Tournament 2018 - Bracket Finals Day 3

We begin with an afternoon start today, with the first series being...

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Marsell. Talented competitors take on a battle in 10-ball with the silver cue in its only appearance of the day. Midland's Rainmane broke the early quiet in game 1 with her five-ball run, but a miss on the 8 allowed Whitewater's Marsell to bounce back for the win on a three-ball run-out. Marsell leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Marsell saw diminishing returns on his later turns in game 2, but he still held 80% of the offense, as the Predators' Rainmane only mustered a pair of successful shots in the middle. Marsell took the win on his second look at the 10, going up 2-0 in the series. Rainmane had a more impressive effort in game 3, making a three-ball run on her first turn. Marsell shot back with a four-ball run of his own, but Rainmane took the win on an 8-10 combination to the top right to cut the series to 2-1. Marsell persisted on offense, taking a majority share in game 4 with his six-ball run-out to ruin any chance of Rainmane building momentum this time. Marsell restored his advantage with a 3-1 series lead. Rainmane and Marsell exchanged three-ball runs in the middle of the game, which gave Rainmane a chance at the end, but her shot on the 10 missed the bottom side. Marsell tapped it in, clinching the series at 4-1 with this win. Marsell had an unplanned double-pot of the 5 and 6 to the bottom right and bottom side that ended his four-ball run when Rainmane kept possession. She missed on her first shot there, but won with the 9 and 10 on her next turn after Marsell made the 7 and 8. The series still favors Marsell 4-2. Marsell had a smooth performance in game 7, not at all in trouble from Rainmane at any time. Marsell made a three-ball run-out at the end to take the win and a 5-2 series win, which gave him a 19-11 record on the bracket. Rainmane is the 147th eliminated player, while Marsell takes his fourth kill of the year.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Rudolph. The blue cue comes on next for 8-ball between Northeastern rivals. Central's Twilight ignited a six-ball run after making one of each suit on the game 1 break, choosing solids as her suit. Harrison's Rudolph scratched on his only shot, and Twilight made her final pair on her second shot for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight scratched on the game 2 break, giving the Specters' Rudolph an edge. The two players played an even game this time, with Rudolph taking the 8 on his second try, just in time to claim the win that tied the series at 1. Rudolph had a ball on the break, but too many scratches derailed his game 3 efforts. Twilight didn't play a clean game, but she did well enough to pick up the win at the end for a 2-1 series lead. Twilight had a four-ball run in game 4 to establish her offense before she missed contact. Rudolph shot back with some offense of his own, and they both took chances at the 8 before Twilight put it in the bottom left for the win. Twilight leads the series 3-1 now after this close result. Twilight had a fast attack in game 5, making a pair of three-ball runs early in the game. Rudolph made an effort to get back in the game, but he removed enough defense for Twilight to pot her last two shots for the win, securing the series at 4-1. Twilight had more of a late-arriving attack in game 6, trailing Rudolph until he hit a brick wall with two balls to go. Rudolph only made one of those shots, while Twilight pulled back to rally for a win that gives her a 5-1 series lead. Twilight simply outpaced Rudolph in game 7, exchanging three-ball runs early before she took her four-ball run. Rudolph got two shots back, but Twilight won with a cut on the 8 to end the series ahead 6-1, giving her a 19-8 record on the bracket. Rudolph is the 148th player to leave the Tournament, while Twilight earned her first kill to end her pacifist streak.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Bryant v. Yekaterina Vasilyeva. We stay in the Northeast to place the last piece of the 15-ball puzzle in the red cue's event finale. Maplewood's Bryant had a slow start in game 1, ceding a lot of possession to Victoria's Yekaterina. This changed at the halfway mark, as Bryant rallied with a six-ball run, and then made the final two shots on his next turn for the 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina put in some dangerous looks on the 15 early in game 2, keeping it near the top right until the Lumberjacks' Bryant pushed it away. Bryant would still swoop in with a big push late, winning the game with a four-ball run-out to give himself a 2-0 series lead. Bryant did fine early in game 3, keeping his offense sharp but not punishing. Yekaterina bought some time through positioning before a four-ball run-out, where a bank on the 14 to the top right set up her shot on the 15 for the win. Bryant remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Yekaterina took no time in game 4 to even the series, making a ball on the break but missing on her next turn to give Bryant possession. Bryant came up empty, and Yekaterina made the 1 to the top side before double-potting the 3 at the bottom left with a carom to sink the 15 past the defensively-placed 8 at the top right. The series is now tied at 2 after her quick win. Yekaterina started game 5 with a savage three-ball run, which Bryant quickly matched after Yekaterina scratched. Bryant carried his momentum over the middle of the game, but he couldn't stop Yekaterina at the end, as she edged ahead on a three-ball run-out to give her a 3-2 series lead. Yekaterina went with a softer break in game 6 after having popped two hard breaks. The strategy didn't pay off immediately, but she saved up her offense for an eight-ball run-out at the end, a well-executed streak to secure the series at 4-2. Yekaterina took it easy in game 7, allowing Bryant a better share of the possession. Bryant blew his chance at the win with a miss on the 15 at the top right, and Yekaterina tapped it in for the win and a 5-2 series win. Yekaterina went 20-10 in the event, and this series gave her a fifth kill this year while making Bryant the 149th eliminated player. This also gave the Spurs a team-kill on the Lumberjacks.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Pounce. Coastal rivals clash in 12-ball with the blue cue. Pacific's Twinkie I had a rough start in game 1, with two scratches after Southern's Pounce made five balls over his first two turns. Twinkie I turned defensive, which proved to be a winning strategy as Pounce couldn't quite make his last ball before Twinkie I took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce had to play a defensive effort in game 2 after a great start from the Volcanoes' Twinkie I. Pounce turned things very ugly in this game, but it worked, as he had enough time to pick up the win to tie the series as Twinkie I couldn't make her last shot. Pounce had one of each suit on the break in game 3, giving Twinkie I a wild-card ball. Pounce had a four-ball run for himself, but Twinkie I needed just the one turn and some flexibility to create a five-ball run-out for the win. Twinkie I leads the series again at 2-1. Pounce had an early five-ball run in game 4, giving him a lot of time to work with. Twinkie I pulled back and managed to get onto her last ball before a scratch, wasting her good defensive work early. The bottom left stayed contested for many shots before Pounce finally took the win to retie the series at 2. Pounce started with a three-ball run in game 5, which Twinkie I overpowered with her four-ball run. Twinkie I never had good positioning again, giving away multiple fouls to help Pounce line up his last three shots, which he made over two turns for the win and a 3-2 series lead. Twinkie I just hung on in game 6, making five balls over her first two turns, but needing a lot of time at the bottom side. Pounce nearly pulled away at the end after a strategic scratch play, but Twinkie I found her last shot just in time to tie the series once more at 3 games apiece. Twinkie I made one of each on the game 7 break, and charged on a three-ball run with solids. Pounce had plenty of chances over his three turns to assemble a back-breaking run, but he failed to do so, and Twinkie I finished off her win for a 4-3 series win. Twinkie I went 4-3 to get to the Finals, giving her a 17-10 mark on the bracket. Pounce is the 150th player out of the Tournament, giving Twinkie I her first kill of the season. The Volcanoes can claim a team-kill on the rival Monarchs.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Chelsea. The Crowns begin a venue doubleheader against the only two players with chances of two bids advancing to the finals, the first being this 7-ball red cue series. Royal's Jake dominated the offense in game 1, as Eastside's Chelsea came up empty on both of her turns. Jake had an early pair, and then won with a five-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea made vast improvements in game 2, as the Crowns' Jake fell off the pace on offense a bit. Chelsea got lucky the 4 rattled out of the bottom left but fell in the top right, allowing her to continue what became a four-ball run ending with a cut on the 7 to the top side. The series is tied at 1. Chelsea made a pair on the break and added another two after that on her first turn in game 3, but her miss on the 3 set up Jake for his counterattacking three-ball run-out. Jake took the quick win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Jake had a ball on the break as part of an opening pair, but Chelsea controlled the game 4 offense with her four-ball run. Jake got a chance at the end, tapping in the 7 at the top right after Chelsea left it standing. Jake now holds a 3-1 series lead. Jake and Chelsea had a rough start to game 5, neither really hitting their shots all that well. That changed when Jake pummeled a late five-ball run-out for the win, sealing the series at 4-1. Jake kept up his offense at the end of game 6 as well, having nearly made the 7 on the break near the top left. Chelsea threatened it a couple of times, but Jake potted it on a three-ball run-out to move his series lead to 5-1. Jake couldn't quite do it again in game 7, making a three-ball run from the break but suffering the loss when Chelsea countered on a four-ball run-out. Jake did claim the series 5-2 to get to the Finals with a 21-9 record in the event.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Strut. The other half of the doubleheader is in Rotation, also using the red cue while simultaneously ending today's games. Game 1 started out heavily in favor of Golden's Strut, who had an early run to build his lead. Royal's Nightfur chipped her way to even, and then tangled with Strut for the rest of the game, overcoming him at the end for the 8-7 win. Nightfur leads the series at 1-0. The Pilots' Strut took a more commanding lead in game 2, using a five-ball run to get well ahead of the Crowns' Nightfur, who answered with her own five-ball run later. Strut won just after Nightfur attacked, tapping in the 13 to take an 8-5 result, tying the series at 1. Strut used the 1 as a battering ram, collecting a pair of three-ball runs without sinking it in game 3. Strut scratched at the end of the latter run, and Nightfur took over with a massive eight-ball run-out, winning 8-6 after sparking the run with a 1-15 combination to the top left from ball-in-hand. Nightfur regained the series lead at 2-1. Nightfur started slow yet again in game 4, but she kept even with Strut over the first couple of turns. Nightfur then assembled a seven-ball run-out for the 8-1 win, capping the streak with a deflected shot off the 8 to put the 9 in the bottom right, with the carom creating an 8-11 combination at the top left on the double-pot. Nightfur is up 3-1 in the series. Nightfur couldn't create any offense from bad positions in game 5, as Strut took a defensive approach. Strut generated a lot of offense from Nightfur's misses, but still needed a narrow passage at the end to get the win by an 8-4 score after Nightfur fought back. Nightfur retains a 3-2 series lead. Strut bounced back in game 6, dominating on a big run early on and finishing with an 8-1 win to tie the series at 3 as Nightfur managed almost no offense. In game 7, Nightfur took a large lead, then saw Strut get to the brink of victory before she fought him off once and for all to win 8-7, taking the series 4-3 in the process. Nightfur went 20-10 on the bracket to earn her spot in the Finals.

Tomorrow, the brackets close for the year with the last six series, setting up the final positions for the Finals.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Finals Day 2

We'll reach the halfway point of the sixth round today with another six series to be played. First up...

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Chimpy. The blue cue brings 9-ball's round to an end with this series. Midland's Fuchsia had a pair of shots from the break before she scratched in game 1. Modernistic's Chimpy answered on a three-ball run, but he missed on the 5, and Fuchsia replied with a four-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Fuchsia made two on the break in game 2, keeping up her good early form. The Union's Chimpy would take the 1, and then made a deflected shot on the 2 to drive the 9 to the top right on his second turn, taking the win to tie the series at 1. Chimpy went empty on the break in game 3, giving Fuchsia plenty of looks for some early offense. The game went mostly back-and-forth, ending as Fuchsia made the 7-9 combination to the top left that Chimpy had left aligned for her. Fuchsia is ahead 2-1 in the series. Fuchsia again struck on the break in game 4, and she had four balls over her first two turns for a large share of the offense. Her shooting slowed later on, but Chimpy failed to step up to cover it, and Fuchsia would win with a cut on the 9 to the top left to put her up 3-1 in the series. Chimpy made improvements in game 5, collecting four of the last five balls to put himself in a good position, but his miss on the 9 let Fuchsia tap it in for the win, and she secured the series at 4-1 while doing so. Fuchsia had another good break in game 6, her hallmark trait in this series, but an unusual scratch on the 5 as she potted it led to Chimpy winning on a four-ball run-out to cut the series down to 4-2. Fuchsia had a forgettable game 7, ending in a loss as she illegally contact and potted the 9 to the top right on a kick, and also scratched to add insult to injury. Fuchsia defeated Chimpy 4-3, and went 22-8 on the bracket to earn her spot in the Finals. Chimpy is the 141st eliminated player, giving Fuchsia her second kill this year. Oriental United is the first club to exit the Tournament.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman v. Cassie. The blue cue continues on with a series in Rotation between unlikely finalists. Infinity's Mr. Snowman had a dramatic four-ball run to start the game, and he would later add a pair to counter a three-ball run from Royal's Cassie, who kept things tense up to the end. Mr. Snowman took game 1 with the 11 at the bottom left for an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Cassie challenged the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman right from the host's scratch on the break of game 2. Things went back-and-forth for awhile, but Cassie surged ahead in the end for an 8-4 win, using a five-ball run-out to claim it. Cassie has tied the series at 1. Cassie had a ball on the break, and took an early lead in game 3, but Mr. Snowman pulled ahead on a four-ball run over the middle. Cassie refused to lose, storming back with a four-ball run-out for the 8-6 win that gives her a 2-1 series lead. Cassie had the early lead in a congested battle in game 4, while Mr. Snowman had taken a single point. Cassie rallied farther ahead on an impressive six-ball run-out, ending with a 9-14 combination that deflected and double-kissed the 10 to the bottom right to get the 8-1 win. Cassie stands ahead at 3-1 after the chaotic rally. Cassie and Mr. Snowman tussled and tangled in game 5, with both players getting plenty of chances. Mr. Snowman thrice missed a winning shot, but he still potted the 15 when Cassie couldn't, taking the win to pull back to a 3-2 deficit in the series. Cassie had her chances again in game 6, attacking fairly quickly to build a lead. Mr. Snowman pulled back, and the two sparred at the end, but Mr. Snowman came up with the 8-7 win from behind to tie the series at 3. Mr. Snowman did not have the easiest time in game 7, battling with Cassie for every shot before he finally scraped together enough for the 8-5 win and 4-3 series win. Mr. Snowman heads to the Finals after a 20-10 effort in the event, and he took his third kill to make Cassie the 142nd player out of the Tournament.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Shaggy. The silver cue's only series of the day features prominent stars in 12-ball. Whitewater's Shaggy enjoyed a comeback in game 1, weathering a four-ball run by Golden's Dusty on her break. Shaggy struck on a six-ball run-out after meticulous positioning paid off, giving her the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty continued to have an impact on offense in game 2, making a pair of shots to claim stripes and then taking a three-ball run on the next turn. The Shores' Shaggy cut into Dusty's lead a bit, but Dusty had her last shot in place, and converted on her third turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Dusty had some creative shots on offense, and she even managed to survive an awkward scratch. Shaggy botched a couple of shots, but made a good defensive play despite giving Dusty ball-in-hand at the end. Dusty executed a better shot, putting the 13 in the top left for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Dusty had one of each suit on the break in game 4, choosing to go with solids. Shaggy played a patient game, electing to position herself first, and it worked, as she had an easy four-ball run-out later while Dusty was caught out of position. Shaggy has retied the series at 2. Shaggy started game 5 in the same way, electing to take stripes for herself. Dusty had a couple of good shots on her two turns, but Shaggy got a little lucky on an 11-15-13 combination to the bottom left, and that sparked her four-ball run-out for the win. Shaggy pulls ahead 3-2 in the series. Dusty bounced back in game 6, striking first to take solids and then using her positive positioning and Shaggy's lack of options to rally ahead. Dusty made four balls over her last two turns for the win, retying the series at 3. Dusty wouldn't be left behind in game 7, striking early and often. Shaggy rallied back, but her two late scratches allowed Dusty to pick up the win and a 4-3 series win. Dusty went 19-11 overall in the event to reach the Finals, and her kill on Shaggy is her third kill of the year, while Shaggy is the 143rd eliminated player.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Anton. A captain faces a rookie as the blue cue comes back for 7-ball. Todavía's Anton won game 1 in only two shots, making the 1 on a tough cut that lined up the 2-7 combination to the top left. Terrace City's Kiwi could only watch Anton convert his shot for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 lasted a bit longer, and the Stills' Anton lacked the same level of attack on later shots. The Knights' Kiwi would end up taking this win on a 6-7 combination to the bottom right, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Kiwi had a good break in game 3, but she had two scratches during play, allowing Anton plenty of free shooting. From the second ball-in-hand, Anton took the win on a three-ball run-out, reclaiming the series lead at 2-1. Anton had a productive start in game 4, as Kiwi continued to foul and miss her shots, but Anton faltered on the 6 and Kiwi made the last two balls for the win. Kiwi has again tied the series at 2. Kiwi finally broke the back-and-forth cycle between games, blasting the 1 to the top side and the 7 to the bottom right on the game 5 break for a win to put herself ahead 3-2 in the series. Game 6 went full-term, which actually ended up benefiting Anton, as Kiwi couldn't make the 7. Anton took it on his second try, a hard cut to the bottom left with the cue just rattling at the bottom right but staying up. The series is once again tied at 3. Anton managed to stun and silence the Knights crowd with a single shot in game 7, the break putting the 7 in the bottom side for the win. Anton went from millimeters away from losing to winning the series 4-3 in the span of two shots, and he went 19-11 on the bracket to reach the Finals. Kiwi is the 144th player out of the Tournament, giving Anton his third kill of the year.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Twinkie II. The blue cue goes again, playing Accuracy in this series pitting captains against each other. Game 1 was an absolute nightmare for both players, although significantly worse for Harrison's Twinkie II. She couldn't find a clear shot, missing more than she made as Midland's Shawn claimed the sloppy win at 4-9 for a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II had a stunning reversal of form in game 2, maintaining a perfect performance while the Predators' Shawn struggled to keep up. Shawn eventually conceded with two late misses, giving Twinkie II a 0-4 win to tie the series at 1. Shawn held the lead for most of game 3 after Twinkie II made a ball on the break but had a miss a few turns later. Shawn missed twice near the end of the game, dropping into a tie with Twinkie II, who couldn't force overtime by missing again herself. Shawn won 2-3, and that gave him a 2-1 series lead. Shawn made a pair on the break in game 4, and held a lead once again for most of the game, but he slipped up at the end. This time, Twinkie II did force overtime. Both players missed on their first shot of overtime before going five rounds each without a miss. Shawn faltered here, and Twinkie II converted to win 3-4, retying the series at 2. Shawn and Twinkie II spent most of the early part of game 5 exchanging the last-shot advantage, with Twinkie II doing a double-pot on the break, Shawn double-potting on his own later, and then Twinkie II scratching while making a shot. Shawn briefly fell into a tie, but Twinkie II missed her next two shots, and Shawn held on to win 3-4 in the end, regaining the series lead at 3-2. Shawn went for a double on the break in game 6, but never managed to flip last shot back to himself, as Twinkie II held it and used it when Shawn couldn't kick in the 2 at the end of regulation. In overtime, Shawn tried a soft break, but Twinkie II converted her one shot to win 2-3, evening the series yet again at 3. Twinkie II had a critical one ball on the game 7 break, as the two players remained perfect deep into the game. Shawn faltered on the second-to-last ball, and Twinkie II made it, leading to her 1-2 win for a 4-3 series win. Twinkie II went 19-11 on the bracket in her quest to the Finals, and she took her third kill of the year to make Shawn the 145th eliminated player.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor Swift v. Cobalt. The red cue closes out the day with a 10-ball series. Stonebridge's Cobalt had all the offense early in game 1, making six balls over his first three turns, but a scratch on the 6 ended his reign. Commerce's Taylor made the 7 and then an 8-10 combination to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt again enjoyed a lot of offense in game 2, including a double-pot of the 4 to the bottom right with the 7 added at the bottom side during a four-ball run. He missed a deflection play, leaving the Tradewinds' Taylor to try a 6-10 combination, but she missed. Cobalt converted what Taylor couldn't for the win at the top right, tying the series at 1. Cobalt had a strong break and made three balls over his first two turns, but Taylor got a three-ball run right after that from ball-in-hand after his error. Taylor just missed on the 7, and this let Cobalt run free for a four-ball run-out of impressive cut shots. Cobalt is up 2-1 in the series. Cobalt still went empty on his game 4 break, and this led to some offense for Taylor. Cobalt made a pair on his next turn, but Taylor took the 4 and then converted a 5-10 combination to the bottom right for the win, retying the series at 2. Cobalt fought off the rising danger from Taylor in game 5, battling with the host early on before taking the last five balls, including a three-ball run-out with nice cuts to secure the win. Cobalt is up 3-2 in the series after that performance. Cobalt had two scratches, including on the break in game 6, but he had three-ball runs to surround his second scratch after Taylor had a scratch of her own. Cobalt's latter run gave him the win and the series at 4-2. Taylor had the better of play in game 7, but it didn't matter all that much, her four-ball run wasted by two misses on the 10. Cobalt converted it to the bottom left, the win giving him a 5-2 series win to put him in the Finals. Cobalt was 19-11 for the event, and earned his third kill of the year as Taylor was the 146th ousted player.

We'll be back tomorrow at a later starting time to hopefully play another six series. If that doesn't work out, the next two league days will be split over three calendar days.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Finals Day 1

We've reached the pinnacle of cue-separated competition, as 24 bracket champions will be crowned in the next four days. Those winners will compete for the top three positions in each event, with the winners of that playing in the prestigious Tournament of Champions. First up today...

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shadow v. Hannah. A captain clashes with a sophomore in 8-ball with the red cue. Web City's Shadow dominated on offense in game 1, with a five-ball run halted by a scratch and four balls over his next two turns. Shadow's only mistake was illegal contact as the 8 fell, gifting the win to Queens' Hannah as she takes the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow struggled a bit more in game 2, although he found a creative run near the end that nearly stole the win away on a botched kick shot. Shadow left the 8 near the top side, and the Flames' Hannah supplemented her four-ball run with a pair of shots on the final turn for a more earned win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Shadow had a large part of the early offense in game 3, getting down to two balls left in good positions. Hannah roared back on a five-ball run, and Shadow botched his second shot on the next turn, allowing Hannah to jam the 10 to the bottom right before banking the 8 there for the win. Hannah's desperate finishes have her ahead 3-0 in the series. Hannah showed a lot of confidence on offense in game 4, making a ball on the break and taking a large lead over Shadow. In the later turns, Shadow made six balls over two turns to get on the 8, but he missed the critical shot, and Hannah took a late pair for the win to clinch the series at 4-0. Shadow played better in game 5, making five balls over his first two turns while Hannah struggled. Shadow got down to his last ball, but he couldn't find a place for it, and Hannah surged ahead on a four-ball run, and then she won two turns later by tapping in the 8 at the top left. Hannah has a 5-0 series lead. Hannah stormed out to a six-ball run on her second turn of game 6, getting in very good position. Shadow took his time to counter that attack, but Hannah's rare lack of finishing allowed Shadow a chance to convert a seven-ball run-out, avoiding complete disaster as this win cuts the series to 5-1. Hannah had a good start with a three-ball run in game 7, but she went cold after that, and Shadow stormed back on another seven-ball run-out to take the win. Hannah won the series 5-2, advancing to the Finals with a 22-8 record on the bracket.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Strut. The blue cue's only series today is its 15-ball finale, which will play after the lunch break. Golden's Strut stayed quiet at first in game 1, but roared with a six-ball run followed by a four-ball run-out, with Modernistic's Puff I making only one shot in between. Strut's big attack gave him a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Pilots' Strut continued to pile on with possession in game 2, making a six-ball run on his second-to-last turn. The Union's Puff I countered Strut at the end, taking a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1 despite an unimpressive process. Game 3 saw Strut's offense come down from the extreme levels, as he settled in for a four-ball run. Puff I had a chance to counter that, but missed on the 14, and Strut made the last two shots to take the win for a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 also stayed pretty even between the two players. Puff I had a late three-ball run after holding a small edge in possession, but it all didn't matter when Strut made the last two balls to take the win. Strut is now up 3-1 in the series. Puff I pushed her way to a more noticeable majority of the offense in game 5, highlighted by a four-ball run in the middle of the game. Strut had a chance to launch a late run, but he missed on the 14, and Puff I made the last two balls for the win to pull back to a 3-2 deficit overall. Game 6 lost all resemblance to actual pool, as both players overpowered their shots and rattled many plays out of pockets. At the end, Strut deflected the cue off the 12 to tap the 15 into the bottom right to secure the series at 4-2 with his win. Puff I made sure to play a good game 7, although it didn't start that well, as Strut's break led to some messy shooting. Puff I broke through at the end on an eight-ball run-out to leave Strut with a 4-3 series win. Strut heads to the Finals having gone 20-10 so far. Strut also took the individual kills lead at 6, making Puff I the 137th eliminated player.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Tigerette. Our first top-10 exclusive series is in 15-ball with the silver cue. Oceanside's Jason blasted a five-ball run from the break, part of making nine balls on his first three turns. Commerce's Tigerette replied on a four-ball run, but Jason made the last two shots for a dominant win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Jason made seven balls over his first three turns in game 2, although the focus rested on a 15 located near the top right. The Tradewinds' Tigerette took her swipes at the 15 as well, but it stood tall until Jason rallied on a four-ball run-out for the win, moving to a 2-0 series lead with another dominant effort. Tigerette finally carved out some offense for herself in game 3, taking her fair share of shots and keeping Jason at bay in the later stages. Tigerette would win from ball-in-hand after Jason missed contact trying to kick the 14. The series still favors Jason 2-1. Jason materialized a five-ball run early in game 4 out of nowhere, seemingly announcing a bounce-back effort. Tigerette wouldn't let that happen, blocking Jason late and then making five of the last six shots over two turns for the win. Tigerette has tied the series at 2, with the crowd at a fever pitch. Tigerette quieted the ruckus by having a subtly dominant performance in game 5. Tigerette started with a pair from the break and continued to brew offense on every turn, ending with a pair of three-ball runs on her last two turns for the win. Tigerette now leads the series at 3-2. Tigerette still looked dangerous at times in game 6, but she never really recovered from scratching on the break. Jason had the majority of offense again, winning on his third three-ball run by missing a shot on the 11 that bumped the 15 back to the bottom right. Jason has retied the series at 3, setting up a massive finale. Tigerette didn't have the best start in game 7, allowing Jason to work a four-ball run that saw him pull off a double-pot of the 4 and 12 to the right corners. Tigerette's following turn saw her use a follow shot for the 5-15 combination, a double-pot that won her the series 4-3. Tigerette offed the best player on the bracket, ending at 19-11 in the event. Tigerette took her second kill, making Jason V. the 138th player out of the Tournament.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Nicole. The silver cue remains in action to handle this 9-ball series. Eastside's Chelsea had a productive second turn with a three-ball run, and she remained a challenge to Lighton's Nicole throughout the game. Chelsea finally won with a kick on the 9 to the top left to take the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Nicole still looked a little lost in game 2, unable to string her shots together under pressure from the Sharks' Chelsea, who cleaned up most of Nicole's misses en route to an easy win for the 2-0 series lead. Chelsea had a decent break in game 3, forcing Nicole to be defensive with her first shot. The slow start continued for a few turns until Chelsea broke free with a six-ball run-out for the win, pushing her lead in the series to 3-0. Chelsea didn't have her best offense in game 4, while Nicole showed a bit of growth in using more balanced defense. The result at the end was the same, with Nicole missing on the 7 to ignite a three-ball run-out by Chelsea for the win that clinched the series for her at 4-0. Nicole made her big move a game too late, winning game 5 handily on an eight-ball run-out after Chelsea came up empty on her first two turns. Nicole's big win cut the series to 4-1. Chelsea had a five-ball run early in game 6, looking to bounce back, but her offense dried up after that, and Nicole would win on a pair of shots on the final turn, pulling closer as the series moves to 4-2. Chelsea and Nicole battled early in a wide-open game 7, with both getting their runs in. Nicole missed on the 9 late in the game, and Chelsea made the tap-in at the top left for the win and a 5-2 series win. Chelsea heads to the Finals with a 19-8 record from the bracket after a first-round bye. Chelsea picked up her third kill of the year, bumping Nicole out at 139th in exiting order. The Sharks also took a team kill over the Prestige with this win.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Violetta. Club-mates clash as the hottest rookie takes on the league-leading sophomore in 9-ball with the red cue. Queens' Violetta had a strong start in game 1, setting Terrace City's Quincy behind a bit initially. Quincy rebounded at the end with a three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Quincy had a four-ball run early in game 2, a fierce attack that tamed with an exchange of single pots with the Flames' Violetta in the middle. Violetta pulled back at the end, making the 7 before double-potting the 8 and 9 to the right corners on a perfect trick play. The series is tied at 1. Quincy got a little too loose with his shooting in game 3, despite carrying a good portion of the offense. Quincy had a chance to win, but he left the 9 at the bottom right, and Violetta tapped it in to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Violetta looked to have a strong grip on game 4 with a four-ball run, but she fell apart with two misses while going for the 7. Quincy eventually made the 7 and the 9 to the top right for the win, retying the series at 2. Violetta still had a good performance in game 5, controlling the offense in the middle of the game but needing Quincy to twice miss on the 9. Violetta eventually tapped it to the top left after a nervy finish, regaining her series lead at 3-2. Violetta started well again in game 6, attacking relentlessly. Quincy had some looks in the middle of the game, but he missed contact on the 5, and Violetta launched a three-ball run-out to take the win, sealing the series at 4-2. Quincy managed to strike the 9 at the end of game 7, a counter to Violetta's seemingly overwhelming offense during the rest of the time. Violetta won the series 4-3, completing a 22-8 campaign in 9-ball to put herself in the Finals.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Shiny. Today's final series is in Accuracy with the red cue. Westside's Misty made a ball on the break in game 1, but she fell behind with a few too many misses early in the game. She held on well, while Web City's Shiny slipped up on the last ball to create overtime. Shiny's overtime break went empty, and Misty converted to win 3-4 for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty again made a ball on the break in game 2, although she held the lead for a lot of this game after the Spiders' Shiny had some sloppy play in the middle. Misty let the lead go with a late miss but held on to force overtime, where Shiny's break again went empty. Misty converted to win 2-3, pushing her series lead to 2-0. Misty had a messy stretch in the middle of game 3 thanks to a bad break that caused both players to miss early. Shiny was happy to watch Misty struggle, and she held tightly to the lead that created, winning 1-3 at the end to cut the series to 2-1. Shiny had a double-pot on the break of game 4, and the two players engaged in an active start to the game. Shiny was first to slip up, and she fell far behind as Misty used positioning to pressure Shiny. Misty faltered near the end, but managed to hang on for a 2-4 win to restore a two-game advantage at 3-1. Game 5 played out in a very similar style, with only an empty break from Misty to differentiate it. Misty was the one who fell apart in the middle of the game, falling behind and only forcing Shiny to take an extra shot on a troublesome last ball. Shiny won 2-4, pulling back to a 3-2 series deficit. Misty had to play a near-perfect game as Shiny triple-potted on the break shot of game 6. Luckily for Misty, everything she touched went in as planned, and she beat Shiny 0-2 to clinch the series at 4-2. Misty and Shiny combined for a very close game 7, which came down to Shiny missing on the last ball, which Misty then converted at the bottom right for the 2-3 win. Misty took the series 5-2 to get to the Finals, going 20-10 on the bracket overall. Shiny is the 140th eliminated player, giving Misty her first kill of the year.

