that out with her 354 for Reality, keeping them in charge early on. Gizmo got shut down at 264 for RH, but they have covered the deficit successfully again. Patches did not do well, hitting a meager 112 for Reality to bring the game to half-completion. Twinkie I rolled 279 for RH to gain the lead in a lower-scoring affair than before. Puff II regained Reality's trust after being benched for five games, lining 376 to give them a more stable lead. Puff I collapsed with 20 for RH, putting them in a lot of danger late in the game. Spice grabbed only 215 for Reality, which leaves them far from safe with a player each to go. Sugar slapped 423 to force a very small response as RH ends with 1426. Dusty tapped 82 to send Reality to a win on 1503 total. Reality advances to face Solid Core 2 in the semifinals on Wednesday.
No games tomorrow with both series tonight ending 2-0. We'll be back with a similar organizational structure on Wednesday.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 19
We're back after another off day, with a full schedule planned for today (and I really mean it this time). We begin with...
Ford Forum, Pronger: Hoot v. Spice. The day begins with 8-ball and the blue cue. Pronger's Hoot just barely beat Victoria's Spice in game 1, as the latter tried and just narrowly missed on a jump toward the 7, allowing Hoot to make the last two balls for a win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Hoot had no offense in game 2, getting shut out despite the Spurs' Spice scratching twice late in the game, and Spice's mostly dominant effort earned her a win to tie the series at 1. Spice had a highlight in game 3 with the 9-6-8-12 combination to the bottom right as part of a cluster buster that started a four-ball run. Spice ended up coming from behind later in the game to get the win, taking the series 2-1 over Hoot. Ranked #86 for 8-ball, Spice goes to BMW RockDome in Westside to face the Rockers' Misty in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Kirstin v. Hoot. Pronger's Hoot makes the cross-league trip to the coast for Rotation with the red cue, it's finale in this event for the first round. Southern's Kirstin had a dream start, but Pronger's Hoot rallied back to tie it on a three-ball run before Kirstin burst ahead for an 8-4 win on a four-ball run-out, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Kirstin trailed for much of game 2, and was tied with the Tridents' Hoot for most of the rest of the time, but she pulled ahead and won 8-6 with the last two balls, securing the series at 2-0. It took Hoot three tries before he was able to get the game 3 win, allowing Kirstin to get dangerously close and ironically miss her chance at victory. Kirstin, ranked #2 for Rotation, took the series 2-1, and will host Kayla of the Queens Flames at this venue in the second round.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: B. Chapman v. Neopolitan. The silver cue gets an appearance in 10-ball here. Pearl's Neopolitan didn't have much of an attack in game 1, getting pushed around with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out by Victoria's Chapman as she surged to a 1-0 series lead with ease. The Surfers' Neopolitan bounced back in game 2, surviving a kick-combination-bank attempt on the 5-10 to the bottom right via the right rail from the Spurs' Chapman, turning it around for Neopolitan's three-ball run-out culminating in a 9-10 double-pot at the bottom right on the follow shot to tie the series at 1. Neopolitan kind of came out of nowhere in a defensive game 3, making the 10 that Chapman left short on a bank to the top right for the 2-1 series win. Ranked #87 for 10-ball, Neopolitan heads to nearby Tysini's Cisco Arena for a second round series against Hummingbirds captain Princess.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Graham v. Dusty. The Sharks captain chased Dusty out of Eastside and now welcomes her back as a Pilots player in what could be a nasty series of Accuracy with the silver cue between bitter personal rivals. Eastside's Graham punished Golden's Dusty thoroughly in game 1, part of which was Dusty's propensity to miss, but Graham took the game 1-7 for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty couldn't match the nastiness in game 2, but she did well to secure a 2-4 win over the Sharks' Graham, tying the series at 1 and setting up a big game between the two enemies. Graham shut things down after falling behind to Dusty early in game 3, and a scratch from Dusty sealed her fate as Graham won the series 2-1 on a 2-4 victory. Ranked #21 for Accuracy, Graham will host Stealth of the Swordpoint Blades at this venue in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Cubby v. Sleepy B. Up in the Northeast, we stay on the silver cue Accuracy bracket for this series, but take away the nastiness a bit for a smaller, team-based rivalry. Game 1 didn't play out very cleanly, with a final score of 4-5 favoring Maplewood's Cubby for the 1-0 series lead after he induced Archtown's Sleepy B. to miss her last shot to get the win. The Lumberjacks' Cubby improved drastically for game 2, but the Arrows' Sleepy B. didn't improve at all, scratching to seal her fate in a 1-4 loss that meant Cubby clinched the series at 2-0. Game 3 was another sloppy stanza, ending 5-6 for Cubby to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #18 in Accuracy, Cubby will host another Northeastern rival, Web City Spiders captain Shadow, at this venue in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Cheddar v. Spice. The silver cue continues another stretch with 15-ball. Whitewater's Cheddar saw good possession at the end of game 1 after Victoria's Spice had a strong start, and a three-ball run for Cheddar helped pace her to the narrow win with the 15 in the top right for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Cheddar used a carom off the 10 to end game 2, drilling the 15 to the bottom side for the win in stunning fashion over the Spurs' Spice, good for a 2-0 series lead. Spice got one back in game 2, winning with the last two shots in answer to a three-ball run by Cheddar in a streaky game. Cheddar took the series 2-1, and her #5 ranked 15-ball bid hosts Shiny of the Web City Spiders at this venue in the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Whiskers v. Delila. The silver cue keeps going with 7-ball. Atlantic's Delila worked a four-ball run over the middle of game 1, but she left the 7 short at the bottom left, and Infinity's Whiskers proved true with the tap-in for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Whiskers dominated in game 2, using a three-ball run from the break to impose her will and a three-ball run-out with good positioning at the end to seal the series at 2-0 in a lackluster offensive effort from the Pirates' Delila. Delila dominated the possession with six potted balls in game 3, including an early four-ball run that helped her get a win and make it a 2-1 series. Still, Whiskers will host Patches of the Boston Swifts at this venue in the second round. With the loss, Delila is ousted from the tournament as the second player eliminated, and Whiskers gets her first kill of the season.
Apple Center, Todavía: Leonardo v. Midnight. The red cue is back for 15-ball in this series. Todavía's Leonardo had wondrous luck in game 1 for almost all of his opening six-ball run, and a little more in a four-ball run. Luck left him as Westside's Midnight made the last two balls to win and take a 1-0 series lead in a well-played game. Game 2 went from good to bad very quickly, as the players seemed to forget what they had from earlier. In the end, the Stills' Leonardo couldn't corral the 15 from distance, and the Rockers' Midnight buried the leave for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Leonardo came in hot with a four-ball run late in game 3, but he missed the 15 as the cue brushed by twice on the same shot, and Midnight tapped it in to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #95 for 15-ball, Midnight will head to Nissan Hall in Infinity to face the Torpedoes' Gabe in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Twinkie III. The blue cue makes its finale for 12-ball in the first round. Diamond's Pedey played an excellent game 1, using a three-ball run early and quick set-up work to outrun a fiercely competitive Twinkie III of Whitewater's, whose last-ditch defense failed as Pedey took the 1-0 series lead on a win. The Gems' Pedey used the same blueprint in game 2, building up a quick attack and setting himself up, and the Shores' Twinkie III couldn't even keep up this time, falling behind 2-0 in the series as she took the loss. Pedey had to fight a little harder and surrender a wild card ball in game 3, but Twinkie III couldn't get set up at all and fell again, giving Pedey the 3-0 sweep. Pedey is the #1 ranked 12-ball player and he will host the Eastside Sharks' Chelsea at this venue in the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Max v. Shannon. The silver cue comes back to end the afternoon with some 10-ball. Queens' Max took the game 1 after a sloppy finish that saw both players mishit their first attempts at the 10, and he buried it short after Southern's Shannon missed, giving Max the 1-0 series lead, which was probably deserved with his solid showing. The Flames' Max did not call his potting of the 7, but the Monarchs' Shannon let him play on, and he strung together a seven-ball run-out to seal the series at 2-0 with another impressive win. Shannon had an impressive sequence to win game 3, burying Max defensively and then converting the 3-10 combination after he made contact with the 3. Max still took the series 2-1, and the #6 ranked 10-ball player hosts Citrus of the Diamond Gems at this venue in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Missy. The silver cue is at the table again for Rotation in the evening. Atlantic's Amber had a very good game 1, winning 8-4 over Capital City's Missy, and she ended the game with an 11-12 combination to the top right, her second try at the shot, to take a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Missy had quite a bit of luck in game 2, but it all came too late, as the Pirates' Amber started with a four-ball run from the break and never looked back, winning 8-4 to seal the series at 2-0. Missy rallied from way down in game 3, working her way back to win 8-7 at the end. Amber still won the series 2-1, and her #11 ranked Rotation campaign will host Princess of the Tysini Hummingbirds in the second round at this venue.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Wild Thing v. Cubby. The silver cue wraps up its 7-ball obligations for the first round with this set. Whitewater's Wild Thing brought game 1 to a dominant end, running out the final five balls to take a 1-0 series lead on precision execution of his shots. Maplewood's Cubby provided a scare in game 2 late after the Shores' Wild Thing ran four from the break, but the Lumberjacks' mainstay couldn't get the 7, allowing Wild Thing to tap it in and secure the series at 2-0 with the win. Cubby did everything in game 3, running five balls early and capitalizing on incidental contact by Wild Thing to double-kiss the 6 and blast the 7 to get the win. Wild Thing took the series 2-1, and the #6 ranked 7-ball player hosts Cassandra of the Diamond Gems in the second round at this venue.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: B. Chapman v. Kelly. The red cue is in for Accuracy now. Game 1 saw Victoria's Chapman take control of things early as Viewpoint Sound's Kelly struggled to land her shots very well, and Chapman had an easy going in a 2-6 win to take a 1-0 series lead with her strong play. The Meteors' Kelly held on a lot longer in game 2, but the Spurs' Chapman proved ruthless with her leaves late in the game, forcing Kelly into a couple of misses that paced Chapman to a 1-3 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 was marred by Chapman having a sub-par break shot, and it ended 4-6 in favor of Chapman after Kelly got twisted defensively. Chapman swept the series 3-0 to advance to the second round on the straggling bracket.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Strawberry v. Tigerette. The red cue stays in action for 8-ball. Pronger's Strawberry used a four-ball run early in the game to pace her attack, including the highlight bank of the 4 in traffic off the top rail and with a carom off the 6 to land in the bottom right. Commerce's Tigerette lacked a response and lost, as Strawberry owns a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette had a three-ball run-out in response to an earlier five-ball run from the Tridents' Strawberry, and with the game 2 win, Tigerette tied the series at 1. Tigerette used a similar finish in game 3, waiting for Strawberry to miss her last ball before rocking a three-ball run-out to win the series 2-1. Ranked #89 for 8-ball, Tigerette travels to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face Sweetheart in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Wild Thing. The game is still 8-ball, but the blue cue gets this appearance. Central's Dustin got gifted a win early in game 1 when Whitewater's Wild Thing accidentally kicked the 8 to the bottom side for an illegal potting of the 8, giving Dustin the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Wild Thing played a more careful game 2, working in a six-ball run to overwhelm the Warriors' Dustin before slicing the 8 to the bottom side to tie the series at 1 with a win of his own. Wild Thing had a four-ball run late to set himself up on the 8, but his bank landed short. Dustin scratched after potting his last ball, giving Wild Thing ball-in-hand from the kitchen, where he gave away another game and the series 2-1 by following the 8 with the cue at the top right. Dustin is ranked #10 for 8-ball, and he will host Zach of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors at this venue in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Lydia v. Dustin. The red cue is back for 15-ball, as Dustin travels to the Southwest for the road half of his doubleheader. Central's Dustin had an unfortunate miss on the 15 late, leaving his bank shot just short for a solid Lydia of Lighton to tap-in for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin had an equally solid game 2, and this time he didn't let the Prestige's Lydia get a shot at the 15, burying it to end a three-ball run-out that allowed him to tie the series at 1. Lydia and Dustin charged to the finish in game 3, but Lydia ended up getting a shot at the 15, only to scratch and give Dustin the 2-1 series win. Ranked #99 for 15-ball, Dustin heads to Toyota Arena in Freedom to face Cascades rookie Nikolai in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Lionel v. Jasmine. The silver cue gets its turn for some 8-ball. Freedom's Jasmine got lucky in game 1, with Commerce's Lionel running three balls late but leaving the 8 short on a well-lined cut. Jasmine then banked the 5 to the top left from the right rail and tapped the 8 in to win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Jasmine had to muscle up a bit in game 2, as the Tradewinds' Lionel controlled the pace of the game until Jasmine rallied for a five-ball run. She took the 8 on the next turn as it lay where she left it at the bottom side, and her tap-in secured the series at 2-0. Jasmine made her standard comeback attempt in game 3, piecing together a five-ball run to make it close before Lionel finally grabbed a win with his three-ball run-out to make it a 2-1 series. Jasmine is ranked #75 for 8-ball, and she'll travel to Everton's Chevrolet Center to face the Eagles' Goldy in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Ice Cream v. Bryant. The night ends with a venue doubleheader, with the second series being 10-ball with the blue cue. Game 1 is barely worth spilling digital ink over, as both players struggled, which is normal for late games in difficult events. A scratch by Commerce's Ice Cream as she sank the 10 set Maplewood's Bryant up for a straight-in shot on the 10 to take a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Tradewinds' Ice Cream deferred one illegally potted ball turn back to the Lumberjacks' Bryant in game 2 after a horrendous start on both sides, but after he illegally potted another ball, Ice Cream took over for a three-ball run-out, tying the series at 1. Bryant wasted no time in game 3, bringing it to an early end with his 4-9-10 combination to the top right, a called shot to cap his four-ball run-out and seal the series at 2-1. Ranked #85 for 10-ball, Bryant will play in Harrison's Mercedes-Benz Forum in the second round, against the Specters' Twinkie II.
That's all for today. The new estimated date of completion for this round is on Friday, but there's a lot that could ruin that.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Hoot v. Spice. The day begins with 8-ball and the blue cue. Pronger's Hoot just barely beat Victoria's Spice in game 1, as the latter tried and just narrowly missed on a jump toward the 7, allowing Hoot to make the last two balls for a win and a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Hoot had no offense in game 2, getting shut out despite the Spurs' Spice scratching twice late in the game, and Spice's mostly dominant effort earned her a win to tie the series at 1. Spice had a highlight in game 3 with the 9-6-8-12 combination to the bottom right as part of a cluster buster that started a four-ball run. Spice ended up coming from behind later in the game to get the win, taking the series 2-1 over Hoot. Ranked #86 for 8-ball, Spice goes to BMW RockDome in Westside to face the Rockers' Misty in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Kirstin v. Hoot. Pronger's Hoot makes the cross-league trip to the coast for Rotation with the red cue, it's finale in this event for the first round. Southern's Kirstin had a dream start, but Pronger's Hoot rallied back to tie it on a three-ball run before Kirstin burst ahead for an 8-4 win on a four-ball run-out, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Kirstin trailed for much of game 2, and was tied with the Tridents' Hoot for most of the rest of the time, but she pulled ahead and won 8-6 with the last two balls, securing the series at 2-0. It took Hoot three tries before he was able to get the game 3 win, allowing Kirstin to get dangerously close and ironically miss her chance at victory. Kirstin, ranked #2 for Rotation, took the series 2-1, and will host Kayla of the Queens Flames at this venue in the second round.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: B. Chapman v. Neopolitan. The silver cue gets an appearance in 10-ball here. Pearl's Neopolitan didn't have much of an attack in game 1, getting pushed around with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out by Victoria's Chapman as she surged to a 1-0 series lead with ease. The Surfers' Neopolitan bounced back in game 2, surviving a kick-combination-bank attempt on the 5-10 to the bottom right via the right rail from the Spurs' Chapman, turning it around for Neopolitan's three-ball run-out culminating in a 9-10 double-pot at the bottom right on the follow shot to tie the series at 1. Neopolitan kind of came out of nowhere in a defensive game 3, making the 10 that Chapman left short on a bank to the top right for the 2-1 series win. Ranked #87 for 10-ball, Neopolitan heads to nearby Tysini's Cisco Arena for a second round series against Hummingbirds captain Princess.
HP Field Events Center, Eastside: Graham v. Dusty. The Sharks captain chased Dusty out of Eastside and now welcomes her back as a Pilots player in what could be a nasty series of Accuracy with the silver cue between bitter personal rivals. Eastside's Graham punished Golden's Dusty thoroughly in game 1, part of which was Dusty's propensity to miss, but Graham took the game 1-7 for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty couldn't match the nastiness in game 2, but she did well to secure a 2-4 win over the Sharks' Graham, tying the series at 1 and setting up a big game between the two enemies. Graham shut things down after falling behind to Dusty early in game 3, and a scratch from Dusty sealed her fate as Graham won the series 2-1 on a 2-4 victory. Ranked #21 for Accuracy, Graham will host Stealth of the Swordpoint Blades at this venue in the second round.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Cubby v. Sleepy B. Up in the Northeast, we stay on the silver cue Accuracy bracket for this series, but take away the nastiness a bit for a smaller, team-based rivalry. Game 1 didn't play out very cleanly, with a final score of 4-5 favoring Maplewood's Cubby for the 1-0 series lead after he induced Archtown's Sleepy B. to miss her last shot to get the win. The Lumberjacks' Cubby improved drastically for game 2, but the Arrows' Sleepy B. didn't improve at all, scratching to seal her fate in a 1-4 loss that meant Cubby clinched the series at 2-0. Game 3 was another sloppy stanza, ending 5-6 for Cubby to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #18 in Accuracy, Cubby will host another Northeastern rival, Web City Spiders captain Shadow, at this venue in the second round.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Cheddar v. Spice. The silver cue continues another stretch with 15-ball. Whitewater's Cheddar saw good possession at the end of game 1 after Victoria's Spice had a strong start, and a three-ball run for Cheddar helped pace her to the narrow win with the 15 in the top right for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Cheddar used a carom off the 10 to end game 2, drilling the 15 to the bottom side for the win in stunning fashion over the Spurs' Spice, good for a 2-0 series lead. Spice got one back in game 2, winning with the last two shots in answer to a three-ball run by Cheddar in a streaky game. Cheddar took the series 2-1, and her #5 ranked 15-ball bid hosts Shiny of the Web City Spiders at this venue in the second round.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Whiskers v. Delila. The silver cue keeps going with 7-ball. Atlantic's Delila worked a four-ball run over the middle of game 1, but she left the 7 short at the bottom left, and Infinity's Whiskers proved true with the tap-in for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Whiskers dominated in game 2, using a three-ball run from the break to impose her will and a three-ball run-out with good positioning at the end to seal the series at 2-0 in a lackluster offensive effort from the Pirates' Delila. Delila dominated the possession with six potted balls in game 3, including an early four-ball run that helped her get a win and make it a 2-1 series. Still, Whiskers will host Patches of the Boston Swifts at this venue in the second round. With the loss, Delila is ousted from the tournament as the second player eliminated, and Whiskers gets her first kill of the season.
Apple Center, Todavía: Leonardo v. Midnight. The red cue is back for 15-ball in this series. Todavía's Leonardo had wondrous luck in game 1 for almost all of his opening six-ball run, and a little more in a four-ball run. Luck left him as Westside's Midnight made the last two balls to win and take a 1-0 series lead in a well-played game. Game 2 went from good to bad very quickly, as the players seemed to forget what they had from earlier. In the end, the Stills' Leonardo couldn't corral the 15 from distance, and the Rockers' Midnight buried the leave for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Leonardo came in hot with a four-ball run late in game 3, but he missed the 15 as the cue brushed by twice on the same shot, and Midnight tapped it in to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #95 for 15-ball, Midnight will head to Nissan Hall in Infinity to face the Torpedoes' Gabe in the second round.
Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Twinkie III. The blue cue makes its finale for 12-ball in the first round. Diamond's Pedey played an excellent game 1, using a three-ball run early and quick set-up work to outrun a fiercely competitive Twinkie III of Whitewater's, whose last-ditch defense failed as Pedey took the 1-0 series lead on a win. The Gems' Pedey used the same blueprint in game 2, building up a quick attack and setting himself up, and the Shores' Twinkie III couldn't even keep up this time, falling behind 2-0 in the series as she took the loss. Pedey had to fight a little harder and surrender a wild card ball in game 3, but Twinkie III couldn't get set up at all and fell again, giving Pedey the 3-0 sweep. Pedey is the #1 ranked 12-ball player and he will host the Eastside Sharks' Chelsea at this venue in the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Max v. Shannon. The silver cue comes back to end the afternoon with some 10-ball. Queens' Max took the game 1 after a sloppy finish that saw both players mishit their first attempts at the 10, and he buried it short after Southern's Shannon missed, giving Max the 1-0 series lead, which was probably deserved with his solid showing. The Flames' Max did not call his potting of the 7, but the Monarchs' Shannon let him play on, and he strung together a seven-ball run-out to seal the series at 2-0 with another impressive win. Shannon had an impressive sequence to win game 3, burying Max defensively and then converting the 3-10 combination after he made contact with the 3. Max still took the series 2-1, and the #6 ranked 10-ball player hosts Citrus of the Diamond Gems at this venue in the second round.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Missy. The silver cue is at the table again for Rotation in the evening. Atlantic's Amber had a very good game 1, winning 8-4 over Capital City's Missy, and she ended the game with an 11-12 combination to the top right, her second try at the shot, to take a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Missy had quite a bit of luck in game 2, but it all came too late, as the Pirates' Amber started with a four-ball run from the break and never looked back, winning 8-4 to seal the series at 2-0. Missy rallied from way down in game 3, working her way back to win 8-7 at the end. Amber still won the series 2-1, and her #11 ranked Rotation campaign will host Princess of the Tysini Hummingbirds in the second round at this venue.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Wild Thing v. Cubby. The silver cue wraps up its 7-ball obligations for the first round with this set. Whitewater's Wild Thing brought game 1 to a dominant end, running out the final five balls to take a 1-0 series lead on precision execution of his shots. Maplewood's Cubby provided a scare in game 2 late after the Shores' Wild Thing ran four from the break, but the Lumberjacks' mainstay couldn't get the 7, allowing Wild Thing to tap it in and secure the series at 2-0 with the win. Cubby did everything in game 3, running five balls early and capitalizing on incidental contact by Wild Thing to double-kiss the 6 and blast the 7 to get the win. Wild Thing took the series 2-1, and the #6 ranked 7-ball player hosts Cassandra of the Diamond Gems in the second round at this venue.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: B. Chapman v. Kelly. The red cue is in for Accuracy now. Game 1 saw Victoria's Chapman take control of things early as Viewpoint Sound's Kelly struggled to land her shots very well, and Chapman had an easy going in a 2-6 win to take a 1-0 series lead with her strong play. The Meteors' Kelly held on a lot longer in game 2, but the Spurs' Chapman proved ruthless with her leaves late in the game, forcing Kelly into a couple of misses that paced Chapman to a 1-3 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 was marred by Chapman having a sub-par break shot, and it ended 4-6 in favor of Chapman after Kelly got twisted defensively. Chapman swept the series 3-0 to advance to the second round on the straggling bracket.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Strawberry v. Tigerette. The red cue stays in action for 8-ball. Pronger's Strawberry used a four-ball run early in the game to pace her attack, including the highlight bank of the 4 in traffic off the top rail and with a carom off the 6 to land in the bottom right. Commerce's Tigerette lacked a response and lost, as Strawberry owns a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette had a three-ball run-out in response to an earlier five-ball run from the Tridents' Strawberry, and with the game 2 win, Tigerette tied the series at 1. Tigerette used a similar finish in game 3, waiting for Strawberry to miss her last ball before rocking a three-ball run-out to win the series 2-1. Ranked #89 for 8-ball, Tigerette travels to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face Sweetheart in the second round.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Wild Thing. The game is still 8-ball, but the blue cue gets this appearance. Central's Dustin got gifted a win early in game 1 when Whitewater's Wild Thing accidentally kicked the 8 to the bottom side for an illegal potting of the 8, giving Dustin the 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Wild Thing played a more careful game 2, working in a six-ball run to overwhelm the Warriors' Dustin before slicing the 8 to the bottom side to tie the series at 1 with a win of his own. Wild Thing had a four-ball run late to set himself up on the 8, but his bank landed short. Dustin scratched after potting his last ball, giving Wild Thing ball-in-hand from the kitchen, where he gave away another game and the series 2-1 by following the 8 with the cue at the top right. Dustin is ranked #10 for 8-ball, and he will host Zach of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors at this venue in the second round.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Lydia v. Dustin. The red cue is back for 15-ball, as Dustin travels to the Southwest for the road half of his doubleheader. Central's Dustin had an unfortunate miss on the 15 late, leaving his bank shot just short for a solid Lydia of Lighton to tap-in for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin had an equally solid game 2, and this time he didn't let the Prestige's Lydia get a shot at the 15, burying it to end a three-ball run-out that allowed him to tie the series at 1. Lydia and Dustin charged to the finish in game 3, but Lydia ended up getting a shot at the 15, only to scratch and give Dustin the 2-1 series win. Ranked #99 for 15-ball, Dustin heads to Toyota Arena in Freedom to face Cascades rookie Nikolai in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Lionel v. Jasmine. The silver cue gets its turn for some 8-ball. Freedom's Jasmine got lucky in game 1, with Commerce's Lionel running three balls late but leaving the 8 short on a well-lined cut. Jasmine then banked the 5 to the top left from the right rail and tapped the 8 in to win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Jasmine had to muscle up a bit in game 2, as the Tradewinds' Lionel controlled the pace of the game until Jasmine rallied for a five-ball run. She took the 8 on the next turn as it lay where she left it at the bottom side, and her tap-in secured the series at 2-0. Jasmine made her standard comeback attempt in game 3, piecing together a five-ball run to make it close before Lionel finally grabbed a win with his three-ball run-out to make it a 2-1 series. Jasmine is ranked #75 for 8-ball, and she'll travel to Everton's Chevrolet Center to face the Eagles' Goldy in the second round.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Ice Cream v. Bryant. The night ends with a venue doubleheader, with the second series being 10-ball with the blue cue. Game 1 is barely worth spilling digital ink over, as both players struggled, which is normal for late games in difficult events. A scratch by Commerce's Ice Cream as she sank the 10 set Maplewood's Bryant up for a straight-in shot on the 10 to take a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Tradewinds' Ice Cream deferred one illegally potted ball turn back to the Lumberjacks' Bryant in game 2 after a horrendous start on both sides, but after he illegally potted another ball, Ice Cream took over for a three-ball run-out, tying the series at 1. Bryant wasted no time in game 3, bringing it to an early end with his 4-9-10 combination to the top right, a called shot to cap his four-ball run-out and seal the series at 2-1. Ranked #85 for 10-ball, Bryant will play in Harrison's Mercedes-Benz Forum in the second round, against the Specters' Twinkie II.
