Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 38

The weekend action is here, likely to be played mostly or all on Saturday. First up...

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Sydney S. v. Brownie. The red cue gets the first appearance in Accuracy. A fairly even game 1 eventually went in favor of Harrison's Sydney S. after Royal's Brownie had a late miss on the 2. Sydney S. won by a 3-4 score to take the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was even uglier, as both players showed virtually no ability to consistently convert shots. The high-scoring game was tied in overtime, where they each missed their first shot before the Crowns' Brownie put a merciful end to her 7-8 win as the Specters' Sydney S. missed. This tied the series at 1. Both players improved drastically in a tight game 3, with Brownie sticking Sydney S. with a decisive late miss for the 1-2 win. Brownie took the series 2-1 to get to the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Spice v. Kiwi. A captains' battle is set for Rotation with the silver cue. A three-ball run in the middle of game 1 was enough of a cushion for Victoria's Spice, who held off Terrace City's Kiwi for the 8-5 win. Spice leads the series 1-0. The Knights' Kiwi used a four-ball run to overcome the first attack from the Spurs' Spice in game 2, but Kiwi had nothing for Spice's counter-punch. Spice walked away with another 8-5 win to clinch the series at 2-0. Spice made it a sweep with a dominant game 3, pounding a five-ball run from the break and feeding off her home crowd as she completed an 8-0 shutout over Kiwi. Spice's 3-0 series win sends her to the second round. Kiwi will have five bids in the second round, and she is also the first player to face 100 unique opponents.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Avril. The blue cue gets its first turn today in Accuracy. Web City's Avril was behind almost from the get-go, and she never had a realistic chance in game 1 as Westside's Midnight played well despite finishing with a 3-6 win. Midnight is up 1-0 in the series. The Spiders' Avril made a remarkable improvement in game 2, staying perfect deep into the game and then drawing out a couple of misses from the Rockers' Midnight. This resulted in Avril winning 1-2 to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Midnight struggled initially in game 3, but kept it clean enough to hang with Avril. At the end, Avril had a pair of misses that allowed Midnight to take the 2-3 win and 2-1 series win. Midnight is set to host Sage of the Victoria Spurs in round two.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Mitchell v. Stinky. A couple of struggling players meet in 15-ball as the blue cue stays in action. Freedom's Stinky put up a good fight in game 1 against a creative effort from Victoria's Mitchell, but Stinky's scratch allowed Mitchell to pot the final pair for the win. Mitchell took a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Stinky kept up for a bit in game 2 until he suffered a brutal scratch. The Spurs' Mitchell took it from there, tallying a five-ball run-out for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Mitchell had an energetic start to game 3, but he hit a wall near the end. Stinky recovered enough to make a few late shots, earning the win and avoiding the sweep as Mitchell advances to the second round on a 2-1 series win.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Cobalt. Outcast club-mates clash in the blue cue's last 7-ball series of the first round. Archtown's Hoppy missed contact on a kick towards the 4 late in game 1, leading to Stonebridge's Cobalt piecing together a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt scuffled too much out of the gate in game 2, allowing the Arrows' Hoppy to assemble a brilliant six-ball run-out for the win. Hoppy's victory tied the series at 1. Hoppy had worked up to a three-ball run late in game 3, but it went to waste when she missed the 7. Cobalt struck it to the bottom left for the win to take the series 2-1. Cobalt will travel to Atlantic to face Pirates captain Delila in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Nibbles. The red cue is back in action now with Rotation on tap. Freedom's Roxy started off alright in game 1, but Viewpoint Sound's Nibbles charged hard at the end. Nibbles kicked the 8 to the bottom side while deflecting the 13 to the bottom right before putting the 9 in the top right to seal an 8-2 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Nibbles did well to keep up for the first half of game 2, but the Cascades' Roxy rattled off a four-ball run-out, capped by a wicked kick on the 12 to the top right. Roxy won 8-4, tying the series at 1 in the process. Roxy took the early lead in game 3 with steady offense, and while a four-ball run from Nibbles erased that lead, Roxy capitalized on Nibbles' later mistakes to win 8-5. Roxy took the series 2-1 and will play in round two. Nibbles only put of his bids into the next round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Bear v. Delila. The red cue stays in action for this 13-ball series. Everton's Bear played the pest role quite well in game 1, constantly ruining the positioning for Atlantic's Delila. It worked, as a frustrated Delila illegally potted the 8 to gift the win and 1-0 series lead to Bear. The Eagles' Bear had too many fouls in game 2, including a scratch and two misses, which prevented his annoying tendencies from being effective. The Pirates' Delila lined things up and converted a five-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was as close as it gets, with Bear getting a chance on the 8 that he sent wide of the bottom right. Delila made her last ball and replied with the winning cut to the same spot, taking the series 2-1. Delila will visit the Harrison Specters' Lexi in the second round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Bryant. Back in Rotation, veterans meet with the red cue in between. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty had a three-ball run early answered by Maplewood's Bryant. Game 1 consisted of a bunch of flurries of call-and-response shooting until Frosty silenced Bryant with an 8-6 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Bryant had the first crack at the lead in game 2, but after a mid-game double-pot of the 9 and the 10 off a shot on the 8, the Meteors' Frosty took over on offense. Frosty managed to win 8-5 after a grinding finish, clinching the series at 2-0. Bryant held the lead for much of game 3, but he became flustered by rattling balls out of the pockets. Frosty kept calmer and came from behind on a three-ball run-out to win the game 8-7 and the series 3-0. Frosty heads off to the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Cobalt v. Violetta. The host's second series of the day is in Accuracy with the red cue against a club-mate. Stonebridge's Cobalt held the lead for most of game 1 until he missed on the last ball to force overtime. Here, his break was empty, and Queens' Violetta converted a shot to snag the 2-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt returned the favor in game 2, getting the Flames' Violetta to miss late in regulation and then again on her overtime break. Cobalt converted to the top side in overtime to win 1-2, tying the series at 1. Both players were perfect deep into game 3, but it was Cobalt who cracked first, his miss the only one in Violetta's 0-1 win that sealed the series for her at 2-1. Violetta outdid her club-mate to get to round two.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Kitty. A co-captain hosts a rookie in 13-ball with the blue cue. Midland's Kitty had no trouble keeping up with Pearl's Watermelon, and Kitty actually got the win when Watermelon scratched while attempting the 8. Kitty put the 8 at the bottom side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon showed a bit more efficiency in converting her shots in game 2, outpacing the Predators' Kitty near the end to tap the 8 into the top left corner. Watermelon's win tied the series at 1. Watermelon stormed out to an early lead in game 3, and she didn't let it go either, getting a little help as Kitty potted one of Watermelon's balls. Watermelon then ignited a three-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win to set her against the Infinity Torpedoes' captain Smudge in the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Josie. For the third time today, Outcast club-mates square off, this time in Rotation with the silver cue. Archtown's Hoppy held an early lead thanks to a three-ball run off the break and some good play, but Oceanside's Josie shredded the deficit with a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out. She made a lot of fortunate shots to win 8-6, but Josie still has the 1-0 series lead nonetheless. The Waves' Josie showed a clear disdain for a crowded table, allowing the Arrows' Hoppy to enjoy the early lead. Josie had chances to catch up but couldn't make the run, and Hoppy won 8-2 to tie the series at 1. Hoppy again staked out a large lead in game 3, and while Josie made a late push, Hoppy held her off to win 8-5 for the 2-1 series win. Hoppy will host Victoria Spurs captain Spice in the second round, one of her six bids to advance.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Tigerette. Stars and long-time legends of the league meet in 12-ball with the blue cue. Infinity's Fluffina made three balls on her first two turns, but a four-ball run by Commerce's Tigerette ruined Fluffina's positioning. Fluffina then missed contact on a kick, and Tigerette made her last two balls for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Fluffina flipped the script in game 2, allowing the Tradewinds' Tigerette to get her positioning lined up. Fluffina then attacked with a four-ball run and followed up for her last two shots on the next turn for the win. This tied the energetic series at 1. Tigerette had an early scratch to disrupt her attack, and Fluffina rallied on a five-ball run. Fluffina would scratch, but she had time to push back for a pair of shots on the winning turn. Fluffina's 2-1 series win assures her a spot in the second round.

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Midnight. The blue cue gets another twirl in 12-ball. Victoria's Yekaterina opened game 1 with a three-ball run, but her troubles at the bottom side allowed Westside's Midnight to catch up and win with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Midnight did everything right in game 2, getting down to her last ball and playing for positioning, but the Spurs' Yekaterina stormed back anyway. Yekaterina had delicately positioned every ball and executed a textbook six-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Midnight and Yekaterina tangled in a tantalizing game 3, with Midnight ultimately beating Yekaterina to the final ball for the win. Midnight took the series 2-1 and will play in round two.

Apple Center, Todavía: Sierra v. Spirit. Sisters square off in 8-ball with the blue cue in a specially timed daily finale tonight. Game 1 had an electric start, with Lighton's Spirit making a four-ball run only for Todavía's Sierra to answer with a five-ball run. Spirit had a late scratch ruin her effort, and Sierra took it from there for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Spirit again made a push early in game 2, but the quality of play dropped on both sides toward the end. A second scratch from the Stills' Sierra would be enough to propel Spirit to the win as she tapped the 8 down at the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Game 3 went down to the wire, decided by Spirit striking a three-ball run-out while Sierra struggled for a good position. Spirit took the series 2-1 and will visit Oreo of the Terrace City Knights in the second round.

Tomorrow is an off day for Tournament action, but expect to see at least the end of Elite Week 22 and potentially the start of Premier's final week on Twitter @UnitedPCL.

Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 37

We're ready for Friday pool, beginning with...

T-Mobile Center, Victoria: Yekaterina v. Panda. A star takes on a captain in 10-ball with the silver cue to start the day. Victoria's Yekaterina needed a little time to find her form before sinking a four-ball run. Southern's Panda tried to fight back, but he scratched on the 10, and Yekaterina made it from ball-in-hand to give herself a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina had a little less offense in game 2 as the Monarchs' Panda tried to stay competitive. Panda had two chances at the 10 near the end of the game and missed both, while Yekaterina converted her second try to get the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Panda finally got a win in game 3 as Yekaterina struggled with positioning. Panda worked a five-ball run-out for this win, which left Yekaterina at a 2-1 series win. Yekaterina will visit her most recent opponent's father in the second round, hosting the Tysini Hummingbirds' Paps.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Jake. The silver cue remains in action for this 13-ball series. Royal's Jake had good positioning and started well in game 1, but he couldn't get onto the 8, and Stonebridge's Vladimir rallied back with a three-ball run-out to claim the win. Vladimir leads the series 1-0. The Wolves' Vladimir struck on the break again in game 2, but he was a little slower on offense this time. The Crowns' Jake played a patient but efficient game, capitalizing with a four-ball run-out when it lined up. The big finish gave Jake a win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 saw Jake start out hot with a three-ball run. Vladimir chipped back and even gained the lead, but his lack of positioning allowed Jake to fight back for the win and 2-1 series win. Jake is off to the second round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Fluffina v. Lexi. Back in 10-ball, the blue cue gets its first assignment of the day. Harrison's Lexi was clearly better in game 1 with a three-ball run compared to a pair of errors by Infinity's Fluffina. Lexi was also greedy, missing the 5-10 combination attempt she had after Fluffina illegally potted a ball. Fluffina made that shot at the top right for the win and 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was a much choppier battle between the players. The Torpedoes' Fluffina may rue lightly hitting the 10 at the bottom left, leaving it lined up for the Specters' Lexi to convert for the win, which tied the series at 1. Fluffina broke through again at the end of a close game 3, ripping a four-ball run-out to take the 2-1 series win over Lexi. Fluffina will host a former club-mate, the Todavía Stills captain Easter, in round two.

Intel Center, Diamond: Pedey v. Slinks. A pair of club-mates resumes action after the lunch break in Rotation with the red cue. Westside's Slinks had an impressive four-ball run end with a scratch in game 1, allowing Diamond's Pedey to respond on a five-ball run-out for the 8-4 win. Pedey leads the series 1-0. The Gems' Pedey started well again in game 2 with a four-ball run. The Rockers' Slinks pulled back a bit in the middle of the game, but couldn't extend her attack as Pedey took another 8-4 for the 2-0 series lead. Slinks had a strong four-ball run early in game 3, including a 5-12-13 combination to the bottom right. Slinks couldn't finish it, as Pedey roared back to win 8-6 for the 3-0 series sweep. Pedey is into the second round.

Sony Center, Queens: Hannah v. Wario. Castle Derby rivals give it a go in 7-ball with the blue cue. Queens' Hannah scratched in game 1 at an inopportune time, allowing Southridge's Wario to make a trip of tap-ins for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Defenders' Wario made sure the Flames' Hannah didn't see the table in game 2, getting the 4 to fall on the break very late before he ran the table in seven shots. Wario's brilliant run clinched the series for him at 2-0. Wario completed the sweep on a five-ball run-out in another dominant effort in game 3 that saw Hannah limited to just two shots. Wario's 3-0 series sweep sets him up to face the other Castle Derby rival in the second round, as he'll visit Brownie of the Royal Crowns.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Cobalt. The silver cue is back in action for another 13-ball series. Oceanside's Snuggle had good offense in game 1, but failed to position himself on his last ball. Stonebridge's Cobalt took the cheap possession and used it well to earn the win with a pair of shots for the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt struck on the break in game 2, but as he searched for a big finishing run, the Waves' Snuggle undercut him. Snuggle banked in his last two shots perfectly and cut the 8 to the bottom left for the win, tying the series at 1. Snuggle had an empty break in game 3, which spread the rack well. Cobalt plucked a five-ball run on his first turn, sending Snuggle into a desperate frenzy. Snuggle picked up four balls, but Cobalt took the win and the 2-1 series win. Cobalt will visit Jake of the Royal Crowns in the second round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Taylor M. v. Cheddar. The silver cue gets another series, playing 9-ball this time. North Modernistic's Cheddar drew up a three-ball run-out at the end of game 1, earning the win despite struggling to get much possession against Eastside's Taylor M. early on. Cheddar is up 1-0 in the series. The Nighthawks' Cheddar again had a couple of early errors in game 2. The Sharks' Taylor M. took a couple of corresponding potshots at the 9, but she missed. Cheddar protected it to the finish to earn the win, sealing the series at 2-0. Taylor M. salvaged one win out of the series in game 3, banking the 9 to the top left to get a win in another close game with Cheddar. In the end, it's a 2-1 series win for Cheddar, who will visit Midnight of the Westside Rockers in round two.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Josie. The blue cue cycles in for Accuracy between Coastal rivals. Oceanside's Josie boldly made an early double-pot, but this loss of the last-shot advantage was costly, as Southern's Dominic won the shorter game 1-2 for a 1-0 series lead after a close battle. Game 2 was significantly sloppier than the first, with the Waves' Josie quickly falling behind. Finishing was difficult as well, but the Monarchs' Dominic eventually emerged with a 4-6 win to seal the series at 2-0. Dominic took a chaotic game 3 battle with Josie, who appeared to give up in frustration near the end of the 2-5 contest. Dominic swept the series 3-0 and will host A. Charlton of the Archtown Arrows in the second round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Lexi v. Gradley. The red cue takes a turn in 13-ball as the host gets her second series of the day. Boston's Gradley had appeared to turn the less favorable distribution from the break into a win in game 1, but it was revealed he had double-potted after the game, which granted the win and 1-0 series lead to Harrison's Lexi on a technicality. The Swifts' Gradley was much more careful with his shot placement in game 2, doing just enough to edge by the Specters' Lexi for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was close throughout, coming down to the bottom side. Lexi did better to shove Gradley out of the way while potting her own ball before putting the 8 away in the top right. Lexi took the series 2-1 and will head to the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Spot. The blue cue is called on for a 9-ball set. Pronger's Spot posted a three-ball run early in game 1, but a struggling start turned into a brilliant finish as Central's Dustin rallied with a three-ball run-out for the win. Dustin leads the series 1-0. The Warriors' Dustin lacked a big run in game 2, and his play was still a bit sloppy. The Tridents' Spot capitalized on that, picking up steam late while still playing choppy in the win. Spot's victory tied the series at 1. Dustin took his time to ignite the offense in game 3, but an illegal contact call by Spot served as the catalyst. Dustin broke out with a five-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-1. Dustin is off to the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Lize v. Gradley. Another Trident gets to play host against a foe on his second series of the day, using the red cue for 7-ball. Pronger's Lize left the 7 near the top left from the game 1 break. Both players took swipes in that direction, but Boston's Gradley finished the game with a pair of shots for his win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Lize made sure to take a stand in game 2, striking late against the Swifts' Gradley by making a three-ball run-out for the win. This win helped Lize tie the series at 1. Lize had a three-ball run at one point in game 3 as well, but she fell short of the mark by missing the 7, which Gradley mopped up for the win and 2-1 series win. Gradley is set to visit Twinkie I of the Pacific Volcanoes in the second round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Twinkie III. We're back to 9-ball with the blue cue in this series. Oceanside's Jason V. had the majority of the offense in game 1, including a late four-ball run stalled by missed contact. Whitewater's Twinkie III got ball-in-hand on the 9 and put it in the bottom right for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. The Waves' Jason V. again worked a late run, this time a three-ball surge that ended with a miss on the 8. The Shores' Twinkie III converted the last two balls for her win to seal the series at 2-0. Twinkie III showed the youngster how to finish a game, rallying with a five-ball run-out in game 3 to complete the 3-0 sweep of Jason V. Twinkie III will visit the Central Warriors' Dustin in round two.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Gradley. An all-Swifts series in 12-ball is next, using the blue cue. Sweetheart gave away a wild-card ball on the break in game 1, but Gradley wasn't able to do enough on offense to take advantage. Sweetheart's strong play gave her the win and 1-0 lead in the series. Both players had good set-up play in game 2, but Sweetheart just ruined a run by under-hitting a ball. Gradley capitalized by making his last two balls for a narrow win to tie the series at 1 game apiece. Gradley got pushed around in game 3, as Sweetheart disrupted him at the bottom side and left him poor positioning late in the game. Sweetheart then put the 3 in the bottom left for the win and 2-1 series win that sends her to the second round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Waluigi. Maligned players clash in today's finale, which is also the silver cue's last 9-ball action of the round. Westside's Chimpy made do with limited possession in game 1, as Web City's Waluigi had an early four-ball run and added more after that. Chimpy's unpredictable win gives him a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Chimpy asserted himself better in an even game 2, surging ahead over the Spiders' Waluigi at the end on a three-ball run-out. This secured the series at 2-0 for Chimpy. In game 3, Waluigi had some early moment go his way, but his late play slipped. Chimpy took the win on a tap-in at the bottom side. Chimpy swept the series 3-0, and he will host Mr. Snowman of the Infinity Torpedoes in the second round.

We're likely to feature at least some pool tomorrow and some cricket on Sunday as we transition into the weekend workload.

Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 36

We're back with a late start for today's pool action, beginning with...

Intel Center, Diamond: Smokey v. Avril. The silver cue gets the first action today, playing 7-ball. Diamond's Smokey capitalized on Web City's Avril scratching on her only shot at the 7. Smokey took it from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Smokey tried a kick on the 7 near the end of game 2, but he missed it at the top left as his three-ball run ended. The Spiders' Avril tapped it in instead, earning the win to tie the series at 1. Smokey and Avril went back-and-forth in game 3, with Smokey's wide miss on the 7 allowing Avril to pick up the win for a 2-1 series win. Avril will travel to Everton to face a Northeastern rival in the Eagles' Cleo in the second round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Steven v. Vladimir. An Eastern Hills rivalry edition of 7-ball with the blue cue is next. Late-game finishing seems to be a league-wide problem today, as Atlantic's Steven made a three-ball run but missed the 7 in game 1, allowing Stonebridge's Vladimir to mop it up for the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Vladimir did his best to buck that trend with a five-ball run-out in game 2, easily surging to the win to clinch the series at 2-0 over the Pirates' Steven. Vladimir completed the sweep with a three-ball run-out in game 3, after Steven made illegal contact. Vladimir's 3-0 series win sends him on the road again in the second round, where he'll visit his sister, the Victoria Spurs' Yekaterina.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Taylor M. The silver cue is back for this Accuracy series. Oceanside's Snuggle hit the skids early in game 1, and he never had time to recover, as Eastside's Taylor M. claimed a 1-4 win for the 1-0 series lead after a very strong performance. Game 2 was very even and saw some back-and-forth play near the end. The Sharks' Taylor M. fell behind by missing the last ball to the top right, and the Waves' Snuggle converted for the 3-4 win to tie the series at 1. Snuggle figured things out in game 3, getting a bunch of early misses from Taylor M. before shutting it down at 2-4 for the win. Snuggle took the series 2-1, and will host Fluffina of the Infinity Torpedoes in the second round.

AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Celestia v. Mario. The United Derby gets a Rotation remix in this series with the silver cue. Oceanside's Celestia washed Queens' Mario off the table in game 1, combining steady offense and smothering defense for the 8-0 shutout win. Celestia owns a 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Celestia brought some of that defense back in game 2, but the Flames' Mario wiggled out of it a couple of times. An even game ended up breaking Mario's way, as a two-rail kick on the 14 tapped the 15 to the top side for the 8-6 win that tied the series at 1. Game 3 was another grind for both players, with Mario taking a late lead only for him to miss the 15. Celestia took it at the bottom right for the 8-7 win and 2-1 series win. Celestia will play in round two after a tense finish to the series.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Chris v. Bear. The red cue gets the draw in Accuracy this time after the lunch break. Everton's Bear couldn't capitalize on mistakes by Capital City's Chris, and also made too many of his own as Chris skated by on a 4-5 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Chris played much better in game 2, completing a perfect performance in a 0-2 win over the Eagles' Bear, who saw his improvements unrewarded. Chris clinched the series at 2-0 with this win. Chris was unable to keep up in game 3 despite making a pair on the break. Bear played well and earned a 2-4 win to avoid the sweep in Chris' 2-1 series win. Chris will play in the second round.

Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Sweetheart v. Gizmo. Veterans meet in another Accuracy series, this one with the silver cue. A sloppy start saw both players miss early, but Eastside's Gizmo settled in from there and held on to beat Boston's Sweetheart 1-2 for the 1-0 series lead after game 1. The Sharks' Gizmo looked to be on a similar track in game 2 until he botched a couple of shots near the end. The Swifts' Sweetheart used her positioning well to take the 2-3 win, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Gizmo held the lead for most of game 3 before another late fade caused the game to go into overtime. Both players made a pair before Sweetheart failed on her third turn. Gizmo won 3-4 for the 2-1 series win. Gizmo will visit an Eastern Hills rival in the Diamond Gems' Katelynn in the second round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Dustin. The red cue is back as we switch to Rotation again. Lighton's Shiny won game 1 in a romp, working a five-ball run from the break and adding a three-ball run-out with some tricky plays to take an 8-0 win and 1-0 series lead over Central's Dustin. The Warriors' Dustin did better in game 2, taking three separate leads. A three-ball run put him on the edge of victory, but the Prestige's Shiny rallied back with a four-ball run-out for the 8-7 win to seal the series at 2-0. Dustin finally broke through for the win in game 3 with an 8-3 victory, playing good defense to stall Shiny's attack. Shiny still won the series 2-1 and will play in round two.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Tigerette v. Nightfur. The blue cue cycles in for 9-ball between two of the toughest captains in the league. Royal's Nightfur found a three-ball run in the middle of game 1, and Commerce's Tigerette couldn't match it late, leaving the 9 near the bottom left. Nightfur converted the tap-in for a win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Tigerette had her chances in game 2, but she got hung up on the 5. Eventually, the Crowns' Nightfur broke through for a three-ball run-out, cutting the 9 to the top left for the win, which secured the series at 2-0. Nightfur never let Tigerette see the table in game 3, hammering a brilliant seven-ball run-out from the break, capped by a 6-9 combination to the top right. Nightfur swept the series 3-0 to get to the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Cowzart. The blue cue stays in action for this 12-ball series. Terrace City's Kiwi started with solids in game 1, but never got past the side pockets while giving Pacific's Cowzart a wild-card ball. The visitor Cowzart used the advantage widely, easily earning the win and 1-0 series lead in the process. The Volcanoes' Cowzart came out hot with five balls over three turns to start game 2, while the Knights' Kiwi played the positioning game. Kiwi's plan worked, as she engineered a six-ball run-out for the comeback win to tie the series at 1. Kiwi again planned well in game 3, taking a long route to good positioning. Cowzart did what he could with defense at the bottom left, but Kiwi got by it for the win to take the series 2-1. Kiwi moves on to the second round.

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Gizmo v. Chelsea. Back to 9-ball with the blue cue as Sharks teammates clash. Nothing pretty came from game 1 until the end, when Gizmo finally grabbed the sloppy win on a bank that sent the 9 to the top left. Gizmo leads Chelsea 1-0, although not with much confidence. Both players looked better in game 2, but Chelsea slipped up late, scratching to end a three-ball run. Gizmo gladly took the 9 from ball-in-hand for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw Gizmo actually take a strong majority of possession, but he missed his bank on the 9, and Chelsea downed it at the bottom left. Gizmo won the series 2-1 and will move on to round two.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Shawn. Two captains of the most recent expansion teams meet in Rotation with the silver cue. Midland's Shawn had a little good fortune but no sustained offense in game 1, while North Modernistic's Peach played a steady game in an 8-3 win for the 1-0 lead in the series. The Predators' Shawn had a little more offense in game 2, but he couldn't keep the Nighthawks' Peach at bay, as the host charged late to nab an 8-5 win. This secured the series at 2-0 for Peach. In game 3, Peach had it even easier as Shawn barely showed up and frequently lacked a clear shot anyway. Peach took this win 8-1 to make it a 3-0 series sweep sending her to the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Twinkie III v. Pounce. Experienced players meet for another Rotation series, this one with the blue cue. Southern's Pounce took an early lead in game 1, and while Whitewater's Twinkie III briefly caught up, Pounce pulled away on a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 win. Pounces owns a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce needed a couple of turns to ignite his offense with a five-ball run early on. The Shores' Twinkie III found no answer to that, and Pounce walked away with an 8-0 win to seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 was the closest in the series as the players exchanged leads multiple times. It came down to Twinkie III narrowly missing the 15 at the top left, where Pounce tapped it in to win 8-7 for a 3-0 series sweep. Pounce will continue in the second round.

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Katharine. Another Shore plays Rotation with the blue cue on the road. Whitewater's Katharine got the jump early in game 1, and she maintained the lead throughout the game, winning 8-3 over Pacific's Starlight. Katharine is up 1-0 in the series. The Shores' Katharine started well in game 2, but the Volcanoes' Starlight controlled the middle to tie things up for a bit. Katharine then escaped with an 8-7 win, the close call enough to secure the series at 2-0 for her. Starlight held the lead through the early parts of game 3, but Katharine made the last five balls over multiple turns, taking the 8-5 win for a 3-0 series sweep. Katharine was strong as she earns her spot in the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Shelley. Wrapping up the day, the blue cue plays Accuracy between veterans. Game 1 was very tight in regulation and overtime, going deep into the extra rack before Terrace City's Oreo emerged with a 1-2 win over Infinity's Shelley. Oreo leads the series 1-0. The same story played out in game 2, as the Knights' Oreo squandered a huge lead late in the game to force overtime. There, she missed on her second turn, giving the 4-5 win to the Torpedoes' Shelley, which tied the series at 1. Shelley played perfectly in a very close game 3, drawing a scratch and a miss late from Oreo. Shelley won 0-2 and took the series 2-1, putting her in the second round on the road versus the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Frosty.

Tomorrow will see another day of games, and it's possible Saturday will be the weekend day for pool, or it will see the majority portion of the split if it comes to that.

Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 35

We're ready to go for another day of pool action. Leading off today...

FedEx Arena, Eastside: Graham v. Niki. The red cue will begin with Accuracy between former teammates. Eastside's Graham had a very positive start, but he fell apart in the end as Commerce's Niki pushed him around to steal away a 2-3 comeback win for the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Graham again held a small lead in game 2, but his late-game struggles reemerged, and the Tradewinds' Niki ended up winning 1-3. Niki secured the series at 2-0 with this victory. Niki was unable to pull off the sweep in game 3, missing three times as Graham posted a 0-3 shutout to nab a win. Niki took the series 2-1 and will play in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stinky v. Blizzard. The red cue stays in action for this 7-ball series. Freedom's Stinky made an early pair in game 1, but Harrison's Blizzard won by cutting the 2 to the bottom left, with the deflection forcefully driving the 6 and 7 into the bottom right. Blizzard owns a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 was more of a back-and-forth battle as neither player could find a solid run. The Specters' Blizzard also scratched a couple of times, the latter leading to the Cascades' Stinky making the final pair of balls for the win to tie the series at 1. Stinky had a three-ball run early in game 3 and added another pair, but his miss on the 6 allowed Blizzard to pot the last pair for the win and 2-1 series win. Blizzard will visit the Eastside Sharks captain Graham in the second round.

Amazon Hall Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Panda. A captains' battle is set for 15-ball with the blue cue. Golden's Valencia kept it even with Southern's Panda at first, but she turned it up by making six of the last seven balls for the win in game 1, which gave the host a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Panda struggled to get anything going in game 2, but he got the win anyway. It came when the Pilots' Valencia saw her six-ball run end with a miss on the 15 at the top left. Panda put it away to tie the series at 1. Panda made a three-ball run from the break in game 3, and then added another pair of three-ball runs near the end, choking out Valencia's offense to snag the win. Panda took the series 2-1, putting him in the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Lize v. Mr. Snowman. More 15-ball is on the way, this time using the red cue. Infinity's Mr. Snowman had a dazzling nine-ball run in game 1, but he lost control and missed a kick on the 15. Pronger's Lize converted it at the top right to get the win for a fortunate 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman kept looking for a big run again in game 2, but it didn't come to pass. Instead, he missed the 15 twice, again allowing the Tridents' Lize to mop up his mistakes at the end for the win, which clinched the series for her at 2-0. Mr. Snowman looked discouraged by the end of game 3, and he lacked the precision required to avoid a sweep as Lize picked up the last few shots for a 3-0 series win. Lize will host Blizzard of the Harrison Specters in the second round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Klaus v. Jason N. The blue cue returns for an all-Pirates series of 10-ball. Klaus and Jason N. battled back-and-forth in game 1, neither really gaining a lot of control in the game. Jason N. picked up the win with a pair of shots after Klaus missed the 9. Jason N. leads the series 1-0.  Jason N. came close on a late attack in game 2, but he sent the 10 wide of the top right. Klaus instead put it away for the win to tie the incredibly close series at 1 game apiece. In game 3, Klaus pushed a four-ball run over the middle of the game. Jason N. pulled back but Klaus had the first chance at the 10. He missed it this time, and Jason N. made it to the top side for the 2-1 series win. Jason N. will visit Solaris of the Commerce Tradewinds in round two. Klaus advances only two bids to the next round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Delila. An A-Line captains' battle is set for 9-ball with the red cue. Atlantic's Delila was plagued by bad positioning and a late scratch in game 1, allowing a sloppy but passable effort from Archtown's Sally to count for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pirates' Delila continued to struggle in game 2, although the Arrows' Sally imposed a bit more defensive pressure this time. Sally then made the last two shots for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Delila had a chance to make a deep run at the end, but she missed her cut on the 9. Sally again potted a pair at the end for the win to complete a 3-0 series sweep over Delila. Sally will host Northeastern rival Noelle of the Central Warriors in the second round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Rudolph. The red cue goes again in 7-ball. Westside's Chimpy made a five-ball run from the break, but he scratched in an attempt for positioning. Harrison's Rudolph calmly potted the last two balls to win game 1, going up 1-0 in the series. The Specters' Rudolph had an ugly break in game 2, but it drew a scratch on the Rockers' Chimpy. Rudolph then turned the ball-in-hand into a six-ball run-out for the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Rudolph had some good play in game 3, while Chimpy again took a mid-game scratch. This time, Chimpy recovered to get the win, leaving Rudolph to take the series on a 2-1 win. Rudolph will visit Spot of the Pronger Tridents in the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: A. Charlton v. Kiwi. Back to the Northeast for 9-ball with the silver cue. Archtown's A. Charlton scratched early in game 1, leading to Terrace City's Kiwi making a four-ball run. Charlton then shot back with two pairs of shots for the win, kicking the 9 wildly to the bottom side to give herself a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Kiwi had to play carefully in a slower game 2, but she picked up a three-ball run-out at the end after the Arrows' Charlton couldn't make anything happy. Kiwi's win tied the series at 1. Kiwi brought the series to a sudden finish, cranking a vicious break that sent the 9 to the bottom side as she won game 3. Kiwi took the series 2-1 and will visit Citrus of the Lighton Prestige in round two.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Citrus. A captain and a veteran collide in 15-ball with the silver cue. Royal's Nightfur kept things close in game 1 with Lighton's Citrus, but the latter had better positioning in the late game. Citrus made a pair to close out her win for the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Citrus came out on top again in game 2, converting the last pair of shots after a back-and-forth battle saw the Crowns' Nightfur fall out of contention. Citrus leads the series 2-0. Nightfur finally picked up a win in game 3, finishing off a tense battle with Citrus despite nothing being on the line. Citrus still took the series win 2-1 and will advance to the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Mr. Snowman. The blue cue cycles back in for this 7-ball series. After a hot start to game 1 from Freedom's Roxy, the offense got sloppy. Infinity's Mr. Snowman had multiple chances to run and failed, allowing Roxy to pick up the 7 at the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy did everything but win in game 2, making a six-ball run from the break only to scratch at the end. The Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman took the 7 to the top right from ball-in-hand to tie the series at 1. Roxy got back on track with a three-ball run in game 3, and she also made the final pair of shots after a slow part of the game. Roxy defeated Mr. Snowman 2-1 in the series, lining herself up to host Dominic of the Southern Monarchs in the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Lexi. The silver cue draws in next for Accuracy. Stonebridge's Wild Thing was sharp in game 1, missing just once late and taking the 1-4 win over Harrison's Lexi to earn a 1-0 series lead with confidence. The Wolves' Wild Thing had a good start in game 2, but he slipped up late as the Specters' Lexi applied some pressure. This forced overtime, where each player made a pair on the first turn. Wild Thing then converted twice more to win 4-5 when Lexi failed on her third turn. Wild Thing's win secured the series at 2-0. Wild Thing's luck ran out in game 3, as he fell behind late in the game and Lexi pinned him down to take the win for herself at 3-4. Wild Thing will move on with a 2-1 series win that sees him match with Swordpoint Blades captain Snowball for a second-round series.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor S. v. Sparkles. The silver cue stays on for a Rotation series. Golden's Sparkles did a better job of finding her groove in game 1, using a secondary attack in the middle to take the lead. She eventually topped Commerce's Taylor S. by an 8-4 score to take the 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. did a better job at the start of game 2, but she peaked too early. A scratch then gave the Pilots' Sparkles a ball-in-hand, which she used for a three-ball run-out to take the 8-6 win that sealed the series at 2-0. Sparkles didn't ease up with the series in hand, dominating with a shutout in game 3, her 8-0 win making it a 3-0 series sweep over Taylor S. Sparkles heads to round two with the utmost confidence.

Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Pedey. New club-mates collide with the silver cue in hand for 10-ball. Diamond's Pedey excelled with an early six-ball run, but he mustered just one more ball, setting up a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead off the shots of Southern's Dominic. The Gems' Pedey again faltered in the late game, working a three-ball run before missing on the 7. The Monarchs' Dominic took over with his own three-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Dominic showed how to finish strong in game 3, piecing together a brilliant six-ball run-out to make it a 3-0 series sweep over Pedey. Dominic's strong play sets him up to host Bells of the Todavía Stills in a Spanish Derby match in the second round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Roxy. The blue cue will close the day with Accuracy. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot had a scratch to drop back into a tie in game 1. It worked out, as he held the advantage in overtime, and converted a shot when Freedom's Roxy missed. Hoot won 2-3 and he leads the series 1-0. The Cascades' Roxy again had her chances to secure a win, but the Meteors' Hoot forced overtime again, and he eventually won it 5-6 after a few wasted opportunities of his own. Hoot finally mastered his attack in game 3, never missing a shot in a 0-3 win that gave him a 3-0 series sweep over Roxy. Hoot will host a Coastal rival in the Pearl Surfers' Watermelon in the second round.

That's it for today's fun. There's a chance cricket will be featured after tomorrow's games.

Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 34

Today's action sees a rivalry at the start with...

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Ms. Kitty v. Frosty. Original players and Coastal rivals clash in Accuracy with the blue cue. A good start turned into a hideous finish in game 1, but Pacific's Ms. Kitty maintained her edge for the 3-4 win over Viewpoint Sound's Frosty to take the early 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty again struck on the break in game 2, but she squandered two leads and fell behind near the end. The Meteors' Frosty had to kick in the 4 at the bottom side to win, and she did it, taking the game 2-3 to tie the series at 1. Ms. Kitty couldn't gain any traction early in game 3, and Frosty limited herself to a single miss, improving again in a 1-3 win to take the series at 2-1. Frosty will play in the second round.

UPS Hall, Maplewood: Bryant v. Tigerette. The blue cue remains in action as veterans meet in 7-ball. Maplewood's Bryant did all of the work with a six-ball run, but Commerce's Tigerette won game 1 with a tap-in on the 7 at the top side when Bryant's cut attempt went wide. Tigerette leads the series 1-0. The Tradewinds' Tigerette put in a bit more effort in a back-and-forth game 2 battle with the Lumberjacks' Bryant. Tigerette again emerged with the win after a smart three-ball run-out at the end, clinching the series at 2-0. Bryant couldn't convert on long shots in game 3, eventually allowing a sloppy effort from Tigerette to earn the win as she cut the 7 to the top left. Tigerette swept the series 3-0, and she'll visit another Northeastern foe, the Archtown Arrows' Sally, in the second round.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Noelle. The silver cue draws in for the first time today, playing 12-ball. Lighton's Shiny made a ball on the break, but Central's Noelle replied with a four-ball run on her first turn. Noelle couldn't line anything up after that, and Shiny pulled back to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny started well in game 2, but she kept trying for a big finishing run even after the Warriors' Noelle started with a three-ball run. Noelle was patient with positioning, picking off shots one at a time to get the win that tied the series at 1. Both players had their moments in game 3, but Noelle was left to kicking at the sides at the end, while Shiny calmly made her last shot at the bottom left for the win. Shiny's 2-1 series win sends her to the second round, where she hosts Oceanside Waves captain Snuggle.

Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Katharine. A co-captain and a sophomore play another Accuracy series with the blue cue. Pearl's Watermelon didn't make it easy in game 1, scratching twice early on. Whitewater's Katharine missed both of her ball-in-hand shots, and Watermelon settled down to take the win 4-6 for a 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Katharine greatly corrected her first-game mistakes, playing perfectly in game 2 in a 0-3 win as the Surfers' Watermelon missed twice and scratched once. Katharine's win tied the series at 1. Katharine was able to force overtime in game 3, but she missed on her third shot, and Watermelon took the 2-3 win. Watermelon also won the series 2-1 to get to round two.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Hughbert. A captain takes on a less foe in 9-ball with the silver cue. Infinity's Hughbert had a three-ball run in the middle of game 1, including a jump on the 4 to the bottom left, but Harrison's Twinkie II shut it down with a three-ball run-out to go up 1-0 in the series. The Specters' Twinkie II had a ball on the game 2 break, and then bounced back at the end with a five-ball run-out, including a double-bank to make the 7 at the bottom side. This secured the series at 2-0 over the Torpedoes' Hughbert. Game 3 was fairly slow-moving, especially on the 8, until Twinkie II finally wrapped up the win with a pair of shots. Twinkie II swept the series 3-0 and will host Cowzart of the Pacific Volcanoes in the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Zach. The blue cue returns to action after the break for some Rotation. Pronger's Zach had the lead early in game 1 and added a later run to prevent Whitewater's Marsell from piecing together a comeback. Zach closed up with an 8-4 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Zach found success despite the Shores' Marsell starting on a three-ball run. Zach countered with a five-ball run and held on for the 8-4 win again, clinching the series at 2-0. Marsell made a little progress in game 3, keeping the game even for a bit until Zach eventually walked away with the 8-5 win to sweep the series 3-0. Zach's big wins send him to the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Sprinkles v. Gabe. More Rotation awaits with the red cue getting some time. Capital City's Sprinkles started with a ball on the break, and she did well to keep her lead throughout the game. Maplewood's Gabe came close but couldn't catch up, and Sprinkles pulled away with an 8-4 win to take a 1-0 series lead. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles started confidently in game 2 as well, but a couple of illegally potted balls disrupted her rhythm. The Lumberjacks' Gabe made sure to keep Sprinkles at bay, his eight-ball run-out giving him an 8-3 win to tie the series at 1. Sprinkles held the lead initially in game 3, but Gabe kept pace and beat her at the end with a tap-in on the 15 that she missed. Gabe's 8-7 win gave him a 2-1 series win to put him in round two.

Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Rosemary v. Hughbert. Young players go at it in 12-ball with the silver cue. Infinity's Hughbert didn't have the touch to convert many shots, with a scratch holding him back as well in game 1. Commerce's Rosemary confidently but patiently worked her way to the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Tradewinds' Rosemary spotted a wild-card ball to the Torpedoes' Hughbert, but he wasn't able to make use of the advantage. Rosemary capitalized when Hughbert removed his defense, striking a four-ball run-out that gave her the win and 2-0 series lead. Rosemary began with a four-ball run in game 3, although Hughbert had his best effort with a little pushback and good positioning. Rosemary made her last ball at the bottom side just in time for the win and 3-0 series sweep, setting her up to host a tougher foe in Pearl Surfers co-captain Watermelon in the second round.

Cisco Arena, Tysini: Leandra v. Prism. The silver cue stays on for an 8-ball series now. Tysini's Leandra was a little slow to start, but she made six balls over her last two turns to make it close. Todavía's Prism was a little faster, balancing her offense throughout for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Prism again played quickly at the start of game 2, but she missed the 8 twice, and the Hummingbirds' Leandra stormed back with a shaky but solid six-ball run-out for the win. Leandra's winning rally tied the series at 1. Leandra scuffled with positioning and missed the 6 as she attempted a late counterattack, allowing Prism to pick up the 8 at the bottom side to win game 3 and the 2-1 series. Prism will be on the road versus Coastal rival captain Starlight of the Pacific Volcanoes in round two.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Smudge v. Zach. The red cue draws in this time in a 10-ball series. Infinity's Smudge made a three-ball run early in game 1 and didn't back down later, finishing with a pair of shots after Pronger's Zach couldn't convert a deep run late. Smudge holds a 1-0 series lead. The Torpedoes' Smudge again converted on the break, then took a short lull before besting the Tridents' Zach on a six-ball run-out. Smudge's finishing run was expertly crafted as she secured the series at 2-0. Smudge was a bit less clinical in game 3, allowing Zach to pluck the 10 at the end on a short cut to the top right. Smudge settled for a 2-1 series win that will push her to face Stripes of the Freedom Cascades in the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Potter v. Cowzart. Unheralded veterans go to battle in 7-ball, using the blue cue. Neither player had control of the offense in game 1, so the result came down to the end game, where Pacific's Cowzart made the last pair for a 1-0 series lead over Pronger's Potter. The Volcanoes' Cowzart took a much more aggressive route to the game 2 win, starting and ending with a three-ball run as the Tridents' Potter could mostly only watch. Cowzart's win clinched the series at 2-0. Cowzart didn't pull off the sweep, as Potter did just enough with a long cut on the 7 to the bottom left to pick up the game 3 win. Cowzart's 2-1 series win sends him to Victoria to face the Spurs' Mitchell in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Shaggy. The red cue comes back to play Rotation in a captains' battle. Freedom's Jasmine made a ball on the break in game 1, but only added one other point, while Whitewater's Shaggy picked up a three-ball run early and a four-ball run-out in her 8-2 win. Shaggy leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Shaggy went with a three-ball run from the break in game 2, and then capitalized on a couple of errors from the Cascades' Jasmine. It didn't take long for Shaggy to finish off the 8-0 win, sealing the series at 2-0. Game 3 went back and forth between the players, oscillating in Shaggy's favor as she made the last four balls over three turn for the 8-6 win and 3-0 series sweep over Jasmine. Shaggy will play in the second round.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Dusky v. Watermelon. The silver cue cycles in with this 7-ball series between established veterans. Archtown's Dusky ripped a three-ball run from the break in game 1, but her finishing left plenty to be desired. After a struggle, Pearl's Watermelon deflected a shot off the 5 to take the 7 at the top right for the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon went empty on the game 2 break, and the Arrows' Dusky took it from there, putting the 1 and 2 in the bottom left before calling and converting the 3-7 combination banked to the bottom right. Dusky's bold play tied the series at 1. Dusky had a majority of the offense in game 3, but her miss on the 7 let Watermelon put it away at the top left. Watermelon won the series 2-1 and will visit her sister, Terrace City Knights captain Kiwi, in the second round.

Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Smokey. Eastern Hills foes duke it out in 12-ball with the red cue to close the day. Stonebridge's Wild Thing made two solids on the break in game 1 and didn't look back. Diamond's Smokey had a chance for a run but scratched instead. Wild Thing easily took the win for a 1-0 lead in the series. The Wolves' Wild Thing again struck quickly in game 2, then laid back and waited as the Gems' Smokey struggled with positioning. Wild Thing took his time and got the win, clinching the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw the players play hesitantly at first, but when they opened it up, it didn't take long for a result. Smokey came close to the win, but he left a clear line for Wild Thing to make his final shot for the 3-0 series sweep. Wild Thing will host another Eastern Hills opponent in the Eastside Sharks' Gizmo when they meet in round two.

Tomorrow will feature a similar schedule. There is guaranteed to be no cricket tonight or tomorrow, as the league has elected to be spontaneous with its play.

Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 33

Today's slate of pool action is ready to go, beginning with...

Ford Forum, Pronger: Lize v. Snuggle. The silver cue will lead things off with a series of 8-ball. Pronger's Lize scratched on the break in game 1, and Oceanside's Snuggle bashed a five-ball run on his first turn. Snuggle kept on track from there, easily getting the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Lize had appeared to flip the script in game 2 by making her own five-ball run, but the Waves' Snuggle surged back on his second turn with an eight-ball run-out for the win. Snuggle's big rally clinched the series for him at 2-0. Snuggle didn't have a defining run in game 3, but his steady offense was enough to hold off Lize in the end. Snuggle swept the series 3-0 and will visit Bianca of the Southridge Defenders in the second round.

Chevrolet Center, Everton: Cleo v. Valencia. Two talented players engage in a 13-ball battle with the blue cue. Golden's Valencia pulled herself ahead in game 1 on a four-ball run, but it was her spinning kick to take the 14 at the top side that really stunned Everton's Cleo. Valencia was patient to finish the game, winning for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 kept things pretty close between the players, as the Pilots' Valencia got onto the 8 faster but the Eagles' Cleo had good positioning. Cleo scratched on a late shot, and Valencia worked magic, spin-kicking from the kitchen to bump the 8 back into the bottom left for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Valencia didn't wiggle her way out of bad positioning in game 3, instead watching Cleo pull off an unlikely but impressive six-ball run-out for the win. Valencia was happy with a 2-1 series win to set her up against the Web City Spiders' Chicky Phil in the second round.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Snowball. The blue cue stays in action as captains battle in 15-ball. Terrace City's Kiwi had a clear majority of the possession in game 1, but her control slipped late, and Swordpoint's Snowball made the last two balls to poach a win for a 1-0 series lead. The Blades' Snowball improved her attack in game 2, holding an even share of the offense with the Knights' Kiwi after a productive break. Snowball then cranked a three-ball run-out for the win in the end to seal the series at 2-0. Game 3 saw some struggles on both sides to begin the game, but then Snowball hounded the 15 late, making it on a 13-15 bank combination to the bottom right. Snowball swept Kiwi 3-0 and will play in round two.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Jason V. The silver cue returns to action for this 7-ball series. Oceanside's Jason V. dominated the offense in game 1 with a pair of three-ball runs, the latter earning him the win over Lighton's Shiny for a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny didn't stay down for long, breaking out of a slow start in game 2 to wrap up her win on a four-ball run-out. This tied the series at 1 with the Waves' Jason V. Game 3 saw Shiny scratch on the break, but Jason V. was unable to assert his will on the game, and Shiny rallied for a three-ball run-out to secure a 2-1 series win. Shiny will host Taylor S. of the Commerce Tradewinds in the second round.

Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Dustin v. Cubby. Two of the Forest SC club founders meet in Accuracy, also using the silver cue. Eastside's Cubby lost his way early in game 1, and a solid performance by Central's Dustin led to the host going ahead 1-0 in the series on a 2-5 win. The Warriors' Dustin had a less pleasant game 2, scratching three times including after potting three balls on the break. The Sharks' Cubby was very strong in the 0-5 win, tying the series at 1 with his perfect game. Dustin and Cubby battled their hardest in game 3, with only Cubby missing on the second-to-last ball determining the series. Dustin would escape with a 0-1 win and 2-1 series win that sends him to host Bryant of the Northeastern rival Maplewood Lumberjacks in the second round.

Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Rosalina v. Sydney C. An Urban derby in 15-ball will feature the blue cue. Whitewater's Rosalina showed a bit more command in game 1, hounding the 15 at the end before converting it on a 10-15 combination to the bottom left to take a 1-0 series lead over Modernistic's Sydney C. The Union's Sydney C. made a stronger effort late in game 2, but some early errors caught up to her and the Shores' Rosalina ended up taking the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Rosalina didn't play as strongly in game 3, ending up losing when she missed a long shot on the 15 and Sydney C. was able to mop up the miss. Rosalina took the series 2-1 to get to the second round. The rookie Sydney C. will have six bids in the next round as the first player to finish first-round action.

Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Acorn v. Stephanie. The red cue draws in for the first time today in 7-ball. It took a couple of turns for the players to connect, but Lighton's Acorn enjoyed a seven-ball run-out when he found his groove, earning a 1-0 series lead over Southridge's Stephanie. Game 2 saw a three-ball run in the middle from the Defenders' Stephanie, but she floundered on the 6. This gave the Prestige's Acorn enough time to corral the last two balls for the win, securing the series at 2-0 in the process. Stephanie again poked down a three-ball run in game 3, but Acorn answered it with his three-ball run-out for the 3-0 series sweep. Acorn will face Slinks of the Westside Rockers in round two. Stephanie will play three bids in that round after completing a tough first round.

IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Sprinkles. The blue cue is back for this 10-ball series. After a slow start, North Modernistic's Gal recorded a four-ball run, only for Capital City's Sprinkles to answer with a three-ball run-out for the win. Sprinkles leads the series 1-0 early on. The Sharpshooters' Sprinkles looked to be in control of game 2 until she missed a 5-10 combination attempt. The Nighthawks' Gal capitalized, deflecting off the 5 to put the 10 down in the top right for the win, which tied the series at 1. Gal had a three-ball run late in game 3, but a misplaced bank on the 9 left it easy for Sprinkles, who made the last two balls for the win and 2-1 series win. Sprinkles will travel to Archtown to meet the Arrows' A. Charlton in the second round.

Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman v. Rudolph. A veteran meets a sophomore for 8-ball with the red cue. Harrison's Rudolph made the first and last attacks of a back-and-forth game 1, besting Infinity's Mr. Snowman with a late four-ball run-out. This gave Rudolph a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Rudolph started strong in a close game 2 as well, but he fell victim to a strong defensive presence from the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman, who slowed the game down until he could take the 8 for the win. The series enters its final game tied at 1. The four-ball run was the only successful attack in game 3, with Rudolph and Mr. Snowman exchanging one each before Rudolph closed the game with another. Rudolph took the series 2-1 and will visit the Modernistic Union's Daisy in the second round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Slinks v. Bells. The silver cue returns to action in this 15-ball series. Todavía's Bells made a lot of the foundational runs early in game 1, but she couldn't lock it up at the end, allowing Westside's Slinks to make four of the last six balls to earn the win. Slinks leads the series 1-0. The Stills' Bells made a more timely attack in game 2, adding a run in the middle and then answering a three-ball run from the Rockers' Slinks with her own three-ball run-out. Bells' defiant win tied the series at 1. Game 3 came down to a pivotal shot on the 14, where Slinks missed a kick at the bottom side. Bells made the final two balls from ball-in-hand for the win and 2-1 series win to put her in round two.

Home Depot Forum, Web City: Chicky Phil v. Ms. Kitty. Former teammates play 8-ball with the red cue. Web City's Chicky Phil had a steady offense that was just a shot better than Pacific's Ms. Kitty, whose rally fell short on a four-ball run. Chicky Phil calmly cut the 8 to the top left for the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Volcanoes' Ms. Kitty got ahead of the Spiders' Chicky Phil in game 2, setting up a defensive trap with the 8 that that host walked right into. Ms. Kitty gladly took a well-earned but still gifted win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 began with Ms. Kitty making a four-ball run on stripes after potting one of each on the break. Chicky Phil got down to the 8 first, but rattled it out of the top right. Ms. Kitty made a pair at the end for the win and 2-1 comeback series win. Ms. Kitty will visit the Capital City Sharpshooters' Sprinkles for a second round series.

Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Boots. The silver cue again comes aboard for a series of Rotation. Terrace City's Oreo had a lackluster break in game 1, although Pearl's Boots feasted on the compact rack. Boots assembled a six-ball run at one stage and won 8-1 for a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Oreo took her time to attack in game 2, but she eventually pulled ahead on a four-ball run. The Surfers' Boots had no answer for that, and Oreo cruised ahead to win 8-2, tying the series at 1 with a game to go. Oreo managed to get a ball on the break in game 3, and while Boots did well to keep it close, Oreo slammed the door to win 8-4 for a 2-1 series win. Oreo will play in the second round.

BMW RockDome, Westside: Chimpy v. Spirit. Moving along, 15-ball will be played with the red cue. Westside's Chimpy had a handful of halfhearted attempts at the 15 in game 1, only to scratch in an attempt to position on it at the end. Lighton's Spirit had pressed with a four-ball run and gladly took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Chimpy probably enjoyed the better of possession in game 2, but he again came up short for the 13, and the Prestige's Spirit tucked it away at the top left for the win to seal the series at 2-0. Chimpy made sure to avoid getting swept, picking up a three-ball run-out at the end of a chaotic game 3 to get the win. Spirit took the series 2-1 and will face a Southwestern rival in the Tysini Hummingbirds' Charli in the second round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Gabe. The festivities end today with the blue cue in 10-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Dani put the 10 very near the bottom side and almost made it illegally in a tense game 1, but she beat Maplewood's Gabe on a five-ball run-out. Dani owns a 1-0 lead in the series. The Lumberjacks' Gabe collected a few shots in game 2, but he ultimately came up short again. The Meteors' Dani rallied on a three-ball run-out in the end, clinching the series at 2-0 with her win. Dani peaked too early in game 3, making a six-ball just before Gabe put away the last two balls for the win. Dani took the series and will host Everton Eagles captain Goldy in the second round.

Today's action is done. Elite cricket is next tonight, followed by Day 34 tomorrow morning and afternoon.

Tournament 2019 - Round 1 Day 32

We're back on Sunday for pool action, beginning with...

Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Starlight v. Brownie. The red cue will lead off the day in 9-ball. Pacific's Starlight began with a three-ball run, but her offense was a bit weaker from there, and Royal's Brownie took over at the end to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie blocked herself a couple of times in game 2, the latter of those moments leading to the Volcanoes' making the final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Starlight had a couple chances on the 9 in game 3, but she missed on both, and Brownie converted on her second try for the win to take the series 2-1. Brownie will visit Melissa of the Terrace City Knights in the second round.

Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Gabe. The silver cue draws in for an Accuracy series between Northeastern rivals. Harrison's Twinkie II built up an early lead as Maplewood's Gabe struggled initially in game 1. Twinkie II barely held on for the 3-4 win, scraping by for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 went much better, with each player missing only once in regulation. The Lumberjacks' Gabe had a chance to win early in overtime, but he missed, and then missed his next shot as the Specters' Twinkie II clinched the series at 2-0 with her 2-3 win. Twinkie II led for a majority of game 3 and secured it late as Gabe missed a couple of shots. Twinkie II won 2-3 again, sealing a 3-0 series sweep that sets her up to host another Northeastern captain, the Everton Eagles' Goldy, in round two.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound. Frosty v. Dusky. The red cue returns for this 13-ball series. Viewpoint Sound's Frosty kicked off with a four-ball run in game 1, but also had a scratch early on. Archtown's Dusky applied pressure as Frosty struggled, but Frosty did just enough for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Frosty enjoyed a steady offense in game 2, but she was gifted the win as the Arrows' Dusky tried a kick on the 9 and instead made the 8 illegally at the top right. The good fortune secured the series at 2-0 for Frosty. Game 3 opened with Frosty on a four-ball run from the break, but Dusky fired back with a five-ball run. Frosty would pot Dusky's last ball for her, and Dusky then took the 8 on a cut to the top side for the win to avoid the sweep. Frosty took the series 2-1 to move into the second round.

Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Kitty. A veteran takes on a rookie in the blue cue's long-awaited return, playing 7-ball. A close game 1 nearly went to Midland's Kitty, but she missed the 7 after converting an earlier pair, and Royal's Jake swooped in for a straight shot to win. Jake leads the series 1-0. The Crowns' Jake potted three on the game 2 break, with the 2 in the top right, the 5 in the bottom right, and the 7 getting a nudge from the 6 to fall at the top left for the win. Jake clinched the series at 2-0 over the Predators' Kitty. In game 3, Kitty needed only two shots to win, converting a 2-4-7 combination to the bottom right to avoid the sweep. Jake's 2-1 series win pits him against Pauline of the Capital City Sharpshooters in the second round.

Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Leandra. The blue cue remains in action for a 10-ball series. Modernistic's Daisy had a fairly good start in game 1, but a late miss on the 8 opened up a three-ball run-out for Tysini's Leandra, who took the initial 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy did a better job of shutting things down in game 2, using a six-ball run-out to block the Hummingbirds' Leandra in a critical win. Daisy's rush tied the series at 1. Daisy duplicated the effort after Leandra scratched early in game 3, with Daisy making a seven-ball run-out for the win and 2-1 series win. Daisy will face an Urban rival and club-mate in the Terrace City Knights' Melissa in round two.

Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Valencia v. Solaris. A mother hosts her own son in 13-ball with the red cue. Commerce's Solaris enjoyed a fairly strong start in game 1, but a late scratch and impeccable positioning by Golden's Valencia turned the tides of the battle. Valencia would tap the 9 to the top side for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Solaris again made some early shots, but nothing prepared him for a five-ball run by the Pilots' Valencia, which only stopped with her illegally potting her last ball. Solaris couldn't make a run off of that, and Valencia cut the 5 to the top left to win on her second try, sealing the series at 2-0. Valencia showed mercy in game 3, spotting Solaris a pair of wild-card balls. Solaris did well to take advantage of the gifts, getting the win as Valencia advanced with a 2-1 series win. Valencia will face Bells of the Todavía Stills in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Stripes v. Brownie. The visitor gets her second series today, playing 8-ball with the silver cue. Royal's Brownie scratched once in game 1, but it worked out because Freedom's Stripes had three scratches in a lackluster effort. Brownie went unchallenged for the win to take a 1-0 series lead. A cleaner game 2 saw the Crowns' Brownie get onto her last ball but narrowly miss it at the bottom left. The Cascades' Stripes countered with a five-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Stripes didn't hesitate in game 3, making a pair of four-ball runs to quickly claim the win and a 2-1 series win over Brownie. Stripes is set to face Viewpoint Sound Meteors leader Hoot in the second round.

McDonald's Hall, Atlantic: Isabella v. Shawn. More 8-ball is on the way, with this series using the red cue. Atlantic's Isabella made one of each suit to start game 1, sparking a strong three-turn attack from Midland's Shawn as he stormed ahead for the win. Shawn's strong play gave him a 1-0 lead in the series. After a competitive start in game 2, the Predators' Shawn saw his offense go cold late in the game. This bought time for the Pirates' Isabella to grind her way back in, eventually grabbing the win as Shawn faltered on the 8. Isabella tied the series at 1. Isabella started well in game 3, but she let Shawn hang around, a critical mistake as he rallied for a seven-ball run-out to take the series 2-1. Shawn will visit Cowzart of the Pacific Volcanoes in the second round.

Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Nibbles v. Boots. A Coastal derby is set for 7-ball with the silver cue. Viewpoint Sound's Nibbles had a good start in game 1, and then made a three-ball run-out after Pearl's Boots missed contact on the 5. Nibbles' win gives him a 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Boots tried to turn it around after the Meteors' Nibbles missed contact on the 4 in game 2, but the result was the same. Nibbles rallied back with a three-ball run-out two turns later to clinch the series at 2-0. Nibbles thought he had the sweep in his hands in game 3, but he scratched and potted the 7 on the break to gift Boots her only win. Nibbles settled for a 2-1 series win to earn the right to host the Terrace City Knights' Melissa in the second round.

Capital City SuperCenter, Capital City: Pauline v. Nikolai. Contrasting styles clash as the silver cue stays on for Accuracy. Both players were even through a rack in game 1, as Capital City's Pauline double-potted the last two balls to the right corners to force overtime. Freedom's Nikolai made a ball on the overtime break, which gave him a 3-4 win when Pauline missed. Nikolai owns a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai saw far less drama in game 2, as the Sharpshooters' Pauline fell behind quickly and never caught up. Nikolai sealed the series with a 3-6 win to go up 2-0. Nikolai struggled early and late in game 3, losing his chance for the sweep as Pauline won 2-5. Nikolai's 2-1 series win still puts him on the road against Puff I of the Modernistic Union in the second round.

Toyota Arena, Freedom: Jasmine v. Bear. A current captain and a former one keep the silver cue going in this 7-ball set. A close battle in game 1 went to Freedom's Jasmine after she took a pair at the end to top Everton's Bear. Jasmine leads the series 1-0. The Eagles' Bear didn't stay down for long, busting out a five-ball run-out in game 2 in a dominant finish for the win over the Cascades' Jasmine. Bear's victory tied the series at 1 to set up a decisive final game. Game 3 saw Bear strategize on the fly, leaving Jasmine with a bad angle and then turning the following attack into a four-ball run-out for his win to clinch the series at 2-1. Bear's brilliant play will pit him against Pearl Surfers veteran Bright in the second round.

Ford Forum, Pronger: Lize v. Yekaterina. A couple of inexperienced players meet in 9-ball, again using the silver cue. It took her two turns to get going, but Victoria's Yekaterina stormed away with the game 1 win on a nine-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead over Pronger's Lize after a dominant display. The Spurs' Yekaterina managed a five-ball run in the middle of game 2, but her miss on the 7 allowed the Tridents' Lize to churn out a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Yekaterina's offense fractured in game 3, including a late miss on the 9, an uncharacteristic mistake from the star. Lize pounced on it, taking the win to seal the series at 2-1 as she moves on to face Oceanside Waves captain Snuggle in round two.

HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Shawn. The Predators' top two players meet in 7-ball with the blue cue. Rainmane looked for mostly direct play in game 1, but it was a creative deflection by Shawn off the 6 to drive the 7 to the top side for the win. Shawn leads the series 1-0. Shawn made a pair on the break in game 2, but had to wait after that. Rainmane made the 1 but missed a 3-7 combination to the top left, and Shawn rallied on a four-ball run-out for the win to clinch the series at 2-0. Shawn couldn't complete the sweep in game 3, missing the 6-7 combination to the bottom right. Rainmane deflected a shot off the 6 to tap the 7 in for the win, leaving Shawn win a 2-1 series win. He'll travel for real in the second round, visiting Modernistic Union captain Ms. Puppy.

Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Dusky v. Spirit. New club-mates collide in Rotation with the blue cue to close out the day. Lighton's Spirit held the lead for the early parts of game 1, but her scratched opened up an attack for Archtown's Dusky, who made five balls over her last two turns to win 8-4 for a 1-0 series lead. The Arrows' Dusky didn't get a chance to make anything of her offense in game 2, as the Prestige's Spirit cleaned up a lot of balls on deflections. Spirit was dominant in the 8-0 win, tying the series at 1. Spirit brought chaos to start game 3, and while Dusky assembled a four-ball run to make it close, Spirit locked up at 8-6 to take the series 2-1. Spirit is the latest to earn a spot in the second round.

Tomorrow, we should have pool followed by cricket in a full day of action.