After a couple of days of selection, the postseason rosters for the Clan Cup and City Cup are now available. Most likely, these competitions will begin with the Clan Cup on Monday and the City Cup over Tuesday and Wednesday. Details around the available players list for the draft are still being ironed out, with the hopes of roster decisions being made shortly after the end of the playoffs.
Clan Cup rosters from AT&T Hall in Oceanside
Humanity Junior: Kirstin (15, T), Vincent (10,12), Zach (8, A), Anton (7,9), Cassie (R, T)
Outcast: Klaus (7, 9), Dewey (A, T), Kodiak (R, 15), Prism (8, 12), Summer (10, T)
Solid Core: Acorn (R, T), Dreamy (7, 9), Shaggy (10, 12), Roxy (15, A), Leonardo (8, T)
Reality: Missy (7, 10), Patches (8, 12), Twinkie II (A, T), Spice (R, 15), Boots (9, T)
Empyre: Jake (7, 9), Tigerette (8, 15), Hershey (12, T), Marsell (10, R), Sally (A, T)
Brute Force: Rudolph (8, 12), Bright (A, T), Smokey (7, T), Bandit (9, 12), Wings (R, 15)
Delila Enterprises: Snuggle (R, T), Whiskers (7, A), Diddley (15, T), Leandra (9, 10), Delila (8, 12)
Youth Movement: Bianca (10, 15), Watermelon (12, R), Twinkie III (7, 9), Sierra (8, T), Citrus (A, T)
City Cup rosters from Toyota Pitch and Toyota Arena in Freedom
Queens Flames: Violetta (7, 9, 10), Hannah (8, 15, T), Crystal (12, R, A)
Oceanside Waves: Celestia (7, 9, 10), Jason V. (15, A, T), Josie (8, 12, R)
Victoria Spurs: Yekaterina (9, R, 15), Sage (7, 10, 12), Strawberry (8, A, T)
Terrace City Knights: Quincy (9, R, 15), Oreo (12, A, T), Kiwi (7, 8, 10)
Midland Predators: Fuchsia (7, 9, 10), Shawn (R, A, T), Americus (8, 12, 15)
Central Warriors: Twilight (8, 9, A), Noelle (7, 10, 12), Dustin (R, 15, T)
Stonebridge Wolves: Cobalt (10, R, 15), Juno (12, A, T), Vladimir (7, 8, 9)
Modernistic Union: Ms. Puppy (7, 9, A), Puff I (R, 15, T), Daisy (8, 10, 12)
Freedom Cascades: Jasmine (9, R, 15), Nikolai (10, 12, A), Stripes (7, 8, T)
Boston Swifts: Ice Cream (12, 15, A), Gradley (7, 8, 9), Sweetheart (10, R, T)
Golden Pilots: Strut (R, 15, A), Dusty (8, 9, 12), Sparkles (7, 10, T)
Pacific Volcanoes: Twinkie I (10, 12, A), Ms. Kitty (7, 9, 15), Leonette (8, R, T)
Eastside Sharks: Gizmo (10, 12, R), Cubby (8, A, T), Chelsea (7, 9, 15)
Web City Spiders: Shadow (8, 9, 12), Ted (7, 10, T), Shiny (R, 15, A)
Westside Rockers: Slinks (8, 9, R), Misty (7, 10, A), Cowzart (12, 15, T)
Infinity Torpedoes: Mr. Snowman (7, 12, R), Shelley (8, 10, A), Smudge (9, 15, T)
Friday, November 16, 2018
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Championship Finals
We've got the last eight series of the regular season today, with the eight winners earning their spots in the Tournament of Champions. First up...
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur (R) v. Quincy (S). Today's first series is in Rotation, the first of five featuring the red cue. Royal's Nightfur didn't have much offense early in game 1, and she never responded to a four-ball run from Terrace City's Quincy, who won a turn later with a pair of shots. Quincy's 8-2 victory paces him to a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Nightfur still looked a little off at the start, but she slowly built a lead in game 2. The Knights' Quincy pushed back with a four-ball run but couldn't get around Nightfur at the end, as the host took an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Nightfur started with a firm break in game 3, establishing her lead on a three-ball run. Quincy matched it, but Nightfur doubled down with another three-ball run. Quincy continued to stay competitive, but he couldn't even the score, and Nightfur made a pair of shots to win 8-5 again, giving her the 2-1 series lead. Nightfur and Quincy exchanged pairs of shots to begin game 4, but Quincy supplemented his attack more ferociously. Nightfur came close at the end, but she couldn't bring Quincy down this time, as he pulled away to win 8-6, retying the series at 2. Quincy remained forceful on offense in game 5, burying a ball on the break and using defensive positioning on his first three turns to limit Nightfur's offense. Quincy built up a nice lead, giving him no trouble at the end as he found a pair of shots to seal his 8-2 win, restoring his series lead at 3-2. Nightfur took the early lead in game 6, but she never had a real grip on the game itself. Quincy stayed close, and they played evenly for quite awhile until Quincy pulled ahead and used a three-ball run-out on the next turn to get the 8-4 win. Quincy is on the brink of advancing with a 4-2 series lead. Nightfur held the lead for much of game 7, and even had a chance to win, but her shot on the 12 saw the cue deflect off the 13 and drift into the bottom right. Quincy sealed a comeback 8-7 win on a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, clinching the series for him at 5-2. Quincy looked to be mailing it in in game 8, as Nightfur attacked very well early with little response from her guest. Quincy wouldn't go quietly, making a pair of three-ball runs on his last two turns to swipe an 8-7 win to extend his series lead to 6-2. Nightfur trailed Quincy for just about all of game 9, as he would pull away every time she got close. Quincy closed out the win at 8-6, giving him a 7-2 series win as the Rotation champion. Nightfur is the 165th eliminated player, and Quincy took his sixth kill, guaranteeing a piece of the league lead in that category.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca (B) v. Cobalt (R). After the lunch break, the 10-ball champion will be named. Stonebridge's Cobalt had a slow start in game 1, but Southridge's Bianca wasn't any better initially. Cobalt broke his cold streak with a four-ball run-out, ending with a 4-10 combination to the bottom right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt continued with a five-ball run from the break to start game 2, but he rattled the 6 out of the top left corner. The Defenders' Bianca took over with a five-ball run-out, winning the quick game to tie the series at 1. Game 3 took a step back from the pace of the previous game. Cobalt managed a four-ball run at one stage, but Bianca took the game on the next turn with a three-ball run-out capped by a sharp cut to put the 10 in the top left. Bianca pulls ahead at 2-1 in the series. Cobalt had a challenging three-ball run over the middle in game 4 to supplement earlier offense, but his scratch led to Bianca making the last two shots from ball-in-hand for the win to push her up to a 3-1 series lead. Bianca tried to attack in game 5, but a lot of her shots failed to connect properly. Cobalt had a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out sandwiched around Bianca making the 6 in a feeble counterattack. Cobalt's big offense gave him the win to cut the series back to 3-2. Cobalt attacked again to start game 6, making a five-ball run. Bianca tangled with Cobalt in the back-half of the game, but her miss on the 8 allowed him to make a three-ball run-out for the win, which tied the series at 3. Cobalt saved up his offense for the end of game 7, allowing Bianca to attack evenly with him for awhile before he found a four-ball run-out for the win. Cobalt has taken the series lead at 4-3, stunning the home crowd with his comeback. Cobalt started on a three-ball run in game 8, but Bianca looked determined with a crafty five-ball run. Bianca missed on the 9 from a tough angle, allowing Cobalt to make it and the 10 for the series at 5-3 with this win. Cobalt had some good moments with the first two pairs of shots in game 9, but Bianca made a three-ball run and then the 10 on consecutive turns to claim the win, leaving Cobalt with a 5-4 series win. Cobalt is into the Tournament of Champions as the 10-ball representative, taking his fifth kill to make Bianca the 166th eliminated player. The Wolves team-killed the Defenders.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Yekaterina Vasilyeva (R) v. Tigerette (S). Two of the grittiest shooters in the league battle in 15-ball. Victoria's Yekaterina had a lot of short turns early in game 1, which Commerce's Tigerette frequently matched. The game was decided on the 11, as Yekaterina made it on her second try before splitting the 12 and 15 to the right corners for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina made some crafty shots in game 2, but none of them came late enough to save her from the Tradewinds' Tigerette executing a five-ball run-out for the win. Tigerette's quietly dominant finish tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw another struggle for possession on both sides. The 9 proved especially difficult, but Tigerette eventually made it to launch a three-ball run. Yekaterina made a shot, but scratched as well, and Tigerette added another three-ball run-out to grab the win for a 2-1 series lead. Tigerette put the 15 near the top right from the break in game 4, although Yekaterina bumped it free when she made the 1 on the next turn. Yekaterina's offense dwindled as the game progressed, with Tigerette making a four-ball run and a six-ball run on consecutive turns before making the 15 on her second try. Tigerette's dominant offense gave her a 3-1 series lead. Tigerette again put the 15 near the top right on the break in game 5, and this time it stayed in a dangerous spot. Yekaterina tried a number of deflected shots that didn't work out, but she struck gold when she kicked the 9 to the bottom right, as the deflection tapped the 15 in for the win. Tigerette's early four-ball run and strong offense went to waste as Yekaterina pulled back to a 3-2 deficit. Tigerette remained dangerous in attack, but Yekaterina had a bit more control with defense in game 6. Yekaterina used this advantage well, leaving Tigerette with little to shoot early on and burying the last four balls over two turns at the end. Yekaterina's win here tied the series again at 3. Yekaterina had the more dangerous offense early in game 7, again using her break to impose herself against Tigerette. Yekaterina did have a three-ball run toward the end, but Tigerette answered on a four-ball run-out for the win, regaining the series lead at 4-3. Game 8 didn't make either player proud, as Yekaterina started out well with offense but crumbled toward the end of the game. Tigerette had a four-ball run near the end, but still had to grind on the 15 before putting it in the top right to close the door. Tigerette's win secured the series for her at 5-3, sending another home crowd to an unhappy exit. Yekaterina found a rare run for herself in game 9, a six-ball run that she couldn't quite extend with a miss on the 14. Tigerette made the 14 and 15 on the next turn, ending the series ahead 6-3. Tigerette goes to the Tournament of Champions thanks to this 15-ball series win, and she has her fourth kill to put Yekaterina out at 167th in the exiting order. The Tradewinds team-killed the Spurs.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty (R) v. Twinkie II (B). Captains battle it out in the Accuracy championship series. Harrison's Twinkie II had three opportunities to hold a lead in game 1, wasting each of them and giving Westside's Misty the last shot with a double-pot. Twinkie II then secured the game with a double-pot on her last turn, leaving Misty to shoot the last ball down. Twinkie II won 3-4, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II remained far too generous in game 2, giving the Rockers' Misty a large lead. Misty didn't stay perfect, but she had plenty of runway to work with, collecting a 2-5 win to tie the series at 1. Twinkie II had her smartest performance yet in game 3, keeping a sharp shot and forcing Misty into a couple of misses early on. Twinkie II did falter near the end, but she righted herself to take the 1-2 win, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Twinkie II reverted to her earlier sloppy play in game 4, falling behind on four separate occasions, the last one being enough for Misty to win 3-4 when she converted the last ball. The series is tied again at 2. Misty scratched on the break in game 5, a critical mistake that would cost her any chance at the win. Twinkie II faded toward the end of the game, but did enough to hold on for a 3-4 win, pulling ahead at 3-2 in the series. Twinkie II went empty on the break in game 6, and had a lead heading into the final ball of regulation. Twinkie II missed it, and Misty converted, forcing overtime, where Twinkie II again produced an empty break. Misty had an easy shot for the 2-3 win, evening the series at 3 games apiece. Twinkie II couldn't gain any traction after the midway point of game 7, as Misty maintained a perfect stretch of play and left Twinkie II with ugly shots. Misty won 0-5, pulling ahead 4-3 in the series now. Misty didn't have the same fortune in a very close game 8 battle, as both players missed their first shots around the same time. Twinkie II took over with the pressure, getting Misty to miss on her second-to-last turn. Twinkie II walked away with a 1-2 win, retying the series at 4 to set up a proper finale. Twinkie II took the early lead in game 9, but a scratch dropped her even, and a messy finish led to Misty winning 3-7 for the 5-4 series win. Misty punched her ticket to the Tournament of Champions while making Twinkie II the 168th eliminated player. Misty has her second kill of the year.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake (R) v. Hershey (S). Two current club-mates battle it out in 7-ball, the second series at this venue today. Royal's Jake had a scratch on the break in game 1, leading to Stonebridge's Hershey making a four-ball run. Jake then had a chance to counter, but he missed on the 7, and Hershey made it for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey made a ball on the break in game 2, but the Crowns' Jake answered on a three-ball run before a poorly-timed scratch. Hershey then took over with a three-ball run-out for the win, pulling ahead 2-0 in the series. Hershey flirted with danger to start game 3, finally scratching to cut off his run at three balls. Jake took over from ball-in-hand, converting a four-ball run-out for the win to pull back to a 2-1 deficit. Jake had a strong six-ball run to lead off in game 4, but he missed the 7 on a rattling shot to end the run. Hershey missed his chance on the 7, but still got the win when Jake scratched while putting the 7 in the top left. Hershey returns to a two-game advantage with a 3-1 series lead. Hershey scratched on the game 5 break, leading to a back-and-forth battle early on. Neither player looked poised for the win until Jake snagged a three-ball run-out out of nowhere to take it. Hershey remains ahead 3-2 in the series. Game 6 started off pretty slowly, but Hershey made it look good by the end, breaking out of the funk with a five-ball run-out to again restore his series lead at 4-2 over Jake. Hershey had some good looks early in game 7, but he couldn't figure it out later on. Jake stepped in on offense, blasting a four-ball run-out to keep his playoff hopes alive. Jake is only down 4-3 in the series. Hershey dished out a four-ball run in game 8, a bold attacking play after Jake's empty break, but it went unrewarded. Jake made a three-ball run-out at the end for the win, tying the series at 4 to send these friends into a decisive final game. Jake sent the fans home happy early in game 9, blasting a break that saw the 7 drop at the bottom side for the win. A massive celebration ensued from here for Jake's 5-4 series win that sees him onto the Tournament of Champions. Hershey's collapse made him the 169th eliminated player, while Jake takes his first kill this year at the perfect time.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia (B) v. Violetta (R). The most anticipated final yet is in 9-ball, pitting mother against daughter. Midland's Fuchsia didn't look shaken in game 1, but she had a couple of bad plays, including a late scratch to allow Queens' Violetta to assemble a three-ball run-out for the win. Violetta leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Violetta tried a 3-9 combination early in game 2, which didn't work out. The Predators' Fuchsia answered on a three-ball run before the offense slowed. At the end, Violetta snookered Fuchsia in the top left corner, collecting ball-in-hand for the missed contact and converting the 9 for the win. Violetta owns a 2-0 series lead. Violetta cracked a six-ball run from the break in game 3, continuing to show menace in her attack, but it didn't hold up. Fuchsia made a three-ball run-out in response to snag the win, pulling back to a 2-1 deficit in the series. Violetta did most of the work on offense in game 4, most notably with a late four-ball run that saw the banked attempt on the 9 rattle out of the bottom side. Fuchsia took it at the top side for the win, tying the series at 2 to restore a competitive balance. Violetta started off with a three-ball run in game 5 after an empty break by Fuchsia. Violetta's burst of offense faded too soon, and Fuchsia wrangled control of the game away with a three-ball run-out at the end, which put the host ahead for the first time in the series at 3-2. Fuchsia again let Violetta run freely early in game 6 before gumming up her shots a bit in the middle of the game. Fuchsia took over on a three-ball run-out at the end, grabbing the win to move to a 4-2 series lead. Fuchsia began with a three-ball run in game 7 to mix it up, which Violetta answered on a four-ball run. The two tangled at the end, with Fuchsia missing the 9 at the bottom left. Violetta tapped it in, staying alive for another game in the 4-3 series. Violetta made a pair of shots on the break, but scratched as well, leaving Fuchsia with ball-in-hand. Fuchsia attacked on a five-ball run before her miss on the 8. Violetta cut the 8 and 9 in for the win, tying the series one more time at 4 games each. Violetta unleashed a six-ball run to start game 9, but she faltered on her second turn with a chance at the 9 after Fuchsia missed a kick attempt. Fuchsia buried it at the bottom left, taking the win for a 5-4 series win that puts her into the Tournament of Champions for her 9-ball title. Violetta is the 170th player out of the Tournament, while Fuchsia takes a third kill this year.
Ebay Center, Queens: Hannah (R) v. Twilight (B). The 8-ball final will come after a dinner break. Central's Twilight attacked well at first, but she slowed down as game 1 progressed. Queens' Hannah saw her only offense come on a six-ball run shortened by a scratch, allowing Twilight to chip her way slowly to a win. Twilight leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Hannah again struck too late in game 2, her six-ball run only coming after the Warriors' Twilight scratched to end a four-ball run. Hannah couldn't get another chance to strike, as Twilight won on a well-made three-ball run-out to push her series lead to 2-0. Twilight remained strong on offense in game 3, with an early five-ball run to pace her attack. A later scratch derailed her attack, giving Hannah enough time to win with a four-ball run-out, which cuts the series down to 2-1. Hannah had the initial attack with a four-ball run in game 4, coming a couple turns in, but she stalled out after this. Twilight pulled back for a little bit with small offense, and then ripped a five-ball run-out for the win to boost her series lead back up to 3-1. Hannah didn't produce a big run in game 5, a tactical choice that ended up working out. She weaved around a plentiful defense from Twilight and managed to find a three-ball run-out at the end to keep the series close at 3-2. Hannah attacked with a six-ball run early in game 6, and made another ball on her next turn to get onto the 8, which she missed twice before Twilight stormed her way to a win on a six-ball run-out, answering Hannah's previous win with one of her own to make it a 4-2 series. Hannah had the better of the offense early in game 7, but she faltered as she got onto her last ball, allowing Twilight to get a look at the 8. Twilight missed, and Hannah potted a pair of shots for the win, drawing close again as she sits behind 4-3 in the series. Twilight had some good offense in game 8, but she was slow to close things down at the end, allowing Hannah to recover from her scratch on the break to rally for a four-ball run-out for the win. Hannah's quick finish tied the series at 4 in a surprising turn of events. Twilight attacked with ferocity on a six-ball run early in game 9, and she made her last solid on the next turn. Hannah had a four-ball run cut off by a scratch, setting Twilight up to bank the 8 as called to the bottom left for the win. Twilight's brilliant finish gave her a 5-4 series win, and will make her 8-ball's representative to the Tournament of Champions. Twilight took her third kill of the year to make Hannah the 171st eliminated player.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty (S) v. Twinkie I (B). The final series of the regular season is the 12-ball championship between Reality club-mates. Golden's Dusty made a ball on the game 1 break, but had terrible positioning for the rest of the game. She used defense to slow Pacific's Twinkie I, but failed to launch a successful counterattack when Twinkie I gave away a wild-card ball. Twinkie I would win at the bottom side at the end, good for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I had a productive break in game 2, and once again put the Pilots' Dusty in a compromising position. Twinkie I navigated the table quicker in the end, striking at the bottom side to get the win after Dusty couldn't do anything from ball-in-hand. Twinkie I's series lead is at 2-0. Twinkie I had an empty break in game 3, but took both side pockets on her second turn to grab a massive lead. Dusty picked up some offense along the way, but once again found herself out of position as Twinkie I made the 2 to the top right to push her series lead to 3-0. Twinkie I had a poor break for game 4, giving Dusty room to make a four-ball run. Dusty quickly got down to her last ball, but Twinkie I's defense frustrated the usually calm star. Dusty had a nightmarish time attacking the 5 toward the top side, but Twinkie I had three scratches and couldn't recover in time to stop Dusty from kicking in the winning shot. The series is now 3-1 in favor of Twinkie I. Dusty took pairs of shots on her first two turns in game 5, while Twinkie I had a three-ball run on her first turn. Twinkie I got closer later in the game, but not in time to stop Dusty from making her last two balls on separate turns for the win, pulling closer in the 3-2 series. Dusty had a solid break in game 6, but Twinkie I picked up a pair of stripes rather easily at the start. Dusty tried to counterattack, but Twinkie I shot back with a four-ball run-out on the next turn, regaining some of her lost series lead with a 4-2 advantage now. Dusty made quick work of game 7, most notably on a three-ball run on her third turn to get down to a well-positioned final ball. Twinkie I replied with a pair of shots, but fell short on a third, and Dusty tapped in her last ball for the win, closing the gap to 4-3 in the series now. Dusty had a good break in game 8, making a solid, but her second shot resulted in a wild-card ball going to Twinkie I. Both players had three-ball runs to set up a quick finish, and Twinkie I proved just a bit faster after Dusty had a pair of illegally potted ball plays on her final shot. Twinkie I put the 12 in the top left for the win to clinch the series at 5-3. Twinkie I made quick work of game 9 as well, with Dusty following her but never passing her. Twinkie I gave up collateral damage to get a free look at the bottom right, and Dusty couldn't stop Twinkie I from winning the series 6-3. Twinkie I will take the eighth and final ticket to the Tournament of Champions, earning her third kill of the year as Dusty is the 172nd and final player to be eliminated this year.
That's all for this Tournament. In the coming days, I will be working on administrative duties, including a major project for league history that will extend into the offseason. The Tournament of Champions may begin on Saturday or Sunday, with the Clan Cup and City Cup to follow. The UPCL 2019 Draft is yet to be determined, although a list of available players will be tentatively available soon. Tomorrow is purely a data day for the league. Also in plans to be worked on is the upcoming cricket schedule.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur (R) v. Quincy (S). Today's first series is in Rotation, the first of five featuring the red cue. Royal's Nightfur didn't have much offense early in game 1, and she never responded to a four-ball run from Terrace City's Quincy, who won a turn later with a pair of shots. Quincy's 8-2 victory paces him to a 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Nightfur still looked a little off at the start, but she slowly built a lead in game 2. The Knights' Quincy pushed back with a four-ball run but couldn't get around Nightfur at the end, as the host took an 8-5 win to tie the series at 1. Nightfur started with a firm break in game 3, establishing her lead on a three-ball run. Quincy matched it, but Nightfur doubled down with another three-ball run. Quincy continued to stay competitive, but he couldn't even the score, and Nightfur made a pair of shots to win 8-5 again, giving her the 2-1 series lead. Nightfur and Quincy exchanged pairs of shots to begin game 4, but Quincy supplemented his attack more ferociously. Nightfur came close at the end, but she couldn't bring Quincy down this time, as he pulled away to win 8-6, retying the series at 2. Quincy remained forceful on offense in game 5, burying a ball on the break and using defensive positioning on his first three turns to limit Nightfur's offense. Quincy built up a nice lead, giving him no trouble at the end as he found a pair of shots to seal his 8-2 win, restoring his series lead at 3-2. Nightfur took the early lead in game 6, but she never had a real grip on the game itself. Quincy stayed close, and they played evenly for quite awhile until Quincy pulled ahead and used a three-ball run-out on the next turn to get the 8-4 win. Quincy is on the brink of advancing with a 4-2 series lead. Nightfur held the lead for much of game 7, and even had a chance to win, but her shot on the 12 saw the cue deflect off the 13 and drift into the bottom right. Quincy sealed a comeback 8-7 win on a three-ball run-out from ball-in-hand, clinching the series for him at 5-2. Quincy looked to be mailing it in in game 8, as Nightfur attacked very well early with little response from her guest. Quincy wouldn't go quietly, making a pair of three-ball runs on his last two turns to swipe an 8-7 win to extend his series lead to 6-2. Nightfur trailed Quincy for just about all of game 9, as he would pull away every time she got close. Quincy closed out the win at 8-6, giving him a 7-2 series win as the Rotation champion. Nightfur is the 165th eliminated player, and Quincy took his sixth kill, guaranteeing a piece of the league lead in that category.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca (B) v. Cobalt (R). After the lunch break, the 10-ball champion will be named. Stonebridge's Cobalt had a slow start in game 1, but Southridge's Bianca wasn't any better initially. Cobalt broke his cold streak with a four-ball run-out, ending with a 4-10 combination to the bottom right for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt continued with a five-ball run from the break to start game 2, but he rattled the 6 out of the top left corner. The Defenders' Bianca took over with a five-ball run-out, winning the quick game to tie the series at 1. Game 3 took a step back from the pace of the previous game. Cobalt managed a four-ball run at one stage, but Bianca took the game on the next turn with a three-ball run-out capped by a sharp cut to put the 10 in the top left. Bianca pulls ahead at 2-1 in the series. Cobalt had a challenging three-ball run over the middle in game 4 to supplement earlier offense, but his scratch led to Bianca making the last two shots from ball-in-hand for the win to push her up to a 3-1 series lead. Bianca tried to attack in game 5, but a lot of her shots failed to connect properly. Cobalt had a four-ball run and a three-ball run-out sandwiched around Bianca making the 6 in a feeble counterattack. Cobalt's big offense gave him the win to cut the series back to 3-2. Cobalt attacked again to start game 6, making a five-ball run. Bianca tangled with Cobalt in the back-half of the game, but her miss on the 8 allowed him to make a three-ball run-out for the win, which tied the series at 3. Cobalt saved up his offense for the end of game 7, allowing Bianca to attack evenly with him for awhile before he found a four-ball run-out for the win. Cobalt has taken the series lead at 4-3, stunning the home crowd with his comeback. Cobalt started on a three-ball run in game 8, but Bianca looked determined with a crafty five-ball run. Bianca missed on the 9 from a tough angle, allowing Cobalt to make it and the 10 for the series at 5-3 with this win. Cobalt had some good moments with the first two pairs of shots in game 9, but Bianca made a three-ball run and then the 10 on consecutive turns to claim the win, leaving Cobalt with a 5-4 series win. Cobalt is into the Tournament of Champions as the 10-ball representative, taking his fifth kill to make Bianca the 166th eliminated player. The Wolves team-killed the Defenders.
Sprint Hall, Victoria: Yekaterina Vasilyeva (R) v. Tigerette (S). Two of the grittiest shooters in the league battle in 15-ball. Victoria's Yekaterina had a lot of short turns early in game 1, which Commerce's Tigerette frequently matched. The game was decided on the 11, as Yekaterina made it on her second try before splitting the 12 and 15 to the right corners for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina made some crafty shots in game 2, but none of them came late enough to save her from the Tradewinds' Tigerette executing a five-ball run-out for the win. Tigerette's quietly dominant finish tied the series at 1. Game 3 saw another struggle for possession on both sides. The 9 proved especially difficult, but Tigerette eventually made it to launch a three-ball run. Yekaterina made a shot, but scratched as well, and Tigerette added another three-ball run-out to grab the win for a 2-1 series lead. Tigerette put the 15 near the top right from the break in game 4, although Yekaterina bumped it free when she made the 1 on the next turn. Yekaterina's offense dwindled as the game progressed, with Tigerette making a four-ball run and a six-ball run on consecutive turns before making the 15 on her second try. Tigerette's dominant offense gave her a 3-1 series lead. Tigerette again put the 15 near the top right on the break in game 5, and this time it stayed in a dangerous spot. Yekaterina tried a number of deflected shots that didn't work out, but she struck gold when she kicked the 9 to the bottom right, as the deflection tapped the 15 in for the win. Tigerette's early four-ball run and strong offense went to waste as Yekaterina pulled back to a 3-2 deficit. Tigerette remained dangerous in attack, but Yekaterina had a bit more control with defense in game 6. Yekaterina used this advantage well, leaving Tigerette with little to shoot early on and burying the last four balls over two turns at the end. Yekaterina's win here tied the series again at 3. Yekaterina had the more dangerous offense early in game 7, again using her break to impose herself against Tigerette. Yekaterina did have a three-ball run toward the end, but Tigerette answered on a four-ball run-out for the win, regaining the series lead at 4-3. Game 8 didn't make either player proud, as Yekaterina started out well with offense but crumbled toward the end of the game. Tigerette had a four-ball run near the end, but still had to grind on the 15 before putting it in the top right to close the door. Tigerette's win secured the series for her at 5-3, sending another home crowd to an unhappy exit. Yekaterina found a rare run for herself in game 9, a six-ball run that she couldn't quite extend with a miss on the 14. Tigerette made the 14 and 15 on the next turn, ending the series ahead 6-3. Tigerette goes to the Tournament of Champions thanks to this 15-ball series win, and she has her fourth kill to put Yekaterina out at 167th in the exiting order. The Tradewinds team-killed the Spurs.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty (R) v. Twinkie II (B). Captains battle it out in the Accuracy championship series. Harrison's Twinkie II had three opportunities to hold a lead in game 1, wasting each of them and giving Westside's Misty the last shot with a double-pot. Twinkie II then secured the game with a double-pot on her last turn, leaving Misty to shoot the last ball down. Twinkie II won 3-4, taking a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II remained far too generous in game 2, giving the Rockers' Misty a large lead. Misty didn't stay perfect, but she had plenty of runway to work with, collecting a 2-5 win to tie the series at 1. Twinkie II had her smartest performance yet in game 3, keeping a sharp shot and forcing Misty into a couple of misses early on. Twinkie II did falter near the end, but she righted herself to take the 1-2 win, regaining the series lead at 2-1. Twinkie II reverted to her earlier sloppy play in game 4, falling behind on four separate occasions, the last one being enough for Misty to win 3-4 when she converted the last ball. The series is tied again at 2. Misty scratched on the break in game 5, a critical mistake that would cost her any chance at the win. Twinkie II faded toward the end of the game, but did enough to hold on for a 3-4 win, pulling ahead at 3-2 in the series. Twinkie II went empty on the break in game 6, and had a lead heading into the final ball of regulation. Twinkie II missed it, and Misty converted, forcing overtime, where Twinkie II again produced an empty break. Misty had an easy shot for the 2-3 win, evening the series at 3 games apiece. Twinkie II couldn't gain any traction after the midway point of game 7, as Misty maintained a perfect stretch of play and left Twinkie II with ugly shots. Misty won 0-5, pulling ahead 4-3 in the series now. Misty didn't have the same fortune in a very close game 8 battle, as both players missed their first shots around the same time. Twinkie II took over with the pressure, getting Misty to miss on her second-to-last turn. Twinkie II walked away with a 1-2 win, retying the series at 4 to set up a proper finale. Twinkie II took the early lead in game 9, but a scratch dropped her even, and a messy finish led to Misty winning 3-7 for the 5-4 series win. Misty punched her ticket to the Tournament of Champions while making Twinkie II the 168th eliminated player. Misty has her second kill of the year.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake (R) v. Hershey (S). Two current club-mates battle it out in 7-ball, the second series at this venue today. Royal's Jake had a scratch on the break in game 1, leading to Stonebridge's Hershey making a four-ball run. Jake then had a chance to counter, but he missed on the 7, and Hershey made it for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey made a ball on the break in game 2, but the Crowns' Jake answered on a three-ball run before a poorly-timed scratch. Hershey then took over with a three-ball run-out for the win, pulling ahead 2-0 in the series. Hershey flirted with danger to start game 3, finally scratching to cut off his run at three balls. Jake took over from ball-in-hand, converting a four-ball run-out for the win to pull back to a 2-1 deficit. Jake had a strong six-ball run to lead off in game 4, but he missed the 7 on a rattling shot to end the run. Hershey missed his chance on the 7, but still got the win when Jake scratched while putting the 7 in the top left. Hershey returns to a two-game advantage with a 3-1 series lead. Hershey scratched on the game 5 break, leading to a back-and-forth battle early on. Neither player looked poised for the win until Jake snagged a three-ball run-out out of nowhere to take it. Hershey remains ahead 3-2 in the series. Game 6 started off pretty slowly, but Hershey made it look good by the end, breaking out of the funk with a five-ball run-out to again restore his series lead at 4-2 over Jake. Hershey had some good looks early in game 7, but he couldn't figure it out later on. Jake stepped in on offense, blasting a four-ball run-out to keep his playoff hopes alive. Jake is only down 4-3 in the series. Hershey dished out a four-ball run in game 8, a bold attacking play after Jake's empty break, but it went unrewarded. Jake made a three-ball run-out at the end for the win, tying the series at 4 to send these friends into a decisive final game. Jake sent the fans home happy early in game 9, blasting a break that saw the 7 drop at the bottom side for the win. A massive celebration ensued from here for Jake's 5-4 series win that sees him onto the Tournament of Champions. Hershey's collapse made him the 169th eliminated player, while Jake takes his first kill this year at the perfect time.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia (B) v. Violetta (R). The most anticipated final yet is in 9-ball, pitting mother against daughter. Midland's Fuchsia didn't look shaken in game 1, but she had a couple of bad plays, including a late scratch to allow Queens' Violetta to assemble a three-ball run-out for the win. Violetta leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Violetta tried a 3-9 combination early in game 2, which didn't work out. The Predators' Fuchsia answered on a three-ball run before the offense slowed. At the end, Violetta snookered Fuchsia in the top left corner, collecting ball-in-hand for the missed contact and converting the 9 for the win. Violetta owns a 2-0 series lead. Violetta cracked a six-ball run from the break in game 3, continuing to show menace in her attack, but it didn't hold up. Fuchsia made a three-ball run-out in response to snag the win, pulling back to a 2-1 deficit in the series. Violetta did most of the work on offense in game 4, most notably with a late four-ball run that saw the banked attempt on the 9 rattle out of the bottom side. Fuchsia took it at the top side for the win, tying the series at 2 to restore a competitive balance. Violetta started off with a three-ball run in game 5 after an empty break by Fuchsia. Violetta's burst of offense faded too soon, and Fuchsia wrangled control of the game away with a three-ball run-out at the end, which put the host ahead for the first time in the series at 3-2. Fuchsia again let Violetta run freely early in game 6 before gumming up her shots a bit in the middle of the game. Fuchsia took over on a three-ball run-out at the end, grabbing the win to move to a 4-2 series lead. Fuchsia began with a three-ball run in game 7 to mix it up, which Violetta answered on a four-ball run. The two tangled at the end, with Fuchsia missing the 9 at the bottom left. Violetta tapped it in, staying alive for another game in the 4-3 series. Violetta made a pair of shots on the break, but scratched as well, leaving Fuchsia with ball-in-hand. Fuchsia attacked on a five-ball run before her miss on the 8. Violetta cut the 8 and 9 in for the win, tying the series one more time at 4 games each. Violetta unleashed a six-ball run to start game 9, but she faltered on her second turn with a chance at the 9 after Fuchsia missed a kick attempt. Fuchsia buried it at the bottom left, taking the win for a 5-4 series win that puts her into the Tournament of Champions for her 9-ball title. Violetta is the 170th player out of the Tournament, while Fuchsia takes a third kill this year.
Ebay Center, Queens: Hannah (R) v. Twilight (B). The 8-ball final will come after a dinner break. Central's Twilight attacked well at first, but she slowed down as game 1 progressed. Queens' Hannah saw her only offense come on a six-ball run shortened by a scratch, allowing Twilight to chip her way slowly to a win. Twilight leads the series 1-0. The Flames' Hannah again struck too late in game 2, her six-ball run only coming after the Warriors' Twilight scratched to end a four-ball run. Hannah couldn't get another chance to strike, as Twilight won on a well-made three-ball run-out to push her series lead to 2-0. Twilight remained strong on offense in game 3, with an early five-ball run to pace her attack. A later scratch derailed her attack, giving Hannah enough time to win with a four-ball run-out, which cuts the series down to 2-1. Hannah had the initial attack with a four-ball run in game 4, coming a couple turns in, but she stalled out after this. Twilight pulled back for a little bit with small offense, and then ripped a five-ball run-out for the win to boost her series lead back up to 3-1. Hannah didn't produce a big run in game 5, a tactical choice that ended up working out. She weaved around a plentiful defense from Twilight and managed to find a three-ball run-out at the end to keep the series close at 3-2. Hannah attacked with a six-ball run early in game 6, and made another ball on her next turn to get onto the 8, which she missed twice before Twilight stormed her way to a win on a six-ball run-out, answering Hannah's previous win with one of her own to make it a 4-2 series. Hannah had the better of the offense early in game 7, but she faltered as she got onto her last ball, allowing Twilight to get a look at the 8. Twilight missed, and Hannah potted a pair of shots for the win, drawing close again as she sits behind 4-3 in the series. Twilight had some good offense in game 8, but she was slow to close things down at the end, allowing Hannah to recover from her scratch on the break to rally for a four-ball run-out for the win. Hannah's quick finish tied the series at 4 in a surprising turn of events. Twilight attacked with ferocity on a six-ball run early in game 9, and she made her last solid on the next turn. Hannah had a four-ball run cut off by a scratch, setting Twilight up to bank the 8 as called to the bottom left for the win. Twilight's brilliant finish gave her a 5-4 series win, and will make her 8-ball's representative to the Tournament of Champions. Twilight took her third kill of the year to make Hannah the 171st eliminated player.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty (S) v. Twinkie I (B). The final series of the regular season is the 12-ball championship between Reality club-mates. Golden's Dusty made a ball on the game 1 break, but had terrible positioning for the rest of the game. She used defense to slow Pacific's Twinkie I, but failed to launch a successful counterattack when Twinkie I gave away a wild-card ball. Twinkie I would win at the bottom side at the end, good for a 1-0 series lead. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I had a productive break in game 2, and once again put the Pilots' Dusty in a compromising position. Twinkie I navigated the table quicker in the end, striking at the bottom side to get the win after Dusty couldn't do anything from ball-in-hand. Twinkie I's series lead is at 2-0. Twinkie I had an empty break in game 3, but took both side pockets on her second turn to grab a massive lead. Dusty picked up some offense along the way, but once again found herself out of position as Twinkie I made the 2 to the top right to push her series lead to 3-0. Twinkie I had a poor break for game 4, giving Dusty room to make a four-ball run. Dusty quickly got down to her last ball, but Twinkie I's defense frustrated the usually calm star. Dusty had a nightmarish time attacking the 5 toward the top side, but Twinkie I had three scratches and couldn't recover in time to stop Dusty from kicking in the winning shot. The series is now 3-1 in favor of Twinkie I. Dusty took pairs of shots on her first two turns in game 5, while Twinkie I had a three-ball run on her first turn. Twinkie I got closer later in the game, but not in time to stop Dusty from making her last two balls on separate turns for the win, pulling closer in the 3-2 series. Dusty had a solid break in game 6, but Twinkie I picked up a pair of stripes rather easily at the start. Dusty tried to counterattack, but Twinkie I shot back with a four-ball run-out on the next turn, regaining some of her lost series lead with a 4-2 advantage now. Dusty made quick work of game 7, most notably on a three-ball run on her third turn to get down to a well-positioned final ball. Twinkie I replied with a pair of shots, but fell short on a third, and Dusty tapped in her last ball for the win, closing the gap to 4-3 in the series now. Dusty had a good break in game 8, making a solid, but her second shot resulted in a wild-card ball going to Twinkie I. Both players had three-ball runs to set up a quick finish, and Twinkie I proved just a bit faster after Dusty had a pair of illegally potted ball plays on her final shot. Twinkie I put the 12 in the top left for the win to clinch the series at 5-3. Twinkie I made quick work of game 9 as well, with Dusty following her but never passing her. Twinkie I gave up collateral damage to get a free look at the bottom right, and Dusty couldn't stop Twinkie I from winning the series 6-3. Twinkie I will take the eighth and final ticket to the Tournament of Champions, earning her third kill of the year as Dusty is the 172nd and final player to be eliminated this year.
That's all for this Tournament. In the coming days, I will be working on administrative duties, including a major project for league history that will extend into the offseason. The Tournament of Champions may begin on Saturday or Sunday, with the Clan Cup and City Cup to follow. The UPCL 2019 Draft is yet to be determined, although a list of available players will be tentatively available soon. Tomorrow is purely a data day for the league. Also in plans to be worked on is the upcoming cricket schedule.
Monday, November 12, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Preliminary Finals
We're back for the second-to-last day of the regular season. We have 72 games scheduled for this one, but if they are unable to be completed, any leftovers will be played tomorrow. The Preliminary Finals begin with...
