Everything seemed amp'd up a volume from yesterday, if that's even possible. This crowd reminds me of the crowds I saw in England at the MC's over there. There are people here from all over the United States and overseas. This is one event where the amateurs and casual pool fans turn out in force. They are super supportive of Team USA and one player in particular - SHANE. In this arena he's a Rock Star! When he was introduced for the first match the crowd went wild, erupting for their hero. I don't think I've ever heard cheers like that for any pool player.
Unfortunately he was tasked with playing Europe's number one, Josh Filler, a gunslinger who takes no prisoners. To him, Shane is just another guy who's in his way. With the USA down 3-2 to start the day this match was key to setting the tone for the day. Shane won the lag and hit the balls with his patented power break. Balls were flying everywhere and one of them smacked the cue ball right into the side pocket. Ball in Hand for Filler, and that spells doom. Slam, bam, thank you ma'am and it's 1-0 Europe. A very confident looking Filler makes a clean break and has a shot on the one, which is all he needs. He makes it look so routine, ala Buddy Hall, with perfect position play. Quickly it's 2-0 Europe.
Shane has to push out on his break and Josh lets him shoot a tough cut on the one, which he can't convert. Josh takes advantage and puts Shane in jail, forcing him to go three long rails to hit the one. He somehow makes a good hit but leaves it in the clear. One more flawless run out by Filler and the score is 3-0 Europe. Filler breaks empty and Shane finally gets a look at something. He makes a beautiful run out, maneuvering the cue ball ball adroitly though traffic, until only the nine ball remains. It's a routine half table cut shot into the corner, a familiar ending shot for many 9-Ball racks. Except this one has a surprise ending. Shane hangs the nine! A crestfallen Shane slumps back to his seat, talking to himself. Filler bangs it in. 4-0 Europe.
Shane does manage to win the next game to stave off defeat momentarily. In the final game, Shane has a shot to get out but must make a thin cut along the rail on the three ball and it hangs in the corner. Damn, these tables are tough! That ball looked like it was going in after barely brushing the side rail, but no. Filler calmly steps to the table, looking relaxed and composed and disposes of the remaining balls with no difficulty. It's over 5-1! Joshua has trounced USA's best player and sent a loud message in this match. The overall team score is now 4-2 and prospects immediately look bad for Team USA today.
(Part One)
Unfortunately he was tasked with playing Europe's number one, Josh Filler, a gunslinger who takes no prisoners. To him, Shane is just another guy who's in his way. With the USA down 3-2 to start the day this match was key to setting the tone for the day. Shane won the lag and hit the balls with his patented power break. Balls were flying everywhere and one of them smacked the cue ball right into the side pocket. Ball in Hand for Filler, and that spells doom. Slam, bam, thank you ma'am and it's 1-0 Europe. A very confident looking Filler makes a clean break and has a shot on the one, which is all he needs. He makes it look so routine, ala Buddy Hall, with perfect position play. Quickly it's 2-0 Europe.
Shane has to push out on his break and Josh lets him shoot a tough cut on the one, which he can't convert. Josh takes advantage and puts Shane in jail, forcing him to go three long rails to hit the one. He somehow makes a good hit but leaves it in the clear. One more flawless run out by Filler and the score is 3-0 Europe. Filler breaks empty and Shane finally gets a look at something. He makes a beautiful run out, maneuvering the cue ball ball adroitly though traffic, until only the nine ball remains. It's a routine half table cut shot into the corner, a familiar ending shot for many 9-Ball racks. Except this one has a surprise ending. Shane hangs the nine! A crestfallen Shane slumps back to his seat, talking to himself. Filler bangs it in. 4-0 Europe.
Shane does manage to win the next game to stave off defeat momentarily. In the final game, Shane has a shot to get out but must make a thin cut along the rail on the three ball and it hangs in the corner. Damn, these tables are tough! That ball looked like it was going in after barely brushing the side rail, but no. Filler calmly steps to the table, looking relaxed and composed and disposes of the remaining balls with no difficulty. It's over 5-1! Joshua has trounced USA's best player and sent a loud message in this match. The overall team score is now 4-2 and prospects immediately look bad for Team USA today.
(Part One)
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