That's all for today's games. We'll have another six series day tomorrow.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Semifinals Day 7

It's the final day of the fifth round, meaning the Tournament is rapidly preparing to end its main phase. We have six series today, beginning with...

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Nicole. The blue cue gets the lead-off series, playing 8-ball. Central's Twilight started slowly, giving collateral damage to Lighton's Nicole at the tail-end of her first attacking turn. Twilight roared back later, a six-ball run-out filled with brilliant positioning and a two-rail bank of the 5 to the bottom left to get a look at the 8 for the win. Twilight leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Twilight had a slow start again in game 2, allowing the Prestige's Nicole to record a four-ball run. Nicole added a little more offense before Twilight stormed back with a five-ball run, and on her next turn, Twilight threaded the 13 to the bottom left before potting the 8 at the bottom side for the win and 2-0 series lead. Twilight continued to make a strong impact, potting a five-ball run on her second turn. Nicole answered with a nice run of her own, but Twilight took the win with a three-ball run-out, ending on a banked shot to put the 8 in the top right. Twilight is up 3-0 in the series. Twilight finally made a ball on the break in game 4, but it didn't help her much. Nicole had a four-ball run at one stage to pull ahead, and she shuttered the bottom right pocket defensively until she could attack with a three-ball run-out for the win. Twilight remains ahead at 3-1. Nicole played as smart as she could in game 5, battling for positioning. Twilight had an awkward miss at the top side that could have been costly, but Nicole missed her cut on the 8 toward the top right, and Twilight stormed back on a three-ball run-out to take the win that clinched the series at 4-1. Twilight had the better of the offense in game 6, making her way onto the 8 in only three turns. Nicole trailed behind, offering a little defense, which influenced Twilight's shot on the 8, which she called for the bottom left. It fell in the top left on a slight deflection, giving Nicole the win to cut the series to 4-2. Twilight had a three-ball run early in game 7, which put Nicole under immediate pressure. Twilight kept herself in line to position her shots, and then struck for a five-ball run-out three turns later, ending the series in a 5-2 win over Nicole. Twilight will host a Northeastern rival in the Harrison Specters rookie Rudolph in the bracket finals.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Ted v. Chelsea. Staying in the Northeast, we have a series of 7-ball with the red cue. Web City's Ted had much of the staggered offense early in game 1, making a ball on the break and adding a couple of tricky bank shots later on. As the game progressed, Eastside's Chelsea found more opportunities, including a pair of shots at the end for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea managed a three-ball run from the break in game 2, before slipping up with some messy shooting later on. The Spiders' Ted challenged Chelsea, but he scratched while attempting to make the 7, and she took it from ball-in-hand for another win and the 2-0 series lead. Chelsea didn't have the best of breaks in game 3, and it showed with the distribution of the rack. Ted had his shots at times, including a tough one on the 5 at the top side, and he prevailed when Chelsea couldn't corral the 7 at the end. Chelsea remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Game 4 looked less like true 7-ball and more like a sporadic shooting gallery, as neither player connected on more than half of their shots. The messy play came to a close when Chelsea mercifully potted the 7 to the bottom left, extending her series lead to 3-1. Ted began the offense in game 5 with a kick on the 1 to the bottom left, igniting a six-ball run that ended with a narrowly missed bank attempt on the 7, leaving it just outside the top right. Chelsea tapped it in, poaching the win to seal the series in her favor at 4-1. Chelsea had a ball on the break in game 6, and she continued to push the attack later in the game, but Ted's early pair plus a counterattack for a pair at the end helped him get the win, cutting the series to 4-2. Ted struck again in game 7, picking up the win with a pair of shots after Chelsea missed contact on the 6. Ted combined that with an earlier three-ball run, but Chelsea still won the series 4-3. Chelsea will visit the Royal Crowns' Jake in the bracket finals. Ted is the 132nd eliminated player, giving Chelsea her second kill of the year.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir Vasilyev v. Violetta. The red cue ends its contributions to this round in 9-ball. Stonebridge's Vladimir had a three-ball run from the break in game 1, but he couldn't stop Queens' Violetta using the 6 to line up a 7-9 combination that she made on her second turn to end a three-ball run-out. Violetta leads the series 1-0 after the early finish. The Flames' Violetta had a less-than-impressive break in game 2, and she lacked the piercing runs that usually fuel her offense. The Wolves' Vladimir had a three-ball run, but took the win from ball-in-hand after Violetta scratched while trying to jam the 9 at the bottom left. Vladimir has tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw a fairly even tilt between the players, with neither one finding a run easily. Violetta struck out of nowhere after Vladimir missed on the 7, as she kicked the 7-9 combination smoothly into the top right for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Violetta failed to continue a firm attack in game 4, showing unusual signs of shakiness, while Vladimir ultimately assembled a three-ball run-out a turn after cleaning up a tap-in on the 6 that Violetta left up. Vladimir has tied the series again at 2 games apiece. Violetta regained momentum in game 5, battling with Vladimir for possession on the early turns before passing him by with a three-ball run-out at the end. Violetta's push forward helped her retake a 3-2 series lead. Both players had their struggles on offense again in game 6, failing to fully grasp control of the offense. Violetta ended up winning by making the 9 on her second try after Vladimir couldn't convert from distance. Violetta clinched the series at 4-2 with this win. Violetta didn't have a majority of the possession in a sloppy game 7 effort, allowing Vladimir to redeem himself with some nice shots. Still, Vladimir missed on the 9, and Violetta banked it to the top side to ice her series win at 5-2. Violetta will visit a club-mate in the Terrace City Knights rookie Quincy in the bracket finals. Vladimir's rookie year is over at the 133rd eliminated, giving Violetta surprisingly her first kill this year.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Lorde v. Dusty. A resilient young player meets a legend in 12-ball with the silver cue. Capital City's Lorde had a ball on the break and looked good initially in game 1, but Golden's Dusty proved more efficient with her shot selection, pulling ahead late and taking the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty laid a good foundation early in game 2, but needed a wild-card ball earned at the end of a four-ball run by the Sharpshooters' Lorde to move her own effort forward. Lorde just missed on the 9 at the top side, and Dusty stormed back to position herself for a straight final shot to the top left. Dusty leads the series 2-0. Lorde struck first in game 3 with a three-ball run, only for Dusty to answer immediately with a three-ball run of her own. Dusty found a shot at the top left to pull ahead, and then made her final two balls with good positioning to push her series lead to 3-0. Lorde stayed alive in the series with a confident win in game 3, showing great poise to take the side pockets first before beating Dusty to the bottom left on her last shot. Dusty remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Lorde refused to back down even as Dusty got into a good position with two balls left in game 5. Lorde played a defensive style here, a strategy that worked out pretty well as she managed to buy herself enough time to actually win the game when Dusty continuously failed to convert. Lorde has pulled back to a 3-2 deficit in the series. Dusty did it to herself in game 6, as she used a four-ball run to justify giving Lorde a wild-card ball. Dusty then failed three times to convert on her last ball, and Lorde made a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand when Dusty missed contact. Lorde's late push tied the series at 3. Lorde kept going early in game 7, a four-ball run establishing her offense. Dusty made a subtle touch on the 12 as she replied with a three-ball run, ruining Lorde's positioning, and Lorde never recovered, as Dusty made a couple of shots at the end to take the win and a 4-3 series win. Dusty will host the Whitewater Shores' Shaggy in the bracket finals. Dusty took her second kill of the year, leaving Lorde as the 134th ousted player. The Pilots now have their second team-kill, wiping out the Sharpshooters.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Lize. The silver cue's last series of the round is in 10-ball. Midland's Rainmane looked like the better player in a shaky game 1 effort, and she proved to be at the end, as Pronger's Lize couldn't finish off a late run, leaving the 10 at the bottom left. Rainmane made the tap-in for the win, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Both players exchanged three-ball runs early in game 2, then stalled a bit before the Tridents' Lize took two pairs of shots to end the game victorious, tying her series with the Predators' Rainmane at 1. In game 3, neither player could find offense until a late three-ball run by Rainmane. She missed the 10 the first time, but put it in the top left when Lize missed as well. Rainmane regained the series lead at 2-1. Rainmane looked like the better player to start game 4, attacking with force and a little trickery. Unfortunately, her short bursts of offense couldn't stop Lize from driving the 10 to the top right for the win at the end, which allowed the visitor to retie the series at 2. Rainmane and Lize each exchanged three-ball runs again at the start of game 5, with Rainmane's coming first after Lize's empty break. Rainmane scuffled for a turn before submitting a four-ball run-out for the win, banking the 10 to the bottom right to retake a series lead at 3-2. Lize dominated the offense unlike any other game in the series in game 6, working a seven-ball run on her first turn. The 9 proved tricky, but Lize made it and the 10 a few turns later to get the win, again pulling even at 3-3 with Rainmane. In game 7, Lize had her looks, but Rainmane proved a little more clinical in attack, edging ahead with a free shot on the 10 after Lize scratched while making the 9. Rainmane took the series 4-3, and will host the Whitewater Shores' Marsell in the bracket finals. Rainmane earned her first kill of the year to make Lize the 135th player out of the Tournament.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Strut. Two stalwarts for their teams clash in 15-ball with the blue cue to end the round. Freedom's Jasmine had a productive game 1 effort at times, capitalizing on mistakes by Golden's Strut, but the visitor Strut had more critical offense, with a four-ball run in the middle and the final pair of shots. Strut's winning final push put him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pilots' Strut took more of a back seat in game 2 as the Cascades' Jasmine attacked with a bit more ferocity to gain a slight majority in possession. Strut just got the win, using a pair of shots at the end to counter Jasmine's three-ball run. Strut banked the 15 to the top side, going ahead 2-0 in the series. Jasmine continued to push on offense in game 3, beginning and ending the game with four-ball runs. Strut had a four-ball run in the middle end with a missed 11-15 combination attempt, allowing Jasmine to launch her last attack to cut the series down to 2-1. Jasmine didn't follow up well in game 4, leaving too many shots on the table. Strut ungracefully made the 9-15 combination to the top side as a result, the sloppy game going in his favor to put him up 3-1 in the series. Jasmine made a 3-11-14 combination to the bottom left, with the 11 following and the cue deflecting to add the 12 at the top left for a triple-pot as part of a six-ball run. Jasmine stayed in the fight in game 5 after that, making the 5 after an error by Strut, and then using the 6 as a deflection tool to drive the 15 banked into the top right for the win. Jasmine's great game pulled her back to a 3-2 deficit in the series. Game 6 saw Jasmine take a step back, playing more evenly with Strut the entire time. Both players shifted the balance of power with four-ball runs, but it was Jasmine prevailing at the end with the win, tying the series at 3. Jasmine tried to keep up her attack in game 7, but she ran out of steam at the end, scratching as she made the 14. Strut buried the 15 to the top right from ball-in-hand for the win, and took the series 4-3 in the process. Strut is on the road at the Modernistic Union to face Puff I in the bracket finals. Jasmine's good year ends with her as the 136th player eliminated and the last in the fifth round, while Strut took his fifth kill to rejoin the league lead. The Pilots have three team kills, adding the Cascades to their ledger.

