Learn 8 ball, 1 pocket, 14.1, and that will improve your 9 ball game.
As long as you are afraid to lose the money, it will be tough.
If you are nervous, make sure that you're breathing and not holding your breath during the match.
I read that Earl just quit after Johnnie Archer made a couple of balls? Did Earl say "that's good" when the guy has like 6 or 7 balls to run? Can someone confirm this?