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell (S) v. Cobalt (R). The first series of the day is in 10-ball between strong competitors. Stonebridge's Cobalt had the better of offense in a chippy game 1, just managing to get by Whitewater's Marsell when the host left the 8 at the top right. Cobalt made a pair of shots at the end for the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt still showed better on offense in game 2, as the Shores' Marsell had some issues stringing shots together. Cobalt's best play won him the game, as he assembled a smart and steady three-ball run-out to take the 2-0 series lead. Cobalt made a turn to dominance in game 3, letting Marsell keep possession after an unplanned shot left a bad position. Cobalt would launch an attack two turns later, winning with a crafty and well-played seven-ball run-out to extend his series lead to 3-0. Cobalt had a large chunk of offense near the end, making five balls over two turns after starting game 4 with a scratch on the break. Marsell interfered just in time, making the 10 on a short counterattack to grab the win, cutting the series back to 3-1. Marsell had a solid start in game 5, and drew a scratch against Cobalt early on. Marsell took a four-ball run to add to his offense, but Cobalt struck back at the end for a three-ball run-out for the win, restoring his three-game advantage at a 4-1 series lead. Game 6 was just outright sloppy on both sides. Neither player looked to be in control of the game at any point, and Marsell wasted a chance to win with a wide shot on the 10. Cobalt kicked it to the bottom left to pick up the win, securing the series at 5-1. Cobalt didn't relent in game 7, challenging Marsell yet again. Marsell did have a three-ball run over the middle in this one, but Cobalt assembled a four-ball run-out at the end with precise cuts to push his series lead to 6-1. Cobalt had a majority of the offense in game 8, but he scratched while potting the 9. Marsell made the 10 just barely from ball-in-hand to the top left, pulling back to a 6-2 deficit in the series. Cobalt and Marsell exchanged mistakes at the end of game 9, the erratic finish favoring Marsell on his perfect cut of the 10 to the top side. Cobalt still won the series 6-3, and will visit the Southridge Defenders' Bianca for the 10-ball title. Marsell is the 157th eliminated player, giving Cobalt his fourth kill of the year. The Wolves completed a team-kill on the Shores.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I (B) v. Ice Cream (R). The next series played is 12-ball, the first of four blue cue series today. Boston's Ice Cream weathered a three-ball run from Pacific's Twinkie I on the first turn of the game, answering with her own three-ball run. Ice Cream showed better with positioning at the end, taking a pair on her last turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Ice Cream made a couple of shots from the game 2 break, but nothing stayed clear for her. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I replied on a three-ball run, and had good positioning on the rest of her shots, finishing with the 2 at the bottom side just as Ice Cream had found a way forward. Twinkie I's win ties the series at 1. Twinkie I had an empty break in game 3, allowing Ice Cream to begin an attack of four balls over two turns. Twinkie I then shot back with a six-ball run-out on her third turn, weaving through the rack effortlessly for the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Ice Cream had a four-ball run at the start of game 4, attacking with relentlessness, but Twinkie I played solid defense once Ice Cream got down to her final ball. Ice Cream finally fouled via missed contact, and Twinkie I made her final pair of shots for the win, pushing her series lead to 3-1. Twinkie I made three balls cleanly on the game 5 break, but couldn't strike again in the game. Ice Cream started with a four-ball run, and then picked her way to a win slowly from there, giving up a wild-card ball but still slamming the door in time. Ice Cream is only down 3-2 in the series now. Ice Cream claimed stripes on the break of game 6, but promptly scratched on the next shot. Twinkie I had a couple of chances to ignite an attack before Ice Cream stormed forward on her four-ball run-out for the win, retying the series at 3. Ice Cream's offense worked on the break of game 7, making two balls to the right corners, but she converted only one other shot in the game. Twinkie I took over at the end, finding her way with a three-ball run-out to reclaim the series lead at 4-3. Ice Cream had a valiant effort in game 8, taking the lead after Twinkie I managed to make two on the break. Ice Cream gave away a wild-card ball, and couldn't pot her last ball fast enough at the end to stop Twinkie I from winning with a tap-in at the bottom left. Twinkie I clinched the series at 5-3. Ice Cream had some good shots in game 9, but it didn't make any difference when Twinkie I found a four-ball run and a good spot on her last ball. Twinkie I tapped it in on the next turn for the win, icing a 6-3 series win that sends her to battle with the Golden Pilots' Dusty in the 12-ball championship series. Ice Cream is the 158th eliminated player, with Twinkie I taking her second kill of the season.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight (B) v. Patches (S). Two of the biggest-name captains in the game meet in 8-ball. Boston's Patches mashed a six-ball run on her first turn in game 1, and then played patiently from there. Central's Twilight got close with a four-ball run, but Patches put away the 8 on the next turn for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 saw a messier battle between the two, with a couple of scratches holding the Warriors' Twilight back. The Swifts' Patches just couldn't hit her shots right, allowing Twilight to overcome her mistakes with a five-ball run-out that used collateral damage as a defense against a late scratch. Twilight's bold finish gave her a win to tie the series at 1. Patches had a bold attack to start in game 3, getting all the way down to the 8 before Twilight made a shot. Twilight did pot two balls on the next turn, and Patches missed again on the 8, allowing Twilight to ignite a six-ball run-out for the win. Twilight now leads the series 2-1. Twilight started game 4 on a five-ball run, a potent attack that continued after Patches scratched. Twilight struggled to find a shot on the 8, and Patches quickly got onto it, taking the win when Twilight left the 3 at the bottom side and Patches cut the 10 to the bottom left before putting the 8 in the top left. Patches has retied the series at 2 games apiece. Patches had a calm break in game 5, and she competed well with Twilight in the initial games. This fell apart toward the end, as Twilight found a four-ball run and then made the 8 when Patches couldn't launch a counterattack. Twilight's win here restored her series lead at 3-2. Twilight had an all-out attack at the end of game 6, but twice missed on the 8 around Patches' scratch. Patches took over on Twilight's second miss, potting a three-ball run-out for the win, evening the series again at 3. Patches had plenty of chances to win game 7, all of which went to waste. Twilight charged back on a three-ball run and needed two looks at the 8 before burying it herself, stealing the win for a 4-3 series lead over Patches. Twilight's aggressive break gave her solids early in game 8, but she couldn't strike at the end, ceding possession via ball-in-hand to Patches after missed contact. Patches made a three-ball run-out to take the win, equalizing in the 4-4 series to set up a decisive final game. Game 9 was a fitting finish, with Twilight starting on a bold four-ball run. Patches pulled back later and found a late lead, but Twilight iced the win on a three-ball run-out, using savvy strategy to get the win. Twilight's 5-4 series win sets her up to visit the Queens Flames' Hannah for the 8-ball title. Patches exits 159th in this Tournament, giving Twilight her second kill. The Warriors team-killed the Swifts.
Ebay Center, Queens: Violetta (R) v. Chelsea (S). The games continue with the red cue's only appearance of the day in 9-ball. Queens' Violetta made a pair early in game 1, only for Eastside's Chelsea to answered with a four-ball run. Violetta then shot back with a three-ball run-out for the win and the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea kept a similar style in game 2, working a four-ball run in the middle, but this time, the Flames' Violetta dropped her chance for a late run. Chelsea chipped in the 7 and the 9 on separate turns after her run to get the win, tying the series at 1. The offense never arrived in game 3, with both players hopelessly chasing the 1. Chelsea tried to deflect off the 1 to pot the 9 at the top right, but she ended up clipping the 2 and sinking the 9 illegally to gift a win and 2-1 series lead back to Violetta. Chelsea continued to take a hefty share of the offense while limiting Violetta's ability to dominate. Chelsea had a four-ball run in the middle of game 4, but she missed her bank on the 9, and Violetta cut it to the top left to snag the win for a 3-1 series lead despite lacking quality in her shots. Violetta absolutely ripped her break shot in game 5, catching air when it met the rack, and the 9 dribbled to the bottom right for the win, her first commanding victory of the series. Violetta is on the brink of advancing with a 4-1 series lead. Violetta scratched after making a ball on the game 6 break, and this led to Chelsea taking a large portion of the offense. Chelsea had a pair of three-ball runs, the latter giving her the win at the end to cut the series to 4-2. Chelsea remained competitive in game 7, but a scratch as she potted the 8 on a second option play ruined any hopes she had for the series. Violetta drilled the 9 to the top right from ball-in-hand, clinching the series at 5-2. Chelsea had a respectable amount of offense again in game 8, but she left her shots hanging at the end, and Violetta mopped them up to find the win, pushing her advantage to 6-2 in the series. Violetta actually looked almost at her best in game 9, pummeling a good number of shots in, but Chelsea took the 8 when Violetta whiffed on the final ball. Violetta settled for a 6-3 series win that sets her up for a Southeastern rivalry match against her mother, the Midland Predators' Fuchsia, in the 9-ball championship. Chelsea is the 160th player ousted from the Tournament, and the second Violetta takes responsibility for. The Flames have team-killed the Sharks.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach (S) v. Twinkie II (B). We're over halfway done, with Accuracy kicking off the second half of the day's series. Pronger's Zach had a terrible game 1, trading misses with Harrison's Twinkie II early on, and then missing a bunch in a row late. Zach then lost the tip off the silver cue on a shot with the game already out of hand. Twinkie II won the odd opener 2-4 for a 1-0 series lead. The blue cue will be used for the rest of the day while the silver cue dries after having the tip reapplied. The Specters' Twinkie II came out firing with a ball on the break in game 2, and she didn't miss until the last ball. The Tridents' Zach fought back well, but he couldn't break Twinkie II down, as the visitor won 1-2 this time to push her series lead to 2-0. Twinkie II made a ball on the break again in game 3, and she held a lead for awhile, but Zach evened it up twice to force overtime. Zach missed on the break, but Twinkie II missed two turns in overtime, and that gave Zach a 4-5 win to cut the series to 2-1. Twinkie II and Zach dueled to great excitement in game 4, until Twinkie II fell apart at the end, allowing Zach to march away with a 0-3 win to tie the series at 2. Twinkie II and Zach battled well again in game 5, until Zach missed three straight starts as the rack tightened up a bit. Twinkie II would miss twice late, but she held on for the 2-4 win to regain her series lead at 3-2. Twinkie II double-potted and scratched on the game 6 break, leading to an eventful start. Zach wouldn't hold the lead for long, and the two exchanged misses after another Twinkie II double-pot. Zach fell off with another miss near the end, allowing Twinkie II to win 2-3 for a 4-2 series lead. Zach and Twinkie II remained highly competitive in game 7, with Zach only slipping up with about six balls to go. Twinkie II missed after that, but she shut the door when Zach missed on the last ball. Twinkie II won 1-2, clinching the series at 5-2. Game 8 went perfectly on both sides, with Twinkie II making a ball on the break to hold the last shot advantage. Instead of overtime, she sportingly played a miss to give Zach the 0-1 win when he tapped in the last ball. Twinkie II remains ahead 5-3 in the series. Twinkie II fell apart late in game 9 as well, allowing Zach to pull away with a 4-5 win. Twinkie II won the series 5-4, and will visit Westside Rockers captain Misty in the Accuracy championship. Zach is the 161st player to exit the Tournament, giving Twinkie II her a fourth kill this year.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman (B) v. Quincy (S). We've got a veteran against a rookie in Rotation now as the blue cue plays its own series. Infinity's Mr. Snowman had a decent start from a bad break, but Terrace City's Quincy capitalized on the host's errors to build his offense, winning 8-1 on a three-ball run-out. Quincy leads the series at 1-0. The Knights' Quincy took the lead in game 2 early on, but couldn't hold it when the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman pounded a five-ball run. Mr. Snowman faded too soon, and Quincy fought back, winning 8-7 to go up 2-0 in the series. Mr. Snowman slowly built up a lead in game 3, fouling in ugly manners a couple of times along the way. Quincy couldn't do anything about it, missing most of his shots as Mr. Snowman claimed an 8-1 win to cut the series to 2-1. Mr. Snowman sliced a four-ball run early on, but the lead didn't last, as Quincy shot back with a three-ball run. Mr. Snowman slogged through the rest of the game, and Quincy stung him at the end for the 8-6 win, boosting his series lead to 3-1. Quincy gained the lead early in game 5, and he held it for a good portion of the game as well. Mr. Snowman charged back after Quincy scratched with a five-ball run, but his miss on the 15 led to Quincy winning 8-7 with a tap-in. Quincy is up 4-1 in the series. Mr. Snowman almost faltered in game 6 after taking a three-ball run. Quincy built up a noticeable lead and got onto the brink of victory with a short run, but Mr. Snowman smashed a four-ball run-out for the 8-7 win, pulling back to a 4-2 deficit in the series. Mr. Snowman didn't play particularly well in game 7, but his defense stymied every attack Quincy tried to muster. Mr. Snowman had the time to go at his own pace, winning 8-0 to pull closer at 4-3 overall. Mr. Snowman couldn't get his offense going in game 8, a crucial time for him to come up lame. Quincy attacked on short runs, winning with a three-ball run-out for the 8-2 victory to secure the series at 5-3. Quincy and Mr. Snowman went back and forth throughout the cool-down game 9, with Quincy answering Mr. Snowman's late three-ball run with a pair at the end to take the win. Quincy won the game 8-7 and the series 6-3, earning his spot against Royal Crowns captain Nightfur in the Rotation Finals. Quincy took his fifth kill and a team-kill on the Torpedoes as Mr. Snowman becomes the 162nd eliminated player.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey (S) v. Anton (B). Despite the silver cue being the listed host, the equipment malfunction keeps the blue cue in action here in 7-ball. Stonebridge's Hershey made a ball on the game 1 break, but Todavía's Anton looked sharper with a four-ball run. Anton flubbed his chance on the 7 on the next turn, and Hershey converted it for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey participated more in game 2, making a pair on the break and a pair at the end to sandwich a three-ball run from the Stills' Anton. Hershey again took the win, moving to a 2-0 series lead. Hershey wasted no time in laying claim to game 3, burying the 7 to the top left on the break. Anton could only watch as the deficit stretched to 3-0 in the series. Hershey remained strong in game 4, but he lacked dominance. Anton missed a bank on the 4 to the bottom right, which Hershey tapped in, but Hershey's shot on the 7 caused him to scratch, gifting a win to Anton. Hershey still holds a 3-1 series lead. Anton tried to establish himself early in game 5, but it didn't work out. Hershey took a four-ball run, and would pot the last two balls on a later turn for the win, re-upping his series lead to 4-1. Hershey had a three-ball run to start game 6, and he added the 4 later, but Anton used a three-ball run on his second turn to nab the win, cutting the series down to 4-2. Anton had a five-ball run on his second turn in game 7, a big attack but not enough when he whiffed on the 7. Hershey was there to mop up the last ball, taking the win to seal the series at 5-2. Anton did a little bit on offense in game 8, but once again he left the 7 available at the end. Hershey gladly picked it up at the top right, taking the win to push his series lead up to 6-2. Hershey tried hard to keep pressing for a win in game 9, but the chase on the 7 ultimately went in favor of Anton. Hershey won the series 6-3, earning a spot against the Royal Crowns' Jake for the 7-ball title. Hershey took his second kill of the season, a team-kill on the Stills to make Anton the 163rd eliminated player.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut (B) v. Tigerette (S). The final series of the Preliminary Finals is in 15-ball. Golden's Strut didn't play all that well initially in game 1, as Commerce's Tigerette found a little offense. Strut turned on with a four-ball run, and his next turn was a six-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut did what he could after an empty break in game 2, but he didn't have the strongest runs this time. The Tradewinds' Tigerette countered pretty well when she could, including at the end when she made a pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Strut and Tigerette sparred for much of the middle of game 3 after a hot start on both sides. Tigerette found the heat again at the end, collecting a five-ball run-out for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Tigerette appeared to find her groove pretty well in game 4, making a three-ball run early on, a five-ball run closer to the end, and the final pair of shots to take the win over Strut, who just couldn't connect late in the game. Tigerette leads the series 3-1. Tigerette opened game 5 on a six-ball run, and nearly ran longer were it not for a miss on the 7. Strut countered with fractured possession, but enough to pressure and finally defeat Tigerette for the win. Strut clawed his way back to a 3-2 deficit. Strut kept up his momentum early in game 6, attacking much more cohesively than Tigerette. That changed at the end, where Tigerette made four of the last six balls to claim the win, restoring her series lead of two games at 4-2. Strut made his best attempts on defense in game 7, weathering a rocky start to shutter Tigerette's offense in the middle of the game. Strut had a four-ball run, but lost control on the 13, and Tigerette eventually corralled it to take a three-ball run-out en route to the win. Tigerette clinched the series at 5-2. Tigerette had some half-chances on offense in game 8, belting a few good shots early. She left the 15 near the top side at one point, and Strut used the 6 as a deflecting tool to bump the cue into the 15 to pot it for the win. Tigerette remains ahead 5-3 in the series. Tigerette took game 9 as well with a fair amount of offense, finishing off a late run to beat Strut with the silver cue in its test series for the re-tip job. Tigerette won the series 6-3, giving her a spot in the 15-ball Championship against the Victoria Spurs' Yekaterina. Strut is the 164th eliminated player, with Tigerette earning her third kill of the year.
On Wednesday, the regular season portion of the Tournament closes, and the eight participants in the Tournament of Champions will be named as we enter the postseason.
Samsung Arena, Whitewater: Marsell (S) v. Cobalt (R). The first series of the day is in 10-ball between strong competitors. Stonebridge's Cobalt had the better of offense in a chippy game 1, just managing to get by Whitewater's Marsell when the host left the 8 at the top right. Cobalt made a pair of shots at the end for the 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt still showed better on offense in game 2, as the Shores' Marsell had some issues stringing shots together. Cobalt's best play won him the game, as he assembled a smart and steady three-ball run-out to take the 2-0 series lead. Cobalt made a turn to dominance in game 3, letting Marsell keep possession after an unplanned shot left a bad position. Cobalt would launch an attack two turns later, winning with a crafty and well-played seven-ball run-out to extend his series lead to 3-0. Cobalt had a large chunk of offense near the end, making five balls over two turns after starting game 4 with a scratch on the break. Marsell interfered just in time, making the 10 on a short counterattack to grab the win, cutting the series back to 3-1. Marsell had a solid start in game 5, and drew a scratch against Cobalt early on. Marsell took a four-ball run to add to his offense, but Cobalt struck back at the end for a three-ball run-out for the win, restoring his three-game advantage at a 4-1 series lead. Game 6 was just outright sloppy on both sides. Neither player looked to be in control of the game at any point, and Marsell wasted a chance to win with a wide shot on the 10. Cobalt kicked it to the bottom left to pick up the win, securing the series at 5-1. Cobalt didn't relent in game 7, challenging Marsell yet again. Marsell did have a three-ball run over the middle in this one, but Cobalt assembled a four-ball run-out at the end with precise cuts to push his series lead to 6-1. Cobalt had a majority of the offense in game 8, but he scratched while potting the 9. Marsell made the 10 just barely from ball-in-hand to the top left, pulling back to a 6-2 deficit in the series. Cobalt and Marsell exchanged mistakes at the end of game 9, the erratic finish favoring Marsell on his perfect cut of the 10 to the top side. Cobalt still won the series 6-3, and will visit the Southridge Defenders' Bianca for the 10-ball title. Marsell is the 157th eliminated player, giving Cobalt his fourth kill of the year. The Wolves completed a team-kill on the Shores.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I (B) v. Ice Cream (R). The next series played is 12-ball, the first of four blue cue series today. Boston's Ice Cream weathered a three-ball run from Pacific's Twinkie I on the first turn of the game, answering with her own three-ball run. Ice Cream showed better with positioning at the end, taking a pair on her last turn for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Swifts' Ice Cream made a couple of shots from the game 2 break, but nothing stayed clear for her. The Volcanoes' Twinkie I replied on a three-ball run, and had good positioning on the rest of her shots, finishing with the 2 at the bottom side just as Ice Cream had found a way forward. Twinkie I's win ties the series at 1. Twinkie I had an empty break in game 3, allowing Ice Cream to begin an attack of four balls over two turns. Twinkie I then shot back with a six-ball run-out on her third turn, weaving through the rack effortlessly for the win to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Ice Cream had a four-ball run at the start of game 4, attacking with relentlessness, but Twinkie I played solid defense once Ice Cream got down to her final ball. Ice Cream finally fouled via missed contact, and Twinkie I made her final pair of shots for the win, pushing her series lead to 3-1. Twinkie I made three balls cleanly on the game 5 break, but couldn't strike again in the game. Ice Cream started with a four-ball run, and then picked her way to a win slowly from there, giving up a wild-card ball but still slamming the door in time. Ice Cream is only down 3-2 in the series now. Ice Cream claimed stripes on the break of game 6, but promptly scratched on the next shot. Twinkie I had a couple of chances to ignite an attack before Ice Cream stormed forward on her four-ball run-out for the win, retying the series at 3. Ice Cream's offense worked on the break of game 7, making two balls to the right corners, but she converted only one other shot in the game. Twinkie I took over at the end, finding her way with a three-ball run-out to reclaim the series lead at 4-3. Ice Cream had a valiant effort in game 8, taking the lead after Twinkie I managed to make two on the break. Ice Cream gave away a wild-card ball, and couldn't pot her last ball fast enough at the end to stop Twinkie I from winning with a tap-in at the bottom left. Twinkie I clinched the series at 5-3. Ice Cream had some good shots in game 9, but it didn't make any difference when Twinkie I found a four-ball run and a good spot on her last ball. Twinkie I tapped it in on the next turn for the win, icing a 6-3 series win that sends her to battle with the Golden Pilots' Dusty in the 12-ball championship series. Ice Cream is the 158th eliminated player, with Twinkie I taking her second kill of the season.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight (B) v. Patches (S). Two of the biggest-name captains in the game meet in 8-ball. Boston's Patches mashed a six-ball run on her first turn in game 1, and then played patiently from there. Central's Twilight got close with a four-ball run, but Patches put away the 8 on the next turn for the win to go ahead 1-0 in the series. Game 2 saw a messier battle between the two, with a couple of scratches holding the Warriors' Twilight back. The Swifts' Patches just couldn't hit her shots right, allowing Twilight to overcome her mistakes with a five-ball run-out that used collateral damage as a defense against a late scratch. Twilight's bold finish gave her a win to tie the series at 1. Patches had a bold attack to start in game 3, getting all the way down to the 8 before Twilight made a shot. Twilight did pot two balls on the next turn, and Patches missed again on the 8, allowing Twilight to ignite a six-ball run-out for the win. Twilight now leads the series 2-1. Twilight started game 4 on a five-ball run, a potent attack that continued after Patches scratched. Twilight struggled to find a shot on the 8, and Patches quickly got onto it, taking the win when Twilight left the 3 at the bottom side and Patches cut the 10 to the bottom left before putting the 8 in the top left. Patches has retied the series at 2 games apiece. Patches had a calm break in game 5, and she competed well with Twilight in the initial games. This fell apart toward the end, as Twilight found a four-ball run and then made the 8 when Patches couldn't launch a counterattack. Twilight's win here restored her series lead at 3-2. Twilight had an all-out attack at the end of game 6, but twice missed on the 8 around Patches' scratch. Patches took over on Twilight's second miss, potting a three-ball run-out for the win, evening the series again at 3. Patches had plenty of chances to win game 7, all of which went to waste. Twilight charged back on a three-ball run and needed two looks at the 8 before burying it herself, stealing the win for a 4-3 series lead over Patches. Twilight's aggressive break gave her solids early in game 8, but she couldn't strike at the end, ceding possession via ball-in-hand to Patches after missed contact. Patches made a three-ball run-out to take the win, equalizing in the 4-4 series to set up a decisive final game. Game 9 was a fitting finish, with Twilight starting on a bold four-ball run. Patches pulled back later and found a late lead, but Twilight iced the win on a three-ball run-out, using savvy strategy to get the win. Twilight's 5-4 series win sets her up to visit the Queens Flames' Hannah for the 8-ball title. Patches exits 159th in this Tournament, giving Twilight her second kill. The Warriors team-killed the Swifts.
Ebay Center, Queens: Violetta (R) v. Chelsea (S). The games continue with the red cue's only appearance of the day in 9-ball. Queens' Violetta made a pair early in game 1, only for Eastside's Chelsea to answered with a four-ball run. Violetta then shot back with a three-ball run-out for the win and the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea kept a similar style in game 2, working a four-ball run in the middle, but this time, the Flames' Violetta dropped her chance for a late run. Chelsea chipped in the 7 and the 9 on separate turns after her run to get the win, tying the series at 1. The offense never arrived in game 3, with both players hopelessly chasing the 1. Chelsea tried to deflect off the 1 to pot the 9 at the top right, but she ended up clipping the 2 and sinking the 9 illegally to gift a win and 2-1 series lead back to Violetta. Chelsea continued to take a hefty share of the offense while limiting Violetta's ability to dominate. Chelsea had a four-ball run in the middle of game 4, but she missed her bank on the 9, and Violetta cut it to the top left to snag the win for a 3-1 series lead despite lacking quality in her shots. Violetta absolutely ripped her break shot in game 5, catching air when it met the rack, and the 9 dribbled to the bottom right for the win, her first commanding victory of the series. Violetta is on the brink of advancing with a 4-1 series lead. Violetta scratched after making a ball on the game 6 break, and this led to Chelsea taking a large portion of the offense. Chelsea had a pair of three-ball runs, the latter giving her the win at the end to cut the series to 4-2. Chelsea remained competitive in game 7, but a scratch as she potted the 8 on a second option play ruined any hopes she had for the series. Violetta drilled the 9 to the top right from ball-in-hand, clinching the series at 5-2. Chelsea had a respectable amount of offense again in game 8, but she left her shots hanging at the end, and Violetta mopped them up to find the win, pushing her advantage to 6-2 in the series. Violetta actually looked almost at her best in game 9, pummeling a good number of shots in, but Chelsea took the 8 when Violetta whiffed on the final ball. Violetta settled for a 6-3 series win that sets her up for a Southeastern rivalry match against her mother, the Midland Predators' Fuchsia, in the 9-ball championship. Chelsea is the 160th player ousted from the Tournament, and the second Violetta takes responsibility for. The Flames have team-killed the Sharks.
Ford Forum, Pronger: Zach (S) v. Twinkie II (B). We're over halfway done, with Accuracy kicking off the second half of the day's series. Pronger's Zach had a terrible game 1, trading misses with Harrison's Twinkie II early on, and then missing a bunch in a row late. Zach then lost the tip off the silver cue on a shot with the game already out of hand. Twinkie II won the odd opener 2-4 for a 1-0 series lead. The blue cue will be used for the rest of the day while the silver cue dries after having the tip reapplied. The Specters' Twinkie II came out firing with a ball on the break in game 2, and she didn't miss until the last ball. The Tridents' Zach fought back well, but he couldn't break Twinkie II down, as the visitor won 1-2 this time to push her series lead to 2-0. Twinkie II made a ball on the break again in game 3, and she held a lead for awhile, but Zach evened it up twice to force overtime. Zach missed on the break, but Twinkie II missed two turns in overtime, and that gave Zach a 4-5 win to cut the series to 2-1. Twinkie II and Zach dueled to great excitement in game 4, until Twinkie II fell apart at the end, allowing Zach to march away with a 0-3 win to tie the series at 2. Twinkie II and Zach battled well again in game 5, until Zach missed three straight starts as the rack tightened up a bit. Twinkie II would miss twice late, but she held on for the 2-4 win to regain her series lead at 3-2. Twinkie II double-potted and scratched on the game 6 break, leading to an eventful start. Zach wouldn't hold the lead for long, and the two exchanged misses after another Twinkie II double-pot. Zach fell off with another miss near the end, allowing Twinkie II to win 2-3 for a 4-2 series lead. Zach and Twinkie II remained highly competitive in game 7, with Zach only slipping up with about six balls to go. Twinkie II missed after that, but she shut the door when Zach missed on the last ball. Twinkie II won 1-2, clinching the series at 5-2. Game 8 went perfectly on both sides, with Twinkie II making a ball on the break to hold the last shot advantage. Instead of overtime, she sportingly played a miss to give Zach the 0-1 win when he tapped in the last ball. Twinkie II remains ahead 5-3 in the series. Twinkie II fell apart late in game 9 as well, allowing Zach to pull away with a 4-5 win. Twinkie II won the series 5-4, and will visit Westside Rockers captain Misty in the Accuracy championship. Zach is the 161st player to exit the Tournament, giving Twinkie II her a fourth kill this year.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman (B) v. Quincy (S). We've got a veteran against a rookie in Rotation now as the blue cue plays its own series. Infinity's Mr. Snowman had a decent start from a bad break, but Terrace City's Quincy capitalized on the host's errors to build his offense, winning 8-1 on a three-ball run-out. Quincy leads the series at 1-0. The Knights' Quincy took the lead in game 2 early on, but couldn't hold it when the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman pounded a five-ball run. Mr. Snowman faded too soon, and Quincy fought back, winning 8-7 to go up 2-0 in the series. Mr. Snowman slowly built up a lead in game 3, fouling in ugly manners a couple of times along the way. Quincy couldn't do anything about it, missing most of his shots as Mr. Snowman claimed an 8-1 win to cut the series to 2-1. Mr. Snowman sliced a four-ball run early on, but the lead didn't last, as Quincy shot back with a three-ball run. Mr. Snowman slogged through the rest of the game, and Quincy stung him at the end for the 8-6 win, boosting his series lead to 3-1. Quincy gained the lead early in game 5, and he held it for a good portion of the game as well. Mr. Snowman charged back after Quincy scratched with a five-ball run, but his miss on the 15 led to Quincy winning 8-7 with a tap-in. Quincy is up 4-1 in the series. Mr. Snowman almost faltered in game 6 after taking a three-ball run. Quincy built up a noticeable lead and got onto the brink of victory with a short run, but Mr. Snowman smashed a four-ball run-out for the 8-7 win, pulling back to a 4-2 deficit in the series. Mr. Snowman didn't play particularly well in game 7, but his defense stymied every attack Quincy tried to muster. Mr. Snowman had the time to go at his own pace, winning 8-0 to pull closer at 4-3 overall. Mr. Snowman couldn't get his offense going in game 8, a crucial time for him to come up lame. Quincy attacked on short runs, winning with a three-ball run-out for the 8-2 victory to secure the series at 5-3. Quincy and Mr. Snowman went back and forth throughout the cool-down game 9, with Quincy answering Mr. Snowman's late three-ball run with a pair at the end to take the win. Quincy won the game 8-7 and the series 6-3, earning his spot against Royal Crowns captain Nightfur in the Rotation Finals. Quincy took his fifth kill and a team-kill on the Torpedoes as Mr. Snowman becomes the 162nd eliminated player.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey (S) v. Anton (B). Despite the silver cue being the listed host, the equipment malfunction keeps the blue cue in action here in 7-ball. Stonebridge's Hershey made a ball on the game 1 break, but Todavía's Anton looked sharper with a four-ball run. Anton flubbed his chance on the 7 on the next turn, and Hershey converted it for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Hershey participated more in game 2, making a pair on the break and a pair at the end to sandwich a three-ball run from the Stills' Anton. Hershey again took the win, moving to a 2-0 series lead. Hershey wasted no time in laying claim to game 3, burying the 7 to the top left on the break. Anton could only watch as the deficit stretched to 3-0 in the series. Hershey remained strong in game 4, but he lacked dominance. Anton missed a bank on the 4 to the bottom right, which Hershey tapped in, but Hershey's shot on the 7 caused him to scratch, gifting a win to Anton. Hershey still holds a 3-1 series lead. Anton tried to establish himself early in game 5, but it didn't work out. Hershey took a four-ball run, and would pot the last two balls on a later turn for the win, re-upping his series lead to 4-1. Hershey had a three-ball run to start game 6, and he added the 4 later, but Anton used a three-ball run on his second turn to nab the win, cutting the series down to 4-2. Anton had a five-ball run on his second turn in game 7, a big attack but not enough when he whiffed on the 7. Hershey was there to mop up the last ball, taking the win to seal the series at 5-2. Anton did a little bit on offense in game 8, but once again he left the 7 available at the end. Hershey gladly picked it up at the top right, taking the win to push his series lead up to 6-2. Hershey tried hard to keep pressing for a win in game 9, but the chase on the 7 ultimately went in favor of Anton. Hershey won the series 6-3, earning a spot against the Royal Crowns' Jake for the 7-ball title. Hershey took his second kill of the season, a team-kill on the Stills to make Anton the 163rd eliminated player.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Strut (B) v. Tigerette (S). The final series of the Preliminary Finals is in 15-ball. Golden's Strut didn't play all that well initially in game 1, as Commerce's Tigerette found a little offense. Strut turned on with a four-ball run, and his next turn was a six-ball run-out for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Strut did what he could after an empty break in game 2, but he didn't have the strongest runs this time. The Tradewinds' Tigerette countered pretty well when she could, including at the end when she made a pair of shots for the win to tie the series at 1. Strut and Tigerette sparred for much of the middle of game 3 after a hot start on both sides. Tigerette found the heat again at the end, collecting a five-ball run-out for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Tigerette appeared to find her groove pretty well in game 4, making a three-ball run early on, a five-ball run closer to the end, and the final pair of shots to take the win over Strut, who just couldn't connect late in the game. Tigerette leads the series 3-1. Tigerette opened game 5 on a six-ball run, and nearly ran longer were it not for a miss on the 7. Strut countered with fractured possession, but enough to pressure and finally defeat Tigerette for the win. Strut clawed his way back to a 3-2 deficit. Strut kept up his momentum early in game 6, attacking much more cohesively than Tigerette. That changed at the end, where Tigerette made four of the last six balls to claim the win, restoring her series lead of two games at 4-2. Strut made his best attempts on defense in game 7, weathering a rocky start to shutter Tigerette's offense in the middle of the game. Strut had a four-ball run, but lost control on the 13, and Tigerette eventually corralled it to take a three-ball run-out en route to the win. Tigerette clinched the series at 5-2. Tigerette had some half-chances on offense in game 8, belting a few good shots early. She left the 15 near the top side at one point, and Strut used the 6 as a deflecting tool to bump the cue into the 15 to pot it for the win. Tigerette remains ahead 5-3 in the series. Tigerette took game 9 as well with a fair amount of offense, finishing off a late run to beat Strut with the silver cue in its test series for the re-tip job. Tigerette won the series 6-3, giving her a spot in the 15-ball Championship against the Victoria Spurs' Yekaterina. Strut is the 164th eliminated player, with Tigerette earning her third kill of the year.
On Wednesday, the regular season portion of the Tournament closes, and the eight participants in the Tournament of Champions will be named as we enter the postseason.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Bracket Finals Day 4
It's the last day of bracket-divided play. We have six series on to end the sixth round of action, beginning with...
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Noelle. Two underrated players meet in the blue cue's last series of the round, in 10-ball. Southridge's Bianca put the 10 in on the break in game 1, but didn't attack well later in the game. Central's Noelle would make four of the last five balls to pick up the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Noelle did the same thing to start game 2, which featured less organized offense between the two players. The Defenders' Bianca had plenty of chances to build her offense late in the game and she let them go, while Noelle tapped the 10 to the bottom left to claim the win, going up 2-0 in the series. Noelle scratched while making two balls on the break in game 3. Bianca had a lackluster first turn, but made the 7-10 combination to the top right after Noelle's three-ball run came to an end with a miss on the 7. Bianca's win cut the series to 2-1, favoring Noelle. Bianca made the 10 on the break again to start game 4. Noelle didn't have the best offense, faltering late after having a chance to answer Bianca's four-ball run. Bianca would clutch her performance at the end, taking the 10 Noelle missed for the win to tie the series at 2. Noelle made an early three-ball run in game 5, and added a five-ball run on her next turn as well. Bianca stepped up on the last turn to make a pair of shots for the win, poaching the win to take a 3-2 series lead. Noelle didn't have the cleanest of performances in game 6, but she still had a chance at the end before butchering a tap-in at the top side on the 10. Bianca served the 10 to the top left for the win, continuing her streak to clinch the series at 4-2. Noelle finally got a win again in game 7, challenging Bianca from the very start and getting lucky that Bianca missed on the 10. Noelle put it away to leave Bianca with a 4-3 series win, which puts the host into the Finals. Bianca went 19-11 in the event to earn her spot, and she took her fifth kill of the year to make Noelle the 151st eliminated player.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Zach. The silver cue's first appearance of the day comes in Accuracy. Pronger's Zach had a deficit in game 1 three times, but he stayed close and pushed on Terrace City's Oreo. At the end, Oreo had two quick misses, and Zach surged forward for the 3-4 win to take a 1-0 series lead with a savvy finish. The Tridents' Zach missed first in game 2, but he successfully baited the Knights' Oreo into missing as well. Zach then battled with Oreo before the host's positioning fell apart, allowing Zach to take a relatively easy 1-4 win for the 2-0 series lead. Zach made a ball on the break in game 3, but he would have a later double-pot that proved very costly to him. Oreo used the advantage late in the game to push Zach around, eventually claiming a 2-5 win for herself to cut the series to 2-1. Oreo barely kept game 4 close enough, but she managed to drag Zach down with a couple of late misses, and he couldn't do anything with his overtime break. Oreo made her shot, a 4-5 win helping her to tie the series at 2. Oreo kept going with a positive game 5 performance. The early going went well for both players, but Zach soon slipped far behind as the bottom right gave him some troubles. Oreo held her ground, winning 2-5 to pull ahead 3-2 in the series. Oreo had a triple-pot from the break in a very good start in game 6. Oreo unfortunately had a pair of misses later in the game, and Zach held on with a long shot at the end to win 1-2, retying the series at 3. Zach had a ball on the break in game 7 as well, giving him the advantage early on. Oreo stayed close for the first half of the game, but she fell off with a pair of misses, and Zach closed the door with another 1-2 win. Zach took the series 4-3, and he went 20-10 on the bracket prior to the Finals. Oreo is the 152nd player out of the Tournament, giving Zach his fourth kill this year.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Shadow. Two strong opponents clash in the red cue's finale series in 12-ball. Boston's Ice Cream made quick work of game 1, attacking on a four-ball run and getting good positioning thanks to a directionless style from Web City's Shadow. Ice Cream easily took the win in four turns, good for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow showed a lot more intensity in game 2, making a three-ball run. The Swifts' Ice Cream had some questionable decision-making on her turns, allowing Shadow to claim the win without much challenge, tying the series at 1. Shadow had nothing on the game 3 break, allowing Ice Cream to claim stripes early on. Shadow bounced back with a four-ball run on his next turn, and he had decent positioning, never in fear of Ice Cream catching him. Shadow made a pair of shots on his last turn, earning the win for a 2-1 series lead. Ice Cream answered with five balls over two turns in game 4, putting Shadow under significant pressure. Shadow made his best attempt to play for positioning and defense, but he missed a kick on the 2 toward the bottom side, and Ice Cream made her last ball from there for the win. The series is tied at 2. Ice Cream had some good play early in game 5, but she had to bunker at the bottom left to protect it from Shadow's last shot. Ice Cream scratched a couple of times, trying to ignite a later run, but she removed her defense, and Shadow eventually slammed the 6 home for the win to regain the series lead at 3-2. Shadow started with a three-ball run early in game 6, but he went cold until making a late pair to pull even with Ice Cream. This wasn't enough, as Ice Cream tapped her last shot in at the top left for the win on the next turn, evening the series again at 3 games apiece. Ice Cream showed a bit too much gusto on the game 7 break, potting two for herself, one for Shadow as a wild-card ball, and sending the cue off the table. As the game progressed, Shadow lost the wild-card ball and gave one to Ice Cream, which allowed her a critical option at the end, as she made the 6 in the vacant bottom side for the unlikely comeback win. Ice Cream took the series 4-3, doing the minimum 18-12 on the bracket to reach the Finals. Shadow's two bids this round both failed, making him the 153rd player eliminated, while Ice Cream gets her second kill this year. This is the Swifts' second team-kill as the Spiders will go home without a medal.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Patches. Representatives from strong teams meet in 8-ball with the silver cue here. Boston's Patches ripped a four-ball run on her first turn, which Modernistic's Daisy answered with a five-ball run. Both players skidded to a slower stretch at the end, with Patches winning on a pair of shots for the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy countered a pair of shots on the game 2 break from the Swifts' Patches with a magnificent eight-ball run-out. Daisy used brilliant positioning and a perfect touch on the 8 to the bottom left at the end for her one-turn win to tie the series at 1. Patches had a quick three-ball run in game 3, looking to regain control of the series with such an attack. She didn't get the chance, as Daisy took a seven-ball run-out a turn later, weaving around with her shots to grab another impressive win for the 2-1 series lead. Daisy wouldn't get a miracle run to bail her out in game 4, as Patches used three turns of positive offense to pace her attack. Patches won with a pair of shots, sending the 5 and then the 8 to the top left while Daisy had only one ball down. The series is tied again at 2. Patches began with a fierce six-ball run in game 5, which Daisy countered on her second turn to make things even before she scratched. Patches made her last ball and then put the 8 in the top right, but she scratched, giving the win away to Daisy, who takes the pivotal 3-2 series lead. Patches and Daisy exchanged three-ball runs early in game 6, keeping an even battle until Patches unraveled Daisy's defense with a five-ball run-out, including banks on the last two shots. Patches' brilliant shooting helped her get a clean win here, tying the series once more at 3. Daisy and Patches engaged in a tight game 7, neither player able to string a long run together but never wasting their turns on offense. Daisy faltered on the 8 at the end, leaving it at the top left, and Patches converted, taking the win for a 4-3 series win to get to the Finals. Patches went 19-11 on the bracket, and took her fourth kill of the year to make Daisy the 154th eliminated player. This also served as a club-kill against Celebrity and a team-kill on the Union.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Celestia. Young players play the penultimate series of the day in 7-ball with the silver cue. Stonebridge's Hershey made three balls on the break and won three shots later with a 5-7 combination to the bottom right, taking a 1-0 series lead before Oceanside's Celestia took a shot. The Wolves' Hershey eased up a bit in game 2, allowing the Waves' Celestia to take a couple of shots this time. Hershey still held a majority of the offense, winning on a three-ball run-out to push his series lead to 2-0. Hershey assembled another strong attack in game 3 with a five-ball run in the middle of the game, but he left the 7 standing. Celestia took no time to pot it at the end, poaching a win to get on the board in the 2-1 series. Celestia finally enjoyed all of the offense in game 4, beginning with a pair on the break to start a four-ball run, and she made the other three balls as well, but her bank on the 7 led to a scratch that gifted Hershey the win. Hershey leads the series 3-1 despite not potting a ball in the most recent victory. Hershey didn't have a lot to be proud about in game 5, struggling for offense for much of the game before eventually beating Celestia on a three-ball run-out. Hershey's win here sealed the series in his favor at 4-1. Hershey did everything but win in game 6, taking a six-ball run from the break but just whiffing on the 7 at the top right. Celestia buried the 7 in the top side for the win, cutting the series back to 4-2. Hershey didn't quite connect on his late offense in game 7, allowing Celestia to scoop another win by cleaning up on the 7 at the top right. Hershey settled for a 4-3 series win here to get to the Finals, having gone 21-9 in the event. Celestia is the 155th player out of the Tournament, while Hershey takes the first kill of his career. The Wolves team-killed the Waves with this series win.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Crystal. A hotshot rookie takes on a dominant captain in the final bracket-level series, using the silver cue in Rotation. Terrace City's Quincy got two balls on the break, and then he assembled a four-ball run later to hold off Queens' Crystal, who had a small counterattack but fell 8-4 to Quincy after her scratch. Quincy leads the series 1-0 early on. The Flames' Crystal had plenty of chances to generate offense in game 2 with three scratches by the Knights' Quincy. Crystal scratched once herself early to keep things close, but she pulled away on an 8-5 win at the end to tie the series at 1. Quincy bounced back with a cleaner game 3 performance, building his lead on a four-ball run and adding to it on a couple of later turns. Quincy had trouble finishing the game, allowing Crystal to rally enough to tie it, but she missed the 14 and Quincy made it for the 8-7 win to restore a series lead at 2-1. Quincy started out well enough in game 4, but he got passed when Crystal made a five-ball run to take the lead for herself. Quincy tied the game with a pair of shots, but Crystal ran away again on a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 win, tying the series at 2. Crystal came up empty on the break in game 5, and her aggressive style early on allowed Quincy to stake out a lead. Two turns of offense restored a lead for Crystal, and she made a pair of shots at the end to close an 8-5 win, pulling ahead 3-2 in the series. Crystal had a solid break in game 6, but she stood no match for Quincy, who was determined to make the final game of this series count for something. Quincy attacked at a steady pace, winning 8-3 with a pair of shots including a banked 11 to the bottom right to secure the victory. The series is tied at 3. Quincy brought his absolute best in game 7, struggling off the break but making a five-ball run out of nothing to pressure Crystal. Quincy stayed strong, finishing with an 8-0 win to clinch the series at 4-3, and he goes to the Finals with an 18-12 record from the bracket. Crystal is the 156th player eliminated, the last before the Finals, giving Quincy his fourth kill this season.
