The second-to-last day of the round is here, beginning with...
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Cheddar. The silver cue starts a busy stretch in 9-ball. Boston's Ice Cream had trouble getting going on offense in game 1. North Modernistic's Cheddar took a four-ball run over the middle and won after Ice Cream scratched near the end. Cheddar leads the series 1-0. The Swifts' Ice Cream went off with a four-ball run in the middle of game 2, but she missed on the 6. The Nighthawks' Cheddar countered with a pair for the win to stretch her series lead to 2-0. Ice Cream wrangled a little more offense in game 3, finding a three-ball run to get onto the 9. Both she and Cheddar missed their first tries for the win, but Ice Cream potted the 9 on the second effort to get the win that cut the series to 2-1. Ice Cream tried a similar pace in game 4 with a three-ball run, but she missed on the 6. Cheddar made it and then deflected off the 8 and the bottom rail to bump the 9 into the bottom right for the win. Cheddar sealed the series at 3-1. Cheddar ended up with the win in a back-and-forth game 5 as well, capping off a 4-1 series win over Ice Cream. Cheddar will visit the Victoria Spurs' Mitchell in the bracket finals. Cheddar's second kill of the season made Ice Cream the 120th eliminated player, leaving just one-third of the player population active.
Intel Center, Diamond: Shadow v. Jack. Former teammates clash in 15-ball with the silver cue. Web City's Jack had plenty of offense in game 1, but it wouldn't matter as he scratched on the 13. Diamond's Shadow plucked the 15 on the final shot for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Gems' Shadow had a decent share of the offense in game 2, but the Spiders' Jack broke out a tricky 6-15 kick combination to the top left for the win that tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw a little more balance on the offense for both sides. Jack came close to kicking in the 12 at the bottom right late, but missed contact allowed Shadow to work a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand for the win and 2-1 series lead. Game 4 continued to see little separating the players, with both Shadow and Jack showing well. At the end, Shadow looked like he wanted to bank the 15, but a last-second decision to kick it to the top side worked just as well for the win to seal the series at 3-1 over Jack. Shadow had a more casual pace in game 5, letting Jack show his skills a bit. Jack would pick up the win on a three-ball run-out, which left Shadow with a 3-2 series win. Shadow will host Citrus of the Lighton Prestige in the bracket finals. Shadow earned his first kill of the year to make Jack the 121st player to exit the competition. In addition, Shadow poetically finished off the team he captained for years, as the Spiders are the fifth team to be completely eliminated.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Cowzart v. Violetta. The silver cue stays up for Rotation. Queens' Violetta had a strong start to game 1, but she got sloppy in the middle, and Pacific's Cowzart got on the brink of a win. Violetta corrected her troubles with a three-ball run-out, winning 8-7 for the 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Violetta used a five-ball run to overcome an early deficit in game 2, but the Volcanoes' Cowzart fired back on a five-ball run-out for the 8-6 win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 played out a little tighter for both players. Cowzart grabbed the lead at mid-game, but Violetta pulled back with a four-ball run-out for the win by an 8-6 score. Violetta restored her series lead at 2-1. Cowzart again got on the brink of victory in game 4, his big run late in the game keeping Violetta on her toes. Violetta fired back with a pair of shots for the 8-7 win to clinch the series at 3-1. Violetta came up a little short in a comeback effort in game 5, as Cowzart played his way to an 8-7 win. Violetta's 3-2 series win means she'll visit Dreamy of the Swordpoint Blades in the bracket finals. It'll count as Violetta's first kill of the year as Cowzart is the 122nd eliminated player.
Sony Center, Queens: Crystal v. Mams. The silver cue goes again, this time in 10-ball. Queens' Crystal had some good moments in a close game 1, but her late scratch allowed Southern's Mams to make the final pair from ball-in-hand. Mams leads 1-0 in the series thanks to Crystal's error. It was the Monarchs' Mams' turn to make mistakes in game 2, twice missing contact before the Flames' Crystal was able to push for a four-ball run-out. Crystal's late burst tied the series at 1. Crystal had a three-ball run in game 3 that ended with a missed contact and illegally potted 10. Mams took over possession from ball-in-hand and made a three-ball run-out with a bank on the 10 to the bottom side for the win and 2-1 series lead. Mams left the 9 near the top right near the start of game 4, and it became the pivotal point when it locked with the 10. Crystal deflected a shot off the 8 to pot the 9, then added another pair for the win at the end to retie the series at 2. Crystal couldn't string a second win on in the jittery battle. Mams took the 10 from ball-in-hand after Crystal's late scratch. Mams won the series 3-2 and will return to this venue to take on the Queens Flames' Briana in the bracket finals. Mams made her third kill of the year as Crystal was the 123rd player to fall.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Sydney C. The red cue draws in for 8-ball. Pearl's Watermelon scratched on the game 1 break, keying a five-ball run in response by Modernistic's Sydney C. The bold attack worked, as Sydney C. had enough of a lead to coast to the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Sydney C. couldn't capitalize on the momentum, instead watching the Surfers' Watermelon poke an early four-ball run. Sydney C. would answer later in game 2, but Watermelon had another four-ball run ready for the win to tie the series at 1. Sydney C. was back in control in game 3, working a steady of stream of offense while Watermelon struggled. Sydney C. went unchallenged on the 8 and regained the series lead at 2-1 in this win. Watermelon took control of game 4 early on, and held off a five-ball run from Sydney C. later on. Watermelon's late play was enough for the win to even the series again at 2. Watermelon turned up the offense in game 5, making all of her own balls and three of four that went down for Sydney C. At the end, Watermelon had a tough kick on the 8 that she dropped to the top side for the win and 3-2 series win. Watermelon will host Midland Predators captain Shawn in the bracket finals. Watermelon's second kill of the year ended Sydney C.'s rookie campaign as the 124th player to exit.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Neopolitan v. Delila. The venue doubleheader ends with the red cue playing 13-ball. Pearl's Neopolitan made stripes to both sides on the game 1 break, part of a four-ball run. A scratch delayed her offense, but she easily beat an out-of-position effort from Atlantic's Delila. Neopolitan leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Neopolitan had a hot start in game 2 as well, but more positioning bought time for the Pirates' Delila to rally. Watermelon missed a critical shot on the 9 at the bottom left, and Delila tapped down a pair for the win to tie the series at 1. Delila converted a big run from the break in game 3, putting more pressure on Neopolitan. At the end, Neopolitan got onto her final ball first, but Delila responded with a three-ball run-out for the win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Delila's explosive break in game 4 overfilled the top right and gifted a ball to Neopolitan. By the end of the game, Neopolitan had scratched, and Delila used her free turn from the kitchen to create a four-ball run-out for the win. Delila secured the series at 3-1. Delila had another big break in game 5, and Neopolitan lacked positioning or success on a late bank shot. Delila finished off the win for a 4-1 series win that sends her to visit Midland Predators captain Shawn in the bracket finals. Delila's up to two kills as Neopolitan became the 125th player eliminated from the Tournament.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Midnight v. Taylor S. The blue cue gets a turn between Urban rivals in 12-ball. Westside's Midnight had a four-ball run from the break in game 1, but she gave away a wild-card ball as well. Commerce's Taylor S. made good use of the advantage, winning by making five balls over two turns to pull out to a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. had a jump from the start of game 2, but it didn't work out as her late positioning was too slow to form. The Rockers' Midnight rallied back for the win to tie the series at 1. Game 3 was a race, and Midnight was very close to winning it as she got down to her last ball at the bottom left. Taylor S. had one chance to reply and did so with a three-ball run-out, taking the 2-1 series lead for herself. Taylor S. started well in game 4. Midnight had a chance for a positional play, but it actually helped Taylor S. piece together a quick three-ball run-out for the win and 3-1 series advantage. Taylor S. looked to be in good position in game 5, but Midnight found a couple of fruitful turns, including a brilliant three-ball run-out for the win. Taylor S. settled for a 3-2 series win to put her on the road one more time versus the Freedom Cascades' Nikolai in the bracket finals. Taylor S. continues to be lethal with seven kills as Midnight is the 126th eliminated player.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Pounce v. Katharine. The blue cue stays on hand for Rotation. Southern's Pounce started well but couldn't find much offense later in game 1. Whitewater's Katharine rallied ahead twice and eventually won 8-6 for the 1-0 series lead in a steady attack. The Monarchs' Pounce tried to play a little slower and more methodically in game 2, and he held a lead for quite some time. He couldn't finish it off, however, as the Shores' Katharine came from behind for the 8-7 win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Pounce kept himself in the series in game 3, capitalizing on plenty of errors from Katharine this time. Pounce would take a three-ball run-out for the 8-3 win to cut the series to 2-1. Katharine got back to business with a sizable run in game 4, overcoming another good start from Pounce. It got closer near the end, but Katharine finished with an 8-4 win to secure the series at 3-1. Katharine had a big lead with a five-ball run early in game 5, but this was Pounce's turn to make a comeback, and he went on to win 8-6. Katharine advanced on a 3-2 series win that sends her to Royal to face the Crowns' Brownie in the bracket finals. Pounce is the 127th player out of the Tournament, while Katharine took her third kill.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Smudge. The red cue ends the day with 10-ball between aggressive foes. North Modernistic's Cheddar took a lazy approach on some shots, while Infinity's Smudge stepped up to make a pair at the end in a strong showing for the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar had plenty of offense in game 2, but some of it was illegally potted. The Torpedoes' Smudge twice deferred possession away, and Cheddar made sure to keep things clean at the end for the win to tie the series at 1. Cheddar slammed four balls down on the game 3 break, likely the first time in league history the first four numbered balls all went down immediately. Smudge challenged her later, but Cheddar won on a three-ball run-out to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Cheddar stayed hot in game 4, making a three-ball run-out capped by a 4-10 combination to the top right for the win. Smudge had little chance to ignite her attack as Cheddar secured the series at 3-1. Cheddar pulled it off again in game 5 with a nice finishing attack for the win and 4-1 series win. Cheddar's dominant series allows her to host Pronger Tridents captain Precious in a huge bracket finals series.
That's it for today's games. The Bracket Semifinals end tomorrow with the last nine series before bids to the Finals are on the line.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Semifinals Day 4
We're chugging along in the Bracket Semifinals. First up...
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Sprinkles. The blue cue opens today in 10-ball. North Modernistic's Lionel had some offense in game 1, but a late three-ball run ended early and he couldn't strike again. Capital City's Sprinkles made the last three balls over two turns for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Lionel made sure to finish his attack in game 2 after the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles saw her early offense fizzle out. Lionel won on a seven-ball run-out and tied the series at 1 in the process. Sprinkles had the better chances in game 3, but she was unable to play well along the rails. Lionel capitalized on a couple of Sprinkles' mistakes to get this win, which put the host ahead 2-1 in the series. Lionel didn't have much fun early in game 4 as Sprinkles made a five-ball run, but the finish was much better. Lionel ended up with the win when Sprinkles couldn't curl a shot around the 10 to hit the 9. Lionel made the final pair and clinched the series at 3-1. Lionel again had to be patient with his play in game 5, but Sprinkles wasn't strong enough on offense to mount a late challenge. Lionel took the series 4-1, and he'll host the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Dani in the bracket finals. Lionel has three kills this year, while Sprinkles is the 115th player out of the Tournament.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Shaggy. The red cue is next up for Rotation. Viewpoint Sound's Dani had a rotten start to game 1, but she rallied into a tie with Whitewater's Shaggy on a four-ball run. Shaggy then struggled, and Dani made another pair for the 8-6 win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy again started fairly well, but the Meteors' Dani attacked with a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 win this time. Dani leads the series 2-0 thanks to late surges. A little good luck landed on Dani in game 3, which was a competitive and close battle thanks to Shaggy's unpredictable offense. Dani would win on a three-ball run-out that saw her make a pair she really shouldn't have in the 8-5 victory. Dani secured the series at 3-0. Dani finally lacked a comeback effort in game 4, although it wasn't without trying with a three-ball run. Shaggy held her off for the 8-5 win to cut Dani's series lead to 3-1. Dani didn't have much of anything go right in game 5, while Shaggy mostly cruised to an 8-4 win that produced a 3-2 series win for Dani. In the bracket finals, Dani will host her series against an opponent to be determined later today. Dani has her fifth kill of the year to make Shaggy the 116th ousted player.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Niki. Back inland, Urban rivals clash in 12-ball with the red cue. North Modernistic's Luigi played patiently with his positioning, but it wouldn't matter when Commerce's Niki found a three-ball run-out for the win instead. Niki owns a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Niki had a scratch on the break in game 2, leading to a contentious start against the Nighthawks' Luigi. Niki was a little bolder in shot selection, which paid off on a three-ball run-out for the win to stretch her series lead to 2-0. Niki continued to excel in positional play, quickly weaving through a less-than-spectacular distribution on the game 3 break. Luigi had a decent alignment generally, but Niki did more with less to get the win that sealed the series at 3-0. Niki might have been better off if she taken one of each on the game 4 break, but Luigi was instead allowed to work with stripes. He made the most of it and survived a last-ditch effort from Niki before potting his only final pair for the win to cut the series to 3-1. Luigi made one of each on the game 5 break, and Niki cruised from there. Luigi made three balls over two late turns to close the gap, but Niki got the win for a 4-1 series win that puts her on the road again in the bracket finals. Niki's first kill of the year has Luigi as the 117th eliminated player.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Violetta. The red cue stays on for its other 12-ball semifinal. Oceanside's Jason V. had a strong start to game 1, but not strong enough. He scratched later, and Queens' Violetta made no such error in her three-ball run-out for the win. Violetta is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Violetta was much less clinical in game 2, taking multiple scratches and giving away a wild-card ball. The Waves' Jason V. still took a long time to finish off the win, nearly letting Violetta back in before shutting the door to tie the series at 1. Jason V. stormed ahead with a five-ball run from the break in game 3. Violetta resisted as long as she could, but it wasn't enough time to prevent Jason V. from getting the win, which put him ahead 2-1 in the series. Jason V. again pulled out to a big lead in game 4, but bad positioning and Violetta's thorough defense of the top side prevented the host from closing the deal. Violetta finished off the win and retied the series at 2. Violetta started quickly with a pair on the break. She nearly had a sublime run on her second turn of game 5, but under-hit to the bottom right. She still forced Jason V. to make a play, and he missed on his third shot, a tight bank attempt to the bottom left. Violetta picked up the win and the 3-2 series win to face Niki of the Commerce Tradewinds at home in the bracket finals.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Leonette. The red cue goes once again in Accuracy. Commerce's Niki had a good start to game 1, burying Pacific's Leonette quickly. Leonette tried to drag Niki down with her, but the host held on for the 4-5 win and 1-0 series lead. Both players stayed perfect deep into game 2. The Tradewinds' Niki missed first, but the Volcanoes' Leonette missed on her last two shots to blow the lead. Niki won 1-2 and moved ahead 2-0 in the series. Game 3 saw the players play hot potato with the lead near the end. It ended up going into overtime, where Leonette missed twice before Niki could close out a 5-6 win to secure the series at 3-0 in a rather unsightly fashion. Game 4 took on the familiar pattern of strong start and awful finish, with Niki finally completing a collapse. Her demise started with a scratch, and Leonette eventually won 3-5 to get on the board in a 3-1 series. Niki had a lead in parts of game 5, but she sportingly set up Leonette for the final shot, and Leonette converted for a 2-3 win. Niki settled for a 3-2 series win to get her into the bracket finals in Boston, where she'll play against the Swifts' Gradley.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Citrus. Former club-mates battle in 13-ball with the blue cue. Pearl's Watermelon had a good start in game 1, but bad positioning later allowed Lighton's Citrus to pull ahead on a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon again fell short in game 2, giving away a gift to the Prestige's Citrus. She used it wisely and managed to work a three-ball run-out for a gritty win to go up 2-0 in the series. Game 3 did not improve upon the pace of the series. Instead, the two players scrapped and battled for poor positioning. At the end, Watermelon double-hit the cue as she sank the 8, the foul gifting the win cheaply to Citrus, who clinched the series at 3-0. Citrus broke out with a five-ball run to start game 4, which Watermelon just barely covered by the end. It was too late to win though, as Citrus put the 8 in the bottom left to push her series lead to 4-0. Citrus finished the sweep in game 5 as positioning remained a problem in the meaningless filler game. Citrus' 5-0 series sweep sets her up to host Kodiak of the Modernistic Union in the bracket finals. Watermelon faced her 100th unique opponent in a series to forget.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Fluffina. Two of Enterprise's best square off in 7-ball with the red cue. Infinity's Fluffina would have to wait to see the table as Pronger's Precious potted three on the break to ignite a table-run in game 1. Precious leads the series 1-0. The Tridents' Precious saw some good luck to make a couple shots in game 2, but her missed contact would cost her the game. The Torpedoes' Fluffina made the 2 to the bottom left and deflected off the 3 to bump the 7 into the bottom right for the win that tied the series at 1. Fluffina took her turn to run the table from the break, potting a pair to open game 3 and using good positioning over the next five shots to grab the win that jetted her ahead 2-1 in the series. Fluffina looked poised to do it again with a three-ball run from the break to open game 4. It didn't work out, as Precious would make the last three balls to get the win, retying the series at 2. Precious rallied with a four-ball run late in game 5, but her shot on the 7 rattled out of the top left. Fluffina drained it to the bottom side for the 3-2 series win that sends her to the bracket finals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Wario. The red cue's last series today is in Rotation. Southridge's Wario held a large lead for much of game 1, but he got careless later on. Lighton's Shiny found the way later on and rallied with a three-ball run-out for the 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead in comeback fashion. The Prestige's Shiny didn't have a comeback in her in game 2, as the Defenders' Wario wrangled the lead at mid-game and closed with an 8-3 win. Wario's victory tied the series at 1. Shiny put in a bounce-back effort in game 3, keeping it close with Wario until after the middle of the game. Shiny then ripped a five-ball run-out for an 8-4 win to reclaim the series lead at 2-1. Game 4 turned into a streaky back-and-forth, with Shiny opening on a three-ball run that Wario answered with a four-ball run. At the end, Wario locked up an 8-5 win on a three-ball run-out to retie the series at 2. The alternating wins continued in game 5, as Wario couldn't capitalize on a hot start after Shiny erased his lead with her six-ball run. Shiny went on to win 8-3 for a 3-2 series win that will see her travel to Viewpoint Sound to take on the Meteors' Dani in the bracket finals. Wario is the 118th player out of the Tournament, and Shiny took her third kill this season.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Jennifer. More Rotation ends the day, this time with the silver cue. After a slow start to game 1, Swordpoint's Dreamy broke free for a big lead. Terrace City's Jennifer managed a late three-ball run, but Dreamy won 8-3 and pulled ahead 1-0 in the series without much resistance. The Knights' Jennifer had a little more offense in game 2, but she couldn't tip the game in her favor. The Blades' Dreamy pulled off a four-ball run-out at the end for the 8-7 win to take a 2-0 series lead. Jennifer struck first in game 3, but that was all the offense she could muster. Dreamy chipped in pairs and trios of shots to get the 8-3 win that secured the series in her favor at 3-0. Game 4 was as close as it gets, with the back-and-forth play leading into the final turn. Dreamy just came short this time, and Jennifer picked up the 8-7 win to get on the board in a 3-1 series. Dreamy finished strong in game 5 with an 8-6 victory to end the series at 4-1 over Jennifer. Dreamy is set to appear in the bracket finals. Dreamy picked up her second kill this year, while Jennifer is the 119th eliminated player.
