Dear Gentle Readers,
> SVB finally made a shot. It took him until the last game of the last match Tuesday, but it was a corker! Described as ‘the shot of the tourney.’
> Both SVB and Corey continued to be a bit edgy, a bit off their game.
> SVB’s troubles remind me of the Freezer’s in tournament play. My theory - - not original - - is that short races don’t allow their talents to shine through.
> Justin B. made a careless three-rail scratch that seemed to turn the tide against him in his match. It reminded me of a self-snooker by Hatch a while back.
> Justin B. is an interesting combatant. Coach Wilson described him as the second best player on the team (see SVB), one who thrives on pressure. (He did miss his first lag attempt by a couple of diamonds.) He and Justin H. - - both rookies - - won the day’s opening match against the vets. Justin B. later lauded the boisterous Circus Arena crowd and lamented that in America there would be only 50 or so spectators watching the finals. One commentator said Justin B. was breaking better than everyone else. Intriguing dude.
> The British / Canadian commentators have certain charming and quirky turns of phrases: ‘order of play’ / ‘cueing’ / ‘on offer’ / ‘a tricky little ask’ / ‘did not threaten the jaws.’ There was even a Samuel Clements quote: “The game of billiards has destroyed my naturally sweet disposition.”
> The commentators - - and this is not uncommon - - must not have a very good line of sight … they misnamed the numbered balls, didn’t see balls pocketed on the break, got the players mixed up, etc. Not their fault, yet a challenge that seems correctable.
> American commentators seem to be less willing to declare ‘it’s over.’ But more willing to share anecdotes, tell funny stories, dish the dirt. Speculate on upcoming shots. I vote USA.
> Is it just me or are individual match-ups more thrilling? Well, Wednesday will be 3-2 individual v. partners.
> The Euro coach has a ‘win the day, every day’ mantra. I wonder does that - - psychologically - - extend to the handshake ritual? As visitors, the Americans take the floor first and sit on the lefthand side (from our camera angle). The Euros then enter and assume an ‘in charge’ attitude. They are the first to shake hands with the ref and then they continue into the American space. Our players, somewhat awkwardly, stand up and then fist-bump the proffered … well, fists. We seem perpetually surprised and then reactive. Off guard.
> At least the Americans were first introduced with ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ And then escorted down into the arena by the babe. I’m sure all of us were relieved by the wardrobe adjustments. Much classier shirts. Corey looked particularly smart with his snow-white long-sleeved undergarment.
> What’s interesting … Mr. Gray shoots with a snooker cue. Smaller tip, smaller shaft, more stroke-force required. (I didn’t actually know this, just heard it.)
> The Great Britain 9-Ball Tour was mentioned a few times as a positive force in grooming their Mosconi Cup participants. Hmm … why don’t we try something like that in America?
> On the streams I watched I was surprised to see so many British ads on gambling, mobile casinos, etc. (I don’t have a TV, nor a cable package, so I wasn’t eligible for the ESPN coverage.)
> Did anyone else find it charming that the very professional ref, Ken S., once mistakingly racked the 9 ball at the bottom instead of in the middle? Then, during the correction phase, ostensibly put on his glasses.
Being Ms. Obvious is my life,
Sunny
P. S. I was definitely cheering for Team USA, but how do you root against someone who looks like Niels? Is that what they call an ethical dilemma in B-School? Oh well, he is married. You can see the ring. Plus children.
P. P. S. Marriage isn’t everything. Is it?
> SVB finally made a shot. It took him until the last game of the last match Tuesday, but it was a corker! Described as ‘the shot of the tourney.’
> Both SVB and Corey continued to be a bit edgy, a bit off their game.
> SVB’s troubles remind me of the Freezer’s in tournament play. My theory - - not original - - is that short races don’t allow their talents to shine through.
> Justin B. made a careless three-rail scratch that seemed to turn the tide against him in his match. It reminded me of a self-snooker by Hatch a while back.
> Justin B. is an interesting combatant. Coach Wilson described him as the second best player on the team (see SVB), one who thrives on pressure. (He did miss his first lag attempt by a couple of diamonds.) He and Justin H. - - both rookies - - won the day’s opening match against the vets. Justin B. later lauded the boisterous Circus Arena crowd and lamented that in America there would be only 50 or so spectators watching the finals. One commentator said Justin B. was breaking better than everyone else. Intriguing dude.
> The British / Canadian commentators have certain charming and quirky turns of phrases: ‘order of play’ / ‘cueing’ / ‘on offer’ / ