Agreed, Jordan definitely struggled more. Both got a few rolls to hook the other early on but Jordan missed too many kicks. Definitely a weakness in her game. Not sure how often you watch her (Jordan) but I've watched quite a few of her matches, when she's on she can be deadly. I'm sure you know but her and Matlock won the scotch double in Ultimate Pool a while ago, she also won the women's at some point. Her nickname is Dead Stroke, there's a reason, it just didn't apply today, which shows her youth, she is only 14.
As noted, I've watched Helfery live multiple times. She has solid fundamentals. Still, her pattern play is under-developed and it is why she doesn't get a little more out of what she can execute on offense. Ultimate Pool is on bar-boxes and there is more forgiveness for patterns misplayed as the recovery shots are more easily handled.
She plays well for her age but does not yet show any real feel for or skills for defense and kicking, and until she adds that, she won't beat strong players to the shot often enough to have a chance to win. I did notice, however, that she's adequate with the jump cue, so that's going to help her. Right now, she can only beat a strong player if chances keep landing in her lap through strong breaking, luck, or opponent errors.
As I've said before, the potential is there, and she'll likely be a good player somewhere down the road, but let's not be delusional about how far along she is.
It was good to see Sofia confidently slam a few balls in in the later games, hopefully she brings that confidence tomorrow, she'll need it against Amy Beauchamp. As long as she plays smart she should get the win.
This field is weak enough that Sofia is assured of a top five even with her "B" game. Her offensive execution woke up in the second half of the Helfery match, and she'll need to sustain that to have any chance to beat either of the top two. Her pattern play was respectable, but her tactical judgment was mediocre, and it has to be much better for her to contend for the title.
Still, her last few racks offered at least some hope, so maybe she finds her top speed shortly.
I'm looking forward to the first 4 matches on the winners side tomorrow.
Tkach - Benoit. Clearly, Tkach should win and it's possible she dominates but if Tkach is off even a little bit and Benoit is on her A game it could be a good match. Benoit plays lots of different games (1 pocket is her favorite) and she's constantly improving but, as mentioned, she'll need her A game to get the win. (Tkach 8-3 - hope I'm wrong)
Kaylee McIntosh - Kennedy Meyman. If Kaylee plays the way she was yesterday Kennedy is going to have an issue. Either way, Kennedy needs her A game to win this one. (Kaylee 8-5)
Styer - Atwell. Styer should win this one and Atwell, like Kennedy, will need her A game either way. (Styer 8-2)
Sofia - Amy Beauchamp. Amy is a tough opponent. She's a world champ from across the pond. Her FR is only 611 but that doesn't tell the whole story, she's been around the block. (Sofia 8-6)
On the losers side the only person I'm keeping an eye on is Rachel Walters. She's up 5-4 now. If she wins, she'll play Lonnie Fox-Raymond. If Lonnie plays how she did today she'll have a hard time making it to the next round.
These are pretty solid predictions. That said, I've never heard of Amy Beauchamp, so I am shocked to learn she's a world champion. When did she win her world championship and in what discipline?
Finally, don't sleep on Briana Miller. She's still in on the loser side and is a solid player.