We'll be back with a slightly delayed start tomorrow.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Sprinkles. The blue cue opens today in 10-ball. North Modernistic's Lionel had some offense in game 1, but a late three-ball run ended early and he couldn't strike again. Capital City's Sprinkles made the last three balls over two turns for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Lionel made sure to finish his attack in game 2 after the Sharpshooters' Sprinkles saw her early offense fizzle out. Lionel won on a seven-ball run-out and tied the series at 1 in the process. Sprinkles had the better chances in game 3, but she was unable to play well along the rails. Lionel capitalized on a couple of Sprinkles' mistakes to get this win, which put the host ahead 2-1 in the series. Lionel didn't have much fun early in game 4 as Sprinkles made a five-ball run, but the finish was much better. Lionel ended up with the win when Sprinkles couldn't curl a shot around the 10 to hit the 9. Lionel made the final pair and clinched the series at 3-1. Lionel again had to be patient with his play in game 5, but Sprinkles wasn't strong enough on offense to mount a late challenge. Lionel took the series 4-1, and he'll host the Viewpoint Sound Meteors' Dani in the bracket finals. Lionel has three kills this year, while Sprinkles is the 115th player out of the Tournament.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Shaggy. The red cue is next up for Rotation. Viewpoint Sound's Dani had a rotten start to game 1, but she rallied into a tie with Whitewater's Shaggy on a four-ball run. Shaggy then struggled, and Dani made another pair for the 8-6 win and 1-0 series lead. The Shores' Shaggy again started fairly well, but the Meteors' Dani attacked with a four-ball run-out for the 8-4 win this time. Dani leads the series 2-0 thanks to late surges. A little good luck landed on Dani in game 3, which was a competitive and close battle thanks to Shaggy's unpredictable offense. Dani would win on a three-ball run-out that saw her make a pair she really shouldn't have in the 8-5 victory. Dani secured the series at 3-0. Dani finally lacked a comeback effort in game 4, although it wasn't without trying with a three-ball run. Shaggy held her off for the 8-5 win to cut Dani's series lead to 3-1. Dani didn't have much of anything go right in game 5, while Shaggy mostly cruised to an 8-4 win that produced a 3-2 series win for Dani. In the bracket finals, Dani will host her series against an opponent to be determined later today. Dani has her fifth kill of the year to make Shaggy the 116th ousted player.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Niki. Back inland, Urban rivals clash in 12-ball with the red cue. North Modernistic's Luigi played patiently with his positioning, but it wouldn't matter when Commerce's Niki found a three-ball run-out for the win instead. Niki owns a 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Niki had a scratch on the break in game 2, leading to a contentious start against the Nighthawks' Luigi. Niki was a little bolder in shot selection, which paid off on a three-ball run-out for the win to stretch her series lead to 2-0. Niki continued to excel in positional play, quickly weaving through a less-than-spectacular distribution on the game 3 break. Luigi had a decent alignment generally, but Niki did more with less to get the win that sealed the series at 3-0. Niki might have been better off if she taken one of each on the game 4 break, but Luigi was instead allowed to work with stripes. He made the most of it and survived a last-ditch effort from Niki before potting his only final pair for the win to cut the series to 3-1. Luigi made one of each on the game 5 break, and Niki cruised from there. Luigi made three balls over two late turns to close the gap, but Niki got the win for a 4-1 series win that puts her on the road again in the bracket finals. Niki's first kill of the year has Luigi as the 117th eliminated player.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Violetta. The red cue stays on for its other 12-ball semifinal. Oceanside's Jason V. had a strong start to game 1, but not strong enough. He scratched later, and Queens' Violetta made no such error in her three-ball run-out for the win. Violetta is ahead 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Violetta was much less clinical in game 2, taking multiple scratches and giving away a wild-card ball. The Waves' Jason V. still took a long time to finish off the win, nearly letting Violetta back in before shutting the door to tie the series at 1. Jason V. stormed ahead with a five-ball run from the break in game 3. Violetta resisted as long as she could, but it wasn't enough time to prevent Jason V. from getting the win, which put him ahead 2-1 in the series. Jason V. again pulled out to a big lead in game 4, but bad positioning and Violetta's thorough defense of the top side prevented the host from closing the deal. Violetta finished off the win and retied the series at 2. Violetta started quickly with a pair on the break. She nearly had a sublime run on her second turn of game 5, but under-hit to the bottom right. She still forced Jason V. to make a play, and he missed on his third shot, a tight bank attempt to the bottom left. Violetta picked up the win and the 3-2 series win to face Niki of the Commerce Tradewinds at home in the bracket finals.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Niki v. Leonette. The red cue goes once again in Accuracy. Commerce's Niki had a good start to game 1, burying Pacific's Leonette quickly. Leonette tried to drag Niki down with her, but the host held on for the 4-5 win and 1-0 series lead. Both players stayed perfect deep into game 2. The Tradewinds' Niki missed first, but the Volcanoes' Leonette missed on her last two shots to blow the lead. Niki won 1-2 and moved ahead 2-0 in the series. Game 3 saw the players play hot potato with the lead near the end. It ended up going into overtime, where Leonette missed twice before Niki could close out a 5-6 win to secure the series at 3-0 in a rather unsightly fashion. Game 4 took on the familiar pattern of strong start and awful finish, with Niki finally completing a collapse. Her demise started with a scratch, and Leonette eventually won 3-5 to get on the board in a 3-1 series. Niki had a lead in parts of game 5, but she sportingly set up Leonette for the final shot, and Leonette converted for a 2-3 win. Niki settled for a 3-2 series win to get her into the bracket finals in Boston, where she'll play against the Swifts' Gradley.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Citrus. Former club-mates battle in 13-ball with the blue cue. Pearl's Watermelon had a good start in game 1, but bad positioning later allowed Lighton's Citrus to pull ahead on a three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon again fell short in game 2, giving away a gift to the Prestige's Citrus. She used it wisely and managed to work a three-ball run-out for a gritty win to go up 2-0 in the series. Game 3 did not improve upon the pace of the series. Instead, the two players scrapped and battled for poor positioning. At the end, Watermelon double-hit the cue as she sank the 8, the foul gifting the win cheaply to Citrus, who clinched the series at 3-0. Citrus broke out with a five-ball run to start game 4, which Watermelon just barely covered by the end. It was too late to win though, as Citrus put the 8 in the bottom left to push her series lead to 4-0. Citrus finished the sweep in game 5 as positioning remained a problem in the meaningless filler game. Citrus' 5-0 series sweep sets her up to host Kodiak of the Modernistic Union in the bracket finals. Watermelon faced her 100th unique opponent in a series to forget.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Fluffina. Two of Enterprise's best square off in 7-ball with the red cue. Infinity's Fluffina would have to wait to see the table as Pronger's Precious potted three on the break to ignite a table-run in game 1. Precious leads the series 1-0. The Tridents' Precious saw some good luck to make a couple shots in game 2, but her missed contact would cost her the game. The Torpedoes' Fluffina made the 2 to the bottom left and deflected off the 3 to bump the 7 into the bottom right for the win that tied the series at 1. Fluffina took her turn to run the table from the break, potting a pair to open game 3 and using good positioning over the next five shots to grab the win that jetted her ahead 2-1 in the series. Fluffina looked poised to do it again with a three-ball run from the break to open game 4. It didn't work out, as Precious would make the last three balls to get the win, retying the series at 2. Precious rallied with a four-ball run late in game 5, but her shot on the 7 rattled out of the top left. Fluffina drained it to the bottom side for the 3-2 series win that sends her to the bracket finals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Wario. The red cue's last series today is in Rotation. Southridge's Wario held a large lead for much of game 1, but he got careless later on. Lighton's Shiny found the way later on and rallied with a three-ball run-out for the 8-7 win and 1-0 series lead in comeback fashion. The Prestige's Shiny didn't have a comeback in her in game 2, as the Defenders' Wario wrangled the lead at mid-game and closed with an 8-3 win. Wario's victory tied the series at 1. Shiny put in a bounce-back effort in game 3, keeping it close with Wario until after the middle of the game. Shiny then ripped a five-ball run-out for an 8-4 win to reclaim the series lead at 2-1. Game 4 turned into a streaky back-and-forth, with Shiny opening on a three-ball run that Wario answered with a four-ball run. At the end, Wario locked up an 8-5 win on a three-ball run-out to retie the series at 2. The alternating wins continued in game 5, as Wario couldn't capitalize on a hot start after Shiny erased his lead with her six-ball run. Shiny went on to win 8-3 for a 3-2 series win that will see her travel to Viewpoint Sound to take on the Meteors' Dani in the bracket finals. Wario is the 118th player out of the Tournament, and Shiny took her third kill this season.
Gillette Center, Swordpoint: Dreamy v. Jennifer. More Rotation ends the day, this time with the silver cue. After a slow start to game 1, Swordpoint's Dreamy broke free for a big lead. Terrace City's Jennifer managed a late three-ball run, but Dreamy won 8-3 and pulled ahead 1-0 in the series without much resistance. The Knights' Jennifer had a little more offense in game 2, but she couldn't tip the game in her favor. The Blades' Dreamy pulled off a four-ball run-out at the end for the 8-7 win to take a 2-0 series lead. Jennifer struck first in game 3, but that was all the offense she could muster. Dreamy chipped in pairs and trios of shots to get the 8-3 win that secured the series in her favor at 3-0. Game 4 was as close as it gets, with the back-and-forth play leading into the final turn. Dreamy just came short this time, and Jennifer picked up the 8-7 win to get on the board in a 3-1 series. Dreamy finished strong in game 5 with an 8-6 victory to end the series at 4-1 over Jennifer. Dreamy is set to appear in the bracket finals. Dreamy picked up her second kill this year, while Jennifer is the 119th eliminated player.
We'll be back with a slightly delayed start tomorrow.
Monday, January 6, 2020
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Semifinals Day 3
We're back with another full day of fifth-round action. First up...
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Panda v. Princess. The blue cue starts the day with a Coastal Derby in 9-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Princess found her way to win game 1 on a three-ball run-out capped by a 6-9 combination to the bottom left. She leads Southern's Panda by a 1-0 margin to start the series. The Meteors' Princess fouled in her attempt on the 4, which led to another early finish. The Monarchs' Panda put the 4 in the top right and deflected off the 5 to bump the 9 to the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Princess had an attack in game 3, but it didn't work out long-term. Panda shot back with a three-ball run-out to get the win for a 2-1 series lead. Panda attempted a deflection on the 2 off the 9 in game 4, but it worked out even better as a 2-9 bank combination to the top side for the win to seal the series at 3-1 over Princess. Panda finished strong in a dominant game 5, making six balls over his last two turns to beat Princess one more time. Panda won the series 4-1 and will be on the road in the bracket finals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Fluffina. The blue cue remains in action for 12-ball. Freedom's Nikolai made a four-ball run and gave up a wild-card ball on the break. The run was enough of a head start to hold off Infinity's Fluffina, who was shaky as Nikolai got the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai didn't start as hot in game 2, giving the Torpedoes' Fluffina a little room to work. Fluffina planned on taking it slowly, but Nikolai won on a four-ball run-out to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Nikolai again gave away a wild-card ball early in game 3, but Fluffina was prepared to attack this time. Her positioning was strong, and while she gave a wild-card ball to Nikolai near the end, she was able to finish at the bottom left for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Fluffina gave up a wild-card and scratched on the same shot to ruin her opening run. She was still in the game 4 battle near the end, but she overfilled at the bottom side, and Nikolai was able to take his last ball for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Fluffina didn't have the best start in game 5, but she was able to battle with Nikolai throughout the game. Nikolai gave away a late wild-card ball, giving Fluffina the edge she needed for this win. Nikolai settled for a 3-2 series win to give him a hosting position in the bracket finals.
Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Spot. In 10-ball, the silver cue is ready to go. Pronger's Spot had the better offense for much of game 1, but he missed contact on the 8, and Queens' Briana was able to get the last two shots from ball-in-hand for a win. Briana is up 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Briana didn't have a lot of offense in game 2 either, but the Tridents' Spot was too inconsistent near the end. He couldn't pot the 10, and Briana was able to eventually take it at the bottom left for the win make it a 2-0 series. Spot finally went off in game 3, blitzing with a nine-ball run-out to command a huge share of the offense. His big win cut the series to 2-1, with Briana still hanging onto the lead. Spot continued to churn out offense, with Briana deferring possession to him once in game 4. On Spot's second illegally potted ball, Briana took possession, but she missed on the 10, and Spot buried it to the bottom right to tie the series at 2. Spot had a strong start to game 5, but Briana finally unleashed a five-ball run-out of her own to take game 5 and the 3-2 series win. Briana will host her bracket finals series. Spot is the 110th player eliminated this season, while Briana earned her first kill.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Steven. The host begins a home doubleheader in 9-ball with the red cue. Atlantic's Steven played a much more assertive style in game 1, getting the win over Viewpoint Sound's Frosty on a four-ball run-out. Steven's strong form put him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pirates' Steven didn't look immediately ready for game 2, but his glancing kick to take the 2 at the top left sparked a six-ball run-out that extended his series lead to 2-0 over the Meteors' Frosty. In game 3, both players took early swipes at the 9. Steven tried to deflect off the 1, but the 9 wouldn't go at the top right. Frosty then made the 1 in the bottom side and worked a deflection off the 2 to finish the 9 at the top right for the win. This cut Steven's series lead down to 2-1. Steven stepped up his play again in game 4, including a 2-4 combination to the top left with a draw to bump the 8 into the bottom side as part of a three-ball run. Steven finished the game on a four-ball run-out, with the 9 dropping his second choice pocket at the top left, helping him secure a 3-1 series lead over Frosty. Steven finished an excellent series with an early win in game 5, converting a 7-9 cut combination to the top right for the 4-1 series win. Steven will travel in the bracket finals, facing Archtown Arrows captain Sally in the A-Line Derby.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Taylor S. The host's doubleheader ends with 7-ball and the silver cue. Game 1 was a back-and-forth battle as the players exchanged pairs of shots. In the end, Viewpoint Sound's Frosty got the win with the 7 at the bottom left to go up 1-0 in the series against Commerce's Taylor S. The lack of extended runs continued in game 2. The Meteors' Frosty slipped up near the end and saw the Tradewinds' Taylor S. tie the series at 1 with the last two shots. Frosty looked a little better with a late three-ball run in game 3, but she couldn't corral the 7, and Taylor S. mopped it up to go ahead 2-1 in the series instead. Taylor S. ran the table in game 4, never letting Frosty get a chance to equalize in the series. Taylor S.'s burst of offense countered for a 3-1 series lead. Taylor S. finished with a 4-1 series win after a triple-pot from the game 5 break, which saw the 4 go to the bottom left, the 6 drop in the top right, and the 7 drain at the top side. Taylor S. was dominant and will host her series in the bracket finals. Frosty will be the 111th eliminated player, and Taylor S. extended her league lead in kills to six.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Whiskers. An underrated series sees the blue cue come on for 9-ball. North Modernistic's Gal was shaky at best in game 1, while Maplewood's Whiskers had a pair of three-ball runs, including a 6-9 combination to the bottom right for the win. Whiskers owns a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers made a pair on the game 2 break and then kept the Nighthawks' Gal from getting to the table. Whiskers used a 5-9 combination to the top right to win with a six-ball run-out for the 2-0 series lead. Gal kept herself alive in game 3, a choppier battle than previous outings. Whiskers didn't have a lot of offense going and Gal won on a three-ball run-out closed by a 7-9 combination double-pot at the top right to cut Whiskers' series lead to 2-1. Gal opened game 4 on a six-ball run, but her offense faded from there, and Whiskers made the final three balls to get the win. Whiskers secured the series at 3-1 in the process. Gal had a chance to get game 5 as consolation at the end, but she missed the 9 at the bottom left, and Whiskers tapped it in for the 4-1 series win. Whiskers is set to host Southern Monarchs captain Panda in the bracket finals. It's the first kill of the year for Whiskers, which made Gal the 112th ousted player.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Mr. Snowman. The silver cue is back for 12-ball here. Freedom's Roxy struck on the game 1 break and did better with positioning in game 1, holding off Infinity's Mr. Snowman for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy had her chances to finish game 2 at the top right, but sloppy shooting on her last ball allowed the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman to make good on his quick start. Mr. Snowman won at the bottom left to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Roxy seemed to have the better positioning until a late scratch messed her up. Mr. Snowman had just enough time to grab the win, another close battle tipping the series in his favor by a 2-1 margin. Mr. Snowman had positioning late in game 4, but a missed contact would prove critical. Roxy took the ball-in-hand and converted a three-ball run-out for the win to retie the series at 2. Roxy had a dominant start to game 5, and Mr. Snowman did himself no favors with a scratch. Faced with needing a big run, Mr. Snowman made only one ball as Roxy got the win for a 3-2 series win. She'll head to Lighton to face the Prestige's Shiny in the bracket finals. Mr. Snowman is the 113th player to exit the competition, and Roxy earned her first kill.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Steven. The red cue cycles in for Accuracy. Boston's Gradley was strong in game 1, holding a firm line that Atlantic's Steven couldn't match. Gradley walked away with a 1-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley had an instant struggle in game 2 with a scratch on the break. The Pirates' Steven didn't let Gradley get back in it until late, but Steven was good enough to maintain a 1-3 win this time to tie the series at 1. Steven and Gradley battled hard for the first few shots in game 3, but Steven dropped off the pace by mid-game. Gradley faded near the end but managed to hold on for a 2-3 win to make it a 2-1 series lead in his favor. Gradley had a rough ending to game 4, as he suddenly lost his poise on offense. He ended up losing badly as Steven maintained perfection in a 0-5 win to retie the series at 2. Steven held the lead as game 5 wound down, but a trio of misses put it out of reach for him. Gradley made it interesting but ended up with a 3-4 win to seal the series at 3-2 as he advances to the bracket finals in a hosting position.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Dani. The day ends with the silver cue in 8-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Dani had a three-ball run in game 1 end with collateral damage. Stonebridge's Vladimir turned in a six-ball run and left the 8 near the top left for his next turn. Dani couldn't counter, and Vladimir got the win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 featured a cagey start on both sides before the Meteors' Dani broke free on a six-ball run-out for the win. This tied her series against the Wolves' Vladimir at 1 game apiece. Dani again saved her offense for late in game 3. Vladimir had picked at the rack a bit before Dani rampaged a seven-ball run-out for the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. It was a close battle in game 4 yet again, but Dani couldn't provide any late heroics. Instead, she missed contact on the 8 and Vladimir was able to pocket two shots from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 2. Vladimir had game 5 in his grasp after quickly getting onto the 8, but he took three shots to pot it, just doing so after Dani's four-ball run applied pressure. Unfortunately for him, Vladimir also scratched, and Dani was gifted the win and 3-2 series win instead. Dani will host Taylor S. of the Commerce Tradewinds in the bracket finals. Dani has her fourth kill of the year, while Vladimir is the 114th player to be eliminated.
We'll go again tomorrow to begin the second half of the bracket semifinals.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Panda v. Princess. The blue cue starts the day with a Coastal Derby in 9-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Princess found her way to win game 1 on a three-ball run-out capped by a 6-9 combination to the bottom left. She leads Southern's Panda by a 1-0 margin to start the series. The Meteors' Princess fouled in her attempt on the 4, which led to another early finish. The Monarchs' Panda put the 4 in the top right and deflected off the 5 to bump the 9 to the bottom right for the win to tie the series at 1. Princess had an attack in game 3, but it didn't work out long-term. Panda shot back with a three-ball run-out to get the win for a 2-1 series lead. Panda attempted a deflection on the 2 off the 9 in game 4, but it worked out even better as a 2-9 bank combination to the top side for the win to seal the series at 3-1 over Princess. Panda finished strong in a dominant game 5, making six balls over his last two turns to beat Princess one more time. Panda won the series 4-1 and will be on the road in the bracket finals.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Nikolai v. Fluffina. The blue cue remains in action for 12-ball. Freedom's Nikolai made a four-ball run and gave up a wild-card ball on the break. The run was enough of a head start to hold off Infinity's Fluffina, who was shaky as Nikolai got the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Nikolai didn't start as hot in game 2, giving the Torpedoes' Fluffina a little room to work. Fluffina planned on taking it slowly, but Nikolai won on a four-ball run-out to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Nikolai again gave away a wild-card ball early in game 3, but Fluffina was prepared to attack this time. Her positioning was strong, and while she gave a wild-card ball to Nikolai near the end, she was able to finish at the bottom left for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Fluffina gave up a wild-card and scratched on the same shot to ruin her opening run. She was still in the game 4 battle near the end, but she overfilled at the bottom side, and Nikolai was able to take his last ball for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Fluffina didn't have the best start in game 5, but she was able to battle with Nikolai throughout the game. Nikolai gave away a late wild-card ball, giving Fluffina the edge she needed for this win. Nikolai settled for a 3-2 series win to give him a hosting position in the bracket finals.
Sony Center, Queens: Briana v. Spot. In 10-ball, the silver cue is ready to go. Pronger's Spot had the better offense for much of game 1, but he missed contact on the 8, and Queens' Briana was able to get the last two shots from ball-in-hand for a win. Briana is up 1-0 in the series. The Flames' Briana didn't have a lot of offense in game 2 either, but the Tridents' Spot was too inconsistent near the end. He couldn't pot the 10, and Briana was able to eventually take it at the bottom left for the win make it a 2-0 series. Spot finally went off in game 3, blitzing with a nine-ball run-out to command a huge share of the offense. His big win cut the series to 2-1, with Briana still hanging onto the lead. Spot continued to churn out offense, with Briana deferring possession to him once in game 4. On Spot's second illegally potted ball, Briana took possession, but she missed on the 10, and Spot buried it to the bottom right to tie the series at 2. Spot had a strong start to game 5, but Briana finally unleashed a five-ball run-out of her own to take game 5 and the 3-2 series win. Briana will host her bracket finals series. Spot is the 110th player eliminated this season, while Briana earned her first kill.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Steven. The host begins a home doubleheader in 9-ball with the red cue. Atlantic's Steven played a much more assertive style in game 1, getting the win over Viewpoint Sound's Frosty on a four-ball run-out. Steven's strong form put him ahead 1-0 in the series. The Pirates' Steven didn't look immediately ready for game 2, but his glancing kick to take the 2 at the top left sparked a six-ball run-out that extended his series lead to 2-0 over the Meteors' Frosty. In game 3, both players took early swipes at the 9. Steven tried to deflect off the 1, but the 9 wouldn't go at the top right. Frosty then made the 1 in the bottom side and worked a deflection off the 2 to finish the 9 at the top right for the win. This cut Steven's series lead down to 2-1. Steven stepped up his play again in game 4, including a 2-4 combination to the top left with a draw to bump the 8 into the bottom side as part of a three-ball run. Steven finished the game on a four-ball run-out, with the 9 dropping his second choice pocket at the top left, helping him secure a 3-1 series lead over Frosty. Steven finished an excellent series with an early win in game 5, converting a 7-9 cut combination to the top right for the 4-1 series win. Steven will travel in the bracket finals, facing Archtown Arrows captain Sally in the A-Line Derby.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Frosty v. Taylor S. The host's doubleheader ends with 7-ball and the silver cue. Game 1 was a back-and-forth battle as the players exchanged pairs of shots. In the end, Viewpoint Sound's Frosty got the win with the 7 at the bottom left to go up 1-0 in the series against Commerce's Taylor S. The lack of extended runs continued in game 2. The Meteors' Frosty slipped up near the end and saw the Tradewinds' Taylor S. tie the series at 1 with the last two shots. Frosty looked a little better with a late three-ball run in game 3, but she couldn't corral the 7, and Taylor S. mopped it up to go ahead 2-1 in the series instead. Taylor S. ran the table in game 4, never letting Frosty get a chance to equalize in the series. Taylor S.'s burst of offense countered for a 3-1 series lead. Taylor S. finished with a 4-1 series win after a triple-pot from the game 5 break, which saw the 4 go to the bottom left, the 6 drop in the top right, and the 7 drain at the top side. Taylor S. was dominant and will host her series in the bracket finals. Frosty will be the 111th eliminated player, and Taylor S. extended her league lead in kills to six.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Whiskers. An underrated series sees the blue cue come on for 9-ball. North Modernistic's Gal was shaky at best in game 1, while Maplewood's Whiskers had a pair of three-ball runs, including a 6-9 combination to the bottom right for the win. Whiskers owns a 1-0 series lead. The Lumberjacks' Whiskers made a pair on the game 2 break and then kept the Nighthawks' Gal from getting to the table. Whiskers used a 5-9 combination to the top right to win with a six-ball run-out for the 2-0 series lead. Gal kept herself alive in game 3, a choppier battle than previous outings. Whiskers didn't have a lot of offense going and Gal won on a three-ball run-out closed by a 7-9 combination double-pot at the top right to cut Whiskers' series lead to 2-1. Gal opened game 4 on a six-ball run, but her offense faded from there, and Whiskers made the final three balls to get the win. Whiskers secured the series at 3-1 in the process. Gal had a chance to get game 5 as consolation at the end, but she missed the 9 at the bottom left, and Whiskers tapped it in for the 4-1 series win. Whiskers is set to host Southern Monarchs captain Panda in the bracket finals. It's the first kill of the year for Whiskers, which made Gal the 112th ousted player.
Toyota Arena, Freedom: Roxy v. Mr. Snowman. The silver cue is back for 12-ball here. Freedom's Roxy struck on the game 1 break and did better with positioning in game 1, holding off Infinity's Mr. Snowman for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Cascades' Roxy had her chances to finish game 2 at the top right, but sloppy shooting on her last ball allowed the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman to make good on his quick start. Mr. Snowman won at the bottom left to tie the series at 1. In game 3, Roxy seemed to have the better positioning until a late scratch messed her up. Mr. Snowman had just enough time to grab the win, another close battle tipping the series in his favor by a 2-1 margin. Mr. Snowman had positioning late in game 4, but a missed contact would prove critical. Roxy took the ball-in-hand and converted a three-ball run-out for the win to retie the series at 2. Roxy had a dominant start to game 5, and Mr. Snowman did himself no favors with a scratch. Faced with needing a big run, Mr. Snowman made only one ball as Roxy got the win for a 3-2 series win. She'll head to Lighton to face the Prestige's Shiny in the bracket finals. Mr. Snowman is the 113th player to exit the competition, and Roxy earned her first kill.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Gradley v. Steven. The red cue cycles in for Accuracy. Boston's Gradley was strong in game 1, holding a firm line that Atlantic's Steven couldn't match. Gradley walked away with a 1-3 win for the 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Gradley had an instant struggle in game 2 with a scratch on the break. The Pirates' Steven didn't let Gradley get back in it until late, but Steven was good enough to maintain a 1-3 win this time to tie the series at 1. Steven and Gradley battled hard for the first few shots in game 3, but Steven dropped off the pace by mid-game. Gradley faded near the end but managed to hold on for a 2-3 win to make it a 2-1 series lead in his favor. Gradley had a rough ending to game 4, as he suddenly lost his poise on offense. He ended up losing badly as Steven maintained perfection in a 0-5 win to retie the series at 2. Steven held the lead as game 5 wound down, but a trio of misses put it out of reach for him. Gradley made it interesting but ended up with a 3-4 win to seal the series at 3-2 as he advances to the bracket finals in a hosting position.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Dani. The day ends with the silver cue in 8-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Dani had a three-ball run in game 1 end with collateral damage. Stonebridge's Vladimir turned in a six-ball run and left the 8 near the top left for his next turn. Dani couldn't counter, and Vladimir got the win for a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 featured a cagey start on both sides before the Meteors' Dani broke free on a six-ball run-out for the win. This tied her series against the Wolves' Vladimir at 1 game apiece. Dani again saved her offense for late in game 3. Vladimir had picked at the rack a bit before Dani rampaged a seven-ball run-out for the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. It was a close battle in game 4 yet again, but Dani couldn't provide any late heroics. Instead, she missed contact on the 8 and Vladimir was able to pocket two shots from ball-in-hand for the win to tie the series at 2. Vladimir had game 5 in his grasp after quickly getting onto the 8, but he took three shots to pot it, just doing so after Dani's four-ball run applied pressure. Unfortunately for him, Vladimir also scratched, and Dani was gifted the win and 3-2 series win instead. Dani will host Taylor S. of the Commerce Tradewinds in the bracket finals. Dani has her fourth kill of the year, while Vladimir is the 114th player to be eliminated.