Tomorrow, we begin the process of figuring out who our finalists will be this year. Tonight, keep a look on Twitter @UnitedPCL for links to the updated schedule and standings pages.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Semifinals Day 6

This is the promised split day for the weekend. Right now, it looks like there will be three series on Saturday and four on Sunday due to time constraints. We begin with...

Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Paps. The red cue plays both of its Rotation series in the round to start the day. Royal's Nightfur had a ball on the game 1 break, but she had to battle with Tysini's Paps in the early going. Paps made a three-ball run in the middle to take the lead, only for Nightfur to pot a four-ball run before she made another shot on her next turn to win 8-6 for the 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Nightfur had a good start, and took advantage of the Hummingbirds' Paps making a mental mistake by moving the cue when he didn't have ball-in-hand. Paps stormed back at the end, with five balls over his last two turns to win 8-5, tying the series at 1. Paps took the early in game 3, and had to fight off two equalizing attacks from Nightfur before he finally found a three-ball run-out to take the win at 8-5. Paps has pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Nightfur finally had a bounce-back effort in game 4, weathering a tough start against Paps before finding her way with short turns to take the 8-4 win, ending by banking the 12 to the bottom right. The series is tied at 2. Nightfur dominated with her first two turns in game 5, pulling way ahead of Paps this time. Nightfur held on as the game progressed, taking the 8-1 win to gain a 3-2 series lead. Nightfur took a six-ball run from the break in game 6, asserting her lead quite well. Paps found a four-ball run later on, but Nightfur closed out the win at 8-4 to clinch the series at 4-2. Paps put in a respectable finale effort, winning game 7 by an 8-5 score after finding a three-ball run and a four-ball run at different points in the game. Nightfur took the series 4-3, and will host the bracket finals series against the winner of the next series. Paps is the 127th eliminated player, and Nightfur has her second kill of the year. The Hummingbirds' season is over at the hands of the Crowns.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Strut. Two club-mates battle in the other Rotation semifinal for the red cue. Golden's Strut had a good start in game 1, taking the early lead. It didn't hold for him, as Everton's Cleo pulled ahead on two short runs, and she took the 8-4 win with a pair of shots at the end, putting her up 1-0 in the series. The Eagles' Cleo made two balls on the break, but quickly fell behind as the Pilots' Strut converted an early five-ball run. Strut had some troubles sealing up the game before making a pair of shots on his final turn for the 8-4 win, which tied the series at 1. Strut didn't deliver a good break in game 3, making a mess of the shots afterward. It ended up being very close, with both players shifting momentum in the late stages before Cleo fouled to give Strut a clear look on the last two balls. Strut made both, winning 8-7 to take a 2-1 series lead. Strut had a better break in game 4, but Cleo kept the game close, shooting evenly with Strut for much of the early part of the game. Strut got an edge late, which Cleo evened but couldn't beat as Strut took the 8-6 win for a 3-1 series lead. Strut secured the series in grand fashion, making a pair of three-ball runs very early in game 5 to stake out a lead. He used some defensive positioning to stymie Cleo before potting a pair to finish with an 8-0 shutout win to go to 4-1 ahead in the series. Strut popped up with a big lead again in game 6, while Cleo showed signs of frustration to be losing so badly at home. Cleo rallied all the way back to tie this game, only for Strut to cut the 15 to the top right for an 8-7 win that pushed his series lead to 5-1. Strut built up another lead in game 7, only once being challenged when Cleo pulled off a double-pot to the top corners. Strut ran away with the 8-3 win on a three-ball run-out at the end, sealing his 6-1 series win that sets him up to visit the Royal Crowns' Nightfur in the bracket finals. Cleo is the 128th eliminated player, and Strut marches up to four kills, which is also a team-elimination on the Eagles.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir Vasilyev v. Rudolph. A pair of rookies are set to clash in 8-ball with the blue cue. Stonebridge's Vladimir had a good attack early in game 1, making five balls over his first two turns. Harrison's Rudolph played on defense instead, and it worked, buying him time to line up and convert a four-ball run-out to come from behind for the win. Rudolph leads the series 1-0. The Specters' Rudolph managed a three-ball run with a scratch on the break of game 2, while the Wolves' Vladimir answered by scratching to end his four-ball run. This led to a close game, but Rudolph just held off a late push by Vladimir, who had a three-ball run end with a miss on the 8. Rudolph converted for the win, moving up to a 2-0 series lead. Rudolph got desperate after an empty break in game 3 and two positive turns from Vladimir put the visitor under pressure. Rudolph tried to split the 2 and 8, but ended up double-potting them, the illegal move on the 8 gifting Vladimir a win to cut Rudolph's advantage to 2-1. Rudolph started off hot with a three-ball run from his first turn, followed by a scratch and then another pair. Vladimir stayed cool under the pressure, chipping some offense in before finding and converting a five-ball run-out to nab the win. Vladimir has tied the series at 2. Vladimir had a productive start in game 5, but he couldn't make it last, as Rudolph played defense again at the back end of the game. Vladimir potted Rudolph's 15 as collateral damage, sparking a four-ball run-out by Rudolph for the win to regain the series lead at 3-2. Game 6 came down to the wire, with Vladimir doing well early but Rudolph gathering steam late with a four-ball run to get onto the 8. Vladimir had to strike the 10 to the top left from distance, which he did, helping him take a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 3. Rudolph had control in game 7 from the very start, taking an early four-ball run and then navigating Vladimir's defense for the rest of the game. Vladimir never got to build a countering run, and Rudolph made the 8 to the bottom right for the win and a 4-3 series win to earn his visiting spot in the bracket finals.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Chimpy v. Bandit. The split day continues on Sunday with 9-ball and the blue cue. Modernistic's Chimpy managed to take 1 game despite neither player operating at their best level. Swordpoint's Bandit made illegal contact late in the game, one of many errors, and Chimpy used it to convert a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand to take the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Union's Chimpy started well in game 2 with a pair from the break, while the Blades' Bandit answered with a pair of his own. Chimpy scratched on the 5, leading to Bandit converting a four-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Chimpy had a pair of scratches in game 3, a troublesome but not concerning facet of his playing style. Bandit gladly took a larger share of offense, making the last two shots to grab the win for a 2-1 series lead. Bandit had a three-ball run near the middle of game 4 after a slow start on both sides, but Chimpy took the win two turns later with a four-ball run-out, a classy run on positioning that helped the host to retie the series at 2. Chimpy showed a dominant side with a four-ball run including a triple-pot on the break shot, and then three balls over his final two turns to force Bandit out of game 5. Chimpy holds a 3-2 series lead with his tricky-to-manage playing style. Bandit had his chances in game 6, making a fair amount of shots but leaving just as many standing. Chimpy played a patient style, then struck at the end with a tap-in on the 9 for the win to seal the series at 4-2. Chimpy continued to attack well in game 7, a three-ball run early on and an additional pair pinning Bandit back. Bandit made some shots, but Chimpy cleaned up at the end for the win and a 5-2 series win. Chimpy will visit the Midland Predators' Fuchsia in the bracket finals. Bandit is the 129th player out of the Tournament, and Chimpy has his second kill this year. The Union have also accomplished a team-kill on the Blades.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shiny v. Lorde. The red cue will make its last appearance for this league-day in Accuracy, finishing the event for the round. Capital City's Lorde showed no fear in game 1, converting every shot even with Web City's Shiny holding the last shot from her ball on the break. Shiny had a quick pair of misses in the middle to set Lorde up for the 0-2 win that gave the visitor a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw both players take a large step backwards. The Sharpshooters' Lorde didn't have a ball on the break, and she had some awkward misses in the middle of the game. The Spiders' Shiny fared even worse, her stretch of misses lasting longer as Lorde righted herself to win 3-5 for the 2-0 series lead. Lorde scratched while potting two balls on the break in game 3. Shiny fired back with a later double-pot to get the last shot in her favor, and she managed to force overtime after a late slip. Here, Lorde made two improbable shots before a miss, which Shiny matched, followed by a miss two turns later that finally gave Lorde the comeback win at 3-4. Lorde leads the intense series at 3-0. Shiny staved off the danger in game 4, holding a tight grip on the lead once Lorde had a couple of misses. Shiny even showed off with a double-pot to speed the game up, and she held on for the 1-2 win in the end to cut the series to 3-1. Shiny made a ball on the break in game 5, a critical feature to a tight game that saw each player only miss one shot. Lorde's miss came early, and she had a second miss on her only turn in overtime, where Shiny drove the 1 to the bottom right to grab the 1-2 win while getting closer in the 3-2 series. Shiny again made a ball on the break in game 6, hammering her shots around the table quite well. Lorde fell behind shortly after mid-game, and then missed again late, giving Shiny a cushion that she used before finishing with a 2-3 win. Shiny has come back to tie the series at 3, setting up a decisive finale. Shiny scratched while potting two balls on the break in game 7, putting her behind initially. Luckily for Shiny, Lorde couldn't hold the lead, falling behind in the middle of the game and slipping too far back to mount a late comeback. Shiny won 4-5 after a late scratch, and she finished the series ahead 4-3 after a brush with disaster. Shiny will visit the Westside Rockers' Misty in the bracket finals.

Apple Center, Todavía: Anton v. Peach. A rookie meets a sophomore here in a big 7-ball series with the blue cue. Todavía's Anton had a pair of balls on the break, and then he kept North Modernistic's Peach from making a counterattack. Anton closed on a three-ball run-out, deflecting off the 6 to tap the 7 into the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Anton had a ball on the break in game 2, a positive attack to begin with but it went unsupported. The Nighthawks' Peach used ball-in-hand after Anton missed contact on the 3 to ignite her own four-ball run-out for the win, tying the series at 1. Peach started game 3 with a ball on the break, and then sparred with Anton for the early shots. Anton opened up on a four-ball run-out, double-potting the 5 and 7 as a combination and follow shot at the top right for the win to restore his series lead at 2-1. Peach bounced back quite effectively in game 4, replying to Anton's two balls on the break with her own five-ball run-out, executed to perfection. Peach's reluctance to fall back has tied the series at 2. Momentum shifted again in a rockier game 5, as neither player could develop a true attacking run. Anton managed to pick up the last two balls at the end after some poor shooting from Peach, giving the host another chance to lead the series at 3-2. Both players had teased winning a game on the break, but Anton finally fulfilled the promise with a solid break that sent the 7 into the top side to quickly end game 6, securing the series for him at 4-2. Anton didn't do a whole lot in game 7, allowing Peach to take a consolation victory with majority possession and a three-ball run-out at the end. Anton took the series 4-3, and will visit the Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi in the bracket finals. This counts for Anton's second kill of the year, making Peach the 130th eliminated player. The Nighthawks' promising entry into this round ends with a loss for every member as the Stills get the team kill.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Ruby v. Cassie. The blue cue ends the split-day with the last Rotation bracket semifinal series. Archtown's Ruby had a tough break in game 1, leading to a back-and-forth between her and Royal's Cassie. Cassie had taken the lead in the middle of the game before Ruby burst forward on a four-ball run-out for the 8-5 win, earning a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Cassie had plenty of chances to take the lead in game 2, missing on the 6 twice to sacrifice some of her opportunities. The Arrows' Ruby stormed ahead, and then held off Cassie at the end by making a pair of shots for the 8-6 win after Cassie had pulled even. Ruby leads the series 2-0. Cassie jumped out to the lead in faltering first few turns for game 3. Ruby chopped back on a couple of bursts of offense, but Cassie found her way at the end, using a decoy shot on the 12 to bump the 13 to the bottom right for an 8-4 victory. Ruby remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Cassie didn't start well in game 4, giving Ruby room to take the early lead. Ruby was cruising until she scratched while potting the 8, leading to Cassie's five-ball run-out, including banks that sent the 10 and 13 to the top side. Cassie won the game 8-5, tying the series at 2. Ruby had the opening attack with a three-ball run in game 5 after Cassie scratched on the break. Cassie turned back with two pairs of shots and good defense to shut Ruby down, followed by a four-ball run-out ending with an 11-15 combination to the top right. Cassie won 8-3, pulling ahead 3-2 in the series. Game 6 saw a very even start between Ruby and Cassie, but Cassie proved to have all the bounces going her way. Her shot on the 6 bumped the 15 to the top side, and she added an 8-9 combination to the top left and a bank on the 10 to the top side to complete a five-ball run-out for the 8-3 win. Cassie secured the series at 4-2. Cassie had at least three lucky bounces over three positive turns to get her on the verge of winning game 7. Cassie's desire for an extra win went unsatisfied, as Ruby stormed back with a lucky bounce of her own to get a five-ball run-out going for an 8-7 win. Cassie still won the series 4-3, and will visit the Infinity Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman in the bracket finals. Cassie took her first career kill to make Ruby the 131st player eliminated this year. The Crowns also converted their second team kill on the Arrows.

Tomorrow, we end the Bracket Semifinals with the remaining six series. The remainder of the next week should be used for the Bracket Finals.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Semifinals Day 5

Many more pieces will fall into place after today's games, likely the last seven-series day in the round (though the split-day scheduled for this weekend will feature seven series as well). We begin with...

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Pounce. The blue cue makes a big return to the table in this 12-ball series between veterans. Lighton's Acorn needed only two turns to win game 1, potting two balls at the right corners from the break and then using ball-in-hand from missed contact by Southern's Pounce to find a four-ball run-out on his second turn. Acorn's dominant win gives him a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Acorn had another good start, and used the advantage from his break and bad positioning for the Monarchs' Pounce to stay a step ahead. Acorn received a favorable spot from Pounce for his final ball, converting for a win to take a 2-0 series lead. Acorn had stripes on the break, but he wanted solids. Pounce proved why, getting good position for every shot almost instantly. Acorn dropped into a defensive shape, but this only slowed down Pounce's attack, and he made five balls over his last three turns to grab the win before Acorn could catch up. Acorn remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Pounce had an unfavorable break in game 4, which led to Acorn making a five-ball run. Acorn had his difficulty in lining up his last shot, but Pounce only made four of his six balls before Acorn kicked the 4 to the bottom side for the win. Acorn restores a two-game advantage with the series at 3-1. Acorn employed a similar attack in game 5, although to a slower pace with only a four-ball run in the middle. Acorn still struggled to line up with the bottom side, and he gave Pounce enough time to make four balls over two turns after a scratch. Pounce's push gave him the win, cutting the series back to 3-2. Pounce sprung forward in game 6 with a five-ball run from the break, and while it wasn't pretty, he had plenty of time to strike at the top side given Acorn's disjointed attempts at offense. Pounce's win here tied the series at 3. Pounce brought the heat on offense again in game 7, forcing Acorn into a defensive stance yet again. Acorn had a scratch and a missed contact to ruin that play, and Pounce took two shots at the end for the win, completing the series comeback as he advances with a 4-3 win. Pounce will face Pacific Volcanoes top-seed Twinkie I in the bracket finals in a Coastal Derby. Acorn is the 123rd eliminated player, giving Pounce his first kill.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Mr. Snowman. Another pair of veterans matches up in Rotation with the blue cue. Pearl's Watermelon took a little time to get going, having to cover an early lead from Infinity's Mr. Snowman. Once Watermelon got going, her production was strong, and she outran Mr. Snowman for an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon held her ground for a bit despite a poor attack in game 2, but it didn't last long. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman slowly pulled ahead, and Watermelon couldn't challenge him. Mr. Snowman won 8-3 to tie the series at 1. Watermelon belted a five-ball run on her first turn of game 3, a mark that Mr. Snowman never matched in the game. Watermelon slowed down after the run, but matched Mr. Snowman from that point on, taking an 8-3 win to regain the series lead at 2-1. Watermelon had a bad break for game 4, leading to congestion on the right side of the table. She split the first points with Mr. Snowman, but then made the 2 and a double-pot of the 3 and 4 to the right corners to ignite what became her seven-ball run-out. Watermelon's surprising burst gave her an 8-1 win to push her series lead to 3-1. Mr. Snowman and Watermelon exchanged three-ball runs early in game 5, but Mr. Snowman built more of a lead from here. Watermelon challenged him a bit later on, but Mr. Snowman could not be shaken enough as he won 8-5, pulling back to a 3-2 deficit in the series. Mr. Snowman took the lead initially in game 6, only to see a five-ball run spurred by a double-pot of the 2 to the top side and the 3 to the top left pull Watermelon ahead. Watermelon floundered from here, and Mr. Snowman took a four-ball run-out for the 8-6 win, tying the series at 3 games apiece. Watermelon battled with Mr. Snowman early in the critical game 7, but Mr. Snowman rebuffed many of Watermelon's late attacks with ease. Mr. Snowman cruised to the 8-3 win, taking the series 4-3 to earn his spot in the bracket finals. Mr. Snowman took his second kill to make Watermelon the 124th ousted player. The Surfers were eliminated as a team with this loss.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Twinkie II. Northeastern captains and Reality club-mates meet after lunch in Accuracy with the blue cue. Both players started quite well in game 1, with Harrison's Twinkie II only falling into a tie after a miss near the end. Central's Twilight would lose it with a miss on her second shot in overtime, her only other foul being an earlier scratch. Twinkie II won 1-2, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II scuffled a bit after a positive start to game 2, but the Warriors' Twilight failed to punish the visitor for her misses. Twilight then tried a soft break in overtime, scratching to give Twinkie II an easy conversion for the 3-4 win. Twinkie II leads 2-0 in the series. Twinkie II got lucky with a lot of her early shots in game 3, and while her luck faded later in the game, she had put Twilight far enough behind to only fall even. Twilight suffered the worst, missing on her last shot as Twinkie II walked away with a 3-4 win on a tap-in to make it a 3-0 series lead. Twilight showed a bit more urgency in her style in game 4, doing everything she could to avoid a miss while Twinkie II couldn't seem to stop flubbing shots. Twilight just slipped up on the last ball, settling for a 1-4 win to cut the series to 3-1. Twilight kept things close with Twinkie II to start game 5, but just slipped behind at the wrong time. Twinkie II was unflappable near the end, only missing once she had the result in her favor. Twinkie II secured the series at 4-1 after this 2-3 win, another close result for the Cinderella bid. Both players remained perfect deep into game 6, with the only miss coming on the last ball when Twilight couldn't strike from distance. Twinkie II made a tough cut to secure the 0-1 win, pushing her series lead to 5-1. Twilight dominated in game 7, getting the upper hand on Twinkie II with four balls to go and closing out a confident 2-5 win. Unfortunately for her, that's also how the series ended, with Twinkie II advancing to visit the Midland Predators captain Shawn in the bracket finals with the 5-2 series win.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Kiwi. Another Urban Derby featuring a Knight goes down in 8-ball with the silver cue. Modernistic's Daisy absolutely tattooed her break shot in game 1, but still had to spar with Terrace City's Kiwi for short runs throughout the game. Daisy had just enough time at the end to put the 8 in the top right for the win, likely only taking the 1-0 series lead by a turn. The Knights' Kiwi showed just how dangerous she can be on the run in game 2, answering a pair of balls on the break from the Union's Daisy with a seven-ball run-out after Daisy had some collateral damage. Kiwi's massive run, full of positioning and skill, helped her quickly tie the series at 1. Kiwi fell behind after a bad break in game 3, allowing Daisy to soak up some offense. Kiwi fired back with a four-ball run, and while Daisy had a chance to counter it, she missed on the 2 after setting up for it, and Kiwi tapped the 8 into the top right. Kiwi holds a 2-1 series lead now. Kiwi followed that up with an awful break in game 4, leading to a poor start on offense for both players. Daisy did manage to pot a couple of shots before giving a ball away to Kiwi, but Kiwi's cluster-buster on her next turn sank the 8 illegally at the bottom left to gift a win to Daisy. This tied the series at 2. Daisy also had a bad break to lead off game 5, but she used it to her advantage. Kiwi established a defensive shell around the 1, which Daisy slowly broke down over the course of the game. Kiwi had to go for a late run, but missed her second shot, allowing Daisy to put the 8 in the bottom right for the win, restoring her own series lead at 3-2. Kiwi wouldn't go quietly, using a good break from Daisy to her advantage. The offense was mostly back-and-forth between the players, even right until Kiwi potted the last two shots to take the win, which tied the series at 3. Kiwi had a good break in game 7, but Daisy scooped up a quick four-ball run. Kiwi pulled back a little bit, not in time to stop Daisy from driving the 8 to the top left for the win. Daisy took the roller-coaster series 4-3 to move into the bracket finals.

GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Stephanie Livilotti v. Bianca. Two of the Defenders' young stars meet, with only one getting to continue on in 10-ball with the blue cue. Stephanie did most of the heavy lifting in game 1, taking a large portion of the offense over many turns. Bianca held off for much of the game until she struck on the 10 at the top right for the win, poaching her way to the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw Bianca get more involved on offense with a pair on the break and a three-ball run late in the game. Stephanie emerged from a defensive style to bank the 10 to the bottom side at the end, picking up the win to even the series at 1. Stephanie had a true majority of the offense in game 3, splitting pairs of shots with Bianca early on before making a three-ball run and a pair on her later turns. Stephanie's scratch on the 9 allowed Bianca to take the 10 from ball-in-hand for the win, giving Bianca the series lead again at 2-1. Bianca again took a backseat on offense in game 4, unable to do much after leaving most of the rack in close quarters. Stephanie took her time before finding a four-ball run to move things forward. Stephanie then mopped up the 10 that Bianca missed, giving her another win to tie the series at 2. Bianca continued to operate on thin margins in game 5, allowing Stephanie a fair amount of possession after a couple of errors. Stephanie made some shots, but couldn't kick in the 10, and Bianca cut it to the top right for the win, pulling ahead at 3-2 in the series. Stephanie maintained her power on offense, including a late three-ball run in game 6 that directly led to Bianca's counterattack on the final pair of balls. Bianca picked up this win as well, efficiently working her way to sealing the series at 4-2. Bianca did enjoy a three-ball run early in game 7, but she ceded possession and allowed Stephanie to make an impressive seven-ball run-out for the win in the finale. Bianca settled for a 4-3 series win over her teammate, and Bianca will host the Central Warriors' Noelle in the bracket finals. Stephanie is the 125th eliminated player, giving Bianca her fourth kill this year.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Hannah. Another series from the league's premier city is in 15-ball with the blue cue. Queens' Hannah pulled off an absolute stunner on her first shot of game 1, splitting a shot off the 1 to bump the 15 into the bottom right for the win. Hannah takes a 1-0 series lead over a shocked Modernistic crowd and Puff I. The Union's Puff I still looked shaken early in game 2, scratching twice against a calm but determined attack from the Flames' Hannah. Puff I cleared up enough to assemble a four-ball run-out, ending with a cut 6-15 combination to the bottom side for the win, tying the series at 1. Puff I and Hannah likely couldn't play a more even battle than they did in game 3, with each getting their looks and taking short spurts of offense. Hannah had a pair near the end of the game, and in true even form, Puff I answered it with the last two shots for the win, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series and looking fully recovered from her early scare. Puff I made the first five balls in game 4 over a couple of turns, pressuring Hannah to respond, which she did with a three-ball run that ended in a scratch. From there, the offense remained fairly even, with Puff I poking in the 11-15 combination to the top side to snag the win for a 3-1 series lead. Puff I looked absolutely dominant on offense, growing in each game. This time, she had a pair of three-ball runs and a four-ball run-out among other small bits of offense to defeat Hannah again. Puff I clinched the series at 4-1 with this win, making the game 1 loss look like an anomaly. Hannah finally offered a response in game 6, weathering fierce bursts of offense from Puff I for much of the early half of the game before delivering a four-ball run-out. Hannah's win cut the series to 4-2 in Puff I's favor. Game 7 was an impossibly boring battle of missed shots, fouls, and frustration that finally went to Puff I after Hannah fittingly missed on the 15 at the top left. Puff I took the series 5-2 to advance to the bracket finals. 

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Cobalt v. Vincent Sullivan. The red cue ends the day in 10-ball after a temporary rest. Viewpoint Sound's Vincent illegally potted the 10 early in game 1, leading to a four-ball run for Stonebridge's Cobalt. As the game went on, Cobalt lost his touch, and Vincent would win with the final pair of shots, good for a 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Vincent didn't take as much offense in game 2, especially with a sloppy start. The Wolves' Cobalt paced himself better this time, saving up to unleash a four-ball run-out at the end for the win, which tied the series at 1. Cobalt had a three-ball run fairly early in game 3 before the offense got choppy on both sides. Vincent picked up the pace at the end, making the 8 and 9 smoothly, but he rattled the 10 out of the top right. Cobalt ended up banking it to the bottom side for the win, pulling ahead 2-1 in the series. Cobalt led off with a massive five-ball run in game 4, immediately asserting himself in the attack. Vincent fired back on a four-ball run of his own, just missing the 10 at the top right, which Cobalt tapped in to take the win for a 3-1 series lead despite the nervy finish. Cobalt got good movement on the 10 on the game 5 break, so much so that he tried a 2-10 combination on his second turn. He missed, and Vincent glanced a shot off the 2 to tap the 10 into the top right for the win. Vincent has cut the series to 3-2. Cobalt managed a quick-fire five-ball run in the middle of game 6, a great spurt but it ended with a miss on the 9 at the top right. Vincent answered with a tap-in on the 9 and a long shot on the 10 to the bottom left for the win, tying the series at 3. Vincent put in a five-ball run after a tense start to the decisive game 7, doing everything but making the 10, which stood at the top left. Cobalt made the tap-in, relieved to take the win as his home fans celebrated his 4-3 series win. Cobalt will travel to face the Commerce Tradewinds' Taylor in the bracket finals. Cobalt took his second kill of the year to make Vincent the 126th player eliminated this year.

That's all for today. Over the weekend, we will play one day's worth of games over the two calendar days. The distribution is to be determined. The Bracket Semifinals are on track to end on Monday.

Tournament 2018 - Bracket Semifinals Day 4

We return today to bring the fifth round past its halfway point. Leading off today...

Intel Center, Diamond: Cassandra v. Marsell. The silver cue has a major role today, playing in six of seven series including this 10-ball one. Diamond's Cassandra had a three-ball run from the break in game 1, and then ended the game on a three-ball run-out in response to a three-ball run from Whitewater's Marsell. Cassandra has a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Marsell took hardly any time to bounce back in game 2, burying a pair of three-ball runs and adding the last two shots at the end when the Gems' Cassandra failed to provide a counterattack. Marsell's dominant win tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw the players take a fairly even split of the possession, battling back and forth for most of the game. Marsell had a late three-ball run, but couldn't corral the 10, and Cassandra tapped it into the bottom right for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Cassandra looked a bit better in game 4, making a couple of late pairs of shots to pressure Marsell. The strategy fell apart when she missed on the 10, which Marsell mopped up for a bit of a poached win to retie the series at 2. Game 5 started off sloppy thanks to a somewhat poor break from Marsell clogging up the shooting lanes. Cassandra struggled to break free, missing a couple of shots she'd usually make. Marsell eventually took advantage of that, burying a five-ball run-out for the win to pull ahead 3-2 in the series. Game 6 saw a reversal in form from the previous one, with Marsell doing great early on before hitting a small skid in the middle. Cassandra also struggled here, having not contributed much to the offense, and she waited for a chance that never came as Marsell won on a four-ball run-out to clinch the series at 4-2. Marsell continued to attack well in game 7, making a four-ball run from the break. Marsell chipped in frequently after that, but showed mercy after Cassandra scratched, and Cassandra would take the last two shots to grab the win. Marsell settled for a 4-3 series win as he heads on to the bracket finals. Cassandra in the 116th player out of the Tournament, giving Marsell his third kill of the year. This is also the second team-wipe of the year.

Ebay Center, Queens: Crystal v. Josie. Two teams with deep bad blood from cricket see their players clash in Rotation with the silver cue. Queens' Crystal took a difficult win in game 1, striking first but watching Oceanside's Josie take over in the middle. Josie couldn't hold her lead, and Crystal bounced back, chipping her way to an 8-6 win for a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Crystal had a three-ball run from the break, but her further efforts on offense were quickly stymied by the Waves' Josie. This lasted for quite some time, until Crystal kicked the 5 to the bottom right and got the deflection to take the 9 at the top right. Josie switched to all-out attack, but missed on the 11, and Crystal claimed the 8-4 win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Crystal continued to improve, battling with Josie shot-for-shot early in game 3. Crystal held her off well for awhile, and then switched to attack, making five-balls over her last two turns. Crystal won 8-3 on a three-ball run-out with a combo, a tap-in, and a bank of the 7 to the bottom side to seal it as she moves to a 3-0 series lead. Josie had her best start on offense in game 4, holding a lead for most of the game and looking good to finish it ahead. Crystal had other plans, storming ahead on a brilliant four-ball run, including a crafty 8-12 combination to the top left, and then Crystal made a pair on her next turn to win 8-5, sealing the series at 4-0. Josie had a four-ball run in game 5 after Crystal delivered an empty break. Crystal battled for a bit, and then attacked with a four-ball run, but just missed on the 13, allowing Josie to bounce back with a three-ball run-out for the 8-7 win. Crystal remains ahead 4-1 in the series. Crystal returned to form in game 6, taking the early lead with a nice attack. Josie had a crafty double-pot to tie the game, but Crystal was better over the back half, ultimately winning 8-5 to push her series lead to 5-1. Crystal burst out to a big lead after a bunch of short runs, only for Josie to take two turns to tie the score. Crystal promptly answered that threat with a pair of shots to win 8-6, taking the series win at 6-1. Crystal faces a big test when she visits Terrace City Knights rookie Quincy in the bracket finals. Crystal took her first kill of the year to make Josie the 117th eliminated player.

Apple Center, Todavía: Prism v. Hannah. The only non-silver series today is 8-ball with the red cue, right here. Queens' Hannah attacked with force on her first turn, a five-ball run stopped only by a stick foul. Todavía's Prism tried to fight back but couldn't find a run, and Hannah coasted to the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Prism copied the playbook for game 2, making a five-ball run on her first turn. The Flames' Hannah answered back with a six-ball run and some collateral damage to even things out, but lost when Prism won two turns later with a pair of shots. Prism's quick offense helped her tie the series at 1. Game 3 went mostly even between the players, and a lot slower than the previous game. In the end, Hannah couldn't ignite her offense before Prism rallied on a four-ball run-out for the win, giving the host her first series lead at 2-1. Prism had a firm attack in game 4, her second turn consisting of a six-ball run to get onto the 8. Hannah had to switch to a defensive tactic for a bit before unleashing a six-ball run-out to snag the comeback win, tying the series again at 2. Hannah did not bring her best in game 5, making an early four-ball run but scratching twice to set herself back. Prism had some dangerous chances but her runs lacked depth, and Hannah managed to pick up the win and 3-2 series lead anyway. Game 6 started out alright, but by Hannah's third scratch it had devolved into a mess of scattered and overpowered shots on both sides. Prism threw away her chance to win to let out frustrations, missing multiple late shots with the game yet to be decided. Hannah took the sloppy win to secure the series at 4-2. Game 7 saw the players simmer down a bit better, with Prism then trying to find the win while making a late four-ball run that left the 8 up. Hannah converted a three-ball run-out in response for the win, taking the series win at 5-2. Hannah will visit the Web City Spiders captain Shadow in the bracket finals. Hannah grabbed her third kill this year, while Prism is the 118th player eliminated.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach v. Princess. The silver cue is back for the first of two consecutive Accuracy series. Pronger's Zach had a ball on the break, and he held his shooting well for quite awhile. Tysini's Princess was good as well before missing a couple of shots, only for Zach to even it late. Princess had one more bad miss at the end, giving Zach the 2-3 win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Hummingbirds' Princess couldn't settle herself in game 2, a spree of misses in the middle ruining her chances of getting anywhere. The Tridents' Zach held himself well, shooting simple shots to take the 1-4 win and a 2-0 series lead. Zach was the one to falter in game 3, missing a couple of shots he should have made, and then scratching to confirm he would remain behind. Princess kept herself to one miss in the 1-3 win, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Princess took a turn to perfection in game 4, evoking the early play from game 1 as she and Zach both avoided misses for most of the game. Zach missed on a long cut toward the bottom right and Princess would win 0-1 from there, tying the series at 2. Princess put in plenty of challenges for Zach in game 5, but neither player could really take control. Both ended up with a late miss to force overtime, and Princess' break in overtime yielded nothing to save her from Zach's 3-4 win when he converted. Zach retook the series lead at 3-2. In game 6, Princess slipped behind relatively early, while Zach maintained a perfect score until very late. Princess grew desperate on later shots and missed many of them as Zach took the 1-6 win to seal the series at 4-2. Princess took the lead when Zach scratched on the game 7 break, and held it until the end of the game, winning 3-5 to leave Zach as the series winner at 4-3. Zach will visit the winner of the next series in the bracket finals. Princess is the 119th player out of the Tournament, giving Zach his third kill.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Oreo. The other silver cue Accuracy semifinal goes here between more aggressive competitors. The two players brought the heat in game 1, with Freedom's Nikolai making a ball on the break and Terrace City's Oreo using a double-pot to earn the last shot rights. They were perfect until Oreo missed on her second shot in overtime, giving Nikolai an instant 0-1 win and 1-0 series lead. The two players again went perfect deep into game 2, but the regression came quickly as the Cascades' Nikolai had a spree of misses and a scratch to sacrifice his chance at the win. The Knights' Oreo held on better, winning 1-3 to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Oreo stayed pretty locked in for game 3, battling with Nikolai in the early going before the host fell off the pace. Nikolai had a handful of misses in the late game, and while Oreo scuffed one shot, she still won 2-5 to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Nikolai had the lead for most of game 3, created when Oreo missed a couple of early shots. Unfortunately for Nikolai, he failed to clamp down quickly enough on these, and when he missed twice at the end, it gave Oreo the 3-4 margin she'd win by, pushing her series lead to 3-1. Oreo's offense cratered in game 5, falling apart early on despite Nikolai having the first miss. Nikolai managed to make the lead hold up after the two players exchanged misses, with Nikolai's 2-3 win also representing his current position in the series. Nikolai didn't have enough energy left to battle in game 6, falling apart with many misses. Oreo was no better, and they finished regulation sloppily before rebounding slightly in overtime, where Oreo ultimately won 7-8. Oreo clinched the series at 4-2 with this ugly win. Nikolai managed to force overtime in a careless game 7 effort as well, and he ended up winning 3-4 after a narrow miss by Oreo. The series went to Oreo by a 4-3 score, giving her the chance to host the Pronger Tridents' Zach in the bracket finals. Oreo picked up her second kill of the year, while Nikolai is the 120th player to be out of the Tournament, with only one-third of the player base left.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Ms. Puppy v. Shaggy. Two respected veterans tangle in an Urban Derby of 12-ball. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy made two balls on the break, but her three turns ended in two scratches and missed contact, giving Whitewater's Shaggy an easy path to pot all of her balls over three turns for the win. Shaggy leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Shaggy made a ball on the break and then scattered her shots well around the table. The Union's Ms. Puppy opted to work right to left, but couldn't set up her final ball before Shaggy won by double-potting the 13 in the top side and the 14 in the top left. Shaggy moves to a 2-0 series lead with this close win. Shaggy was the one unable to work her offense in game 3, making a ball in each suit on the break to give Ms. Puppy a wild-card ball and then scratching to make things worse. Ms. Puppy took over with one shot at the top side, but she won on her next turn with a four-ball run-out from ball-in-hand when Shaggy had missed contact. Shaggy remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Shaggy had a four-ball run on her first turn in game 4 after Ms. Puppy failed to build up anything after making a ball on the break. Shaggy had good positioning for her last two shots, and took them patiently as Ms. Puppy tried to make a comeback only to fall short. Shaggy's win here puts her ahead 3-1 in the series. Shaggy made shots at the side pockets as part of a four-ball run to open game 5, but she also gave Ms. Puppy a wild-card ball. Had Shaggy had better positioning on her last ball, she might have clinched, but Ms. Puppy took ball-in-hand from missed contact and created a four-ball run-out to claim the win, staying alive despite trailing 3-2 in the series. Ms. Puppy took solids off the break, but also ceded a pair of wild-card balls on her opening turn. Ms. Puppy remained optimistic as Shaggy took her time on offense, but Shaggy struck from distance to win at the top left just as Ms. Puppy had gotten her last shot aligned. Shaggy secured the series at 4-2 with this win. Ms. Puppy focused on positioning in game 7, setting up five shots and converting them over two turns after Shaggy had progressed pretty quickly through the game but failed to sink her last ball. Shaggy settled for a 4-3 series win, setting her up for a road series in the bracket finals. Shaggy picked up her third kill while Ms. Puppy's excellent season ends as the 121st eliminated player.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Whiskers. Today's finale is in 9-ball, with home-field in the silver cue's bracket final on the line between these talented veterans. Maplewood's Whiskers came agonizingly close to winning twice in game 1, the first on a missed shot on the 3 that put the 9 on the edge of the bottom right as the 3 fell in the top right, and the second as she scratched while converting the 4-9 combination on the next shot. All of this combined to give Eastside's Chelsea a 1-0 series lead out of thin air. The Sharks' Chelsea owned the early part of game 2, but the Lumberjacks' Whiskers challenged her with a four-ball run late to even possession. Whiskers would win with her second try on the 9 at the bottom left, tying the series at 1. Whiskers had the highlight in a messier game 3, making a four-ball run over the middle before things slowed down. Whiskers tried to run again late, but scratched as she made the 8, and Chelsea took the win with the 9 from ball-in-hand, restoring her series lead at 2-1. Whiskers again played high event pool in game 4, scratching on her first turn. Chelsea made the 1 from ball-in-hand and converted the 2-9 combination to the bottom right on the next shot for the win to move ahead 3-1 in the series. Chelsea delivered another quick win in game 5, taking the 3 and 7 to the bottom corners on the break before a 1-5-9 bank combination landed squarely in the bottom left for the win. Chelsea's quick finishes propelled her to seal the series at 4-1. Chelsea had a pair on the break again in game 6, and she made another good attack on her second turn, but a scratch that as she shot a 5-9 combination that didn't hit helped Whiskers take the win on a three-ball run-out. Whiskers' win cut the series to 4-2. Chelsea didn't ease up any in game 7, working on a four-ball run in the middle and poking in the 9 that Whiskers missed at the bottom left at the end. Chelsea had a 5-2 series win to put her in line to host the Lighton Prestige's Nicole in the bracket finals. Chelsea took her first kill of the year, with Whiskers as the 122nd eliminated player.

We'll play another full day tomorrow, with a likely split day over the weekend instead of one-off/one-on. Saturday will have the majority of the split day action.