That's all for today. The new estimated date of completion for this round is on Friday, but there's a lot that could ruin that.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Club Cricket Challenge: Preliminary Round - Game 12
This is it for the group stages, with five teams competing for the final spot in the knockout stage. We begin with...
Group D at HP Field to get one team out of the way immediately, as Empyre 2 (E2) hosts Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) in Eastside. Goatee had a weak opening attack of 178 for DE2. Pounce had a solid 339 for E2, giving them the first lead. Diddley covered the deficit with his 279, but DE2 is not out of the woods yet. Cowzart answered with 539 for E2, stabilizing their lead. Precious picked a bad time to come up with a dud, hitting 298 as DE2 is now firmly trailing. Cheddar had only 84 for E2, leaving them vulnerable this time. Max's arm cramped up for DE2, a terrible time to be injured, and his 16 has them in deep trouble. Brownie slammed 559 for E2, extending their lead significantly. Americus pulled up with 162 for DE2, and they look destined to lose this one. Jack faltered with 66 for E2, potentially leaving the door open. Ruby couldn't rally enough, as her 456 left DE2 short at 1389 in the loss, eliminating them from wild card contention. Marsell hit 448 to give E2 2035 as their final, keeping them alive on points for now.
At Samsung Whitewater Stadium, Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1) looks to play spoiler when they welcome the Reality/Humanity Coalition (RH). Bear sliced 562 to lead off for RH, giving them a lot of hope. Delila had only 190 for DE1, with the hopes of multiple teams in her team's hands. Stinky had only 184 for RH, leaving the door a bit open. Ms. Kitty hauled in 439 to drag DE1 back into the fight as many watch nervously on the league's TV network. Gizmo fired back with 414 for RH, keeping them in control of the game. Princess collapsed with 168 for DE1, much to the dismay of their supporters. Twinkie I ripped 448 for RH, padding their lead effectively. Leandra churned out 584 to shrink the deficit for DE1. Puff I dramatically slipped with 69 for RH, making them somewhat vulnerable. Snuggle made it a close game with his 269 for DE1, and there's only the final players left to bat. Sugar pounded 441 for RH, setting the bar at 2118 in the end. Fluffina went with 352, falling short, as DE1 closes with 2002 in the loss. The RH win eliminates Empyre 2 and Youth Movement on record, and in the next game, Humanity+ will need to win with at least 4752 to force a tiebreaker.
At Cisco Tysini Field, Humanity Neutral (H0) brings Humanity+ (H+), with the visitors facing a tall task. Taylor did well to dent the standings points deficit, smashing 775 for H+ to lead off with. A. Charlton had only 78 for H0, and they will be way behind against a highly motivated team. Chelsea managed 394 for H+, but they are now well behind their required pace. Lorde had just 160 for H0, and they are far behind. Jasmine had her best effort of the group stages with 679, but H+ knows they need more still. Kelly added 152 as H0 appears unable to provide a challenge on the record side of things. Sydney kept the offense rolling with 665 for H+, but they need a career effort out of one of their last two hitters. Kirstin flipped 411 to make a more respectable offense for H0. Alyssa had 661 for H+, leaving them a little less than 1600 short of the mark with one player left. Cassandra chipped 148 for H0. Kayla launched 742 for H+, but they will be headed to a week off as they end with 3916, about 800 short. Paige had 424 to give H0 1373 total in the loss.
Finally, the Group of Death ends with Youth Movement (YM) hosting Empyre 1 (E1). Tigerette chopped 220 for E1 to start the game. Watermelon had 247 for YM, giving them the narrow lead. Graham posted only 146 for E1, and they are struggling yet again. Puff III pummeled 520 for YM, solidifying their lead early in the game. Dustin covered the deficit with his 654 for E1, making a large impact despite this game meaning nothing. Ice Cream rang up a toll-free 888 for YM, boosting their lead at the halfway mark. Snowball got most of it back with 790 for E1, and she also covered the deficit again. Spirit clubbed 842 for YM, adding a little more to their lead as it turns into a shootout here. Sally doomed E1, taking only 176 as they are now well behind. Valencia tacked on 384 as YM looks certain to win. Jake's 20 left E1 at 2006 total, the only team to go without a win despite having the seventh-best offense in the group stages. Gradley's 240 brought YM to 3121 as the toughest-luck losers in the tournament.
Schedule going forward is Wild Card series on Monday (and Tuesday if necessary), Semifinals on Wednesday (and Thursday if necessary), and Final on Friday. The current MVP candidates are Roxy and Boots (SC2), Gizmo and Twinkie I (RH), Stealth, Sparkles, and Bells (OU), Rainmane, Smokey, and Wings (BF), Bryant (H-), Twilight and Spice (Reality). They have all appeared in six games so far.
Group D at HP Field to get one team out of the way immediately, as Empyre 2 (E2) hosts Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) in Eastside. Goatee had a weak opening attack of 178 for DE2. Pounce had a solid 339 for E2, giving them the first lead. Diddley covered the deficit with his 279, but DE2 is not out of the woods yet. Cowzart answered with 539 for E2, stabilizing their lead. Precious picked a bad time to come up with a dud, hitting 298 as DE2 is now firmly trailing. Cheddar had only 84 for E2, leaving them vulnerable this time. Max's arm cramped up for DE2, a terrible time to be injured, and his 16 has them in deep trouble. Brownie slammed 559 for E2, extending their lead significantly. Americus pulled up with 162 for DE2, and they look destined to lose this one. Jack faltered with 66 for E2, potentially leaving the door open. Ruby couldn't rally enough, as her 456 left DE2 short at 1389 in the loss, eliminating them from wild card contention. Marsell hit 448 to give E2 2035 as their final, keeping them alive on points for now.
At Samsung Whitewater Stadium, Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1) looks to play spoiler when they welcome the Reality/Humanity Coalition (RH). Bear sliced 562 to lead off for RH, giving them a lot of hope. Delila had only 190 for DE1, with the hopes of multiple teams in her team's hands. Stinky had only 184 for RH, leaving the door a bit open. Ms. Kitty hauled in 439 to drag DE1 back into the fight as many watch nervously on the league's TV network. Gizmo fired back with 414 for RH, keeping them in control of the game. Princess collapsed with 168 for DE1, much to the dismay of their supporters. Twinkie I ripped 448 for RH, padding their lead effectively. Leandra churned out 584 to shrink the deficit for DE1. Puff I dramatically slipped with 69 for RH, making them somewhat vulnerable. Snuggle made it a close game with his 269 for DE1, and there's only the final players left to bat. Sugar pounded 441 for RH, setting the bar at 2118 in the end. Fluffina went with 352, falling short, as DE1 closes with 2002 in the loss. The RH win eliminates Empyre 2 and Youth Movement on record, and in the next game, Humanity+ will need to win with at least 4752 to force a tiebreaker.
At Cisco Tysini Field, Humanity Neutral (H0) brings Humanity+ (H+), with the visitors facing a tall task. Taylor did well to dent the standings points deficit, smashing 775 for H+ to lead off with. A. Charlton had only 78 for H0, and they will be way behind against a highly motivated team. Chelsea managed 394 for H+, but they are now well behind their required pace. Lorde had just 160 for H0, and they are far behind. Jasmine had her best effort of the group stages with 679, but H+ knows they need more still. Kelly added 152 as H0 appears unable to provide a challenge on the record side of things. Sydney kept the offense rolling with 665 for H+, but they need a career effort out of one of their last two hitters. Kirstin flipped 411 to make a more respectable offense for H0. Alyssa had 661 for H+, leaving them a little less than 1600 short of the mark with one player left. Cassandra chipped 148 for H0. Kayla launched 742 for H+, but they will be headed to a week off as they end with 3916, about 800 short. Paige had 424 to give H0 1373 total in the loss.
Finally, the Group of Death ends with Youth Movement (YM) hosting Empyre 1 (E1). Tigerette chopped 220 for E1 to start the game. Watermelon had 247 for YM, giving them the narrow lead. Graham posted only 146 for E1, and they are struggling yet again. Puff III pummeled 520 for YM, solidifying their lead early in the game. Dustin covered the deficit with his 654 for E1, making a large impact despite this game meaning nothing. Ice Cream rang up a toll-free 888 for YM, boosting their lead at the halfway mark. Snowball got most of it back with 790 for E1, and she also covered the deficit again. Spirit clubbed 842 for YM, adding a little more to their lead as it turns into a shootout here. Sally doomed E1, taking only 176 as they are now well behind. Valencia tacked on 384 as YM looks certain to win. Jake's 20 left E1 at 2006 total, the only team to go without a win despite having the seventh-best offense in the group stages. Gradley's 240 brought YM to 3121 as the toughest-luck losers in the tournament.
Schedule going forward is Wild Card series on Monday (and Tuesday if necessary), Semifinals on Wednesday (and Thursday if necessary), and Final on Friday. The current MVP candidates are Roxy and Boots (SC2), Gizmo and Twinkie I (RH), Stealth, Sparkles, and Bells (OU), Rainmane, Smokey, and Wings (BF), Bryant (H-), Twilight and Spice (Reality). They have all appeared in six games so far.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Pool: 2016 A-level First Round - Day 18
We're back with a special New Year's Eve set of games. Expect a fairly heavy schedule today as we work toward 2016. I expect the tournament's main portion will be done sometime in June of 2016, with the playoffs wrapping up shortly after that. The first round is expected to end no later than a week from today. Today's first series is...
Ford Forum, Pronger: Paps v. Goatee. The silver cue gets the first series today, playing Rotation. Pronger's Paps dominated with two on the break and multiple other good shots in game 1, while Westside's Goatee didn't take advantage of the few chances she had, as Paps won 8-2 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Paps had a less dominant game 2, but he still held control throughout the game, getting some good positioning late for the 8-5 win over the Rockers' Goatee, sealing the series at 2-0. Goatee had a much stronger game 3, working a big lead before Paps caught up a bit, only to stymie him and win 8-5. Paps still took the series 2-1, and his #10 ranked Rotation bid hosts the Pearl Surfers' Neopolitan at this venue in the second round.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Kavan v. Chelsea. The red cue is up for 8-ball this time. Victoria's Kavan had a six-ball run early in game 1, and nearly lost it as Eastside's Chelsea chipped back, but she struggled on the 8 and Kavan was able to pot it on his second try, giving him the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Sharks' Chelsea caught a break in game 2, as the Spurs' Kavan couldn't corral his last three balls, allowing Chelsea three attempts at the 8, the third of which connected to give her the win to tie the series at 1. Chelsea took the series 2-1 with a win in game 3, working a five-ball run to overcome an attack from Kavan. Chelsea, ranked #79 for 8-ball, travels to Central's Nestle's Warriors Hall to face the Warriors' Twilight in the second round.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Dani v. Cassandra. The blue cue is up for 9-ball at this time. Capital City's Dani had control with a three-ball run from the break, and then she made the kick-carom off the 5 (right rail, bottom rail, ball) to glance the 9 to the bottom left, topping Diamond's Cassandra for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Dani had a four-ball run from the break in game 2, and while the Gems' Cassandra had a good luck at the 9, she left it short, allowing Dani a tap-in to clinch the series at 2-0. Cassandra fired back in game 3, working a five-ball run-out to grab a win. Dani, ranked #17 for 9-ball, took the series 2-1, and she will host Midnight of the Westside Rockers in the second round at this venue.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Paps. The blue cue stays at the table for some 8-ball. Pronger's Paps had a strategic scratch late in game 1 to stave off a five-ball run by Modernistic's Ms. Puppy, and the tactic eventually worked to sink the 8 and take a 1-0 series lead for the visitor. The Tridents' Paps tried a four-ball run in game 2, tying things up, but he couldn't get the win, as the Union's Ms. Puppy made the last two shots and tied the series at 1. Ms. Puppy nearly had game 3, but missed the 8 twice, allowing Paps to rally with a four-ball run-out and take the series 2-1. Ranked #83 for 8-ball, Paps heads to Sprint Hall in Victoria to oppose B. Chapman of the Spurs in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Leonette. We're back to silver cue Rotation for this series. Pacific's Leonette built up a large lead, but illegal contact derailed her game 1, as Harrison's Twinkie II charged her way to an 8-6 win from that point on, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II had a five-ball run-out to break a fairly even game open against the Volcanoes' Leonette, winning 8-3 on the dominant stretch to secure the series at 2-0. Leonette absolutely dominated in game 3, winning 8-1 with her final shot driving the 11 to the top right from a carom off the 8 to make it a 2-1 series. Twinkie II is ranked #12 for Rotation, and will host Shaggy of the Southridge Defenders in the second round at this venue.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Juno v. Dominic. As this series of 8-ball with the blue cue gets underway, I will announce the combination of New Year's Eve and Day games into one post. Atlantic's Dominic had a good start to game 1, but a four-ball run from Modernistic's Juno overwhelmed him, and Juno picked up a 1-0 series lead with the win on her next turn. It took awhile for game 2 to get anywhere, but the Pirates' Dominic made a huge impact with his six-ball run-out, tying the series at 1 with the Union's Juno, much to her surprise. Dominic made a five-ball run in game 3, but it came too early, and Juno used defense and persistent attacks to get the win for a 2-1 series win. Ranked #16 in 8-ball, Juno will host Leonardo of the Todavía Stills in the second round at this venue.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Chicky Phil. The silver cue gets an appearance in 15-ball. Todavía's Sierra proved unable to hit the 4 in game 1, and this allowed Westside's Chicky Phil to bring things to a quick close two shots later with a 5-15 combination to the bottom side for the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, things ended a bit more in the traditional way, as the Stills' Sierra lacked the necessary offense to avoid the four-ball run-out from the Rockers' Chicky Phil, who clinched the series at 2-0 with the win. Sierra came on strong late in game 3, but missed on the 15, allowing Chicky Phil a tap-in to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #70 for 15-ball, Chicky Phil heads to Tysini's Cisco Arena to face Princess of the Hummingbirds in the second round.
HP Field, Eastside: Chelsea v. Sprinkles. The game is sill 15-ball, but the blue cue is up this time. Eastside's Chelsea ended up a bit unlucky to take the loss in game 1, as Capital City's Sprinkles drove a 5-9-15 combination to the top right to get the win, needing an extra carom off the cue for the 9 to get the 15 for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles threatened with a few looks to end the game early, but none landed, affording the Sharks' Chelsea the chance to do a three-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1 after game 2. Game 3 ended in embarrassment as both players got hung up on the 8. Chelsea furthered her own pain, trying to set up Sprinkles for failure, but Sprinkles got well positioned and won for a 2-1 series win. Sprinkles is ranked #96 in 15-ball, and will head to Diamond's Intel Center for a second round series with the Gems' Smokey.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Boots. New Year's Day begins with a series of 8-ball with the red cue. Southridge's Boots got away with a less-than-sharp game 1, as Freedom's Stinky scratched after he potted the 8 on a deceitful angle, allowing Boots to steal a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky blew another game with an inopportune scratch, which gave the Defenders' Boots all she needed to get the last three balls over two turns and seal the series with a win to make it 2-0. Stinky dominated in game 3, pushing the 8 close to the bottom side, which eventually induced Boots into illegally potting it, making it a 2-1 series win for her. Ranked #83 for 8-ball, Boots will travel to Del Sur to face Kirstin of the Southern Monarchs in the second round at Microsoft Center.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Cowzart. The red cue stays up for some 15-ball. Pearl's Cowzart struck big late in game 1, despite Westside's Goatee controlling the pace of the play early on, as things got muddied around the 14, and Cowzart made the last two balls to win and take a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Cowzart looked solid early in game 2, and even made a double-pot of the 8 and 9 to the right corners, but struggles late derailed him, and two misses on the 15 allowed the Rockers' Goatee to step up with a rocket shot to the bottom right to tie the series at 1 with the win. Both players had good shots in game 3, keeping things highly competitive. The best shot was a perfect jump on the 7 (over the 13 and 14) by Goatee, but she left herself no line for the 8. Cowzart got the momentum late and blasted the 15 to the bottom right to win the series 2-1. Ranked #94 for 15-ball, Cowzart heads to Gillette Center in Swordpoint, facing the Blades' Stealth in the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Crystal v. Ruby. The silver cue gets another go for some 7-ball. Archtown's Ruby got the game 1 win in a very sharply shot match, as Queens' Crystal held her own and made it a close game, but just couldn't get a good line on the 4. Ruby took a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Arrows' Ruby took three on the break, sinking the 3 to the bottom right, the 4 to the top side, and most importantly, the 7 in the bottom side to seal the series at 2-0 with a quick win to vanquish the Flames' Crystal. Ruby had a three-ball run from the break in game 3, but it didn't matter, as Crystal positioned herself very well to achieve a four-ball run-out, highlighted by a tough bank of the 6 to the top right. Ruby won the series 2-1, and takes her #82 ranked 7-ball bid to Diamond's Intel Center to face Pedey of the Gems in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Panda v. Cassandra. These rhyming players get a series of Rotation with the red cue. Southern's Panda dazzled with a double-pot of the 4 to the bottom left off a carom from the 11, which fell in the bottom side in game 1. Despite a pair of scratches that gave Diamond's Cassandra ball-in-hand, Panda won the game 8-3 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Panda ended up regretting a scratch and his conservative play in game 2, as the Gems' Cassandra won 8-7 on a five-ball run-out, beginning by double-potting the 9 to the top side and 10 to the bottom right, and following with the 11 in the top right on a glancing kick off the right rail, leaving good position for the last two shots as she tied the series at 1. Game 3 started with Cassandra having high confidence and ended with Panda running out three balls for an 8-4 win, sealing the series at 2-1. Ranked #3 for Rotation, Panda will host Misty of the Westside Rockers at this venue in the second round.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Kavan v. Acorn. Inland we head for a Southwestern Rivalry match in 9-ball with the silver cue. Lighton's Acorn played pretty well in game 1, but missed contact on the 9 as he took it from an impossible angle, giving Victoria's Kavan ball-in-hand for the game, which he converted for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Spurs' Kavan pounded in the 5 and 6 to the top right and the 7 and 8 to the bottom right on the break, and a three-ball run on his next turn, but the Prestige's Acorn tied the series at 1 by making the last two balls for the win in game 2. Kavan and Acorn battled throughout game 3, but Kavan held the upper hand and eventually shot the last two balls to finish the game and win the series 2-1. Ranked #25 for 9-ball, Kavan hosts Ms. Puppy of the Modernistic Union in the second round from this venue.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Hoot. The red cue returns to action in 10-ball. Central's Dustin succeeded in making the 6 on a jump over the 7 toward the bottom right, but the cue ball left the table, and Pronger's Hoot used the ball-in-hand to tap-in a four-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin had another poorly timed scratch in game 2, right after he made the 6-8 combination to the bottom right. The leave gave the Tridents' Hoot a ball-in-hand with the 6-10 combination to the top right lined up, and he converted to secure the series at 2-0. Game 3 looked destined for a quick end from the start, and Dustin obliged, converting the 2-10 combination to the top right after Hoot missed it. Hoot still won the series 2-1, taking his #67 ranked 10-ball bid to the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Sprinkles. The blue cue gets a New Year's appearance in 10-ball. Capital City's Sprinkles made an excellent jump shot on the 6 with the 10 obstructing, and while Boston's Puff II made the next two, she left the 10 short for Sprinkles to tap-in for a 1-0 series lead in game 1. After a scratch by the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles in game 2, the Swifts' Puff II opted to double-pot the 5 and 6 in the bottom right instead of trying a 5-10 combination. Sprinkles nearly rallied, but Puff II was rewarded for her polite play, burying the 9 and 10 to tie the series at 1 with the win. Game 3 ended with Puff II making a late rally for the win, as Sprinkles couldn't quite seal the game after a late fall by the 6 on an uncalled Puff II shot. Ranked #16 for 10-ball, Puff II hosts Kavan of the Victoria Spurs in the second round at this venue.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Misty. The blue cue stays at the table for its last 7-ball series in the first round. Westside's Misty made the last two balls in game 1 after Atlantic's Amber left the 6 short at the top left, and this gave Misty a fairly standard win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Amber missed on the 6 again in game 2, and the Rockers' Misty again capitalized by making the last two balls and clinching the series at 2-0. Misty had blind luck in game 3, as the cue caromed off the 3, which missed at the top side, and knocked the 7 into the bottom left for the win that made it a 3-0 sweep. Ranked #91 for 7-ball, Misty goes to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Sweetheart in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Kelly v. Citrus. The blue cue is taking a series of 12-ball now. Diamond's Citrus used a four-ball run to pace her game 1 attack, also surrendering a wild card ball that Viewpoint Sound's Kelly couldn't capitalize on as collateral damage as she set up her final shot, which she made a few turns later to win for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Citrus gave up two wild card balls in game 2, but she wasn't set up for it, and the Meteors' Kelly had a three-ball run-out to seal the win and tie the series at 1. Citrus received a wild card ball in game 3, but she had to really fight for it with Kelly throughout the game, eventually getting a late edge to win as Kelly couldn't get set up. Citrus took the series 2-1, and her #67 ranked 12-ball bid heads to Archtown to face Sally of the Arrows at Starbucks Arena in the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Smudge. The final series of the New Year's Special is 10-ball with the silver cue. Game 1 played out pretty closely, as both player made their fair share of shots, but it favored Royal's Jake just slightly in the end when he made the last two balls for a 1-0 series lead over Infinity's Smudge. The Torpedoes' Smudge had nothing left for game 2, allowing the Crowns' Jake to hold much of the possession, and he ended up with the win as well, clinching the series at 2-0. Smudge rallied to save face in game 3, using a four-ball run and a potting of the 10 on her next turn to make it only 2-1 for Jake in the end. Ranked #8 for 10-ball, Jake will host Brownie of the Harrison Specters at this venue in the second round.
I apologize for the schedule getting messed up. We're a bit off the expected pace again, due to some digital crises that needed to be handled in lieu of playing pool. The CCC is still on schedule to wrap up next week.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Paps v. Goatee. The silver cue gets the first series today, playing Rotation. Pronger's Paps dominated with two on the break and multiple other good shots in game 1, while Westside's Goatee didn't take advantage of the few chances she had, as Paps won 8-2 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Paps had a less dominant game 2, but he still held control throughout the game, getting some good positioning late for the 8-5 win over the Rockers' Goatee, sealing the series at 2-0. Goatee had a much stronger game 3, working a big lead before Paps caught up a bit, only to stymie him and win 8-5. Paps still took the series 2-1, and his #10 ranked Rotation bid hosts the Pearl Surfers' Neopolitan at this venue in the second round.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Kavan v. Chelsea. The red cue is up for 8-ball this time. Victoria's Kavan had a six-ball run early in game 1, and nearly lost it as Eastside's Chelsea chipped back, but she struggled on the 8 and Kavan was able to pot it on his second try, giving him the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Sharks' Chelsea caught a break in game 2, as the Spurs' Kavan couldn't corral his last three balls, allowing Chelsea three attempts at the 8, the third of which connected to give her the win to tie the series at 1. Chelsea took the series 2-1 with a win in game 3, working a five-ball run to overcome an attack from Kavan. Chelsea, ranked #79 for 8-ball, travels to Central's Nestle's Warriors Hall to face the Warriors' Twilight in the second round.
Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Dani v. Cassandra. The blue cue is up for 9-ball at this time. Capital City's Dani had control with a three-ball run from the break, and then she made the kick-carom off the 5 (right rail, bottom rail, ball) to glance the 9 to the bottom left, topping Diamond's Cassandra for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Dani had a four-ball run from the break in game 2, and while the Gems' Cassandra had a good luck at the 9, she left it short, allowing Dani a tap-in to clinch the series at 2-0. Cassandra fired back in game 3, working a five-ball run-out to grab a win. Dani, ranked #17 for 9-ball, took the series 2-1, and she will host Midnight of the Westside Rockers in the second round at this venue.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Paps. The blue cue stays at the table for some 8-ball. Pronger's Paps had a strategic scratch late in game 1 to stave off a five-ball run by Modernistic's Ms. Puppy, and the tactic eventually worked to sink the 8 and take a 1-0 series lead for the visitor. The Tridents' Paps tried a four-ball run in game 2, tying things up, but he couldn't get the win, as the Union's Ms. Puppy made the last two shots and tied the series at 1. Ms. Puppy nearly had game 3, but missed the 8 twice, allowing Paps to rally with a four-ball run-out and take the series 2-1. Ranked #83 for 8-ball, Paps heads to Sprint Hall in Victoria to oppose B. Chapman of the Spurs in the second round.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Leonette. We're back to silver cue Rotation for this series. Pacific's Leonette built up a large lead, but illegal contact derailed her game 1, as Harrison's Twinkie II charged her way to an 8-6 win from that point on, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II had a five-ball run-out to break a fairly even game open against the Volcanoes' Leonette, winning 8-3 on the dominant stretch to secure the series at 2-0. Leonette absolutely dominated in game 3, winning 8-1 with her final shot driving the 11 to the top right from a carom off the 8 to make it a 2-1 series. Twinkie II is ranked #12 for Rotation, and will host Shaggy of the Southridge Defenders in the second round at this venue.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Juno v. Dominic. As this series of 8-ball with the blue cue gets underway, I will announce the combination of New Year's Eve and Day games into one post. Atlantic's Dominic had a good start to game 1, but a four-ball run from Modernistic's Juno overwhelmed him, and Juno picked up a 1-0 series lead with the win on her next turn. It took awhile for game 2 to get anywhere, but the Pirates' Dominic made a huge impact with his six-ball run-out, tying the series at 1 with the Union's Juno, much to her surprise. Dominic made a five-ball run in game 3, but it came too early, and Juno used defense and persistent attacks to get the win for a 2-1 series win. Ranked #16 in 8-ball, Juno will host Leonardo of the Todavía Stills in the second round at this venue.
Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Chicky Phil. The silver cue gets an appearance in 15-ball. Todavía's Sierra proved unable to hit the 4 in game 1, and this allowed Westside's Chicky Phil to bring things to a quick close two shots later with a 5-15 combination to the bottom side for the win and a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, things ended a bit more in the traditional way, as the Stills' Sierra lacked the necessary offense to avoid the four-ball run-out from the Rockers' Chicky Phil, who clinched the series at 2-0 with the win. Sierra came on strong late in game 3, but missed on the 15, allowing Chicky Phil a tap-in to sweep the series 3-0. Ranked #70 for 15-ball, Chicky Phil heads to Tysini's Cisco Arena to face Princess of the Hummingbirds in the second round.
HP Field, Eastside: Chelsea v. Sprinkles. The game is sill 15-ball, but the blue cue is up this time. Eastside's Chelsea ended up a bit unlucky to take the loss in game 1, as Capital City's Sprinkles drove a 5-9-15 combination to the top right to get the win, needing an extra carom off the cue for the 9 to get the 15 for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles threatened with a few looks to end the game early, but none landed, affording the Sharks' Chelsea the chance to do a three-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1 after game 2. Game 3 ended in embarrassment as both players got hung up on the 8. Chelsea furthered her own pain, trying to set up Sprinkles for failure, but Sprinkles got well positioned and won for a 2-1 series win. Sprinkles is ranked #96 in 15-ball, and will head to Diamond's Intel Center for a second round series with the Gems' Smokey.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Boots. New Year's Day begins with a series of 8-ball with the red cue. Southridge's Boots got away with a less-than-sharp game 1, as Freedom's Stinky scratched after he potted the 8 on a deceitful angle, allowing Boots to steal a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky blew another game with an inopportune scratch, which gave the Defenders' Boots all she needed to get the last three balls over two turns and seal the series with a win to make it 2-0. Stinky dominated in game 3, pushing the 8 close to the bottom side, which eventually induced Boots into illegally potting it, making it a 2-1 series win for her. Ranked #83 for 8-ball, Boots will travel to Del Sur to face Kirstin of the Southern Monarchs in the second round at Microsoft Center.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Goatee v. Cowzart. The red cue stays up for some 15-ball. Pearl's Cowzart struck big late in game 1, despite Westside's Goatee controlling the pace of the play early on, as things got muddied around the 14, and Cowzart made the last two balls to win and take a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Cowzart looked solid early in game 2, and even made a double-pot of the 8 and 9 to the right corners, but struggles late derailed him, and two misses on the 15 allowed the Rockers' Goatee to step up with a rocket shot to the bottom right to tie the series at 1 with the win. Both players had good shots in game 3, keeping things highly competitive. The best shot was a perfect jump on the 7 (over the 13 and 14) by Goatee, but she left herself no line for the 8. Cowzart got the momentum late and blasted the 15 to the bottom right to win the series 2-1. Ranked #94 for 15-ball, Cowzart heads to Gillette Center in Swordpoint, facing the Blades' Stealth in the second round.
Ebay Center, Queens: Crystal v. Ruby. The silver cue gets another go for some 7-ball. Archtown's Ruby got the game 1 win in a very sharply shot match, as Queens' Crystal held her own and made it a close game, but just couldn't get a good line on the 4. Ruby took a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Arrows' Ruby took three on the break, sinking the 3 to the bottom right, the 4 to the top side, and most importantly, the 7 in the bottom side to seal the series at 2-0 with a quick win to vanquish the Flames' Crystal. Ruby had a three-ball run from the break in game 3, but it didn't matter, as Crystal positioned herself very well to achieve a four-ball run-out, highlighted by a tough bank of the 6 to the top right. Ruby won the series 2-1, and takes her #82 ranked 7-ball bid to Diamond's Intel Center to face Pedey of the Gems in the second round.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Panda v. Cassandra. These rhyming players get a series of Rotation with the red cue. Southern's Panda dazzled with a double-pot of the 4 to the bottom left off a carom from the 11, which fell in the bottom side in game 1. Despite a pair of scratches that gave Diamond's Cassandra ball-in-hand, Panda won the game 8-3 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Panda ended up regretting a scratch and his conservative play in game 2, as the Gems' Cassandra won 8-7 on a five-ball run-out, beginning by double-potting the 9 to the top side and 10 to the bottom right, and following with the 11 in the top right on a glancing kick off the right rail, leaving good position for the last two shots as she tied the series at 1. Game 3 started with Cassandra having high confidence and ended with Panda running out three balls for an 8-4 win, sealing the series at 2-1. Ranked #3 for Rotation, Panda will host Misty of the Westside Rockers at this venue in the second round.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Kavan v. Acorn. Inland we head for a Southwestern Rivalry match in 9-ball with the silver cue. Lighton's Acorn played pretty well in game 1, but missed contact on the 9 as he took it from an impossible angle, giving Victoria's Kavan ball-in-hand for the game, which he converted for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Spurs' Kavan pounded in the 5 and 6 to the top right and the 7 and 8 to the bottom right on the break, and a three-ball run on his next turn, but the Prestige's Acorn tied the series at 1 by making the last two balls for the win in game 2. Kavan and Acorn battled throughout game 3, but Kavan held the upper hand and eventually shot the last two balls to finish the game and win the series 2-1. Ranked #25 for 9-ball, Kavan hosts Ms. Puppy of the Modernistic Union in the second round from this venue.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Hoot. The red cue returns to action in 10-ball. Central's Dustin succeeded in making the 6 on a jump over the 7 toward the bottom right, but the cue ball left the table, and Pronger's Hoot used the ball-in-hand to tap-in a four-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Dustin had another poorly timed scratch in game 2, right after he made the 6-8 combination to the bottom right. The leave gave the Tridents' Hoot a ball-in-hand with the 6-10 combination to the top right lined up, and he converted to secure the series at 2-0. Game 3 looked destined for a quick end from the start, and Dustin obliged, converting the 2-10 combination to the top right after Hoot missed it. Hoot still won the series 2-1, taking his #67 ranked 10-ball bid to the second round.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Puff II v. Sprinkles. The blue cue gets a New Year's appearance in 10-ball. Capital City's Sprinkles made an excellent jump shot on the 6 with the 10 obstructing, and while Boston's Puff II made the next two, she left the 10 short for Sprinkles to tap-in for a 1-0 series lead in game 1. After a scratch by the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles in game 2, the Swifts' Puff II opted to double-pot the 5 and 6 in the bottom right instead of trying a 5-10 combination. Sprinkles nearly rallied, but Puff II was rewarded for her polite play, burying the 9 and 10 to tie the series at 1 with the win. Game 3 ended with Puff II making a late rally for the win, as Sprinkles couldn't quite seal the game after a late fall by the 6 on an uncalled Puff II shot. Ranked #16 for 10-ball, Puff II hosts Kavan of the Victoria Spurs in the second round at this venue.
McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Amber v. Misty. The blue cue stays at the table for its last 7-ball series in the first round. Westside's Misty made the last two balls in game 1 after Atlantic's Amber left the 6 short at the top left, and this gave Misty a fairly standard win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Amber missed on the 6 again in game 2, and the Rockers' Misty again capitalized by making the last two balls and clinching the series at 2-0. Misty had blind luck in game 3, as the cue caromed off the 3, which missed at the top side, and knocked the 7 into the bottom left for the win that made it a 3-0 sweep. Ranked #91 for 7-ball, Misty goes to Boston's Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center to face the Swifts' Sweetheart in the second round.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Kelly v. Citrus. The blue cue is taking a series of 12-ball now. Diamond's Citrus used a four-ball run to pace her game 1 attack, also surrendering a wild card ball that Viewpoint Sound's Kelly couldn't capitalize on as collateral damage as she set up her final shot, which she made a few turns later to win for a 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Citrus gave up two wild card balls in game 2, but she wasn't set up for it, and the Meteors' Kelly had a three-ball run-out to seal the win and tie the series at 1. Citrus received a wild card ball in game 3, but she had to really fight for it with Kelly throughout the game, eventually getting a late edge to win as Kelly couldn't get set up. Citrus took the series 2-1, and her #67 ranked 12-ball bid heads to Archtown to face Sally of the Arrows at Starbucks Arena in the second round.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Smudge. The final series of the New Year's Special is 10-ball with the silver cue. Game 1 played out pretty closely, as both player made their fair share of shots, but it favored Royal's Jake just slightly in the end when he made the last two balls for a 1-0 series lead over Infinity's Smudge. The Torpedoes' Smudge had nothing left for game 2, allowing the Crowns' Jake to hold much of the possession, and he ended up with the win as well, clinching the series at 2-0. Smudge rallied to save face in game 3, using a four-ball run and a potting of the 10 on her next turn to make it only 2-1 for Jake in the end. Ranked #8 for 10-ball, Jake will host Brownie of the Harrison Specters at this venue in the second round.
I apologize for the schedule getting messed up. We're a bit off the expected pace again, due to some digital crises that needed to be handled in lieu of playing pool. The CCC is still on schedule to wrap up next week.
Club Cricket Challenge: Preliminary Round - Game 11
There's not much left to decide in the group stage. We begin at...