That's it for the brackets. We switch over to cross-cue action, with the cue used in the remaining series being the higher-ranked player's cue. Rankings for the Finals are determined by record in event, with the tiebreaker being event qualifying rank. The Preliminary Finals (loser earns Bronze) will be on Monday, while the Championship Finals (winner earns gold, loser takes silver) will be on Wednesday.
GE Stadium Events Center, Southridge: Bianca v. Noelle. Two underrated players meet in the blue cue's last series of the round, in 10-ball. Southridge's Bianca put the 10 in on the break in game 1, but didn't attack well later in the game. Central's Noelle would make four of the last five balls to pick up the win, going ahead 1-0 in the series. The Warriors' Noelle did the same thing to start game 2, which featured less organized offense between the two players. The Defenders' Bianca had plenty of chances to build her offense late in the game and she let them go, while Noelle tapped the 10 to the bottom left to claim the win, going up 2-0 in the series. Noelle scratched while making two balls on the break in game 3. Bianca had a lackluster first turn, but made the 7-10 combination to the top right after Noelle's three-ball run came to an end with a miss on the 7. Bianca's win cut the series to 2-1, favoring Noelle. Bianca made the 10 on the break again to start game 4. Noelle didn't have the best offense, faltering late after having a chance to answer Bianca's four-ball run. Bianca would clutch her performance at the end, taking the 10 Noelle missed for the win to tie the series at 2. Noelle made an early three-ball run in game 5, and added a five-ball run on her next turn as well. Bianca stepped up on the last turn to make a pair of shots for the win, poaching the win to take a 3-2 series lead. Noelle didn't have the cleanest of performances in game 6, but she still had a chance at the end before butchering a tap-in at the top side on the 10. Bianca served the 10 to the top left for the win, continuing her streak to clinch the series at 4-2. Noelle finally got a win again in game 7, challenging Bianca from the very start and getting lucky that Bianca missed on the 10. Noelle put it away to leave Bianca with a 4-3 series win, which puts the host into the Finals. Bianca went 19-11 in the event to earn her spot, and she took her fifth kill of the year to make Noelle the 151st eliminated player.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Oreo v. Zach. The silver cue's first appearance of the day comes in Accuracy. Pronger's Zach had a deficit in game 1 three times, but he stayed close and pushed on Terrace City's Oreo. At the end, Oreo had two quick misses, and Zach surged forward for the 3-4 win to take a 1-0 series lead with a savvy finish. The Tridents' Zach missed first in game 2, but he successfully baited the Knights' Oreo into missing as well. Zach then battled with Oreo before the host's positioning fell apart, allowing Zach to take a relatively easy 1-4 win for the 2-0 series lead. Zach made a ball on the break in game 3, but he would have a later double-pot that proved very costly to him. Oreo used the advantage late in the game to push Zach around, eventually claiming a 2-5 win for herself to cut the series to 2-1. Oreo barely kept game 4 close enough, but she managed to drag Zach down with a couple of late misses, and he couldn't do anything with his overtime break. Oreo made her shot, a 4-5 win helping her to tie the series at 2. Oreo kept going with a positive game 5 performance. The early going went well for both players, but Zach soon slipped far behind as the bottom right gave him some troubles. Oreo held her ground, winning 2-5 to pull ahead 3-2 in the series. Oreo had a triple-pot from the break in a very good start in game 6. Oreo unfortunately had a pair of misses later in the game, and Zach held on with a long shot at the end to win 1-2, retying the series at 3. Zach had a ball on the break in game 7 as well, giving him the advantage early on. Oreo stayed close for the first half of the game, but she fell off with a pair of misses, and Zach closed the door with another 1-2 win. Zach took the series 4-3, and he went 20-10 on the bracket prior to the Finals. Oreo is the 152nd player out of the Tournament, giving Zach his fourth kill this year.
Coca-Cola Field Exhibition Center, Boston: Ice Cream v. Shadow. Two strong opponents clash in the red cue's finale series in 12-ball. Boston's Ice Cream made quick work of game 1, attacking on a four-ball run and getting good positioning thanks to a directionless style from Web City's Shadow. Ice Cream easily took the win in four turns, good for a 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow showed a lot more intensity in game 2, making a three-ball run. The Swifts' Ice Cream had some questionable decision-making on her turns, allowing Shadow to claim the win without much challenge, tying the series at 1. Shadow had nothing on the game 3 break, allowing Ice Cream to claim stripes early on. Shadow bounced back with a four-ball run on his next turn, and he had decent positioning, never in fear of Ice Cream catching him. Shadow made a pair of shots on his last turn, earning the win for a 2-1 series lead. Ice Cream answered with five balls over two turns in game 4, putting Shadow under significant pressure. Shadow made his best attempt to play for positioning and defense, but he missed a kick on the 2 toward the bottom side, and Ice Cream made her last ball from there for the win. The series is tied at 2. Ice Cream had some good play early in game 5, but she had to bunker at the bottom left to protect it from Shadow's last shot. Ice Cream scratched a couple of times, trying to ignite a later run, but she removed her defense, and Shadow eventually slammed the 6 home for the win to regain the series lead at 3-2. Shadow started with a three-ball run early in game 6, but he went cold until making a late pair to pull even with Ice Cream. This wasn't enough, as Ice Cream tapped her last shot in at the top left for the win on the next turn, evening the series again at 3 games apiece. Ice Cream showed a bit too much gusto on the game 7 break, potting two for herself, one for Shadow as a wild-card ball, and sending the cue off the table. As the game progressed, Shadow lost the wild-card ball and gave one to Ice Cream, which allowed her a critical option at the end, as she made the 6 in the vacant bottom side for the unlikely comeback win. Ice Cream took the series 4-3, doing the minimum 18-12 on the bracket to reach the Finals. Shadow's two bids this round both failed, making him the 153rd player eliminated, while Ice Cream gets her second kill this year. This is the Swifts' second team-kill as the Spiders will go home without a medal.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Daisy v. Patches. Representatives from strong teams meet in 8-ball with the silver cue here. Boston's Patches ripped a four-ball run on her first turn, which Modernistic's Daisy answered with a five-ball run. Both players skidded to a slower stretch at the end, with Patches winning on a pair of shots for the 1-0 series lead. The Union's Daisy countered a pair of shots on the game 2 break from the Swifts' Patches with a magnificent eight-ball run-out. Daisy used brilliant positioning and a perfect touch on the 8 to the bottom left at the end for her one-turn win to tie the series at 1. Patches had a quick three-ball run in game 3, looking to regain control of the series with such an attack. She didn't get the chance, as Daisy took a seven-ball run-out a turn later, weaving around with her shots to grab another impressive win for the 2-1 series lead. Daisy wouldn't get a miracle run to bail her out in game 4, as Patches used three turns of positive offense to pace her attack. Patches won with a pair of shots, sending the 5 and then the 8 to the top left while Daisy had only one ball down. The series is tied again at 2. Patches began with a fierce six-ball run in game 5, which Daisy countered on her second turn to make things even before she scratched. Patches made her last ball and then put the 8 in the top right, but she scratched, giving the win away to Daisy, who takes the pivotal 3-2 series lead. Patches and Daisy exchanged three-ball runs early in game 6, keeping an even battle until Patches unraveled Daisy's defense with a five-ball run-out, including banks on the last two shots. Patches' brilliant shooting helped her get a clean win here, tying the series once more at 3. Daisy and Patches engaged in a tight game 7, neither player able to string a long run together but never wasting their turns on offense. Daisy faltered on the 8 at the end, leaving it at the top left, and Patches converted, taking the win for a 4-3 series win to get to the Finals. Patches went 19-11 on the bracket, and took her fourth kill of the year to make Daisy the 154th eliminated player. This also served as a club-kill against Celebrity and a team-kill on the Union.
Subway Arena, Stonebridge: Hershey v. Celestia. Young players play the penultimate series of the day in 7-ball with the silver cue. Stonebridge's Hershey made three balls on the break and won three shots later with a 5-7 combination to the bottom right, taking a 1-0 series lead before Oceanside's Celestia took a shot. The Wolves' Hershey eased up a bit in game 2, allowing the Waves' Celestia to take a couple of shots this time. Hershey still held a majority of the offense, winning on a three-ball run-out to push his series lead to 2-0. Hershey assembled another strong attack in game 3 with a five-ball run in the middle of the game, but he left the 7 standing. Celestia took no time to pot it at the end, poaching a win to get on the board in the 2-1 series. Celestia finally enjoyed all of the offense in game 4, beginning with a pair on the break to start a four-ball run, and she made the other three balls as well, but her bank on the 7 led to a scratch that gifted Hershey the win. Hershey leads the series 3-1 despite not potting a ball in the most recent victory. Hershey didn't have a lot to be proud about in game 5, struggling for offense for much of the game before eventually beating Celestia on a three-ball run-out. Hershey's win here sealed the series in his favor at 4-1. Hershey did everything but win in game 6, taking a six-ball run from the break but just whiffing on the 7 at the top right. Celestia buried the 7 in the top side for the win, cutting the series back to 4-2. Hershey didn't quite connect on his late offense in game 7, allowing Celestia to scoop another win by cleaning up on the 7 at the top right. Hershey settled for a 4-3 series win here to get to the Finals, having gone 21-9 in the event. Celestia is the 155th player out of the Tournament, while Hershey takes the first kill of his career. The Wolves team-killed the Waves with this series win.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Crystal. A hotshot rookie takes on a dominant captain in the final bracket-level series, using the silver cue in Rotation. Terrace City's Quincy got two balls on the break, and then he assembled a four-ball run later to hold off Queens' Crystal, who had a small counterattack but fell 8-4 to Quincy after her scratch. Quincy leads the series 1-0 early on. The Flames' Crystal had plenty of chances to generate offense in game 2 with three scratches by the Knights' Quincy. Crystal scratched once herself early to keep things close, but she pulled away on an 8-5 win at the end to tie the series at 1. Quincy bounced back with a cleaner game 3 performance, building his lead on a four-ball run and adding to it on a couple of later turns. Quincy had trouble finishing the game, allowing Crystal to rally enough to tie it, but she missed the 14 and Quincy made it for the 8-7 win to restore a series lead at 2-1. Quincy started out well enough in game 4, but he got passed when Crystal made a five-ball run to take the lead for herself. Quincy tied the game with a pair of shots, but Crystal ran away again on a three-ball run-out for the 8-5 win, tying the series at 2. Crystal came up empty on the break in game 5, and her aggressive style early on allowed Quincy to stake out a lead. Two turns of offense restored a lead for Crystal, and she made a pair of shots at the end to close an 8-5 win, pulling ahead 3-2 in the series. Crystal had a solid break in game 6, but she stood no match for Quincy, who was determined to make the final game of this series count for something. Quincy attacked at a steady pace, winning 8-3 with a pair of shots including a banked 11 to the bottom right to secure the victory. The series is tied at 3. Quincy brought his absolute best in game 7, struggling off the break but making a five-ball run out of nothing to pressure Crystal. Quincy stayed strong, finishing with an 8-0 win to clinch the series at 4-3, and he goes to the Finals with an 18-12 record from the bracket. Crystal is the 156th player eliminated, the last before the Finals, giving Quincy his fourth kill this season.
That's it for the brackets. We switch over to cross-cue action, with the cue used in the remaining series being the higher-ranked player's cue. Rankings for the Finals are determined by record in event, with the tiebreaker being event qualifying rank. The Preliminary Finals (loser earns Bronze) will be on Monday, while the Championship Finals (winner earns gold, loser takes silver) will be on Wednesday.
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Bracket Finals Day 3
We begin with an afternoon start today, with the first series being...
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Marsell. Talented competitors take on a battle in 10-ball with the silver cue in its only appearance of the day. Midland's Rainmane broke the early quiet in game 1 with her five-ball run, but a miss on the 8 allowed Whitewater's Marsell to bounce back for the win on a three-ball run-out. Marsell leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Marsell saw diminishing returns on his later turns in game 2, but he still held 80% of the offense, as the Predators' Rainmane only mustered a pair of successful shots in the middle. Marsell took the win on his second look at the 10, going up 2-0 in the series. Rainmane had a more impressive effort in game 3, making a three-ball run on her first turn. Marsell shot back with a four-ball run of his own, but Rainmane took the win on an 8-10 combination to the top right to cut the series to 2-1. Marsell persisted on offense, taking a majority share in game 4 with his six-ball run-out to ruin any chance of Rainmane building momentum this time. Marsell restored his advantage with a 3-1 series lead. Rainmane and Marsell exchanged three-ball runs in the middle of the game, which gave Rainmane a chance at the end, but her shot on the 10 missed the bottom side. Marsell tapped it in, clinching the series at 4-1 with this win. Marsell had an unplanned double-pot of the 5 and 6 to the bottom right and bottom side that ended his four-ball run when Rainmane kept possession. She missed on her first shot there, but won with the 9 and 10 on her next turn after Marsell made the 7 and 8. The series still favors Marsell 4-2. Marsell had a smooth performance in game 7, not at all in trouble from Rainmane at any time. Marsell made a three-ball run-out at the end to take the win and a 5-2 series win, which gave him a 19-11 record on the bracket. Rainmane is the 147th eliminated player, while Marsell takes his fourth kill of the year.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Rudolph. The blue cue comes on next for 8-ball between Northeastern rivals. Central's Twilight ignited a six-ball run after making one of each suit on the game 1 break, choosing solids as her suit. Harrison's Rudolph scratched on his only shot, and Twilight made her final pair on her second shot for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight scratched on the game 2 break, giving the Specters' Rudolph an edge. The two players played an even game this time, with Rudolph taking the 8 on his second try, just in time to claim the win that tied the series at 1. Rudolph had a ball on the break, but too many scratches derailed his game 3 efforts. Twilight didn't play a clean game, but she did well enough to pick up the win at the end for a 2-1 series lead. Twilight had a four-ball run in game 4 to establish her offense before she missed contact. Rudolph shot back with some offense of his own, and they both took chances at the 8 before Twilight put it in the bottom left for the win. Twilight leads the series 3-1 now after this close result. Twilight had a fast attack in game 5, making a pair of three-ball runs early in the game. Rudolph made an effort to get back in the game, but he removed enough defense for Twilight to pot her last two shots for the win, securing the series at 4-1. Twilight had more of a late-arriving attack in game 6, trailing Rudolph until he hit a brick wall with two balls to go. Rudolph only made one of those shots, while Twilight pulled back to rally for a win that gives her a 5-1 series lead. Twilight simply outpaced Rudolph in game 7, exchanging three-ball runs early before she took her four-ball run. Rudolph got two shots back, but Twilight won with a cut on the 8 to end the series ahead 6-1, giving her a 19-8 record on the bracket. Rudolph is the 148th player to leave the Tournament, while Twilight earned her first kill to end her pacifist streak.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Bryant v. Yekaterina Vasilyeva. We stay in the Northeast to place the last piece of the 15-ball puzzle in the red cue's event finale. Maplewood's Bryant had a slow start in game 1, ceding a lot of possession to Victoria's Yekaterina. This changed at the halfway mark, as Bryant rallied with a six-ball run, and then made the final two shots on his next turn for the 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina put in some dangerous looks on the 15 early in game 2, keeping it near the top right until the Lumberjacks' Bryant pushed it away. Bryant would still swoop in with a big push late, winning the game with a four-ball run-out to give himself a 2-0 series lead. Bryant did fine early in game 3, keeping his offense sharp but not punishing. Yekaterina bought some time through positioning before a four-ball run-out, where a bank on the 14 to the top right set up her shot on the 15 for the win. Bryant remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Yekaterina took no time in game 4 to even the series, making a ball on the break but missing on her next turn to give Bryant possession. Bryant came up empty, and Yekaterina made the 1 to the top side before double-potting the 3 at the bottom left with a carom to sink the 15 past the defensively-placed 8 at the top right. The series is now tied at 2 after her quick win. Yekaterina started game 5 with a savage three-ball run, which Bryant quickly matched after Yekaterina scratched. Bryant carried his momentum over the middle of the game, but he couldn't stop Yekaterina at the end, as she edged ahead on a three-ball run-out to give her a 3-2 series lead. Yekaterina went with a softer break in game 6 after having popped two hard breaks. The strategy didn't pay off immediately, but she saved up her offense for an eight-ball run-out at the end, a well-executed streak to secure the series at 4-2. Yekaterina took it easy in game 7, allowing Bryant a better share of the possession. Bryant blew his chance at the win with a miss on the 15 at the top right, and Yekaterina tapped it in for the win and a 5-2 series win. Yekaterina went 20-10 in the event, and this series gave her a fifth kill this year while making Bryant the 149th eliminated player. This also gave the Spurs a team-kill on the Lumberjacks.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Pounce. Coastal rivals clash in 12-ball with the blue cue. Pacific's Twinkie I had a rough start in game 1, with two scratches after Southern's Pounce made five balls over his first two turns. Twinkie I turned defensive, which proved to be a winning strategy as Pounce couldn't quite make his last ball before Twinkie I took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce had to play a defensive effort in game 2 after a great start from the Volcanoes' Twinkie I. Pounce turned things very ugly in this game, but it worked, as he had enough time to pick up the win to tie the series as Twinkie I couldn't make her last shot. Pounce had one of each suit on the break in game 3, giving Twinkie I a wild-card ball. Pounce had a four-ball run for himself, but Twinkie I needed just the one turn and some flexibility to create a five-ball run-out for the win. Twinkie I leads the series again at 2-1. Pounce had an early five-ball run in game 4, giving him a lot of time to work with. Twinkie I pulled back and managed to get onto her last ball before a scratch, wasting her good defensive work early. The bottom left stayed contested for many shots before Pounce finally took the win to retie the series at 2. Pounce started with a three-ball run in game 5, which Twinkie I overpowered with her four-ball run. Twinkie I never had good positioning again, giving away multiple fouls to help Pounce line up his last three shots, which he made over two turns for the win and a 3-2 series lead. Twinkie I just hung on in game 6, making five balls over her first two turns, but needing a lot of time at the bottom side. Pounce nearly pulled away at the end after a strategic scratch play, but Twinkie I found her last shot just in time to tie the series once more at 3 games apiece. Twinkie I made one of each on the game 7 break, and charged on a three-ball run with solids. Pounce had plenty of chances over his three turns to assemble a back-breaking run, but he failed to do so, and Twinkie I finished off her win for a 4-3 series win. Twinkie I went 4-3 to get to the Finals, giving her a 17-10 mark on the bracket. Pounce is the 150th player out of the Tournament, giving Twinkie I her first kill of the season. The Volcanoes can claim a team-kill on the rival Monarchs.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Chelsea. The Crowns begin a venue doubleheader against the only two players with chances of two bids advancing to the finals, the first being this 7-ball red cue series. Royal's Jake dominated the offense in game 1, as Eastside's Chelsea came up empty on both of her turns. Jake had an early pair, and then won with a five-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea made vast improvements in game 2, as the Crowns' Jake fell off the pace on offense a bit. Chelsea got lucky the 4 rattled out of the bottom left but fell in the top right, allowing her to continue what became a four-ball run ending with a cut on the 7 to the top side. The series is tied at 1. Chelsea made a pair on the break and added another two after that on her first turn in game 3, but her miss on the 3 set up Jake for his counterattacking three-ball run-out. Jake took the quick win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Jake had a ball on the break as part of an opening pair, but Chelsea controlled the game 4 offense with her four-ball run. Jake got a chance at the end, tapping in the 7 at the top right after Chelsea left it standing. Jake now holds a 3-1 series lead. Jake and Chelsea had a rough start to game 5, neither really hitting their shots all that well. That changed when Jake pummeled a late five-ball run-out for the win, sealing the series at 4-1. Jake kept up his offense at the end of game 6 as well, having nearly made the 7 on the break near the top left. Chelsea threatened it a couple of times, but Jake potted it on a three-ball run-out to move his series lead to 5-1. Jake couldn't quite do it again in game 7, making a three-ball run from the break but suffering the loss when Chelsea countered on a four-ball run-out. Jake did claim the series 5-2 to get to the Finals with a 21-9 record in the event.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Strut. The other half of the doubleheader is in Rotation, also using the red cue while simultaneously ending today's games. Game 1 started out heavily in favor of Golden's Strut, who had an early run to build his lead. Royal's Nightfur chipped her way to even, and then tangled with Strut for the rest of the game, overcoming him at the end for the 8-7 win. Nightfur leads the series at 1-0. The Pilots' Strut took a more commanding lead in game 2, using a five-ball run to get well ahead of the Crowns' Nightfur, who answered with her own five-ball run later. Strut won just after Nightfur attacked, tapping in the 13 to take an 8-5 result, tying the series at 1. Strut used the 1 as a battering ram, collecting a pair of three-ball runs without sinking it in game 3. Strut scratched at the end of the latter run, and Nightfur took over with a massive eight-ball run-out, winning 8-6 after sparking the run with a 1-15 combination to the top left from ball-in-hand. Nightfur regained the series lead at 2-1. Nightfur started slow yet again in game 4, but she kept even with Strut over the first couple of turns. Nightfur then assembled a seven-ball run-out for the 8-1 win, capping the streak with a deflected shot off the 8 to put the 9 in the bottom right, with the carom creating an 8-11 combination at the top left on the double-pot. Nightfur is up 3-1 in the series. Nightfur couldn't create any offense from bad positions in game 5, as Strut took a defensive approach. Strut generated a lot of offense from Nightfur's misses, but still needed a narrow passage at the end to get the win by an 8-4 score after Nightfur fought back. Nightfur retains a 3-2 series lead. Strut bounced back in game 6, dominating on a big run early on and finishing with an 8-1 win to tie the series at 3 as Nightfur managed almost no offense. In game 7, Nightfur took a large lead, then saw Strut get to the brink of victory before she fought him off once and for all to win 8-7, taking the series 4-3 in the process. Nightfur went 20-10 on the bracket to earn her spot in the Finals.
Tomorrow, the brackets close for the year with the last six series, setting up the final positions for the Finals.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Rainmane v. Marsell. Talented competitors take on a battle in 10-ball with the silver cue in its only appearance of the day. Midland's Rainmane broke the early quiet in game 1 with her five-ball run, but a miss on the 8 allowed Whitewater's Marsell to bounce back for the win on a three-ball run-out. Marsell leads the series 1-0. The Shores' Marsell saw diminishing returns on his later turns in game 2, but he still held 80% of the offense, as the Predators' Rainmane only mustered a pair of successful shots in the middle. Marsell took the win on his second look at the 10, going up 2-0 in the series. Rainmane had a more impressive effort in game 3, making a three-ball run on her first turn. Marsell shot back with a four-ball run of his own, but Rainmane took the win on an 8-10 combination to the top right to cut the series to 2-1. Marsell persisted on offense, taking a majority share in game 4 with his six-ball run-out to ruin any chance of Rainmane building momentum this time. Marsell restored his advantage with a 3-1 series lead. Rainmane and Marsell exchanged three-ball runs in the middle of the game, which gave Rainmane a chance at the end, but her shot on the 10 missed the bottom side. Marsell tapped it in, clinching the series at 4-1 with this win. Marsell had an unplanned double-pot of the 5 and 6 to the bottom right and bottom side that ended his four-ball run when Rainmane kept possession. She missed on her first shot there, but won with the 9 and 10 on her next turn after Marsell made the 7 and 8. The series still favors Marsell 4-2. Marsell had a smooth performance in game 7, not at all in trouble from Rainmane at any time. Marsell made a three-ball run-out at the end to take the win and a 5-2 series win, which gave him a 19-11 record on the bracket. Rainmane is the 147th eliminated player, while Marsell takes his fourth kill of the year.
Nestle's Warriors Hall, Central: Twilight v. Rudolph. The blue cue comes on next for 8-ball between Northeastern rivals. Central's Twilight ignited a six-ball run after making one of each suit on the game 1 break, choosing solids as her suit. Harrison's Rudolph scratched on his only shot, and Twilight made her final pair on her second shot for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Warriors' Twilight scratched on the game 2 break, giving the Specters' Rudolph an edge. The two players played an even game this time, with Rudolph taking the 8 on his second try, just in time to claim the win that tied the series at 1. Rudolph had a ball on the break, but too many scratches derailed his game 3 efforts. Twilight didn't play a clean game, but she did well enough to pick up the win at the end for a 2-1 series lead. Twilight had a four-ball run in game 4 to establish her offense before she missed contact. Rudolph shot back with some offense of his own, and they both took chances at the 8 before Twilight put it in the bottom left for the win. Twilight leads the series 3-1 now after this close result. Twilight had a fast attack in game 5, making a pair of three-ball runs early in the game. Rudolph made an effort to get back in the game, but he removed enough defense for Twilight to pot her last two shots for the win, securing the series at 4-1. Twilight had more of a late-arriving attack in game 6, trailing Rudolph until he hit a brick wall with two balls to go. Rudolph only made one of those shots, while Twilight pulled back to rally for a win that gives her a 5-1 series lead. Twilight simply outpaced Rudolph in game 7, exchanging three-ball runs early before she took her four-ball run. Rudolph got two shots back, but Twilight won with a cut on the 8 to end the series ahead 6-1, giving her a 19-8 record on the bracket. Rudolph is the 148th player to leave the Tournament, while Twilight earned her first kill to end her pacifist streak.
UPS Hall, Maplewood: Bryant v. Yekaterina Vasilyeva. We stay in the Northeast to place the last piece of the 15-ball puzzle in the red cue's event finale. Maplewood's Bryant had a slow start in game 1, ceding a lot of possession to Victoria's Yekaterina. This changed at the halfway mark, as Bryant rallied with a six-ball run, and then made the final two shots on his next turn for the 1-0 series lead. The Spurs' Yekaterina put in some dangerous looks on the 15 early in game 2, keeping it near the top right until the Lumberjacks' Bryant pushed it away. Bryant would still swoop in with a big push late, winning the game with a four-ball run-out to give himself a 2-0 series lead. Bryant did fine early in game 3, keeping his offense sharp but not punishing. Yekaterina bought some time through positioning before a four-ball run-out, where a bank on the 14 to the top right set up her shot on the 15 for the win. Bryant remains ahead 2-1 in the series. Yekaterina took no time in game 4 to even the series, making a ball on the break but missing on her next turn to give Bryant possession. Bryant came up empty, and Yekaterina made the 1 to the top side before double-potting the 3 at the bottom left with a carom to sink the 15 past the defensively-placed 8 at the top right. The series is now tied at 2 after her quick win. Yekaterina started game 5 with a savage three-ball run, which Bryant quickly matched after Yekaterina scratched. Bryant carried his momentum over the middle of the game, but he couldn't stop Yekaterina at the end, as she edged ahead on a three-ball run-out to give her a 3-2 series lead. Yekaterina went with a softer break in game 6 after having popped two hard breaks. The strategy didn't pay off immediately, but she saved up her offense for an eight-ball run-out at the end, a well-executed streak to secure the series at 4-2. Yekaterina took it easy in game 7, allowing Bryant a better share of the possession. Bryant blew his chance at the win with a miss on the 15 at the top right, and Yekaterina tapped it in for the win and a 5-2 series win. Yekaterina went 20-10 in the event, and this series gave her a fifth kill this year while making Bryant the 149th eliminated player. This also gave the Spurs a team-kill on the Lumberjacks.
Verizon Field Events Center, Pacific: Twinkie I v. Pounce. Coastal rivals clash in 12-ball with the blue cue. Pacific's Twinkie I had a rough start in game 1, with two scratches after Southern's Pounce made five balls over his first two turns. Twinkie I turned defensive, which proved to be a winning strategy as Pounce couldn't quite make his last ball before Twinkie I took the win for a 1-0 series lead. The Monarchs' Pounce had to play a defensive effort in game 2 after a great start from the Volcanoes' Twinkie I. Pounce turned things very ugly in this game, but it worked, as he had enough time to pick up the win to tie the series as Twinkie I couldn't make her last shot. Pounce had one of each suit on the break in game 3, giving Twinkie I a wild-card ball. Pounce had a four-ball run for himself, but Twinkie I needed just the one turn and some flexibility to create a five-ball run-out for the win. Twinkie I leads the series again at 2-1. Pounce had an early five-ball run in game 4, giving him a lot of time to work with. Twinkie I pulled back and managed to get onto her last ball before a scratch, wasting her good defensive work early. The bottom left stayed contested for many shots before Pounce finally took the win to retie the series at 2. Pounce started with a three-ball run in game 5, which Twinkie I overpowered with her four-ball run. Twinkie I never had good positioning again, giving away multiple fouls to help Pounce line up his last three shots, which he made over two turns for the win and a 3-2 series lead. Twinkie I just hung on in game 6, making five balls over her first two turns, but needing a lot of time at the bottom side. Pounce nearly pulled away at the end after a strategic scratch play, but Twinkie I found her last shot just in time to tie the series once more at 3 games apiece. Twinkie I made one of each on the game 7 break, and charged on a three-ball run with solids. Pounce had plenty of chances over his three turns to assemble a back-breaking run, but he failed to do so, and Twinkie I finished off her win for a 4-3 series win. Twinkie I went 4-3 to get to the Finals, giving her a 17-10 mark on the bracket. Pounce is the 150th player out of the Tournament, giving Twinkie I her first kill of the season. The Volcanoes can claim a team-kill on the rival Monarchs.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Jake v. Chelsea. The Crowns begin a venue doubleheader against the only two players with chances of two bids advancing to the finals, the first being this 7-ball red cue series. Royal's Jake dominated the offense in game 1, as Eastside's Chelsea came up empty on both of her turns. Jake had an early pair, and then won with a five-ball run-out for a 1-0 series lead. The Sharks' Chelsea made vast improvements in game 2, as the Crowns' Jake fell off the pace on offense a bit. Chelsea got lucky the 4 rattled out of the bottom left but fell in the top right, allowing her to continue what became a four-ball run ending with a cut on the 7 to the top side. The series is tied at 1. Chelsea made a pair on the break and added another two after that on her first turn in game 3, but her miss on the 3 set up Jake for his counterattacking three-ball run-out. Jake took the quick win to go ahead 2-1 in the series. Jake had a ball on the break as part of an opening pair, but Chelsea controlled the game 4 offense with her four-ball run. Jake got a chance at the end, tapping in the 7 at the top right after Chelsea left it standing. Jake now holds a 3-1 series lead. Jake and Chelsea had a rough start to game 5, neither really hitting their shots all that well. That changed when Jake pummeled a late five-ball run-out for the win, sealing the series at 4-1. Jake kept up his offense at the end of game 6 as well, having nearly made the 7 on the break near the top left. Chelsea threatened it a couple of times, but Jake potted it on a three-ball run-out to move his series lead to 5-1. Jake couldn't quite do it again in game 7, making a three-ball run from the break but suffering the loss when Chelsea countered on a four-ball run-out. Jake did claim the series 5-2 to get to the Finals with a 21-9 record in the event.
Kraft Forum, Royal: Nightfur v. Strut. The other half of the doubleheader is in Rotation, also using the red cue while simultaneously ending today's games. Game 1 started out heavily in favor of Golden's Strut, who had an early run to build his lead. Royal's Nightfur chipped her way to even, and then tangled with Strut for the rest of the game, overcoming him at the end for the 8-7 win. Nightfur leads the series at 1-0. The Pilots' Strut took a more commanding lead in game 2, using a five-ball run to get well ahead of the Crowns' Nightfur, who answered with her own five-ball run later. Strut won just after Nightfur attacked, tapping in the 13 to take an 8-5 result, tying the series at 1. Strut used the 1 as a battering ram, collecting a pair of three-ball runs without sinking it in game 3. Strut scratched at the end of the latter run, and Nightfur took over with a massive eight-ball run-out, winning 8-6 after sparking the run with a 1-15 combination to the top left from ball-in-hand. Nightfur regained the series lead at 2-1. Nightfur started slow yet again in game 4, but she kept even with Strut over the first couple of turns. Nightfur then assembled a seven-ball run-out for the 8-1 win, capping the streak with a deflected shot off the 8 to put the 9 in the bottom right, with the carom creating an 8-11 combination at the top left on the double-pot. Nightfur is up 3-1 in the series. Nightfur couldn't create any offense from bad positions in game 5, as Strut took a defensive approach. Strut generated a lot of offense from Nightfur's misses, but still needed a narrow passage at the end to get the win by an 8-4 score after Nightfur fought back. Nightfur retains a 3-2 series lead. Strut bounced back in game 6, dominating on a big run early on and finishing with an 8-1 win to tie the series at 3 as Nightfur managed almost no offense. In game 7, Nightfur took a large lead, then saw Strut get to the brink of victory before she fought him off once and for all to win 8-7, taking the series 4-3 in the process. Nightfur went 20-10 on the bracket to earn her spot in the Finals.
Tomorrow, the brackets close for the year with the last six series, setting up the final positions for the Finals.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Bracket Finals Day 2
We'll reach the halfway point of the sixth round today with another six series to be played. First up...
