SJM at the BCA Pro Events
- Thread starter sjm
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I'm just gonna jump in here and offer my take after only one FULL day at the BCAPL Championships. Mark Griffin has recreated this event into a MUST NOT MISS event on the U.S. pool calendar. It is right up there with Derby City and the U.S. Open as one of the three best pool parties of the year.
In addition to the staggering amount of amateur players flogging away on 260 Diamond Smart Tables, there are several pro laden tourneys to savor. It is simply too much for one pool fanatic to take it all in. The biggest problem becomes which event to watch. Let's see Allison is playing in the Women's Masters division over here, Kelly Fisher is a couple of tables away over there, Shane is battling several tables down in the Men's Grand Masters division. Oh, and did mention that Johnny is getting ready to take on Nick Van Den Berg in the ballroom where the World Pool Masters is being played. My head is spinning.
Jay,
Allison is playing in the womens GRAND masters event I believe. :wink:
Thank god!!!!!
(Milo is a master player, not in same division)
Not playing singles this year,(just team) but I will be there next year for sure.
![democratlittle%5B1%5D[1].jpg](/data/attachments/69/69185-ec4f56b6a8f4d080eb4a960b048e3824.jpg?hash=7E9Wtqj00I)
I adore Allison Fisher, but I am so happy for Melissa Little a/k/a "The Viper." She has given back so much to the community where she lives, trying to promote pool. What a great win for her! She and Mark must be on Cloud Nine!
Melissa is a great gal. I had the pleasure of doing some pool commentary with her this past year while at The Great Southern Billiard Tour Championship.
JoeyA
Shane Van Boening vs Nick VanDenBerg, World Pool Masters, semifinal
Rack 1: Shane, after winning the lag, breaks in a ball but scratches as he pockets the one ball. Nick has to negotiate a difficult shot form the five to the six, but hits it well, setting up a runout and a 1-0 lead.
Rack 2: Nick makes a ball on the break, but will need to combo in the 4-7 to get out, and plays it well. The rest is easy for a 2-0 lead.
Rack 3: Dry break by Nick, but Shane can't see the one. Close decision whether to push out, but Shane opts to try a kick safe and hits it badly. Nick makes a nice one ball but slightly misplays the two. A favorable carom of the cue ball off the nine gives him somewhat fortunate shape onto the three, and from there, he plays the pattern well for a 3-0 lead.
Rack 4:Illegal break by Nick negates the ball he made on the break, but Shane misplays a rail-first chance at the two and Nick regains control. With the shot clock running out, Nick misses the five ball, but gets a roll and Shane must play safe, which he does passably at best. Nick plays a fine safety to bury the five ball under a cluster, and Shane opts to tie up the five by tapping the six up to it, conceding ball in hand. Nick 's safety left Shane this kick:
Shane's soft kick barely grazed the six before hitting the five, so, with Shane on two fouls, Nick repeated the same safety as before, leaving almost exactly the same kick, and Shane missed it again for a three foul, giving Nick a 4-0 lead.
...... continued in next post
Rack 1: Shane, after winning the lag, breaks in a ball but scratches as he pockets the one ball. Nick has to negotiate a difficult shot form the five to the six, but hits it well, setting up a runout and a 1-0 lead.
Rack 2: Nick makes a ball on the break, but will need to combo in the 4-7 to get out, and plays it well. The rest is easy for a 2-0 lead.
Rack 3: Dry break by Nick, but Shane can't see the one. Close decision whether to push out, but Shane opts to try a kick safe and hits it badly. Nick makes a nice one ball but slightly misplays the two. A favorable carom of the cue ball off the nine gives him somewhat fortunate shape onto the three, and from there, he plays the pattern well for a 3-0 lead.
Rack 4:Illegal break by Nick negates the ball he made on the break, but Shane misplays a rail-first chance at the two and Nick regains control. With the shot clock running out, Nick misses the five ball, but gets a roll and Shane must play safe, which he does passably at best. Nick plays a fine safety to bury the five ball under a cluster, and Shane opts to tie up the five by tapping the six up to it, conceding ball in hand. Nick 's safety left Shane this kick:
Shane's soft kick barely grazed the six before hitting the five, so, with Shane on two fouls, Nick repeated the same safety as before, leaving almost exactly the same kick, and Shane missed it again for a three foul, giving Nick a 4-0 lead.