We'll go again tomorrow to begin the second half of the bracket semifinals.
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Semifinals Day 2
We're keeping the fifth round rolling here, beginning with...
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Paps v. Marsell. The blue cue will start us off today in 7-ball. Tysini's Paps had a three-ball run early in game 1 and added another pair, but Whitewater's Marsell picked off the final pair for a somewhat cheap win. Marsell leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Marsell scratched on the break in game 2, allowing the Hummingbirds' Paps to pick up a fair amount of offense. Paps again failed to finish off the game, with Marsell taking the final pair again for a 2-0 series lead. Marsell was more involved in the offense in game 3, attacking with regular consistency. At the end, Paps couldn't corral the 6 at the top right, and Marsell drained a familiar pair of shots to seal the series at 3-0 with this win. Marsell stretched out his finishing run in game 4, defeating Paps this time with a three-ball run-out to move ahead 4-0 in the series. Marsell turned in straight dominance in game 5 with a five-ball run, but Paps was able to get the 6 before leaving the 7 at the top right. Marsell tapped it down for the 5-0 series sweep that puts him in the bracket finals. Paps is the 102nd player out of the Tournament, while Marsell earned his first kill of the year. It was also a team-kill on the Hummingbirds, the third team to fall in totality.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Mitchell. The silver cue takes a turn in 9-ball. After Oceanside's Snuggle struck for a three-ball run from the break, game 1 slowed to a crawl. Victoria's Mitchell scratched in his attempt on the 9 and Snuggle took it from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Mitchell made more of an impact late in game 2, taking the last three balls over two turns as the Waves' Snuggle couldn't pot the 8. Mitchell's win tied the shaky series at 1. Mitchell dominated the offense in game 3 with a three-ball run, a four-ball run and the 9 from ball-in-hand after Snuggle's positioning play after making the 8 ran into a scratch. Mitchell pulled ahead 2-1 in the series with the strong outing. Snuggle continued to struggle to build runs in game 4, and it would cost him as he missed on the 6. Mitchell picked up the win with a two-rail bank on the 9 to the bottom side to secure the series at 3-1. Snuggle played better for most of game 5, but his late three-ball run ended with a scratch. Mitchell potted the 9 to the bottom side to wrap up a 4-1 series win that gets him to the bracket finals. Mitchell took his first kill of the season to make Snuggle the 103rd eliminated player.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Mario. Staying on the coast, the red cue draws in for 15-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot had a smooth and thorough offense in game 1, but he saved a little defense to frustrate Queens' Mario just at the end. Hoot eventually made the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Hoot drained three balls on the break and kept up the attack for most of the game. The Flames' Mario had some crafty cut shots in the middle, but his late scratch allowed Hoot to make the 13-15 combination to the bottom left from ball-in-hand. Hoot's win gave him a 2-0 series lead. The run-and-gun style of the first two games gave way briefly to a tight start in game 3. Mario enjoyed this while it lasted, but Hoot unleashed a six-ball run-out to clinch the series at 3-0 in great form. Mario got on the board in game 4, finishing up with a three-ball run after finally getting a good chunk of possession against Hoot, who remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Game 5 went incredibly slowly but ultimately favored Hoot in the end as he converted a five-ball run-out to finish off a 4-1 series win over Mario. Hoot is set to appear in the bracket finals. Hoot earned his second kill of the season and made Mario the 104th player out of action.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Beth v. A. Charlton. Another western battle goes in 15-ball with the blue cue. Pearl's Beth had two surges of offense in game 1, one early and one late, but she missed the 15 and Archtown's Charlton knocked it in the top left. Charlton leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Beth didn't back down in game 2, but her three-ball run ended with a contact play on the 7. The Arrows' Charlton seized the chance, completing a 7-15 combination to the bottom right for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Charlton came into her own on offense in game 3 with a significant chunk of the offense. Beth tried to fight back a bit later on, but Charlton converted an 8-15 cut combination to the top right that double-potted the 8 on the deflection to the bottom left. Charlton sealed the series at 3-0 with this win. Game 4 started a little slower than the previous matches. At the end, it was all Charlton again as she made seven balls over three turns to push her series lead to 4-0 over Beth. In game 5, Beth made one last push with a six-ball run near the end, but the 13 hung on the top left edge. Charlton made the final pair and swept the series 5-0 to earn the right to host the Boston Swifts' Sweetheart in the bracket finals. Charlton took her second kill and sent Beth back to retirement as the 105th eliminated player.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Ms. Puppy. Two long-tenured captains clash in 10-ball with the red cue. The quality of play didn't match the hype in game 1, as both players struggled to gain traction. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy scratched late, giving Pronger's Precious a free shot on the 10 from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious found her way a bit better in game 2, taking a lot of offense including a late four-ball run that ended in a scratch. The Union's Ms. Puppy tallied the final pair for the win to even the series at 1. Precious dabbled in trickery after Ms. Puppy's game 3 scratch. Precious sank the 3 and pushed the 10 near the top right, setting up her double-pot that included the 4 at the top side for the win. Precious leads the series 2-1. Ms. Puppy refused to go down easily. Precious had a three-ball run going late in game 4 but she couldn't pot the 9, and Ms. Puppy fired back with the final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 2. Precious showed ruthlessness in game 5, as Ms. Puppy made illegal contact to pot the 8. Precious answered on a 2-10 combination from ball-in-hand for the series-winning shot. Precious took the series 3-2 and will appear in the bracket finals. Precious now has four kills as Ms. Puppy becomes the 106th player out of action.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Valencia. The blue cue cycles in again for 13-ball. Modernistic's Kodiak was shooting fire to start game 1, but his reckless ways nearly cost him. Golden's Valencia got onto the 8 but never managed to corral it, giving Kodiak time to find a three-ball run for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Kodiak started and ended game 2 on three-ball runs, dominating after making one of each on the break. The Pilots' Valencia had her moments, but a scratch set her back. Kodiak's fiery pace has him up 2-0 in the series. Kodiak took a small step back on offense at the start of game 3, but it was enough for Valencia to attack. Valencia was relentless in her offense, making a pair to answer Kodiak's late three-ball run. Kodiak tried some defense, but Valencia kicked the 8 to the bottom left for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Valencia had everything she needed on a three-ball run to get down to her last ball, but an ill-fated bank and scratch led to a disaster finish. Kodiak was hardly better in shot quality, but he was more persistent with maintaining positioning and got the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Kodiak had to weather some offense from Valencia in game 5, but he stormed back with a four-ball run-out at the end to finish with a 4-1 series win. Kodiak will take to the road in the bracket finals. Valencia is the 107th player to exit the Tournament, and the second at Kodiak's hands.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Twilight. The blue cue stays on for this Rotation series. Royal's Brownie had a decent early attack, but Central's Twilight pulled back to cover that damage. Twilight never had a chance to answer Brownie's five-ball run-out for the 8-4 win, which gave Brownie a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie drained a pair on the break and hardly slowed down after that. She made four balls over her last two turns to secure an 8-3 win over the Warriors' Twilight, which put Brownie up 2-0 in the series. Brownie and Twilight again scrapped for possession in the early parts of game 3, but Brownie broke free at the end with a four-ball run-out to win 8-4. Brownie clinched the series at 3-0 with the surge. Twilight didn't go quietly despite already having lost the series. She was aggressive and assertive in an 8-3 win over Brownie in game 4, cutting the series to 3-1. Twilight let her temper loose in game 5, causing a number of brutal misses to extend the meaningless game. Brownie wasn't better but walked away with an 8-6 win to take the series 4-1. Brownie will host her appearance in the bracket finals. Brownie's up to two kills this year, while Twilight is the 108th eliminated player. The Warriors are also the fourth team to exit, thanks to this team-kill.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Taylor S. The silver cue's last appearance today is in 8-ball. Commerce's Taylor S. had a strong start in game 1, but she slacked later and let Archtown's Hoppy make it close. Taylor S. then closed her win with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. struggled with offense in game 2, and it didn't get better as the Arrows' Hoppy found a fairly clear path to victory to tie the series at 1. Hoppy ripped a four-ball run from the break in game 3, which Taylor S. answered with a six-ball run. Hoppy ended up winning two turns later, pushing a three-ball run-out after Taylor S. couldn't make her last ball. Hoppy leads the series 2-1 now. Both players had five-ball runs in game 4 to vary the pace of their offense. Hoppy faltered at the end, unable to find a clear look at the 8. Taylor S. rode the momentum of her run straight to victory to retie the series at 2. Game 5 was as close as it could get, with Taylor S. pulling away at the end on a three-ball run-out to dispatch Hoppy in the 3-2 series. Taylor S. heads to a road appearance in the bracket finals. Taylor S. reset the league standard for kills at five, while Hoppy became the 109th eliminated player.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Shawn. We'll end with more 8-ball, using the red cue. Midland's Shawn shot out of a cannon with a five-ball run on his first turn in game 1. North Modernistic's Luigi didn't have his offense yet, and Shawn cruised to the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Luigi did a little better on offense in game 2, but the Predators' Shawn made his last ball and got positioning behind Luigi's defense on the last turn. Shawn tapped the 8 down to the top right for the win and 2-0 series lead. Shawn went on another tear to start game 3, a four-ball run that Luigi answered in pieces. Luigi had a chance on his last ball but the diagonal bank to the top right wouldn't fall, and Shawn struck the 8 to the bottom left for the win. Shawn secured the series at 3-0. Luigi had his best chance to win yet in game 4, but he couldn't quite make his last ball in a contentious battle. Shawn pushed on a three-ball run and got the 8 on the next turn to make it a 4-0 series. Game 5 saw Luigi mount another offensive attack that would fall just a little short as Shawn finished the 5-0 series sweep. Shawn will take it on the road again in the bracket finals.