Modernistic's Google Pitch at Union Ground, where Brute Force (BF) hosts Youth Movement (YM). Puff III led off with 744 for YM in a wonderful start. Rainmane faltered with 112 at the start for BF. Neopolitan went with a reasonable 288 for YM, pacing their lead a bit. Smokey answered with 494 for BF, pulling them back into the game. Kiwi held on with 306 for YM, a solid performance from their star. Wings let them get away, taking a meager 80 for BF, who don't have a whole lot to play for. Ice Cream slugged 1069 for YM, likely securing the game with a big effort. Lionel swung 385 for BF, his first action since their opener. Valencia tapped 313 for YM, keeping them in control of the game. Pedey charged back with 704 for Bf, attempting to create a comeback late in the game. Gradley swatted 466 to give YM a big final of 3186. Nightfur's 269 meant a round-low of 2044 for BF, but they are still a group winner and owner of a first-round bye in the knockouts.
Over in Eastside's HP Field, Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) welcomes the Youth Movement/Brute Force Coalition (YMBF). Sierra opened with 551, spearheading the spoiler movement by YMBF. Strut let DE2 down with a measly 69 this time, digging an early hole. Citrus had a modest 184 for YMBF, keeping them in the lead. Goatee suffered a bad deflection, ending early on 69 for DE2. Twinkie III tacked on 671 for YMBF, cementing their lead well. Diddley smacked 882 for DE2, cutting the deficit a bit. Sprinkles staved off the attack, swinging 320 for YMBF. Cleo had a weak 16 for DE2, putting them well behind again. Nikolai belted 1058 to lock up the YMBF lead. Precious stayed steady with her 577 for DE2. Midnight tacked on 441 to give YMBF a final of 3225 in what should be a win. Ruby's 295 left DE2 short at 1935. Leading off the Game 12s, DE2 faces Empyre 2, with the winner keeping their wild cad hopes alive.
Along to Samsung Whitewater Stadium, where Reality-Humanity Coalition (RH) brings in Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1) as part of their New Year's doubleheader to determine who will have a chance at the wild card. Delila slammed 703 to open for DE1 in the critical game. Bear did alright in hitting 304 for RH, but they will start from behind. Princess had a serviceable 247 for DE1, but their lead may be in danger. Stinky gained a bit of ground with his 281 for RH, but they will need more if they want to win. Leandra clobbered 659 for DE1, solidifying their lead. Gizmo dropped the hammer with 1068 for RH, getting things very close at the halfway point. Easter slipped with 160 for DE1, leaving them highly vulnerable. Twinkie I struck 361 for RH, pulling them to a larger lead. Fluffina countered with 361 herself, keeping DE1 alive. Puff I wrangled 327 for RH, allowing the lead to slip a bit. Ms. Puppy fumbled another one away, with her 64 leaving DE1 at a loss with 2194, eliminating them from contention. Sugar tapped 339 to give RH 2680 in the win, putting them in the driver's seat for the final wild card spot.
Finally, from Cisco Tysini Field, Oriental United hosts Humanity+ (H+) to determine the seeding for the group winners and to figure out H+'s chance of getting in on a wild card. Taylor sliced 355 to get going for H+. Goldy slipped up with 64 for OU in her lead-off turn. Jennifer struggled with 130, ending on a bad deflection as H+ becomes vulnerable. Shelley scooped 171 for OU as they have started the game cold. Chelsea added 352 to get H+ back on the right track. Stealth pulled OU closer on his 402, putting them in striking range at the halfway mark. Jasmine had only 195 in response for H+, who had to name subs on the fly as they realized they hadn't over halfway through the game. Sparkles lined 481 to give OU the lead. Kayla covered the deficit with her 276 for H+, but they are definitely not safe as a team. Bells poked 195 for OU, giving them a 5-point lead with a player each to go, making it anyone's game. Zach's 126 made it 1434 for H+, which probably won't be enough. Wild Thing failed with 84 for OU, leaving them at 1397 in the loss.
Wild card look: RH and H+ have the records to do it. RH clinches wild card with a win, unless H+ also wins and outscores RH by over 3000 points (highly unlikely). If both RH and H+ lose, YM and winner of DE2/E2 match could take the second wild card slot. This scenario favors YM and DE2, which are the highest scoring teams in the hunt despite their 2-3 records. Still a lot to be determined. The first round byes went to Brute Force and Solid Core 2, who each scored over 16,000 points in six games. Reality and Oriental United are the #3 and #4 teams. Humanity- is likely to be the first wild card, #5 ranked, as RH is the only team who can reasonably catch them (needing nearly 5000 to do that). All playoffs are best-of-three format.
Modernistic's Google Pitch at Union Ground, where Brute Force (BF) hosts Youth Movement (YM). Puff III led off with 744 for YM in a wonderful start. Rainmane faltered with 112 at the start for BF. Neopolitan went with a reasonable 288 for YM, pacing their lead a bit. Smokey answered with 494 for BF, pulling them back into the game. Kiwi held on with 306 for YM, a solid performance from their star. Wings let them get away, taking a meager 80 for BF, who don't have a whole lot to play for. Ice Cream slugged 1069 for YM, likely securing the game with a big effort. Lionel swung 385 for BF, his first action since their opener. Valencia tapped 313 for YM, keeping them in control of the game. Pedey charged back with 704 for Bf, attempting to create a comeback late in the game. Gradley swatted 466 to give YM a big final of 3186. Nightfur's 269 meant a round-low of 2044 for BF, but they are still a group winner and owner of a first-round bye in the knockouts.
Over in Eastside's HP Field, Delila Enterprises 2 (DE2) welcomes the Youth Movement/Brute Force Coalition (YMBF). Sierra opened with 551, spearheading the spoiler movement by YMBF. Strut let DE2 down with a measly 69 this time, digging an early hole. Citrus had a modest 184 for YMBF, keeping them in the lead. Goatee suffered a bad deflection, ending early on 69 for DE2. Twinkie III tacked on 671 for YMBF, cementing their lead well. Diddley smacked 882 for DE2, cutting the deficit a bit. Sprinkles staved off the attack, swinging 320 for YMBF. Cleo had a weak 16 for DE2, putting them well behind again. Nikolai belted 1058 to lock up the YMBF lead. Precious stayed steady with her 577 for DE2. Midnight tacked on 441 to give YMBF a final of 3225 in what should be a win. Ruby's 295 left DE2 short at 1935. Leading off the Game 12s, DE2 faces Empyre 2, with the winner keeping their wild cad hopes alive.
Along to Samsung Whitewater Stadium, where Reality-Humanity Coalition (RH) brings in Delila Enterprises 1 (DE1) as part of their New Year's doubleheader to determine who will have a chance at the wild card. Delila slammed 703 to open for DE1 in the critical game. Bear did alright in hitting 304 for RH, but they will start from behind. Princess had a serviceable 247 for DE1, but their lead may be in danger. Stinky gained a bit of ground with his 281 for RH, but they will need more if they want to win. Leandra clobbered 659 for DE1, solidifying their lead. Gizmo dropped the hammer with 1068 for RH, getting things very close at the halfway point. Easter slipped with 160 for DE1, leaving them highly vulnerable. Twinkie I struck 361 for RH, pulling them to a larger lead. Fluffina countered with 361 herself, keeping DE1 alive. Puff I wrangled 327 for RH, allowing the lead to slip a bit. Ms. Puppy fumbled another one away, with her 64 leaving DE1 at a loss with 2194, eliminating them from contention. Sugar tapped 339 to give RH 2680 in the win, putting them in the driver's seat for the final wild card spot.
Finally, from Cisco Tysini Field, Oriental United hosts Humanity+ (H+) to determine the seeding for the group winners and to figure out H+'s chance of getting in on a wild card. Taylor sliced 355 to get going for H+. Goldy slipped up with 64 for OU in her lead-off turn. Jennifer struggled with 130, ending on a bad deflection as H+ becomes vulnerable. Shelley scooped 171 for OU as they have started the game cold. Chelsea added 352 to get H+ back on the right track. Stealth pulled OU closer on his 402, putting them in striking range at the halfway mark. Jasmine had only 195 in response for H+, who had to name subs on the fly as they realized they hadn't over halfway through the game. Sparkles lined 481 to give OU the lead. Kayla covered the deficit with her 276 for H+, but they are definitely not safe as a team. Bells poked 195 for OU, giving them a 5-point lead with a player each to go, making it anyone's game. Zach's 126 made it 1434 for H+, which probably won't be enough. Wild Thing failed with 84 for OU, leaving them at 1397 in the loss.
Wild card look: RH and H+ have the records to do it. RH clinches wild card with a win, unless H+ also wins and outscores RH by over 3000 points (highly unlikely). If both RH and H+ lose, YM and winner of DE2/E2 match could take the second wild card slot. This scenario favors YM and DE2, which are the highest scoring teams in the hunt despite their 2-3 records. Still a lot to be determined. The first round byes went to Brute Force and Solid Core 2, who each scored over 16,000 points in six games. Reality and Oriental United are the #3 and #4 teams. Humanity- is likely to be the first wild card, #5 ranked, as RH is the only team who can reasonably catch them (needing nearly 5000 to do that). All playoffs are best-of-three format.
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