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Chimpy. The blue cue brings 9-ball's round to an end with this series. Midland's Fuchsia had a pair of shots from the break before she scratched in game 1. Modernistic's Chimpy answered on a three-ball run, but he missed on the 5, and Fuchsia replied with a four-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Fuchsia made two on the break in game 2, keeping up her good early form. The Union's Chimpy would take the 1, and then made a deflected shot on the 2 to drive the 9 to the top right on his second turn, taking the win to tie the series at 1. Chimpy went empty on the break in game 3, giving Fuchsia plenty of looks for some early offense. The game went mostly back-and-forth, ending as Fuchsia made the 7-9 combination to the top left that Chimpy had left aligned for her. Fuchsia is ahead 2-1 in the series. Fuchsia again struck on the break in game 4, and she had four balls over her first two turns for a large share of the offense. Her shooting slowed later on, but Chimpy failed to step up to cover it, and Fuchsia would win with a cut on the 9 to the top left to put her up 3-1 in the series. Chimpy made improvements in game 5, collecting four of the last five balls to put himself in a good position, but his miss on the 9 let Fuchsia tap it in for the win, and she secured the series at 4-1 while doing so. Fuchsia had another good break in game 6, her hallmark trait in this series, but an unusual scratch on the 5 as she potted it led to Chimpy winning on a four-ball run-out to cut the series down to 4-2. Fuchsia had a forgettable game 7, ending in a loss as she illegally contact and potted the 9 to the top right on a kick, and also scratched to add insult to injury. Fuchsia defeated Chimpy 4-3, and went 22-8 on the bracket to earn her spot in the Finals. Chimpy is the 141st eliminated player, giving Fuchsia her second kill this year. Oriental United is the first club to exit the Tournament.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman v. Cassie. The blue cue continues on with a series in Rotation between unlikely finalists. Infinity's Mr. Snowman had a dramatic four-ball run to start the game, and he would later add a pair to counter a three-ball run from Royal's Cassie, who kept things tense up to the end. Mr. Snowman took game 1 with the 11 at the bottom left for an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Cassie challenged the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman right from the host's scratch on the break of game 2. Things went back-and-forth for awhile, but Cassie surged ahead in the end for an 8-4 win, using a five-ball run-out to claim it. Cassie has tied the series at 1. Cassie had a ball on the break, and took an early lead in game 3, but Mr. Snowman pulled ahead on a four-ball run over the middle. Cassie refused to lose, storming back with a four-ball run-out for the 8-6 win that gives her a 2-1 series lead. Cassie had the early lead in a congested battle in game 4, while Mr. Snowman had taken a single point. Cassie rallied farther ahead on an impressive six-ball run-out, ending with a 9-14 combination that deflected and double-kissed the 10 to the bottom right to get the 8-1 win. Cassie stands ahead at 3-1 after the chaotic rally. Cassie and Mr. Snowman tussled and tangled in game 5, with both players getting plenty of chances. Mr. Snowman thrice missed a winning shot, but he still potted the 15 when Cassie couldn't, taking the win to pull back to a 3-2 deficit in the series. Cassie had her chances again in game 6, attacking fairly quickly to build a lead. Mr. Snowman pulled back, and the two sparred at the end, but Mr. Snowman came up with the 8-7 win from behind to tie the series at 3. Mr. Snowman did not have the easiest time in game 7, battling with Cassie for every shot before he finally scraped together enough for the 8-5 win and 4-3 series win. Mr. Snowman heads to the Finals after a 20-10 effort in the event, and he took his third kill to make Cassie the 142nd player out of the Tournament.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Shaggy. The silver cue's only series of the day features prominent stars in 12-ball. Whitewater's Shaggy enjoyed a comeback in game 1, weathering a four-ball run by Golden's Dusty on her break. Shaggy struck on a six-ball run-out after meticulous positioning paid off, giving her the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty continued to have an impact on offense in game 2, making a pair of shots to claim stripes and then taking a three-ball run on the next turn. The Shores' Shaggy cut into Dusty's lead a bit, but Dusty had her last shot in place, and converted on her third turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Dusty had some creative shots on offense, and she even managed to survive an awkward scratch. Shaggy botched a couple of shots, but made a good defensive play despite giving Dusty ball-in-hand at the end. Dusty executed a better shot, putting the 13 in the top left for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Dusty had one of each suit on the break in game 4, choosing to go with solids. Shaggy played a patient game, electing to position herself first, and it worked, as she had an easy four-ball run-out later while Dusty was caught out of position. Shaggy has retied the series at 2. Shaggy started game 5 in the same way, electing to take stripes for herself. Dusty had a couple of good shots on her two turns, but Shaggy got a little lucky on an 11-15-13 combination to the bottom left, and that sparked her four-ball run-out for the win. Shaggy pulls ahead 3-2 in the series. Dusty bounced back in game 6, striking first to take solids and then using her positive positioning and Shaggy's lack of options to rally ahead. Dusty made four balls over her last two turns for the win, retying the series at 3. Dusty wouldn't be left behind in game 7, striking early and often. Shaggy rallied back, but her two late scratches allowed Dusty to pick up the win and a 4-3 series win. Dusty went 19-11 overall in the event to reach the Finals, and her kill on Shaggy is her third kill of the year, while Shaggy is the 143rd eliminated player.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Anton. A captain faces a rookie as the blue cue comes back for 7-ball. Todavía's Anton won game 1 in only two shots, making the 1 on a tough cut that lined up the 2-7 combination to the top left. Terrace City's Kiwi could only watch Anton convert his shot for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 lasted a bit longer, and the Stills' Anton lacked the same level of attack on later shots. The Knights' Kiwi would end up taking this win on a 6-7 combination to the bottom right, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Kiwi had a good break in game 3, but she had two scratches during play, allowing Anton plenty of free shooting. From the second ball-in-hand, Anton took the win on a three-ball run-out, reclaiming the series lead at 2-1. Anton had a productive start in game 4, as Kiwi continued to foul and miss her shots, but Anton faltered on the 6 and Kiwi made the last two balls for the win. Kiwi has again tied the series at 2. Kiwi finally broke the back-and-forth cycle between games, blasting the 1 to the top side and the 7 to the bottom right on the game 5 break for a win to put herself ahead 3-2 in the series. Game 6 went full-term, which actually ended up benefiting Anton, as Kiwi couldn't make the 7. Anton took it on his second try, a hard cut to the bottom left with the cue just rattling at the bottom right but staying up. The series is once again tied at 3. Anton managed to stun and silence the Knights crowd with a single shot in game 7, the break putting the 7 in the bottom side for the win. Anton went from millimeters away from losing to winning the series 4-3 in the span of two shots, and he went 19-11 on the bracket to reach the Finals. Kiwi is the 144th player out of the Tournament, giving Anton his third kill of the year.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Twinkie II. The blue cue goes again, playing Accuracy in this series pitting captains against each other. Game 1 was an absolute nightmare for both players, although significantly worse for Harrison's Twinkie II. She couldn't find a clear shot, missing more than she made as Midland's Shawn claimed the sloppy win at 4-9 for a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II had a stunning reversal of form in game 2, maintaining a perfect performance while the Predators' Shawn struggled to keep up. Shawn eventually conceded with two late misses, giving Twinkie II a 0-4 win to tie the series at 1. Shawn held the lead for most of game 3 after Twinkie II made a ball on the break but had a miss a few turns later. Shawn missed twice near the end of the game, dropping into a tie with Twinkie II, who couldn't force overtime by missing again herself. Shawn won 2-3, and that gave him a 2-1 series lead. Shawn made a pair on the break in game 4, and held a lead once again for most of the game, but he slipped up at the end. This time, Twinkie II did force overtime. Both players missed on their first shot of overtime before going five rounds each without a miss. Shawn faltered here, and Twinkie II converted to win 3-4, retying the series at 2. Shawn and Twinkie II spent most of the early part of game 5 exchanging the last-shot advantage, with Twinkie II doing a double-pot on the break, Shawn double-potting on his own later, and then Twinkie II scratching while making a shot. Shawn briefly fell into a tie, but Twinkie II missed her next two shots, and Shawn held on to win 3-4 in the end, regaining the series lead at 3-2. Shawn went for a double on the break in game 6, but never managed to flip last shot back to himself, as Twinkie II held it and used it when Shawn couldn't kick in the 2 at the end of regulation. In overtime, Shawn tried a soft break, but Twinkie II converted her one shot to win 2-3, evening the series yet again at 3. Twinkie II had a critical one ball on the game 7 break, as the two players remained perfect deep into the game. Shawn faltered on the second-to-last ball, and Twinkie II made it, leading to her 1-2 win for a 4-3 series win. Twinkie II went 19-11 on the bracket in her quest to the Finals, and she took her third kill of the year to make Shawn the 145th eliminated player.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor Swift v. Cobalt. The red cue closes out the day with a 10-ball series. Stonebridge's Cobalt had all the offense early in game 1, making six balls over his first three turns, but a scratch on the 6 ended his reign. Commerce's Taylor made the 7 and then an 8-10 combination to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt again enjoyed a lot of offense in game 2, including a double-pot of the 4 to the bottom right with the 7 added at the bottom side during a four-ball run. He missed a deflection play, leaving the Tradewinds' Taylor to try a 6-10 combination, but she missed. Cobalt converted what Taylor couldn't for the win at the top right, tying the series at 1. Cobalt had a strong break and made three balls over his first two turns, but Taylor got a three-ball run right after that from ball-in-hand after his error. Taylor just missed on the 7, and this let Cobalt run free for a four-ball run-out of impressive cut shots. Cobalt is up 2-1 in the series. Cobalt still went empty on his game 4 break, and this led to some offense for Taylor. Cobalt made a pair on his next turn, but Taylor took the 4 and then converted a 5-10 combination to the bottom right for the win, retying the series at 2. Cobalt fought off the rising danger from Taylor in game 5, battling with the host early on before taking the last five balls, including a three-ball run-out with nice cuts to secure the win. Cobalt is up 3-2 in the series after that performance. Cobalt had two scratches, including on the break in game 6, but he had three-ball runs to surround his second scratch after Taylor had a scratch of her own. Cobalt's latter run gave him the win and the series at 4-2. Taylor had the better of play in game 7, but it didn't matter all that much, her four-ball run wasted by two misses on the 10. Cobalt converted it to the bottom left, the win giving him a 5-2 series win to put him in the Finals. Cobalt was 19-11 for the event, and earned his third kill of the year as Taylor was the 146th ousted player.
We'll be back tomorrow at a later starting time to hopefully play another six series. If that doesn't work out, the next two league days will be split over three calendar days.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Fuchsia v. Chimpy. The blue cue brings 9-ball's round to an end with this series. Midland's Fuchsia had a pair of shots from the break before she scratched in game 1. Modernistic's Chimpy answered on a three-ball run, but he missed on the 5, and Fuchsia replied with a four-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Predators' Fuchsia made two on the break in game 2, keeping up her good early form. The Union's Chimpy would take the 1, and then made a deflected shot on the 2 to drive the 9 to the top right on his second turn, taking the win to tie the series at 1. Chimpy went empty on the break in game 3, giving Fuchsia plenty of looks for some early offense. The game went mostly back-and-forth, ending as Fuchsia made the 7-9 combination to the top left that Chimpy had left aligned for her. Fuchsia is ahead 2-1 in the series. Fuchsia again struck on the break in game 4, and she had four balls over her first two turns for a large share of the offense. Her shooting slowed later on, but Chimpy failed to step up to cover it, and Fuchsia would win with a cut on the 9 to the top left to put her up 3-1 in the series. Chimpy made improvements in game 5, collecting four of the last five balls to put himself in a good position, but his miss on the 9 let Fuchsia tap it in for the win, and she secured the series at 4-1 while doing so. Fuchsia had another good break in game 6, her hallmark trait in this series, but an unusual scratch on the 5 as she potted it led to Chimpy winning on a four-ball run-out to cut the series down to 4-2. Fuchsia had a forgettable game 7, ending in a loss as she illegally contact and potted the 9 to the top right on a kick, and also scratched to add insult to injury. Fuchsia defeated Chimpy 4-3, and went 22-8 on the bracket to earn her spot in the Finals. Chimpy is the 141st eliminated player, giving Fuchsia her second kill this year. Oriental United is the first club to exit the Tournament.
Nissan Hall, Infinity: Mr. Snowman v. Cassie. The blue cue continues on with a series in Rotation between unlikely finalists. Infinity's Mr. Snowman had a dramatic four-ball run to start the game, and he would later add a pair to counter a three-ball run from Royal's Cassie, who kept things tense up to the end. Mr. Snowman took game 1 with the 11 at the bottom left for an 8-5 win and 1-0 series lead. The Crowns' Cassie challenged the Torpedoes' Mr. Snowman right from the host's scratch on the break of game 2. Things went back-and-forth for awhile, but Cassie surged ahead in the end for an 8-4 win, using a five-ball run-out to claim it. Cassie has tied the series at 1. Cassie had a ball on the break, and took an early lead in game 3, but Mr. Snowman pulled ahead on a four-ball run over the middle. Cassie refused to lose, storming back with a four-ball run-out for the 8-6 win that gives her a 2-1 series lead. Cassie had the early lead in a congested battle in game 4, while Mr. Snowman had taken a single point. Cassie rallied farther ahead on an impressive six-ball run-out, ending with a 9-14 combination that deflected and double-kissed the 10 to the bottom right to get the 8-1 win. Cassie stands ahead at 3-1 after the chaotic rally. Cassie and Mr. Snowman tussled and tangled in game 5, with both players getting plenty of chances. Mr. Snowman thrice missed a winning shot, but he still potted the 15 when Cassie couldn't, taking the win to pull back to a 3-2 deficit in the series. Cassie had her chances again in game 6, attacking fairly quickly to build a lead. Mr. Snowman pulled back, and the two sparred at the end, but Mr. Snowman came up with the 8-7 win from behind to tie the series at 3. Mr. Snowman did not have the easiest time in game 7, battling with Cassie for every shot before he finally scraped together enough for the 8-5 win and 4-3 series win. Mr. Snowman heads to the Finals after a 20-10 effort in the event, and he took his third kill to make Cassie the 142nd player out of the Tournament.
Amazon Field Exhibition Hall, Golden: Dusty v. Shaggy. The silver cue's only series of the day features prominent stars in 12-ball. Whitewater's Shaggy enjoyed a comeback in game 1, weathering a four-ball run by Golden's Dusty on her break. Shaggy struck on a six-ball run-out after meticulous positioning paid off, giving her the 1-0 series lead. The Pilots' Dusty continued to have an impact on offense in game 2, making a pair of shots to claim stripes and then taking a three-ball run on the next turn. The Shores' Shaggy cut into Dusty's lead a bit, but Dusty had her last shot in place, and converted on her third turn for the win to tie the series at 1. Dusty had some creative shots on offense, and she even managed to survive an awkward scratch. Shaggy botched a couple of shots, but made a good defensive play despite giving Dusty ball-in-hand at the end. Dusty executed a better shot, putting the 13 in the top left for the win and a 2-1 series lead. Dusty had one of each suit on the break in game 4, choosing to go with solids. Shaggy played a patient game, electing to position herself first, and it worked, as she had an easy four-ball run-out later while Dusty was caught out of position. Shaggy has retied the series at 2. Shaggy started game 5 in the same way, electing to take stripes for herself. Dusty had a couple of good shots on her two turns, but Shaggy got a little lucky on an 11-15-13 combination to the bottom left, and that sparked her four-ball run-out for the win. Shaggy pulls ahead 3-2 in the series. Dusty bounced back in game 6, striking first to take solids and then using her positive positioning and Shaggy's lack of options to rally ahead. Dusty made four balls over her last two turns for the win, retying the series at 3. Dusty wouldn't be left behind in game 7, striking early and often. Shaggy rallied back, but her two late scratches allowed Dusty to pick up the win and a 4-3 series win. Dusty went 19-11 overall in the event to reach the Finals, and her kill on Shaggy is her third kill of the year, while Shaggy is the 143rd eliminated player.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Kiwi v. Anton. A captain faces a rookie as the blue cue comes back for 7-ball. Todavía's Anton won game 1 in only two shots, making the 1 on a tough cut that lined up the 2-7 combination to the top left. Terrace City's Kiwi could only watch Anton convert his shot for the 1-0 series lead. Game 2 lasted a bit longer, and the Stills' Anton lacked the same level of attack on later shots. The Knights' Kiwi would end up taking this win on a 6-7 combination to the bottom right, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Kiwi had a good break in game 3, but she had two scratches during play, allowing Anton plenty of free shooting. From the second ball-in-hand, Anton took the win on a three-ball run-out, reclaiming the series lead at 2-1. Anton had a productive start in game 4, as Kiwi continued to foul and miss her shots, but Anton faltered on the 6 and Kiwi made the last two balls for the win. Kiwi has again tied the series at 2. Kiwi finally broke the back-and-forth cycle between games, blasting the 1 to the top side and the 7 to the bottom right on the game 5 break for a win to put herself ahead 3-2 in the series. Game 6 went full-term, which actually ended up benefiting Anton, as Kiwi couldn't make the 7. Anton took it on his second try, a hard cut to the bottom left with the cue just rattling at the bottom right but staying up. The series is once again tied at 3. Anton managed to stun and silence the Knights crowd with a single shot in game 7, the break putting the 7 in the bottom side for the win. Anton went from millimeters away from losing to winning the series 4-3 in the span of two shots, and he went 19-11 on the bracket to reach the Finals. Kiwi is the 144th player out of the Tournament, giving Anton his third kill of the year.
HP Field Events Center, Midland: Shawn v. Twinkie II. The blue cue goes again, playing Accuracy in this series pitting captains against each other. Game 1 was an absolute nightmare for both players, although significantly worse for Harrison's Twinkie II. She couldn't find a clear shot, missing more than she made as Midland's Shawn claimed the sloppy win at 4-9 for a 1-0 series lead. The Specters' Twinkie II had a stunning reversal of form in game 2, maintaining a perfect performance while the Predators' Shawn struggled to keep up. Shawn eventually conceded with two late misses, giving Twinkie II a 0-4 win to tie the series at 1. Shawn held the lead for most of game 3 after Twinkie II made a ball on the break but had a miss a few turns later. Shawn missed twice near the end of the game, dropping into a tie with Twinkie II, who couldn't force overtime by missing again herself. Shawn won 2-3, and that gave him a 2-1 series lead. Shawn made a pair on the break in game 4, and held a lead once again for most of the game, but he slipped up at the end. This time, Twinkie II did force overtime. Both players missed on their first shot of overtime before going five rounds each without a miss. Shawn faltered here, and Twinkie II converted to win 3-4, retying the series at 2. Shawn and Twinkie II spent most of the early part of game 5 exchanging the last-shot advantage, with Twinkie II doing a double-pot on the break, Shawn double-potting on his own later, and then Twinkie II scratching while making a shot. Shawn briefly fell into a tie, but Twinkie II missed her next two shots, and Shawn held on to win 3-4 in the end, regaining the series lead at 3-2. Shawn went for a double on the break in game 6, but never managed to flip last shot back to himself, as Twinkie II held it and used it when Shawn couldn't kick in the 2 at the end of regulation. In overtime, Shawn tried a soft break, but Twinkie II converted her one shot to win 2-3, evening the series yet again at 3. Twinkie II had a critical one ball on the game 7 break, as the two players remained perfect deep into the game. Shawn faltered on the second-to-last ball, and Twinkie II made it, leading to her 1-2 win for a 4-3 series win. Twinkie II went 19-11 on the bracket in her quest to the Finals, and she took her third kill of the year to make Shawn the 145th eliminated player.
Nike Field Events Center, Commerce: Taylor Swift v. Cobalt. The red cue closes out the day with a 10-ball series. Stonebridge's Cobalt had all the offense early in game 1, making six balls over his first three turns, but a scratch on the 6 ended his reign. Commerce's Taylor made the 7 and then an 8-10 combination to the bottom right for the win and 1-0 series lead. The Wolves' Cobalt again enjoyed a lot of offense in game 2, including a double-pot of the 4 to the bottom right with the 7 added at the bottom side during a four-ball run. He missed a deflection play, leaving the Tradewinds' Taylor to try a 6-10 combination, but she missed. Cobalt converted what Taylor couldn't for the win at the top right, tying the series at 1. Cobalt had a strong break and made three balls over his first two turns, but Taylor got a three-ball run right after that from ball-in-hand after his error. Taylor just missed on the 7, and this let Cobalt run free for a four-ball run-out of impressive cut shots. Cobalt is up 2-1 in the series. Cobalt still went empty on his game 4 break, and this led to some offense for Taylor. Cobalt made a pair on his next turn, but Taylor took the 4 and then converted a 5-10 combination to the bottom right for the win, retying the series at 2. Cobalt fought off the rising danger from Taylor in game 5, battling with the host early on before taking the last five balls, including a three-ball run-out with nice cuts to secure the win. Cobalt is up 3-2 in the series after that performance. Cobalt had two scratches, including on the break in game 6, but he had three-ball runs to surround his second scratch after Taylor had a scratch of her own. Cobalt's latter run gave him the win and the series at 4-2. Taylor had the better of play in game 7, but it didn't matter all that much, her four-ball run wasted by two misses on the 10. Cobalt converted it to the bottom left, the win giving him a 5-2 series win to put him in the Finals. Cobalt was 19-11 for the event, and earned his third kill of the year as Taylor was the 146th ousted player.
We'll be back tomorrow at a later starting time to hopefully play another six series. If that doesn't work out, the next two league days will be split over three calendar days.
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Tournament 2018 - Bracket Finals Day 1
We've reached the pinnacle of cue-separated competition, as 24 bracket champions will be crowned in the next four days. Those winners will compete for the top three positions in each event, with the winners of that playing in the prestigious Tournament of Champions. First up today...