We'll be back tomorrow at the regular time to continue this round.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Paps v. Marsell. The blue cue will start us off today in 7-ball. Tysini's Paps had a three-ball run early in game 1 and added another pair, but Whitewater's Marsell picked off the final pair for a somewhat cheap win. Marsell leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Marsell scratched on the break in game 2, allowing the Hummingbirds' Paps to pick up a fair amount of offense. Paps again failed to finish off the game, with Marsell taking the final pair again for a 2-0 series lead. Marsell was more involved in the offense in game 3, attacking with regular consistency. At the end, Paps couldn't corral the 6 at the top right, and Marsell drained a familiar pair of shots to seal the series at 3-0 with this win. Marsell stretched out his finishing run in game 4, defeating Paps this time with a three-ball run-out to move ahead 4-0 in the series. Marsell turned in straight dominance in game 5 with a five-ball run, but Paps was able to get the 6 before leaving the 7 at the top right. Marsell tapped it down for the 5-0 series sweep that puts him in the bracket finals. Paps is the 102nd player out of the Tournament, while Marsell earned his first kill of the year. It was also a team-kill on the Hummingbirds, the third team to fall in totality.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Snuggle v. Mitchell. The silver cue takes a turn in 9-ball. After Oceanside's Snuggle struck for a three-ball run from the break, game 1 slowed to a crawl. Victoria's Mitchell scratched in his attempt on the 9 and Snuggle took it from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Mitchell made more of an impact late in game 2, taking the last three balls over two turns as the Waves' Snuggle couldn't pot the 8. Mitchell's win tied the shaky series at 1. Mitchell dominated the offense in game 3 with a three-ball run, a four-ball run and the 9 from ball-in-hand after Snuggle's positioning play after making the 8 ran into a scratch. Mitchell pulled ahead 2-1 in the series with the strong outing. Snuggle continued to struggle to build runs in game 4, and it would cost him as he missed on the 6. Mitchell picked up the win with a two-rail bank on the 9 to the bottom side to secure the series at 3-1. Snuggle played better for most of game 5, but his late three-ball run ended with a scratch. Mitchell potted the 9 to the bottom side to wrap up a 4-1 series win that gets him to the bracket finals. Mitchell took his first kill of the season to make Snuggle the 103rd eliminated player.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Hoot v. Mario. Staying on the coast, the red cue draws in for 15-ball. Viewpoint Sound's Hoot had a smooth and thorough offense in game 1, but he saved a little defense to frustrate Queens' Mario just at the end. Hoot eventually made the final pair for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Hoot drained three balls on the break and kept up the attack for most of the game. The Flames' Mario had some crafty cut shots in the middle, but his late scratch allowed Hoot to make the 13-15 combination to the bottom left from ball-in-hand. Hoot's win gave him a 2-0 series lead. The run-and-gun style of the first two games gave way briefly to a tight start in game 3. Mario enjoyed this while it lasted, but Hoot unleashed a six-ball run-out to clinch the series at 3-0 in great form. Mario got on the board in game 4, finishing up with a three-ball run after finally getting a good chunk of possession against Hoot, who remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Game 5 went incredibly slowly but ultimately favored Hoot in the end as he converted a five-ball run-out to finish off a 4-1 series win over Mario. Hoot is set to appear in the bracket finals. Hoot earned his second kill of the season and made Mario the 104th player out of action.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Beth v. A. Charlton. Another western battle goes in 15-ball with the blue cue. Pearl's Beth had two surges of offense in game 1, one early and one late, but she missed the 15 and Archtown's Charlton knocked it in the top left. Charlton leads the series 1-0. The Surfers' Beth didn't back down in game 2, but her three-ball run ended with a contact play on the 7. The Arrows' Charlton seized the chance, completing a 7-15 combination to the bottom right for the win to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Charlton came into her own on offense in game 3 with a significant chunk of the offense. Beth tried to fight back a bit later on, but Charlton converted an 8-15 cut combination to the top right that double-potted the 8 on the deflection to the bottom left. Charlton sealed the series at 3-0 with this win. Game 4 started a little slower than the previous matches. At the end, it was all Charlton again as she made seven balls over three turns to push her series lead to 4-0 over Beth. In game 5, Beth made one last push with a six-ball run near the end, but the 13 hung on the top left edge. Charlton made the final pair and swept the series 5-0 to earn the right to host the Boston Swifts' Sweetheart in the bracket finals. Charlton took her second kill and sent Beth back to retirement as the 105th eliminated player.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Ms. Puppy. Two long-tenured captains clash in 10-ball with the red cue. The quality of play didn't match the hype in game 1, as both players struggled to gain traction. Modernistic's Ms. Puppy scratched late, giving Pronger's Precious a free shot on the 10 from ball-in-hand for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious found her way a bit better in game 2, taking a lot of offense including a late four-ball run that ended in a scratch. The Union's Ms. Puppy tallied the final pair for the win to even the series at 1. Precious dabbled in trickery after Ms. Puppy's game 3 scratch. Precious sank the 3 and pushed the 10 near the top right, setting up her double-pot that included the 4 at the top side for the win. Precious leads the series 2-1. Ms. Puppy refused to go down easily. Precious had a three-ball run going late in game 4 but she couldn't pot the 9, and Ms. Puppy fired back with the final pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 2. Precious showed ruthlessness in game 5, as Ms. Puppy made illegal contact to pot the 8. Precious answered on a 2-10 combination from ball-in-hand for the series-winning shot. Precious took the series 3-2 and will appear in the bracket finals. Precious now has four kills as Ms. Puppy becomes the 106th player out of action.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Kodiak v. Valencia. The blue cue cycles in again for 13-ball. Modernistic's Kodiak was shooting fire to start game 1, but his reckless ways nearly cost him. Golden's Valencia got onto the 8 but never managed to corral it, giving Kodiak time to find a three-ball run for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Union's Kodiak started and ended game 2 on three-ball runs, dominating after making one of each on the break. The Pilots' Valencia had her moments, but a scratch set her back. Kodiak's fiery pace has him up 2-0 in the series. Kodiak took a small step back on offense at the start of game 3, but it was enough for Valencia to attack. Valencia was relentless in her offense, making a pair to answer Kodiak's late three-ball run. Kodiak tried some defense, but Valencia kicked the 8 to the bottom left for the win to cut the series to 2-1. Valencia had everything she needed on a three-ball run to get down to her last ball, but an ill-fated bank and scratch led to a disaster finish. Kodiak was hardly better in shot quality, but he was more persistent with maintaining positioning and got the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Kodiak had to weather some offense from Valencia in game 5, but he stormed back with a four-ball run-out at the end to finish with a 4-1 series win. Kodiak will take to the road in the bracket finals. Valencia is the 107th player to exit the Tournament, and the second at Kodiak's hands.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Brownie v. Twilight. The blue cue stays on for this Rotation series. Royal's Brownie had a decent early attack, but Central's Twilight pulled back to cover that damage. Twilight never had a chance to answer Brownie's five-ball run-out for the 8-4 win, which gave Brownie a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Brownie drained a pair on the break and hardly slowed down after that. She made four balls over her last two turns to secure an 8-3 win over the Warriors' Twilight, which put Brownie up 2-0 in the series. Brownie and Twilight again scrapped for possession in the early parts of game 3, but Brownie broke free at the end with a four-ball run-out to win 8-4. Brownie clinched the series at 3-0 with the surge. Twilight didn't go quietly despite already having lost the series. She was aggressive and assertive in an 8-3 win over Brownie in game 4, cutting the series to 3-1. Twilight let her temper loose in game 5, causing a number of brutal misses to extend the meaningless game. Brownie wasn't better but walked away with an 8-6 win to take the series 4-1. Brownie will host her appearance in the bracket finals. Brownie's up to two kills this year, while Twilight is the 108th eliminated player. The Warriors are also the fourth team to exit, thanks to this team-kill.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Hoppy v. Taylor S. The silver cue's last appearance today is in 8-ball. Commerce's Taylor S. had a strong start in game 1, but she slacked later and let Archtown's Hoppy make it close. Taylor S. then closed her win with a three-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Taylor S. struggled with offense in game 2, and it didn't get better as the Arrows' Hoppy found a fairly clear path to victory to tie the series at 1. Hoppy ripped a four-ball run from the break in game 3, which Taylor S. answered with a six-ball run. Hoppy ended up winning two turns later, pushing a three-ball run-out after Taylor S. couldn't make her last ball. Hoppy leads the series 2-1 now. Both players had five-ball runs in game 4 to vary the pace of their offense. Hoppy faltered at the end, unable to find a clear look at the 8. Taylor S. rode the momentum of her run straight to victory to retie the series at 2. Game 5 was as close as it could get, with Taylor S. pulling away at the end on a three-ball run-out to dispatch Hoppy in the 3-2 series. Taylor S. heads to a road appearance in the bracket finals. Taylor S. reset the league standard for kills at five, while Hoppy became the 109th eliminated player.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Luigi v. Shawn. We'll end with more 8-ball, using the red cue. Midland's Shawn shot out of a cannon with a five-ball run on his first turn in game 1. North Modernistic's Luigi didn't have his offense yet, and Shawn cruised to the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Luigi did a little better on offense in game 2, but the Predators' Shawn made his last ball and got positioning behind Luigi's defense on the last turn. Shawn tapped the 8 down to the top right for the win and 2-0 series lead. Shawn went on another tear to start game 3, a four-ball run that Luigi answered in pieces. Luigi had a chance on his last ball but the diagonal bank to the top right wouldn't fall, and Shawn struck the 8 to the bottom left for the win. Shawn secured the series at 3-0. Luigi had his best chance to win yet in game 4, but he couldn't quite make his last ball in a contentious battle. Shawn pushed on a three-ball run and got the 8 on the next turn to make it a 4-0 series. Game 5 saw Luigi mount another offensive attack that would fall just a little short as Shawn finished the 5-0 series sweep. Shawn will take it on the road again in the bracket finals.
We'll be back tomorrow at the regular time to continue this round.
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Semifinals Day 1
We're set to begin the Bracket Semifinals, also known as the fifth round. With just under half of the players left, it's crunch time for those remaining. The round opens with...
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Jason N. The red cue opens the day with 9-ball. Archtown's Sally won a back-and-forth game 1 with a shot on the 9 to the top right after Atlantic's Jason N. couldn't pot it. Sally's win puts her ahead 1-0 in the series, but without much confidence. The Arrows' Sally couldn't back it up in game 2, playing too little on offense. The Pirates' Jason N. capitalized on his best chances, winning with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Sally will regret her miss on the 8 to end a six-ball run in game 3, as she had controlled the game but allowed Jason N. to pick off the last two shots. Jason N. pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Sally wasn't done yet in game 4, as she split the 8 and 9 to drive the latter to the bottom right for the win after Jason N. couldn't gain control of the offense. Sally's late push tied the series at 2. Sally stood her ground and made seven of the eight potted balls in game 5, including an 8-9 combination for the win at the top right. She beat Jason N. 3-2 in the series to get to the bracket finals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Jason N. The visitor completed a road doubleheader in 10-ball with the blue cue. Viewpoint Sound's Dani won a cagey game 1 over Atlantic's Jason N., as the latter had too many scratches and misses to be effective. Dani leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Dani had an awful break in game 2, which led to slow offense. It didn't stop her though, as the Pirates' Jason N. came up short with a four-ball run and Dani took the last pair for the win to move up to 2-0 in the series. Jason N. missed contact on the 2 in game 3, and it proved costly. Dani made the 2-4 combination to the top right and the 2-10 combination to the bottom right for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Jason N. missed on the 9 in game 4, continuing a run of bad luck as Dani picked up the last two balls to overcome her earlier errors. Dani's at 4-0 in the series. Jason N. avoided the sweep in another slow-moving game 5 battle, which he took with a pair of shots. Dani settled for the 4-1 series win to punch her ticket to the bracket finals. Jason N. is the 99th player out of the Tournament, and the third to fall to Dani.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Strut. The silver cue is on for 13-ball here. Golden's Strut got down to his final ball in game 1, but he couldn't finish the effort. Lighton's Shiny rallied with a four-ball run-out, including a bank on the 8 to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny struck on the break in game 2, but she couldn't keep pace even after exchanging gift turns with the Pilots' Strut. Shiny just missed a bank on the 8 at the top left, which Strut mopped up for the win to tie the series at 1. The Pilots' Strut started hot in game 3, taking the sides quickly and pushing through Shiny's defense at the bottom left. Shiny never had good positioning, allowing Strut to win unchallenged for a 2-1 series lead. A fast start to game 4 left Strut in an attempt to better position himself at the bottom side. He missed contact, and Shiny tried to bank the 9 to the top side but missed. Strut then put the 6 in the bottom side from a crazy angle, and he added the 8 at the top right to clinch the series at 3-1. Strut pulled off a comeback win in game 5 after Shiny got out of position on her last ball. Strut finished with a 4-1 series win, and he's confirmed to host his appearance in the bracket finals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Citrus v. Easter. The silver cue remains in action to finish the venue doubleheader with 15-ball. A pacey game 1 saw both players flex their shooting skills with relative ease. Lighton's Citrus emerged with the win after TodavÃa's Easter couldn't finish off the 15, which gave Citrus a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Easter picked up the pace in game 2, working a four-ball run near the end after a tight start. Easter missed the 15 on a cut toward the top left, and the Prestige's Citrus knocked it down for the win and 2-0 series lead. Citrus pressed with a five-ball run late in game 3 after another sloppy battle early on. She missed on the 13, and Easter fired off a pair at the end for the win to stay alive in the now 2-1 series. Citrus found a way to end game 4 early, double-deflecting a shot off the 5 and 9 to bump the 15 to the top left for the win on a highlight-reel-worthy play. Easter could only applaud as Citrus secured the series at 3-1. Easter took the win in a close game 5 as well, picking up the 15 at the bottom side after Citrus couldn't down it. Citrus won the series 3-2 and will head on the road for the bracket finals. Easter is the 100th play to exit the Tournament, and Citrus earned her second kill, which was also a team kill on the Stills.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Sweetheart. The blue cue is ready to return with 15-ball. Stonebridge's Wild Thing had an awful break in game 1, but neither player was able to take control. Boston's Sweetheart eventually took the ugly win for a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Wolves' Wild Thing struck back for a win after the Swifts' Sweetheart scratched on the 5. Wild Thing put down the 5-15 combination at the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Wild Thing was back out of a rhythm in game 3, struggling for most of the game again. Sweetheart wasn't much better, but she had enough for a three-ball run-out at the end to regain the series lead at 2-1. Sweetheart won game 4 in two shots, getting the 1 to knock the 12 down at the bottom side on the break before converting a 1-9-15 deflection combination to the top right. Sweetheart sealed the series at 3-1 with the quick win. Wild Thing gave a good effort in game 5, outplaying Sweetheart at the end with a five-ball run and his poke on the 15 to get the win. Sweetheart still won the series 3-2 to earn the road spot in the bracket finals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Nicole v. Shawn. Another set from the Southwest uses the red cue for 13-ball. Lighton's Nicole made one of each on the break, but Midland's Shawn had the better start to game 1. Nicole later scratched, and that sparked a six-ball run-out from her on the next turn for the win, which gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Nicole had plenty of offense in game 2, but her miss on the 8 at the bottom right would cost her the game. The Predators' Shawn had a pair of shots for the win on the next turn, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was a lengthy battle for positioning featuring more strategy than offense. It came down to the bottom side, and here was where Shawn made his last ball and the 8 to finally beat Nicole for the 2-1 series lead. Nicole fired back with an early three-ball run and a quick offense in game 4, which ended with her banking the 8 into the top right to retie the series at 2 after Shawn didn't do much on offense. Nicole had a hot start with a three-ball run in game 5, but Shawn wouldn't be denied as he unraveled a tough five-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win. Shawn will advance to the bracket finals. Shawn rejoined the league lead in kills with four, while Nicole is the 101st player to exit in her regular-season finale.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Fluffina. The silver cue cycles in for Accuracy. A blazing start on both sides proved unsustainable for Infinity's Fluffina, who ended up taking a 0-3 loss as Harrison's Twinkie II stayed perfect for the win. Twinkie II leads the series 1-0. The strong play didn't last long into game 2 as both players turned a bit defensive. The Torpedoes' Fluffina led at first, but she took the last four misses as the Specters' Twinkie II notched a 3-5 win to go up 2-0 in the series. Twinkie II had a lead for most of game 3 before taking a second miss to drop into a tie near the end. Fluffina tried to pressure from that, but Twinkie II held on for the 2-3 win to seal the series at 3-0. Fluffina finally got a win in game 4, which saw Twinkie II come up short in regulation to force overtime. Both players missed twice early in the extra rack, and Fluffina eventually won 6-7 to cut the series to 3-1. Twinkie II didn't push the issue much in game 5, allowing Fluffina to have her fun in a 1-4 win that was just a miss on the last ball shy of perfect. Twinkie II won the series 3-2 and will play in the bracket finals.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Shiny. The visitor gets a second series today, using the silver cue for 12-ball. Pronger's Precious had a four-ball run from the break in game 1, but Lighton's Shiny stood tall defensively. Precious took too long at the bottom right and never got a good look on her last ball as Shiny used a wild-card ball and quick offense to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious showed just how dangerous she could be in game 2 after the Prestige's Shiny scratched on the first turn. Precious made a pair to the sides at first, and then a four-ball run-out through traffic around the corners on her second turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Precious had one of each on the game 3 break, giving Shiny a little added flexibility with a wild-card ball. Shiny used it to great effect as she positioned well and earned the win to restore a series lead at 2-1. Game 4 saw Precious return to a dominant form. Shiny had her successful turns in places, but Precious was simply faster and picked up the win to even the series again at 2 games apiece. Precious again gave up a wild-card ball in game 5, a common theme in Shiny's wins as she pushed from there and capitalized on a late missed contact by Precious. Shiny walked away with a 3-2 series win and will host a bracket finals series.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Lorde. A Celebrity standoff finishes the day in Accuracy with the blue cue. Capital City's Lorde held the perfect standard long enough in game 1 to make it hopeless for North Modernistic's Gal. Lorde ended up with a 2-3 win to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw rapid-fire offense throughout the early shots. Near the end, the Nighthawks' Gal stumbled and the Sharpshooters' Lorde gladly maintained her level for a 0-2 win to move up to a 2-0 series lead. Lorde scratched twice in game 3, including a late one that would ultimately force overtime. Lorde couldn't get anything from the overtime break and Gal earned a 2-3 win to get on the board in a 2-1 series. A slow start on both sides kept things even early in game 4, but Gal unraveled in the middle and Lorde didn't let her back in. Lorde closed out a 2-4 win and clinched the series at 3-1 in the process. Lorde added another solid performance in game 5, again playing very well early before a late fade that didn't impact the result. She won 2-3 and took the series 4-1. Lorde is set to host in the bracket finals.
We'll go again tomorrow with a similar schedule.
Starbucks Arena, Archtown: Sally v. Jason N. The red cue opens the day with 9-ball. Archtown's Sally won a back-and-forth game 1 with a shot on the 9 to the top right after Atlantic's Jason N. couldn't pot it. Sally's win puts her ahead 1-0 in the series, but without much confidence. The Arrows' Sally couldn't back it up in game 2, playing too little on offense. The Pirates' Jason N. capitalized on his best chances, winning with a three-ball run-out to tie the series at 1. Sally will regret her miss on the 8 to end a six-ball run in game 3, as she had controlled the game but allowed Jason N. to pick off the last two shots. Jason N. pulled ahead 2-1 in the series. Sally wasn't done yet in game 4, as she split the 8 and 9 to drive the latter to the bottom right for the win after Jason N. couldn't gain control of the offense. Sally's late push tied the series at 2. Sally stood her ground and made seven of the eight potted balls in game 5, including an 8-9 combination for the win at the top right. She beat Jason N. 3-2 in the series to get to the bracket finals.