...... continued in next post
Van Boening vs VanDenBerg, continued
In rack 5, Nick hits a perfect break and runs out easily for 5-0.
In rack 6, an illegal break by Nick gives Shane the inning, but Shane opts to push, and Nick wisely gives it back. Shane's kick safe is ineffective, and Nick makes a spectacular thin cut of the two ball up the short rail to set up a possible runout. Moments later, however, he hooks himself on the five, and sells out on the kick, so Shane gets on the board, 5-1.
In rack 7, Shane makes a ball on the break but faces this awkward position:
The two in the side is the easiest shot to pocket, but offers little chance to get good on the four. Shane found a far more creative two way shot of the two into the top corner, surely reckoning that even a miss would leave the two buried under all the traffic on the table. As shown, Shane hit it like a charm and got onto the four, leading to a runout that pulled him to within 5-2.
In rack 8, Shane breaks dry but leaves Nick a mess to deal with. After a well played one ball, Nick can't see enough of the two ball to pocket it, and might opt for a safe, but makes a magnificent shot to pocket the nine, and the crowd erupts with applause.
This gives Nick a 6-2 lead.
In rack 5, Nick hits a perfect break and runs out easily for 5-0.
In rack 6, an illegal break by Nick gives Shane the inning, but Shane opts to push, and Nick wisely gives it back. Shane's kick safe is ineffective, and Nick makes a spectacular thin cut of the two ball up the short rail to set up a possible runout. Moments later, however, he hooks himself on the five, and sells out on the kick, so Shane gets on the board, 5-1.
In rack 7, Shane makes a ball on the break but faces this awkward position:
The two in the side is the easiest shot to pocket, but offers little chance to get good on the four. Shane found a far more creative two way shot of the two into the top corner, surely reckoning that even a miss would leave the two buried under all the traffic on the table. As shown, Shane hit it like a charm and got onto the four, leading to a runout that pulled him to within 5-2.
In rack 8, Shane breaks dry but leaves Nick a mess to deal with. After a well played one ball, Nick can't see enough of the two ball to pocket it, and might opt for a safe, but makes a magnificent shot to pocket the nine, and the crowd erupts with applause.
This gives Nick a 6-2 lead.
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Van boening vs VanDenBerg, World Pool Masters, semifinal, continued
In rack 9, Nick breaks them well. the layout is tricky, and will require a cross table diagonal draw from the five to the short side of the six, played elegantly to set up a runout, bringing Nick to the hill, 7-2.
A perfect break by Nick in rack 10 leads to a runout for Nick, and gives him a well deserved 8-2 victory.
And that's how it all went down. Nick is, pretty much, in dead stroke, and it's easy to see why he won the European nine-ball championship a couple of weeks ago. Either Appleton or Immonen will have their hands full in what will be an all-European final that should make Roy Steffensen happy!
In rack 9, Nick breaks them well. the layout is tricky, and will require a cross table diagonal draw from the five to the short side of the six, played elegantly to set up a runout, bringing Nick to the hill, 7-2.
A perfect break by Nick in rack 10 leads to a runout for Nick, and gives him a well deserved 8-2 victory.
And that's how it all went down. Nick is, pretty much, in dead stroke, and it's easy to see why he won the European nine-ball championship a couple of weeks ago. Either Appleton or Immonen will have their hands full in what will be an all-European final that should make Roy Steffensen happy!
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After a stellar effort against Immonen, requiring a bank of the five ball at 7-6 ahead to get out of the match, Appleton beat VanDenBerg in a less than spectacular final. Nick's game came down to earth, and Darren was effective, if not absolutely polished in his play.
Well played, Darren.
My first World Pool Masters is now behind me, and I must admit that I enjoyed it very much.
Well played, Darren.
My first World Pool Masters is now behind me, and I must admit that I enjoyed it very much.