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shadow v. Hannah. A captain clashes with a sophomore in 8-ball with the red cue. Web City's Shadow dominated on offense in game 1, with a five-ball run halted by a scratch and four balls over his next two turns. Shadow's only mistake was illegal contact as the 8 fell, gifting the win to Queens' Hannah as she takes the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow struggled a bit more in game 2, although he found a creative run near the end that nearly stole the win away on a botched kick shot. Shadow left the 8 near the top side, and the Flames' Hannah supplemented her four-ball run with a pair of shots on the final turn for a more earned win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Shadow had a large part of the early offense in game 3, getting down to two balls left in good positions. Hannah roared back on a five-ball run, and Shadow botched his second shot on the next turn, allowing Hannah to jam the 10 to the bottom right before banking the 8 there for the win. Hannah's desperate finishes have her ahead 3-0 in the series. Hannah showed a lot of confidence on offense in game 4, making a ball on the break and taking a large lead over Shadow. In the later turns, Shadow made six balls over two turns to get on the 8, but he missed the critical shot, and Hannah took a late pair for the win to clinch the series at 4-0. Shadow played better in game 5, making five balls over his first two turns while Hannah struggled. Shadow got down to his last ball, but he couldn't find a place for it, and Hannah surged ahead on a four-ball run, and then she won two turns later by tapping in the 8 at the top left. Hannah has a 5-0 series lead. Hannah stormed out to a six-ball run on her second turn of game 6, getting in very good position. Shadow took his time to counter that attack, but Hannah's rare lack of finishing allowed Shadow a chance to convert a seven-ball run-out, avoiding complete disaster as this win cuts the series to 5-1. Hannah had a good start with a three-ball run in game 7, but she went cold after that, and Shadow stormed back on another seven-ball run-out to take the win. Hannah won the series 5-2, advancing to the Finals with a 22-8 record on the bracket.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Strut. The blue cue's only series today is its 15-ball finale, which will play after the lunch break. Golden's Strut stayed quiet at first in game 1, but roared with a six-ball run followed by a four-ball run-out, with Modernistic's Puff I making only one shot in between. Strut's big attack gave him a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Pilots' Strut continued to pile on with possession in game 2, making a six-ball run on his second-to-last turn. The Union's Puff I countered Strut at the end, taking a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1 despite an unimpressive process. Game 3 saw Strut's offense come down from the extreme levels, as he settled in for a four-ball run. Puff I had a chance to counter that, but missed on the 14, and Strut made the last two shots to take the win for a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 also stayed pretty even between the two players. Puff I had a late three-ball run after holding a small edge in possession, but it all didn't matter when Strut made the last two balls to take the win. Strut is now up 3-1 in the series. Puff I pushed her way to a more noticeable majority of the offense in game 5, highlighted by a four-ball run in the middle of the game. Strut had a chance to launch a late run, but he missed on the 14, and Puff I made the last two balls for the win to pull back to a 3-2 deficit overall. Game 6 lost all resemblance to actual pool, as both players overpowered their shots and rattled many plays out of pockets. At the end, Strut deflected the cue off the 12 to tap the 15 into the bottom right to secure the series at 4-2 with his win. Puff I made sure to play a good game 7, although it didn't start that well, as Strut's break led to some messy shooting. Puff I broke through at the end on an eight-ball run-out to leave Strut with a 4-3 series win. Strut heads to the Finals having gone 20-10 so far. Strut also took the individual kills lead at 6, making Puff I the 137th eliminated player.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Tigerette. Our first top-10 exclusive series is in 15-ball with the silver cue. Oceanside's Jason blasted a five-ball run from the break, part of making nine balls on his first three turns. Commerce's Tigerette replied on a four-ball run, but Jason made the last two shots for a dominant win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Jason made seven balls over his first three turns in game 2, although the focus rested on a 15 located near the top right. The Tradewinds' Tigerette took her swipes at the 15 as well, but it stood tall until Jason rallied on a four-ball run-out for the win, moving to a 2-0 series lead with another dominant effort. Tigerette finally carved out some offense for herself in game 3, taking her fair share of shots and keeping Jason at bay in the later stages. Tigerette would win from ball-in-hand after Jason missed contact trying to kick the 14. The series still favors Jason 2-1. Jason materialized a five-ball run early in game 4 out of nowhere, seemingly announcing a bounce-back effort. Tigerette wouldn't let that happen, blocking Jason late and then making five of the last six shots over two turns for the win. Tigerette has tied the series at 2, with the crowd at a fever pitch. Tigerette quieted the ruckus by having a subtly dominant performance in game 5. Tigerette started with a pair from the break and continued to brew offense on every turn, ending with a pair of three-ball runs on her last two turns for the win. Tigerette now leads the series at 3-2. Tigerette still looked dangerous at times in game 6, but she never really recovered from scratching on the break. Jason had the majority of offense again, winning on his third three-ball run by missing a shot on the 11 that bumped the 15 back to the bottom right. Jason has retied the series at 3, setting up a massive finale. Tigerette didn't have the best start in game 7, allowing Jason to work a four-ball run that saw him pull off a double-pot of the 4 and 12 to the right corners. Tigerette's following turn saw her use a follow shot for the 5-15 combination, a double-pot that won her the series 4-3. Tigerette offed the best player on the bracket, ending at 19-11 in the event. Tigerette took her second kill, making Jason V. the 138th player out of the Tournament.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Nicole. The silver cue remains in action to handle this 9-ball series. Eastside's Chelsea had a productive second turn with a three-ball run, and she remained a challenge to Lighton's Nicole throughout the game. Chelsea finally won with a kick on the 9 to the top left to take the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Nicole still looked a little lost in game 2, unable to string her shots together under pressure from the Sharks' Chelsea, who cleaned up most of Nicole's misses en route to an easy win for the 2-0 series lead. Chelsea had a decent break in game 3, forcing Nicole to be defensive with her first shot. The slow start continued for a few turns until Chelsea broke free with a six-ball run-out for the win, pushing her lead in the series to 3-0. Chelsea didn't have her best offense in game 4, while Nicole showed a bit of growth in using more balanced defense. The result at the end was the same, with Nicole missing on the 7 to ignite a three-ball run-out by Chelsea for the win that clinched the series for her at 4-0. Nicole made her big move a game too late, winning game 5 handily on an eight-ball run-out after Chelsea came up empty on her first two turns. Nicole's big win cut the series to 4-1. Chelsea had a five-ball run early in game 6, looking to bounce back, but her offense dried up after that, and Nicole would win on a pair of shots on the final turn, pulling closer as the series moves to 4-2. Chelsea and Nicole battled early in a wide-open game 7, with both getting their runs in. Nicole missed on the 9 late in the game, and Chelsea made the tap-in at the top left for the win and a 5-2 series win. Chelsea heads to the Finals with a 19-8 record from the bracket after a first-round bye. Chelsea picked up her third kill of the year, bumping Nicole out at 139th in exiting order. The Sharks also took a team kill over the Prestige with this win.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Violetta. Club-mates clash as the hottest rookie takes on the league-leading sophomore in 9-ball with the red cue. Queens' Violetta had a strong start in game 1, setting Terrace City's Quincy behind a bit initially. Quincy rebounded at the end with a three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Quincy had a four-ball run early in game 2, a fierce attack that tamed with an exchange of single pots with the Flames' Violetta in the middle. Violetta pulled back at the end, making the 7 before double-potting the 8 and 9 to the right corners on a perfect trick play. The series is tied at 1. Quincy got a little too loose with his shooting in game 3, despite carrying a good portion of the offense. Quincy had a chance to win, but he left the 9 at the bottom right, and Violetta tapped it in to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Violetta looked to have a strong grip on game 4 with a four-ball run, but she fell apart with two misses while going for the 7. Quincy eventually made the 7 and the 9 to the top right for the win, retying the series at 2. Violetta still had a good performance in game 5, controlling the offense in the middle of the game but needing Quincy to twice miss on the 9. Violetta eventually tapped it to the top left after a nervy finish, regaining her series lead at 3-2. Violetta started well again in game 6, attacking relentlessly. Quincy had some looks in the middle of the game, but he missed contact on the 5, and Violetta launched a three-ball run-out to take the win, sealing the series at 4-2. Quincy managed to strike the 9 at the end of game 7, a counter to Violetta's seemingly overwhelming offense during the rest of the time. Violetta won the series 4-3, completing a 22-8 campaign in 9-ball to put herself in the Finals.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Shiny. Today's final series is in Accuracy with the red cue. Westside's Misty made a ball on the break in game 1, but she fell behind with a few too many misses early in the game. She held on well, while Web City's Shiny slipped up on the last ball to create overtime. Shiny's overtime break went empty, and Misty converted to win 3-4 for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty again made a ball on the break in game 2, although she held the lead for a lot of this game after the Spiders' Shiny had some sloppy play in the middle. Misty let the lead go with a late miss but held on to force overtime, where Shiny's break again went empty. Misty converted to win 2-3, pushing her series lead to 2-0. Misty had a messy stretch in the middle of game 3 thanks to a bad break that caused both players to miss early. Shiny was happy to watch Misty struggle, and she held tightly to the lead that created, winning 1-3 at the end to cut the series to 2-1. Shiny had a double-pot on the break of game 4, and the two players engaged in an active start to the game. Shiny was first to slip up, and she fell far behind as Misty used positioning to pressure Shiny. Misty faltered near the end, but managed to hang on for a 2-4 win to restore a two-game advantage at 3-1. Game 5 played out in a very similar style, with only an empty break from Misty to differentiate it. Misty was the one who fell apart in the middle of the game, falling behind and only forcing Shiny to take an extra shot on a troublesome last ball. Shiny won 2-4, pulling back to a 3-2 series deficit. Misty had to play a near-perfect game as Shiny triple-potted on the break shot of game 6. Luckily for Misty, everything she touched went in as planned, and she beat Shiny 0-2 to clinch the series at 4-2. Misty and Shiny combined for a very close game 7, which came down to Shiny missing on the last ball, which Misty then converted at the bottom right for the 2-3 win. Misty took the series 5-2 to get to the Finals, going 20-10 on the bracket overall. Shiny is the 140th eliminated player, giving Misty her first kill of the year.
That's all for today's games. We'll have another six series day tomorrow.
Home Depot Forum, Web City: Shadow v. Hannah. A captain clashes with a sophomore in 8-ball with the red cue. Web City's Shadow dominated on offense in game 1, with a five-ball run halted by a scratch and four balls over his next two turns. Shadow's only mistake was illegal contact as the 8 fell, gifting the win to Queens' Hannah as she takes the 1-0 series lead. The Spiders' Shadow struggled a bit more in game 2, although he found a creative run near the end that nearly stole the win away on a botched kick shot. Shadow left the 8 near the top side, and the Flames' Hannah supplemented her four-ball run with a pair of shots on the final turn for a more earned win to go ahead 2-0 in the series. Shadow had a large part of the early offense in game 3, getting down to two balls left in good positions. Hannah roared back on a five-ball run, and Shadow botched his second shot on the next turn, allowing Hannah to jam the 10 to the bottom right before banking the 8 there for the win. Hannah's desperate finishes have her ahead 3-0 in the series. Hannah showed a lot of confidence on offense in game 4, making a ball on the break and taking a large lead over Shadow. In the later turns, Shadow made six balls over two turns to get on the 8, but he missed the critical shot, and Hannah took a late pair for the win to clinch the series at 4-0. Shadow played better in game 5, making five balls over his first two turns while Hannah struggled. Shadow got down to his last ball, but he couldn't find a place for it, and Hannah surged ahead on a four-ball run, and then she won two turns later by tapping in the 8 at the top left. Hannah has a 5-0 series lead. Hannah stormed out to a six-ball run on her second turn of game 6, getting in very good position. Shadow took his time to counter that attack, but Hannah's rare lack of finishing allowed Shadow a chance to convert a seven-ball run-out, avoiding complete disaster as this win cuts the series to 5-1. Hannah had a good start with a three-ball run in game 7, but she went cold after that, and Shadow stormed back on another seven-ball run-out to take the win. Hannah won the series 5-2, advancing to the Finals with a 22-8 record on the bracket.
Google Hall, Modernistic: Puff I v. Strut. The blue cue's only series today is its 15-ball finale, which will play after the lunch break. Golden's Strut stayed quiet at first in game 1, but roared with a six-ball run followed by a four-ball run-out, with Modernistic's Puff I making only one shot in between. Strut's big attack gave him a 1-0 series lead with the win. The Pilots' Strut continued to pile on with possession in game 2, making a six-ball run on his second-to-last turn. The Union's Puff I countered Strut at the end, taking a three-ball run-out for the win to tie the series at 1 despite an unimpressive process. Game 3 saw Strut's offense come down from the extreme levels, as he settled in for a four-ball run. Puff I had a chance to counter that, but missed on the 14, and Strut made the last two shots to take the win for a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 also stayed pretty even between the two players. Puff I had a late three-ball run after holding a small edge in possession, but it all didn't matter when Strut made the last two balls to take the win. Strut is now up 3-1 in the series. Puff I pushed her way to a more noticeable majority of the offense in game 5, highlighted by a four-ball run in the middle of the game. Strut had a chance to launch a late run, but he missed on the 14, and Puff I made the last two balls for the win to pull back to a 3-2 deficit overall. Game 6 lost all resemblance to actual pool, as both players overpowered their shots and rattled many plays out of pockets. At the end, Strut deflected the cue off the 12 to tap the 15 into the bottom right to secure the series at 4-2 with his win. Puff I made sure to play a good game 7, although it didn't start that well, as Strut's break led to some messy shooting. Puff I broke through at the end on an eight-ball run-out to leave Strut with a 4-3 series win. Strut heads to the Finals having gone 20-10 so far. Strut also took the individual kills lead at 6, making Puff I the 137th eliminated player.
AT&T Hall, Oceanside: Jason V. v. Tigerette. Our first top-10 exclusive series is in 15-ball with the silver cue. Oceanside's Jason blasted a five-ball run from the break, part of making nine balls on his first three turns. Commerce's Tigerette replied on a four-ball run, but Jason made the last two shots for a dominant win and 1-0 series lead. The Waves' Jason made seven balls over his first three turns in game 2, although the focus rested on a 15 located near the top right. The Tradewinds' Tigerette took her swipes at the 15 as well, but it stood tall until Jason rallied on a four-ball run-out for the win, moving to a 2-0 series lead with another dominant effort. Tigerette finally carved out some offense for herself in game 3, taking her fair share of shots and keeping Jason at bay in the later stages. Tigerette would win from ball-in-hand after Jason missed contact trying to kick the 14. The series still favors Jason 2-1. Jason materialized a five-ball run early in game 4 out of nowhere, seemingly announcing a bounce-back effort. Tigerette wouldn't let that happen, blocking Jason late and then making five of the last six shots over two turns for the win. Tigerette has tied the series at 2, with the crowd at a fever pitch. Tigerette quieted the ruckus by having a subtly dominant performance in game 5. Tigerette started with a pair from the break and continued to brew offense on every turn, ending with a pair of three-ball runs on her last two turns for the win. Tigerette now leads the series at 3-2. Tigerette still looked dangerous at times in game 6, but she never really recovered from scratching on the break. Jason had the majority of offense again, winning on his third three-ball run by missing a shot on the 11 that bumped the 15 back to the bottom right. Jason has retied the series at 3, setting up a massive finale. Tigerette didn't have the best start in game 7, allowing Jason to work a four-ball run that saw him pull off a double-pot of the 4 and 12 to the right corners. Tigerette's following turn saw her use a follow shot for the 5-15 combination, a double-pot that won her the series 4-3. Tigerette offed the best player on the bracket, ending at 19-11 in the event. Tigerette took her second kill, making Jason V. the 138th player out of the Tournament.
FedEx Arena, Eastside: Chelsea v. Nicole. The silver cue remains in action to handle this 9-ball series. Eastside's Chelsea had a productive second turn with a three-ball run, and she remained a challenge to Lighton's Nicole throughout the game. Chelsea finally won with a kick on the 9 to the top left to take the 1-0 series lead. The Prestige's Nicole still looked a little lost in game 2, unable to string her shots together under pressure from the Sharks' Chelsea, who cleaned up most of Nicole's misses en route to an easy win for the 2-0 series lead. Chelsea had a decent break in game 3, forcing Nicole to be defensive with her first shot. The slow start continued for a few turns until Chelsea broke free with a six-ball run-out for the win, pushing her lead in the series to 3-0. Chelsea didn't have her best offense in game 4, while Nicole showed a bit of growth in using more balanced defense. The result at the end was the same, with Nicole missing on the 7 to ignite a three-ball run-out by Chelsea for the win that clinched the series for her at 4-0. Nicole made her big move a game too late, winning game 5 handily on an eight-ball run-out after Chelsea came up empty on her first two turns. Nicole's big win cut the series to 4-1. Chelsea had a five-ball run early in game 6, looking to bounce back, but her offense dried up after that, and Nicole would win on a pair of shots on the final turn, pulling closer as the series moves to 4-2. Chelsea and Nicole battled early in a wide-open game 7, with both getting their runs in. Nicole missed on the 9 late in the game, and Chelsea made the tap-in at the top left for the win and a 5-2 series win. Chelsea heads to the Finals with a 19-8 record from the bracket after a first-round bye. Chelsea picked up her third kill of the year, bumping Nicole out at 139th in exiting order. The Sharks also took a team kill over the Prestige with this win.
Audi Hall, Terrace City: Quincy v. Violetta. Club-mates clash as the hottest rookie takes on the league-leading sophomore in 9-ball with the red cue. Queens' Violetta had a strong start in game 1, setting Terrace City's Quincy behind a bit initially. Quincy rebounded at the end with a three-ball run-out for the win and a 1-0 series lead. The Knights' Quincy had a four-ball run early in game 2, a fierce attack that tamed with an exchange of single pots with the Flames' Violetta in the middle. Violetta pulled back at the end, making the 7 before double-potting the 8 and 9 to the right corners on a perfect trick play. The series is tied at 1. Quincy got a little too loose with his shooting in game 3, despite carrying a good portion of the offense. Quincy had a chance to win, but he left the 9 at the bottom right, and Violetta tapped it in to pull ahead 2-1 in the series. Violetta looked to have a strong grip on game 4 with a four-ball run, but she fell apart with two misses while going for the 7. Quincy eventually made the 7 and the 9 to the top right for the win, retying the series at 2. Violetta still had a good performance in game 5, controlling the offense in the middle of the game but needing Quincy to twice miss on the 9. Violetta eventually tapped it to the top left after a nervy finish, regaining her series lead at 3-2. Violetta started well again in game 6, attacking relentlessly. Quincy had some looks in the middle of the game, but he missed contact on the 5, and Violetta launched a three-ball run-out to take the win, sealing the series at 4-2. Quincy managed to strike the 9 at the end of game 7, a counter to Violetta's seemingly overwhelming offense during the rest of the time. Violetta won the series 4-3, completing a 22-8 campaign in 9-ball to put herself in the Finals.
BMW RockDome, Westside: Misty v. Shiny. Today's final series is in Accuracy with the red cue. Westside's Misty made a ball on the break in game 1, but she fell behind with a few too many misses early in the game. She held on well, while Web City's Shiny slipped up on the last ball to create overtime. Shiny's overtime break went empty, and Misty converted to win 3-4 for the 1-0 series lead. The Rockers' Misty again made a ball on the break in game 2, although she held the lead for a lot of this game after the Spiders' Shiny had some sloppy play in the middle. Misty let the lead go with a late miss but held on to force overtime, where Shiny's break again went empty. Misty converted to win 2-3, pushing her series lead to 2-0. Misty had a messy stretch in the middle of game 3 thanks to a bad break that caused both players to miss early. Shiny was happy to watch Misty struggle, and she held tightly to the lead that created, winning 1-3 at the end to cut the series to 2-1. Shiny had a double-pot on the break of game 4, and the two players engaged in an active start to the game. Shiny was first to slip up, and she fell far behind as Misty used positioning to pressure Shiny. Misty faltered near the end, but managed to hang on for a 2-4 win to restore a two-game advantage at 3-1. Game 5 played out in a very similar style, with only an empty break from Misty to differentiate it. Misty was the one who fell apart in the middle of the game, falling behind and only forcing Shiny to take an extra shot on a troublesome last ball. Shiny won 2-4, pulling back to a 3-2 series deficit. Misty had to play a near-perfect game as Shiny triple-potted on the break shot of game 6. Luckily for Misty, everything she touched went in as planned, and she beat Shiny 0-2 to clinch the series at 4-2. Misty and Shiny combined for a very close game 7, which came down to Shiny missing on the last ball, which Misty then converted at the bottom right for the 2-3 win. Misty took the series 5-2 to get to the Finals, going 20-10 on the bracket overall. Shiny is the 140th eliminated player, giving Misty her first kill of the year.
That's all for today's games. We'll have another six series day tomorrow.
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