Volkswagen Stadium Events Center, Viewpoint Sound: Dani v. Jason N. The visitor completed a road doubleheader in 10-ball with the blue cue. Viewpoint Sound's Dani won a cagey game 1 over Atlantic's Jason N., as the latter had too many scratches and misses to be effective. Dani leads the series 1-0. The Meteors' Dani had an awful break in game 2, which led to slow offense. It didn't stop her though, as the Pirates' Jason N. came up short with a four-ball run and Dani took the last pair for the win to move up to 2-0 in the series. Jason N. missed contact on the 2 in game 3, and it proved costly. Dani made the 2-4 combination to the top right and the 2-10 combination to the bottom right for the win to seal the series at 3-0. Jason N. missed on the 9 in game 4, continuing a run of bad luck as Dani picked up the last two balls to overcome her earlier errors. Dani's at 4-0 in the series. Jason N. avoided the sweep in another slow-moving game 5 battle, which he took with a pair of shots. Dani settled for the 4-1 series win to punch her ticket to the bracket finals. Jason N. is the 99th player out of the Tournament, and the third to fall to Dani.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Strut. The silver cue is on for 13-ball here. Golden's Strut got down to his final ball in game 1, but he couldn't finish the effort. Lighton's Shiny rallied with a four-ball run-out, including a bank on the 8 to the bottom left for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Shiny struck on the break in game 2, but she couldn't keep pace even after exchanging gift turns with the Pilots' Strut. Shiny just missed a bank on the 8 at the top left, which Strut mopped up for the win to tie the series at 1. The Pilots' Strut started hot in game 3, taking the sides quickly and pushing through Shiny's defense at the bottom left. Shiny never had good positioning, allowing Strut to win unchallenged for a 2-1 series lead. A fast start to game 4 left Strut in an attempt to better position himself at the bottom side. He missed contact, and Shiny tried to bank the 9 to the top side but missed. Strut then put the 6 in the bottom side from a crazy angle, and he added the 8 at the top right to clinch the series at 3-1. Strut pulled off a comeback win in game 5 after Shiny got out of position on her last ball. Strut finished with a 4-1 series win, and he's confirmed to host his appearance in the bracket finals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Citrus v. Easter. The silver cue remains in action to finish the venue doubleheader with 15-ball. A pacey game 1 saw both players flex their shooting skills with relative ease. Lighton's Citrus emerged with the win after TodavÃa's Easter couldn't finish off the 15, which gave Citrus a 1-0 series lead. The Stills' Easter picked up the pace in game 2, working a four-ball run near the end after a tight start. Easter missed the 15 on a cut toward the top left, and the Prestige's Citrus knocked it down for the win and 2-0 series lead. Citrus pressed with a five-ball run late in game 3 after another sloppy battle early on. She missed on the 13, and Easter fired off a pair at the end for the win to stay alive in the now 2-1 series. Citrus found a way to end game 4 early, double-deflecting a shot off the 5 and 9 to bump the 15 to the top left for the win on a highlight-reel-worthy play. Easter could only applaud as Citrus secured the series at 3-1. Easter took the win in a close game 5 as well, picking up the 15 at the bottom side after Citrus couldn't down it. Citrus won the series 3-2 and will head on the road for the bracket finals. Easter is the 100th play to exit the Tournament, and Citrus earned her second kill, which was also a team kill on the Stills.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Sweetheart. The blue cue is ready to return with 15-ball. Stonebridge's Wild Thing had an awful break in game 1, but neither player was able to take control. Boston's Sweetheart eventually took the ugly win for a 1-0 series lead. In game 2, the Wolves' Wild Thing struck back for a win after the Swifts' Sweetheart scratched on the 5. Wild Thing put down the 5-15 combination at the bottom right to tie the series at 1. Wild Thing was back out of a rhythm in game 3, struggling for most of the game again. Sweetheart wasn't much better, but she had enough for a three-ball run-out at the end to regain the series lead at 2-1. Sweetheart won game 4 in two shots, getting the 1 to knock the 12 down at the bottom side on the break before converting a 1-9-15 deflection combination to the top right. Sweetheart sealed the series at 3-1 with the quick win. Wild Thing gave a good effort in game 5, outplaying Sweetheart at the end with a five-ball run and his poke on the 15 to get the win. Sweetheart still won the series 3-2 to earn the road spot in the bracket finals.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Nicole v. Shawn. Another set from the Southwest uses the red cue for 13-ball. Lighton's Nicole made one of each on the break, but Midland's Shawn had the better start to game 1. Nicole later scratched, and that sparked a six-ball run-out from her on the next turn for the win, which gave her a 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Nicole had plenty of offense in game 2, but her miss on the 8 at the bottom right would cost her the game. The Predators' Shawn had a pair of shots for the win on the next turn, tying the series at 1. Game 3 was a lengthy battle for positioning featuring more strategy than offense. It came down to the bottom side, and here was where Shawn made his last ball and the 8 to finally beat Nicole for the 2-1 series lead. Nicole fired back with an early three-ball run and a quick offense in game 4, which ended with her banking the 8 into the top right to retie the series at 2 after Shawn didn't do much on offense. Nicole had a hot start with a three-ball run in game 5, but Shawn wouldn't be denied as he unraveled a tough five-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win. Shawn will advance to the bracket finals. Shawn rejoined the league lead in kills with four, while Nicole is the 101st player to exit in her regular-season finale.
Mercedes-Benz Forum, Harrison: Twinkie II v. Fluffina. The silver cue cycles in for Accuracy. A blazing start on both sides proved unsustainable for Infinity's Fluffina, who ended up taking a 0-3 loss as Harrison's Twinkie II stayed perfect for the win. Twinkie II leads the series 1-0. The strong play didn't last long into game 2 as both players turned a bit defensive. The Torpedoes' Fluffina led at first, but she took the last four misses as the Specters' Twinkie II notched a 3-5 win to go up 2-0 in the series. Twinkie II had a lead for most of game 3 before taking a second miss to drop into a tie near the end. Fluffina tried to pressure from that, but Twinkie II held on for the 2-3 win to seal the series at 3-0. Fluffina finally got a win in game 4, which saw Twinkie II come up short in regulation to force overtime. Both players missed twice early in the extra rack, and Fluffina eventually won 6-7 to cut the series to 3-1. Twinkie II didn't push the issue much in game 5, allowing Fluffina to have her fun in a 1-4 win that was just a miss on the last ball shy of perfect. Twinkie II won the series 3-2 and will play in the bracket finals.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Shiny. The visitor gets a second series today, using the silver cue for 12-ball. Pronger's Precious had a four-ball run from the break in game 1, but Lighton's Shiny stood tall defensively. Precious took too long at the bottom right and never got a good look on her last ball as Shiny used a wild-card ball and quick offense to get the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Tridents' Precious showed just how dangerous she could be in game 2 after the Prestige's Shiny scratched on the first turn. Precious made a pair to the sides at first, and then a four-ball run-out through traffic around the corners on her second turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Precious had one of each on the game 3 break, giving Shiny a little added flexibility with a wild-card ball. Shiny used it to great effect as she positioned well and earned the win to restore a series lead at 2-1. Game 4 saw Precious return to a dominant form. Shiny had her successful turns in places, but Precious was simply faster and picked up the win to even the series again at 2 games apiece. Precious again gave up a wild-card ball in game 5, a common theme in Shiny's wins as she pushed from there and capitalized on a late missed contact by Precious. Shiny walked away with a 3-2 series win and will host a bracket finals series.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Gal v. Lorde. A Celebrity standoff finishes the day in Accuracy with the blue cue. Capital City's Lorde held the perfect standard long enough in game 1 to make it hopeless for North Modernistic's Gal. Lorde ended up with a 2-3 win to take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw rapid-fire offense throughout the early shots. Near the end, the Nighthawks' Gal stumbled and the Sharpshooters' Lorde gladly maintained her level for a 0-2 win to move up to a 2-0 series lead. Lorde scratched twice in game 3, including a late one that would ultimately force overtime. Lorde couldn't get anything from the overtime break and Gal earned a 2-3 win to get on the board in a 2-1 series. A slow start on both sides kept things even early in game 4, but Gal unraveled in the middle and Lorde didn't let her back in. Lorde closed out a 2-4 win and clinched the series at 3-1 in the process. Lorde added another solid performance in game 5, again playing very well early before a late fade that didn't impact the result. She won 2-3 and took the series 4-1. Lorde is set to host in the bracket finals.
We'll go again tomorrow with a similar schedule.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 11
We close the Bracket Quarterfinals today, beginning with...
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Nicole v. Frosty. The red cue goes first today in 13-ball. Game 1 was a mess in terms of shot quality, as both players looked a little shaky. Lighton's Nicole picked up the win eventually after winning the positional battle at the bottom left against Viewpoint Sound's Frosty. Nicole is up 1-0 in the series. The Prestige's Nicole had her offense a little more organized in game 2, which helped her pick up a relatively easy win as the Meteors' Frosty continued to struggle. Nicole now leads the series 2-0. Nicole posted a pair of solids and a stripe on the game 3 break, but Frosty wasn't able to springboard off of that gift. Nicole set up a five-ball run-out and executed a few turns later for the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Frosty had already put up a four-ball run in game 4, but Nicole's attempt for positioning accidentally sank the 8 to gift the win away. Nicole still holds a 3-1 series lead. Frosty got a pair from the break in game 5, but it wasn't enough as Nicole stormed away on a five-ball run-out for the 4-1 series win. Nicole's dominant play gets her into the bracket semifinals, where she'll host Midland Predators captain Shawn.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Kayla. The silver cue gets a look in 8-ball for this series. Stonebridge's Vladimir had a scratch on the break in game 1, but still recovered to make a five-ball run-out before Royal's Kayla could even threaten for a win. Vladimir has a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the players match each other shot for shot throughout most of the battle. The Crowns' Kayla had the first crack at the 8 and made it on her second try after the Wolves' Vladimir couldn't convert. Kayla's win tied the series at 1. Vladimir found a quicker attack in game 3 at the start, but he again missed the 8 on his one chance to get the win. Kayla had played well enough to be in position to get the win, and she did, going up 2-1 in the series. Vladimir had a six-ball run to start game 4 positively, although the run ended for a stick foul. Kayla did a little catch-up play, but Vladimir had enough time to claim the win to retie the series at 2. In game 5, it was Kayla's turn to commit a stick foul at a critical juncture. Vladimir pushed back and got the win narrowly to take the series 3-2. Vladimir is set to host Dani of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the bracket semifinals. Vladimir got his second kill of the year, with Kayla being the 92nd player out of the Tournament.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Stealth. The red cue returns for a 10-ball set. North Modernistic's Cheddar showed no mercy after Swordpoint's Stealth scratched early in game 1. Cheddar made the 1-10 combination to the top right from ball-in-hand for the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar struggled badly in game 2 with a pair of scratches. The Blades' Stealth paced the offense, but his illegally potted ball on the 10 to the top side allowed Cheddar to poach the win for a 2-0 series lead. Stealth had his chance for a game 3 win, but he again sank the 10 illegally, this time with a scratch. Cheddar again poached a win that probably should have gone the other way; instead, she secured the series at 3-0. Stealth's issues at critical moments continued in game 4, as he missed the 4 from ball-in-hand. Cheddar made it and then deflected off the 5 to push the 10 to the bottom right for the win to go up 4-0 in the series. Stealth finally got on the board with a deflection off the 5 to tap the 10 down at the top right after Cheddar got a little too loose in game 5. Cheddar settled for the 4-1 series win that sets her up to host Smudge of the Infinity Torpedoes in the bracket semifinals.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Hoot. Also with the red cue, we have 15-ball. Midland's Kitty started out alright, but Viewpoint Sound's Hoot had a five-ball run and paced the attack from there. Hoot picked up the final pair later to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Hoot took a step back on offense in game 2, struggling a bit at the end when he missed on the 14. The Predators' Kitty stepped up at the right time with a pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Hoot took his opportunity when it arose in game 3, deflecting off the 6 to drive the 15 to the top right after a contentious start against Kitty. Hoot's complex shot restored his series lead at 2-1. Kitty and Hoot both left plenty of opportunities on the table late in game 4, but Hoot finished the effort with a pair of shots when it mattered. Hoot sealed the series at 3-1 with the win. Hoot had a chance to finish off game 5, but he couldn't get the 15 to drop at the bottom right. Kitty applied a light tap for the win, but Hoot took the series 3-2 and will host Mario of the Queens Flames in the bracket semifinals. Hoot earned his first kill of the year, while Kitty's rookie campaign ends as the 93rd eliminated player.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Max. Back up north, the blue cue is called on for 10-ball. Golden's Max didn't mess around in game 1, ripping a seven-ball run-out to thoroughly dominate North Modernistic's Lionel en route to a 1-0 series lead for the visitor. The Nighthawks' Lionel had almost all the offense in game 2, reversing the balance of power as the Pilots' Max couldn't really get a grip this time. Lionel ended by cleaning up the 10 at the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Lionel maintained his possession edge in game 3, making a four-ball run and adding three more over his last two turns to beat Max for the 2-1 series lead. In game 4, the offense was more mixed. Max had a four-ball run end with illegal contact as he sank the 8. Lionel then missed the 10 to the top right, but Max couldn't bury it and Lionel struck on his second try for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Max finally had a little luck in game 5, making a three-ball run-out after Lionel missed contact on the 8. Max's win just cut Lionel's series win to 3-2, and it'll be Lionel hosting Sprinkles of the Capital City Sharpshooters in the bracket semifinals. Lionel took his second kill of the season as Max fell 94th in the Tournament's exits.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Caitlin. The red cue cycles in for 8-ball in its last series of the round. Pearl's Watermelon attacked on a five-ball run early, which Southridge's Caitlin answered with a six-ball run that fell just short. Watermelon then made a pair to get the win for a close 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had a four-ball run and a pair in game 2, plus an exchange of collateral damage with the Defenders' Caitlin. Watermelon failed twice on the 8, and Caitlin made a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Caitlin attacked with a five-ball run and collateral damage from the game 3 break. Watermelon shot back on a six-ball run but it was close at the finish. Caitlin's miss on the 8 allowed Watermelon to regain the series lead at 2-1 with her win at the bottom side. Watermelon started slow in game 4, putting herself in danger as Caitlin attacked with ease. Watermelon eventually found a groove for a five-ball run, and later a three-ball run-out to get the win that secured the series at 3-1. Caitlin showed up stronger in game 5, with a pair of four-ball runs pacing her to victory after a sluggish start from Watermelon. In the end, Watermelon won the series 3-2 and will host Modernistic Union rookie Sydney C. in the bracket semifinals. Watermelon took her first kill this year to make Caitlin the 95th player out of action in likely the last appearance for the latter.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Avril v. Midnight. The blue cue does a set of 12-ball here. Web City's Avril came up just short at the bottom side late in a close game 1. Westside's Midnight then struck at the bottom left to finish off her win for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Avril had a good push early in game 2, but she faded toward the end with bad positioning. She still nearly won with a bank on the 10 to the bottom side, but it missed, and she accidentally made the Rockers' Midnight's last ball. Midnight will accept the gift for a 2-0 series lead. Avril got down to her last ball again in game 3, but it wouldn't matter as Midnight assembled a four-ball run-out after Avril missed contact. Midnight's surge clinched the series in her favor at 3-0. Midnight couldn't get much after making one of each on the break. She suffered a scratch, and game 4 only lasted so long because Avril had trouble executing in the late-game. Avril did get the win to shrink the deficit to 3-1 in the series. Avril gave away a wild-card ball on the game 5 break, giving Midnight plenty of flexibility to work with. Midnight had a great time in the win which gave her a 4-1 series win. Midnight will host Taylor S. of the Commerce Tradewinds in an Urban Derby in the bracket semifinals. Avril is the 96th player to exit the Tournament while Midnight now has two kills.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sarah v. Slinks. A rookie and a veteran clash in Accuracy with the blue cue. Tysini's Sarah took game 1 on the chin, failing to keep control after the first miss. Westside's Slinks pressured the host well and ended up winning 1-5 for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Slinks made a ball on the game 2 break and gave the Hummingbirds' Sarah no margin for error. Sarah couldn't meet that standard, and Slinks extended her series lead to 2-0 with a 0-3 win this time. Slinks stayed perfect again in game 3, while Sarah missed just once. The 0-1 result helped Slinks seal the series at 3-0 as she continues to play excellently on the road. Slinks finally let herself go in game 4, mailing in an ugly effort as Sarah picked up a 3-6 win that nearly unraveled at the end. Slinks remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Slinks left no doubt to her quality in a 1-4 win over Sarah in game 5, closing the series with a 4-1 win. Slinks will visit Atlantic Pirates third-year Isabella in the bracket semifinals. Slinks took her first kill of the year to end Sarah's rookie campaign as the 97th eliminated player.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Starlight. Captains collide in the round finale, playing 12-ball with the silver cue. Too many scratches and errors pile up for Pronger's Precious in game 1, letting a less-than-stellar effort from Pacific's Starlight still count as a win. Starlight leads the series 1-0. The Volcanoes' Starlight gave away a wild-card ball on the game 2 break, but the Tridents' Precious quickly gave it back. Precious wasn't concerned, rallying ahead and just staving off Starlight for the win at the end to tie the series at 1. Precious wasn't happy about which ball came out after her early scratch in game 3, but she used the positioning as defense. Starlight was willing to stalemate the game a bit, but Precious didn't play along, and her assertive style earned her the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Precious stunned with a four-ball run to open game 4 in great form. Precious had fantastic positioning as well, and Starlight couldn't hold her back long enough as Precious eventually made a pair for the win to secure the series at 3-1. Precious couldn't close it out in game 5, allowing Starlight to take a wild-card ball and plenty of time to set up her shots. Starlight's win meant Precious advanced to host the Lighton Prestige's Shiny on just a 3-2 series win. Precious earned her third kill this season, and Starlight is the 98th player to fall.
In the bracket semifinals, 82 players will battle for 54 bid spots over the course of a week. That begins Saturday; Friday is an administrative day.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Nicole v. Frosty. The red cue goes first today in 13-ball. Game 1 was a mess in terms of shot quality, as both players looked a little shaky. Lighton's Nicole picked up the win eventually after winning the positional battle at the bottom left against Viewpoint Sound's Frosty. Nicole is up 1-0 in the series. The Prestige's Nicole had her offense a little more organized in game 2, which helped her pick up a relatively easy win as the Meteors' Frosty continued to struggle. Nicole now leads the series 2-0. Nicole posted a pair of solids and a stripe on the game 3 break, but Frosty wasn't able to springboard off of that gift. Nicole set up a five-ball run-out and executed a few turns later for the win to clinch the series at 3-0. Frosty had already put up a four-ball run in game 4, but Nicole's attempt for positioning accidentally sank the 8 to gift the win away. Nicole still holds a 3-1 series lead. Frosty got a pair from the break in game 5, but it wasn't enough as Nicole stormed away on a five-ball run-out for the 4-1 series win. Nicole's dominant play gets her into the bracket semifinals, where she'll host Midland Predators captain Shawn.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Vladimir v. Kayla. The silver cue gets a look in 8-ball for this series. Stonebridge's Vladimir had a scratch on the break in game 1, but still recovered to make a five-ball run-out before Royal's Kayla could even threaten for a win. Vladimir has a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 saw the players match each other shot for shot throughout most of the battle. The Crowns' Kayla had the first crack at the 8 and made it on her second try after the Wolves' Vladimir couldn't convert. Kayla's win tied the series at 1. Vladimir found a quicker attack in game 3 at the start, but he again missed the 8 on his one chance to get the win. Kayla had played well enough to be in position to get the win, and she did, going up 2-1 in the series. Vladimir had a six-ball run to start game 4 positively, although the run ended for a stick foul. Kayla did a little catch-up play, but Vladimir had enough time to claim the win to retie the series at 2. In game 5, it was Kayla's turn to commit a stick foul at a critical juncture. Vladimir pushed back and got the win narrowly to take the series 3-2. Vladimir is set to host Dani of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the bracket semifinals. Vladimir got his second kill of the year, with Kayla being the 92nd player out of the Tournament.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Cheddar v. Stealth. The red cue returns for a 10-ball set. North Modernistic's Cheddar showed no mercy after Swordpoint's Stealth scratched early in game 1. Cheddar made the 1-10 combination to the top right from ball-in-hand for the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Cheddar struggled badly in game 2 with a pair of scratches. The Blades' Stealth paced the offense, but his illegally potted ball on the 10 to the top side allowed Cheddar to poach the win for a 2-0 series lead. Stealth had his chance for a game 3 win, but he again sank the 10 illegally, this time with a scratch. Cheddar again poached a win that probably should have gone the other way; instead, she secured the series at 3-0. Stealth's issues at critical moments continued in game 4, as he missed the 4 from ball-in-hand. Cheddar made it and then deflected off the 5 to push the 10 to the bottom right for the win to go up 4-0 in the series. Stealth finally got on the board with a deflection off the 5 to tap the 10 down at the top right after Cheddar got a little too loose in game 5. Cheddar settled for the 4-1 series win that sets her up to host Smudge of the Infinity Torpedoes in the bracket semifinals.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Kitty v. Hoot. Also with the red cue, we have 15-ball. Midland's Kitty started out alright, but Viewpoint Sound's Hoot had a five-ball run and paced the attack from there. Hoot picked up the final pair later to get the win and 1-0 series lead. The Meteors' Hoot took a step back on offense in game 2, struggling a bit at the end when he missed on the 14. The Predators' Kitty stepped up at the right time with a pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Hoot took his opportunity when it arose in game 3, deflecting off the 6 to drive the 15 to the top right after a contentious start against Kitty. Hoot's complex shot restored his series lead at 2-1. Kitty and Hoot both left plenty of opportunities on the table late in game 4, but Hoot finished the effort with a pair of shots when it mattered. Hoot sealed the series at 3-1 with the win. Hoot had a chance to finish off game 5, but he couldn't get the 15 to drop at the bottom right. Kitty applied a light tap for the win, but Hoot took the series 3-2 and will host Mario of the Queens Flames in the bracket semifinals. Hoot earned his first kill of the year, while Kitty's rookie campaign ends as the 93rd eliminated player.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Lionel v. Max. Back up north, the blue cue is called on for 10-ball. Golden's Max didn't mess around in game 1, ripping a seven-ball run-out to thoroughly dominate North Modernistic's Lionel en route to a 1-0 series lead for the visitor. The Nighthawks' Lionel had almost all the offense in game 2, reversing the balance of power as the Pilots' Max couldn't really get a grip this time. Lionel ended by cleaning up the 10 at the top right for the win to tie the series at 1. Lionel maintained his possession edge in game 3, making a four-ball run and adding three more over his last two turns to beat Max for the 2-1 series lead. In game 4, the offense was more mixed. Max had a four-ball run end with illegal contact as he sank the 8. Lionel then missed the 10 to the top right, but Max couldn't bury it and Lionel struck on his second try for the win to clinch the series at 3-1. Max finally had a little luck in game 5, making a three-ball run-out after Lionel missed contact on the 8. Max's win just cut Lionel's series win to 3-2, and it'll be Lionel hosting Sprinkles of the Capital City Sharpshooters in the bracket semifinals. Lionel took his second kill of the season as Max fell 94th in the Tournament's exits.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Caitlin. The red cue cycles in for 8-ball in its last series of the round. Pearl's Watermelon attacked on a five-ball run early, which Southridge's Caitlin answered with a six-ball run that fell just short. Watermelon then made a pair to get the win for a close 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon had a four-ball run and a pair in game 2, plus an exchange of collateral damage with the Defenders' Caitlin. Watermelon failed twice on the 8, and Caitlin made a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1. Caitlin attacked with a five-ball run and collateral damage from the game 3 break. Watermelon shot back on a six-ball run but it was close at the finish. Caitlin's miss on the 8 allowed Watermelon to regain the series lead at 2-1 with her win at the bottom side. Watermelon started slow in game 4, putting herself in danger as Caitlin attacked with ease. Watermelon eventually found a groove for a five-ball run, and later a three-ball run-out to get the win that secured the series at 3-1. Caitlin showed up stronger in game 5, with a pair of four-ball runs pacing her to victory after a sluggish start from Watermelon. In the end, Watermelon won the series 3-2 and will host Modernistic Union rookie Sydney C. in the bracket semifinals. Watermelon took her first kill this year to make Caitlin the 95th player out of action in likely the last appearance for the latter.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Avril v. Midnight. The blue cue does a set of 12-ball here. Web City's Avril came up just short at the bottom side late in a close game 1. Westside's Midnight then struck at the bottom left to finish off her win for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Avril had a good push early in game 2, but she faded toward the end with bad positioning. She still nearly won with a bank on the 10 to the bottom side, but it missed, and she accidentally made the Rockers' Midnight's last ball. Midnight will accept the gift for a 2-0 series lead. Avril got down to her last ball again in game 3, but it wouldn't matter as Midnight assembled a four-ball run-out after Avril missed contact. Midnight's surge clinched the series in her favor at 3-0. Midnight couldn't get much after making one of each on the break. She suffered a scratch, and game 4 only lasted so long because Avril had trouble executing in the late-game. Avril did get the win to shrink the deficit to 3-1 in the series. Avril gave away a wild-card ball on the game 5 break, giving Midnight plenty of flexibility to work with. Midnight had a great time in the win which gave her a 4-1 series win. Midnight will host Taylor S. of the Commerce Tradewinds in an Urban Derby in the bracket semifinals. Avril is the 96th player to exit the Tournament while Midnight now has two kills.
Cisco Arena, Tysini: Sarah v. Slinks. A rookie and a veteran clash in Accuracy with the blue cue. Tysini's Sarah took game 1 on the chin, failing to keep control after the first miss. Westside's Slinks pressured the host well and ended up winning 1-5 for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Slinks made a ball on the game 2 break and gave the Hummingbirds' Sarah no margin for error. Sarah couldn't meet that standard, and Slinks extended her series lead to 2-0 with a 0-3 win this time. Slinks stayed perfect again in game 3, while Sarah missed just once. The 0-1 result helped Slinks seal the series at 3-0 as she continues to play excellently on the road. Slinks finally let herself go in game 4, mailing in an ugly effort as Sarah picked up a 3-6 win that nearly unraveled at the end. Slinks remains ahead 3-1 in the series. Slinks left no doubt to her quality in a 1-4 win over Sarah in game 5, closing the series with a 4-1 win. Slinks will visit Atlantic Pirates third-year Isabella in the bracket semifinals. Slinks took her first kill of the year to end Sarah's rookie campaign as the 97th eliminated player.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Starlight. Captains collide in the round finale, playing 12-ball with the silver cue. Too many scratches and errors pile up for Pronger's Precious in game 1, letting a less-than-stellar effort from Pacific's Starlight still count as a win. Starlight leads the series 1-0. The Volcanoes' Starlight gave away a wild-card ball on the game 2 break, but the Tridents' Precious quickly gave it back. Precious wasn't concerned, rallying ahead and just staving off Starlight for the win at the end to tie the series at 1. Precious wasn't happy about which ball came out after her early scratch in game 3, but she used the positioning as defense. Starlight was willing to stalemate the game a bit, but Precious didn't play along, and her assertive style earned her the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Precious stunned with a four-ball run to open game 4 in great form. Precious had fantastic positioning as well, and Starlight couldn't hold her back long enough as Precious eventually made a pair for the win to secure the series at 3-1. Precious couldn't close it out in game 5, allowing Starlight to take a wild-card ball and plenty of time to set up her shots. Starlight's win meant Precious advanced to host the Lighton Prestige's Shiny on just a 3-2 series win. Precious earned her third kill this season, and Starlight is the 98th player to fall.
In the bracket semifinals, 82 players will battle for 54 bid spots over the course of a week. That begins Saturday; Friday is an administrative day.
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Tournament 2019 - Bracket Quarterfinals Day 10
We're back for the penultimate day of the round, kicking off the calendar year 2020 with Tournament 2019 overflow. First up...