During my busy day, I managed a few peeks at the bar table play, and was lucky enough to catch the Men's Grand Masters hot seat match, between Roberto Gomez and a fellow from Canada I wasn't familiar with named Simon Pickering. Both played well and the match reached double hill, with Gomez beginning the rack with a dry break, but one that didn't spread the balls well. The result was a long tactical sequence, controlled mostly by Gomez, but with some good kicking, Pickering kept his chances alive, eventually earning this chance (he had stripes in the double hill rack):
Pickering had an easy shot on the eleven, but realized he'd gain little by playing it. With a jacked up cue, he opted for the fifteen in the corner, drawing the cue ball and ending up near the side pocket. He then slow rolled the eleven into the corner and nudged the nine perfectly to create a shot, a runout, and a win that ensured he will play in the final.
Well played, Simon Pickering.
Pickering had an easy shot on the eleven, but realized he'd gain little by playing it. With a jacked up cue, he opted for the fifteen in the corner, drawing the cue ball and ending up near the side pocket. He then slow rolled the eleven into the corner and nudged the nine perfectly to create a shot, a runout, and a win that ensured he will play in the final.
Well played, Simon Pickering.
Came out of my shell today, actually spending some time with numerous friends. Of the AZBers, today I caught up with Boradriver, Nostroke, TheOne, and a few others. I had seen Jay Helfert, Robroy (BCA Hall of Famer Robin Dodson), Collection Guru, Mark Griffin, Cris Delagarza, Vagabond, Jude Rosenstock, Bob Jewett and GG11 yesterday.
Have already caught up with several of my pro friends, including Allison Fisher, Kim Shaw, Kelly Fisher, Val Finnie, Liz Ford, Jeanette Lee, Ralf Souquet, Jeremy Jones, Tony Robles, Max Eberle and numerous others.
So it's on to the Predator 10-ball event tomorrow. Six days of sweating ten ball should be quite an experience.
Have already caught up with several of my pro friends, including Allison Fisher, Kim Shaw, Kelly Fisher, Val Finnie, Liz Ford, Jeanette Lee, Ralf Souquet, Jeremy Jones, Tony Robles, Max Eberle and numerous others.
So it's on to the Predator 10-ball event tomorrow. Six days of sweating ten ball should be quite an experience.
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OK, it's another day, and my goal for today is to check out some pool.
First order of fare today will be sneaking a peek at the bar table events. A few friends of mine have matches this morning, among them AZB poster Jude Rosenstock, looking for his third win on the winner's side in his division. I believe Shane will play Gomez at 10:00 for a spot against Simon Pickering in the Men's Grand Masters 8-ball final. The people will surely be packed like sardines for this one, as there's not much room to sit or stand, with the bar tables less than ten feet apart from the adjacent table(s).
Then it's off to the ten ball, and the big field is sure to contain some players I've never before had the chance to watch. I'll probably focus on those players also keeping an eye on the ladies in the field, most of whom I've never seen play ten ball. One notable exception is Allison Fisher, whose impressive ten ball skills were on display at Valley Forge.
OK, off I go.
First order of fare today will be sneaking a peek at the bar table events. A few friends of mine have matches this morning, among them AZB poster Jude Rosenstock, looking for his third win on the winner's side in his division. I believe Shane will play Gomez at 10:00 for a spot against Simon Pickering in the Men's Grand Masters 8-ball final. The people will surely be packed like sardines for this one, as there's not much room to sit or stand, with the bar tables less than ten feet apart from the adjacent table(s).
Then it's off to the ten ball, and the big field is sure to contain some players I've never before had the chance to watch. I'll probably focus on those players also keeping an eye on the ladies in the field, most of whom I've never seen play ten ball. One notable exception is Allison Fisher, whose impressive ten ball skills were on display at Valley Forge.
OK, off I go.
No biggie. Stop me another time when you're less busy and we'll chat. I'm here all week.
Monday is now in the books, and the morning brought about the conclusion of the men's and women's grand masters 8-ball events.
On the men's side, Van Boening was up to the task of topping Gomez, but was not up to defeating Simon Pickering in the final.
On the women's side, Yu Ram Cha comleted a stellar run through the loser's bracket to reach the final. On the way, she beat Kristi Carter, Kim Shaw, Allison Fisher and when she beat Melissa Little, she advanced to the final, where she topped Julia Gabriel.
The Predator 10-ball event is now underway, beginning this evening. I can't say I watched many matches and I wasn't taking notes today, but I saw Ortmann play well to advance, and Darryl Peach, who appeared to be in dead stroke, had a 6-0 lead on Ernesto Dominguez when I left the arena. Tomorrow, I'll get it in gear as far as watching this event.
Off to bed!
On the men's side, Van Boening was up to the task of topping Gomez, but was not up to defeating Simon Pickering in the final.
On the women's side, Yu Ram Cha comleted a stellar run through the loser's bracket to reach the final. On the way, she beat Kristi Carter, Kim Shaw, Allison Fisher and when she beat Melissa Little, she advanced to the final, where she topped Julia Gabriel.
The Predator 10-ball event is now underway, beginning this evening. I can't say I watched many matches and I wasn't taking notes today, but I saw Ortmann play well to advance, and Darryl Peach, who appeared to be in dead stroke, had a 6-0 lead on Ernesto Dominguez when I left the arena. Tomorrow, I'll get it in gear as far as watching this event.
Off to bed!
WE Want Predictions!
Stu,
It sounds like the European players are playing extremely well.
Can you make one pick as to whom you think will prevail from each Continent, especially Europe, Asia and North America?
Are there any Aussie's playing? I don't ever remember any pool players from the Antarctica so you won't have to stress over that Continent.
We already know who you would LIKE to win the 10 Ball Championship so just crack that egg and make a prediction based upon the level of play you see. OK, you have one day, two if you need it but not more.
Oh, and get some rest. We want you spryly moving from one match after another. Hope the arm is doing well.
JoeyA
Stu,
It sounds like the European players are playing extremely well.
Can you make one pick as to whom you think will prevail from each Continent, especially Europe, Asia and North America?
Are there any Aussie's playing? I don't ever remember any pool players from the Antarctica so you won't have to stress over that Continent.
We already know who you would LIKE to win the 10 Ball Championship so just crack that egg and make a prediction based upon the level of play you see. OK, you have one day, two if you need it but not more.
Oh, and get some rest. We want you spryly moving from one match after another. Hope the arm is doing well.
JoeyA
Stu,
It sounds like the European players are playing extremely well.
Can you make one pick as to whom you think will prevail from each Continent, especially Europe, Asia and North America?
Are there any Aussie's playing? I don't ever remember any pool players from the Antarctica so you won't have to stress over that Continent.
We already know who you would LIKE to win the 10 Ball Championship so just crack that egg and make a prediction based upon the level of play you see. OK, you have one day, two if you need it but not more.
Oh, and get some rest. We want you spryly moving from one match after another. Hope the arm is doing well.
JoeyA
Only half the field has played even one match, so it's way too early to make any predictions. Yes, the Europeans are in good form right now, but I really only saw Ortmann and Peach play well yesterday. A fan sitting next to me said Jasmin was impressive in her win, but I didn't see any of her match. Seeing how Appleton play will be interesting, as he had his heart ripped out by Hatch early in the week (ten ball), but has now rebounded with success in the World Pool Masters (nine ball). Of the Asian players, Parica looked solid, but I was disappointed when Roberto Gomez' opponent was a no-show, resulting in a forfeit. Though I'd seen him play bar table eight ball, I was quite keen on watching him for the first time on the big table. As for the Americans the only ones I saw play in a considerable stretch were Max Eberle, who appears in his top form, Ernesto Dominguez, who is struggling, and Oscar Dominguez, who was playng passably but doesn't appear to have found his best form yet. Today and tomorrow, I'll continue to gauge the field, and start to form opinions about who the favorites seem to be. Haven't seen any Aussies to this point.
From what I've seen, nobody is doing much stringing racks (winner breaks). The tables seem to be playing tight, the side pockets in particular. I really feel that a three pack or better will be quite a feat on this equipment.