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Smudge. The red cue is set to start the day in 15-ball. Infinity's Smudge struck early in game 1, winning on a 3-15 double-kiss combination to the bottom right on a three-ball run-out to counter Southern's Dominic making an early pair. Smudge leads the series 1-0. The Torpedoes' Smudge used a lot of defense to go with a sharp attack in game 2. She made the last six balls over two turns, blocking out the Monarchs' Dominic for most of the battle to push her own series lead to 2-0. Game 3 turned a bit choppy on both sides, but nothing matched Dominic's miss on the 15 at the very end. This allowed Smudge to take the win from ball-in-hand, and she clinched the series at 3-0 in the process. Smudge and Dominic both had fiery runs to start game 4, but Dominic did a little better to finish it off for his win. Smudge now leads 3-1 in the series. Smudge had a highlight in game 5, as her shot on the 4 deflected to the bottom left while the 6 fell in the top side and the 12 went to the top right for a crazy triple-pot. Smudge finished it off with an 8-15 combination to the top right to win the series 4-1 over a hapless Dominic. She'll host the Southridge Defenders' Stephanie in the bracket semifinals.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Shawn. The blue cue goes next in 7-ball. Whitewater's Marsell missed on a 5-7 combination near the bottom side, allowing Midland's Shawn to pick off both balls individually for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Shawn was the one to miss a combination effort in game 2, as his 6-7 bank to the top right didn't fall. The Shores' Marsell capitalized to win with a minority of possession, which tied the series at 1. Marsell never let Shawn get to the table in game 3, making a ball on the break to ignite a seven-ball run-out. Marsell now leads the series 2-1. Marsell couldn't keep the momentum going in game 4, and he later missed a shot on the 5 that could have set him on a run. Shawn finished it off instead and got the win to tie the series at 2. Shawn started game 5 with a three-ball run, but Marsell finished it with a four-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win in a tight battle. Marsell will visit Paps of the Tysini Hummingbirds in the bracket semifinals.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Solaris. More 7-ball is on the way with the red cue in hand. Commerce's Solaris had a little trouble finding his shot in game 1, but Pronger's Precious didn't let him, finishing off her three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Solaris made game 2 a little more competitive, but the Tridents' Precious wasn't interested, as she took the final pair to seal the win. Precious is up to 2-0 in the series. Precious made a pair on the break in game 3 and added another, but her shot on the 1 rattled out of the bottom right. Solaris went from there, taking a four-ball run-out for the win to cut the series to 2-1. A sloppy start to game 4 turned into a runaway victory for Precious when her shot on the 3 got the 6 to drop at the bottom side. It ignited a five-ball run-out that secured the series at 3-1 for the host. Precious showed no mercy with a dominant game 5 effort to finish off her 4-1 series win over Solaris. Precious will host club-mate Fluffina of the Infinity Torpedoes in the bracket semifinals. Solaris is the 89th eliminated player this year, while Precious earned her second kill.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Hannah. The red cue stays in action for this Rotation series. Lighton's Shiny had some struggles in game 1, but she broke through for the win when Queens' Hannah couldn't capitalize on Shiny's mistakes. The 8-4 final score gave Shiny a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Hannah made the first pair in game 2, but a couple of scratches slowed her offense down. The Prestige's Shiny didn't share in those troubles, and she won by an 8-4 score again to move to a 2-0 series lead. In game 3, Shiny adapted to her lack of offense with an emphasis on defense. This completely frustrated Hannah, allowing Shiny to dictate the pace in a convincing 8-1 win to seal the series at 3-0. Shiny didn't have the same level of performance in game 3, while Hannah elevated her attack a bit in the choppy battle. Hannah emerged with the 8-4 win this time, cutting Shiny's lead to 3-1 in the series. Shiny fell short again in game 5, as Hannah controlled the pace of the game pretty well. Hannah ended with a double-pot of the 11 to the bottom side and the 12 to the bottom right for the 8-4 win. Shiny took the series 3-2 and will host the Southridge Defenders' Wario in the bracket semifinals. Hannah's likely final regular-season appearance ends with her being the 90th eliminated player, while Shiny earned her second kill. Just half of the players still have active bids.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Dreamy. Big-name players clash in Rotation with the silver cue. Swordpoint's Dreamy blew a couple of leads in game 1, but she bounced back each time and ended up making a four-ball run by North Modernistic's Peach a moot point. Dreamy won 8-6 and took the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach looked a little better to start game 2, but she was unprepared for a six-ball run-out that gave the Blades' an 8-4 win. Dreamy had a double-pot on that surge, which helped her push the series lead to 2-0. Dreamy didn't struggle in game 3, but Peach had a cutting seven-ball run to establish a lead early on. Dreamy only got some of it back as Peach ultimately won 8-5 to get back into a 2-1 series. Dreamy overcame a deficit to take a late lead in game 4, but she didn't have enough left to hold on. Peach pushed back with a three-ball run-out for the 8-7 win to tie the series at 2. Peach fell flat in game 5, allowing Dreamy to get the early lead and then power through for a six-ball run-out after a long scoreless run. Dreamy's 8-1 win sealed the series in her favor at 3-2, and she'll host the Terrace City Knights' Jennifer in the bracket semifinals. Dreamy got her first kill of the year to make Peach the 91st player out of the Tournament.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Cubby. Club-mates battle in 7-ball with the blue cue. Both players rattled off three-ball runs to start game 1, but Eastside's Cubby couldn't convert on the 7. Royal's Jake tapped it down at the top left for the win, which gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake continued to pace the attack in game 2, but the Sharks' Cubby again had a chance on the 7. Cubby tried and failed to bank the last ball, and it lined up for Jake to take it at the top left to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Cubby got on the board in a long finish to game 3 as both players struggled to corral the 7. Cubby's win keeps Jake ahead by a 2-1 margin in the series. Cubby made things interesting in game 4, draining the 3 to the bottom right and the 7 to the top side on the break for an instant win. This tied the series at 2. Cubby completed the series comeback with a five-ball run-out in game 5 to win the series 3-2. Cubby's knockdown of Jake allows the former to host Dominic of the Southern Monarchs in the bracket semifinals.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Delila. Eastern Hills rivals collide in 15-ball with the blue cue. Neither player looked comfortable playing in close quarters early in game 1. Atlantic's Delila had a shot on the 15 that just hung at the bottom right, and Stonebridge's Wild Thing mopped it up for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Wild Thing had some luck on his side in game 2, working a fortunate three-ball run-out to defeat the Pirates' Delila again. Wild Thing leads the series 2-0 despite not dominating play. Delila put a little more zing on her shots in game 3, clearly frustrated with the course of the series. Wild Thing kept her at bay for awhile, but Delila double-potted the 12 and 13 to the right corners and then cut the 15 to the top right for the win to cut the series to 2-1. The strategy didn't pay off again for Delila, who was borderline uncontrollable at the end of game 4. Wild Thing picked off the win with a slightly more level head, which secured the series for him at 3-1. Delila settled down enough in game 5 to get the win on a five-ball run-out, leaving Wild Thing to advance on a 3-2 series win. Wild Thing will host Sweetheart of the Boston Swifts in the bracket semifinals.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Panda v. Gradley. The blue cue goes one more time today in 9-ball. Southern's Panda was alright in game 1, but Boston's Gradley sealed the deal with a four-ball run-out capped by bank on the 9 to the bottom left for the win. Gradley owns a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Panda pushed a little harder with a four-ball run in game 2, but his miss on the 7 led to the Swifts' Gradley striking a three-ball run-out for the win this time. Gradley is now ahead 2-0 in the series. Gradley had a little fortune to find a four-ball run in game 3, but he wasn't able to sink the 9. Panda took it instead on his first try and picked up the win to cut Gradley's series lead to 2-1. Gradley had another decent start fall apart at the end as Panda picked up a three-ball run-out to get the win. This tied the series at 2. Gradley looked set on revenge in game 5, working a stunning five-ball run, but Panda shot back with a four-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 comeback series win. Panda's comeback push allows him to host Princess of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the bracket semifinals.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Mr. Snowman. The silver cue closes the day with 12-ball. Infinity's Mr. Snowman struck first in game 1, but his illegally potted ball opened the door for Pearl's Watermelon to execute a well-planned attack. She won with a four-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon made one of each and scratched on the game 2 break, leading to the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman winning with a wild-card ball. Watermelon came close, but Mr. Snowman's strong play tied the series at 1. Mr. Snowman yielded a pair of wild-card balls on the first turn of game 3, giving Watermelon way too much flexibility. Watermelon was patient and easily won, restoring her series lead at 2-1. Watermelon barely went empty on the game 4 break, but it set up a massive four-ball run for Mr. Snowman. Watermelon made a slight push-back, but Mr. Snowman picked up a pair for the win to retie the series at 2. Watermelon couldn't keep pace with Mr. Snowman in game 5, although it came down to the wire. Watermelon missed a kick to the top side, and Mr. Snowman finished at the top left for the 3-2 series win. Mr. Snowman will visit Roxy of the Freedom Cascades in the bracket semifinals.
Tomorrow, we put the bracket quarterfinals to rest.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Dominic v. Smudge. The red cue is set to start the day in 15-ball. Infinity's Smudge struck early in game 1, winning on a 3-15 double-kiss combination to the bottom right on a three-ball run-out to counter Southern's Dominic making an early pair. Smudge leads the series 1-0. The Torpedoes' Smudge used a lot of defense to go with a sharp attack in game 2. She made the last six balls over two turns, blocking out the Monarchs' Dominic for most of the battle to push her own series lead to 2-0. Game 3 turned a bit choppy on both sides, but nothing matched Dominic's miss on the 15 at the very end. This allowed Smudge to take the win from ball-in-hand, and she clinched the series at 3-0 in the process. Smudge and Dominic both had fiery runs to start game 4, but Dominic did a little better to finish it off for his win. Smudge now leads 3-1 in the series. Smudge had a highlight in game 5, as her shot on the 4 deflected to the bottom left while the 6 fell in the top side and the 12 went to the top right for a crazy triple-pot. Smudge finished it off with an 8-15 combination to the top right to win the series 4-1 over a hapless Dominic. She'll host the Southridge Defenders' Stephanie in the bracket semifinals.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell v. Shawn. The blue cue goes next in 7-ball. Whitewater's Marsell missed on a 5-7 combination near the bottom side, allowing Midland's Shawn to pick off both balls individually for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Shawn was the one to miss a combination effort in game 2, as his 6-7 bank to the top right didn't fall. The Shores' Marsell capitalized to win with a minority of possession, which tied the series at 1. Marsell never let Shawn get to the table in game 3, making a ball on the break to ignite a seven-ball run-out. Marsell now leads the series 2-1. Marsell couldn't keep the momentum going in game 4, and he later missed a shot on the 5 that could have set him on a run. Shawn finished it off instead and got the win to tie the series at 2. Shawn started game 5 with a three-ball run, but Marsell finished it with a four-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 series win in a tight battle. Marsell will visit Paps of the Tysini Hummingbirds in the bracket semifinals.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Precious v. Solaris. More 7-ball is on the way with the red cue in hand. Commerce's Solaris had a little trouble finding his shot in game 1, but Pronger's Precious didn't let him, finishing off her three-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Tradewinds' Solaris made game 2 a little more competitive, but the Tridents' Precious wasn't interested, as she took the final pair to seal the win. Precious is up to 2-0 in the series. Precious made a pair on the break in game 3 and added another, but her shot on the 1 rattled out of the bottom right. Solaris went from there, taking a four-ball run-out for the win to cut the series to 2-1. A sloppy start to game 4 turned into a runaway victory for Precious when her shot on the 3 got the 6 to drop at the bottom side. It ignited a five-ball run-out that secured the series at 3-1 for the host. Precious showed no mercy with a dominant game 5 effort to finish off her 4-1 series win over Solaris. Precious will host club-mate Fluffina of the Infinity Torpedoes in the bracket semifinals. Solaris is the 89th eliminated player this year, while Precious earned her second kill.
Pepsi Arena, Lighton: Shiny v. Hannah. The red cue stays in action for this Rotation series. Lighton's Shiny had some struggles in game 1, but she broke through for the win when Queens' Hannah couldn't capitalize on Shiny's mistakes. The 8-4 final score gave Shiny a 1-0 series lead. The Flames' Hannah made the first pair in game 2, but a couple of scratches slowed her offense down. The Prestige's Shiny didn't share in those troubles, and she won by an 8-4 score again to move to a 2-0 series lead. In game 3, Shiny adapted to her lack of offense with an emphasis on defense. This completely frustrated Hannah, allowing Shiny to dictate the pace in a convincing 8-1 win to seal the series at 3-0. Shiny didn't have the same level of performance in game 3, while Hannah elevated her attack a bit in the choppy battle. Hannah emerged with the 8-4 win this time, cutting Shiny's lead to 3-1 in the series. Shiny fell short again in game 5, as Hannah controlled the pace of the game pretty well. Hannah ended with a double-pot of the 11 to the bottom side and the 12 to the bottom right for the 8-4 win. Shiny took the series 3-2 and will host the Southridge Defenders' Wario in the bracket semifinals. Hannah's likely final regular-season appearance ends with her being the 90th eliminated player, while Shiny earned her second kill. Just half of the players still have active bids.
IBM Cathedral, North Modernistic: Peach v. Dreamy. Big-name players clash in Rotation with the silver cue. Swordpoint's Dreamy blew a couple of leads in game 1, but she bounced back each time and ended up making a four-ball run by North Modernistic's Peach a moot point. Dreamy won 8-6 and took the 1-0 series lead. The Nighthawks' Peach looked a little better to start game 2, but she was unprepared for a six-ball run-out that gave the Blades' an 8-4 win. Dreamy had a double-pot on that surge, which helped her push the series lead to 2-0. Dreamy didn't struggle in game 3, but Peach had a cutting seven-ball run to establish a lead early on. Dreamy only got some of it back as Peach ultimately won 8-5 to get back into a 2-1 series. Dreamy overcame a deficit to take a late lead in game 4, but she didn't have enough left to hold on. Peach pushed back with a three-ball run-out for the 8-7 win to tie the series at 2. Peach fell flat in game 5, allowing Dreamy to get the early lead and then power through for a six-ball run-out after a long scoreless run. Dreamy's 8-1 win sealed the series in her favor at 3-2, and she'll host the Terrace City Knights' Jennifer in the bracket semifinals. Dreamy got her first kill of the year to make Peach the 91st player out of the Tournament.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Cubby. Club-mates battle in 7-ball with the blue cue. Both players rattled off three-ball runs to start game 1, but Eastside's Cubby couldn't convert on the 7. Royal's Jake tapped it down at the top left for the win, which gave him a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Jake continued to pace the attack in game 2, but the Sharks' Cubby again had a chance on the 7. Cubby tried and failed to bank the last ball, and it lined up for Jake to take it at the top left to move ahead 2-0 in the series. Cubby got on the board in a long finish to game 3 as both players struggled to corral the 7. Cubby's win keeps Jake ahead by a 2-1 margin in the series. Cubby made things interesting in game 4, draining the 3 to the bottom right and the 7 to the top side on the break for an instant win. This tied the series at 2. Cubby completed the series comeback with a five-ball run-out in game 5 to win the series 3-2. Cubby's knockdown of Jake allows the former to host Dominic of the Southern Monarchs in the bracket semifinals.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Wild Thing v. Delila. Eastern Hills rivals collide in 15-ball with the blue cue. Neither player looked comfortable playing in close quarters early in game 1. Atlantic's Delila had a shot on the 15 that just hung at the bottom right, and Stonebridge's Wild Thing mopped it up for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Wild Thing had some luck on his side in game 2, working a fortunate three-ball run-out to defeat the Pirates' Delila again. Wild Thing leads the series 2-0 despite not dominating play. Delila put a little more zing on her shots in game 3, clearly frustrated with the course of the series. Wild Thing kept her at bay for awhile, but Delila double-potted the 12 and 13 to the right corners and then cut the 15 to the top right for the win to cut the series to 2-1. The strategy didn't pay off again for Delila, who was borderline uncontrollable at the end of game 4. Wild Thing picked off the win with a slightly more level head, which secured the series for him at 3-1. Delila settled down enough in game 5 to get the win on a five-ball run-out, leaving Wild Thing to advance on a 3-2 series win. Wild Thing will host Sweetheart of the Boston Swifts in the bracket semifinals.
Microsoft Center, Del Sur: Panda v. Gradley. The blue cue goes one more time today in 9-ball. Southern's Panda was alright in game 1, but Boston's Gradley sealed the deal with a four-ball run-out capped by bank on the 9 to the bottom left for the win. Gradley owns a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Panda pushed a little harder with a four-ball run in game 2, but his miss on the 7 led to the Swifts' Gradley striking a three-ball run-out for the win this time. Gradley is now ahead 2-0 in the series. Gradley had a little fortune to find a four-ball run in game 3, but he wasn't able to sink the 9. Panda took it instead on his first try and picked up the win to cut Gradley's series lead to 2-1. Gradley had another decent start fall apart at the end as Panda picked up a three-ball run-out to get the win. This tied the series at 2. Gradley looked set on revenge in game 5, working a stunning five-ball run, but Panda shot back with a four-ball run-out for the win and 3-2 comeback series win. Panda's comeback push allows him to host Princess of the Viewpoint Sound Meteors in the bracket semifinals.
Honda Driftwood Coliseum, Pearl: Watermelon v. Mr. Snowman. The silver cue closes the day with 12-ball. Infinity's Mr. Snowman struck first in game 1, but his illegally potted ball opened the door for Pearl's Watermelon to execute a well-planned attack. She won with a four-ball run-out for the 1-0 series lead. The Surfers' Watermelon made one of each and scratched on the game 2 break, leading to the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman winning with a wild-card ball. Watermelon came close, but Mr. Snowman's strong play tied the series at 1. Mr. Snowman yielded a pair of wild-card balls on the first turn of game 3, giving Watermelon way too much flexibility. Watermelon was patient and easily won, restoring her series lead at 2-1. Watermelon barely went empty on the game 4 break, but it set up a massive four-ball run for Mr. Snowman. Watermelon made a slight push-back, but Mr. Snowman picked up a pair for the win to retie the series at 2. Watermelon couldn't keep pace with Mr. Snowman in game 5, although it came down to the wire. Watermelon missed a kick to the top side, and Mr. Snowman finished at the top left for the 3-2 series win. Mr. Snowman will visit Roxy of the Freedom Cascades in the bracket semifinals.
Tomorrow, we put the bracket quarterfinals to rest.
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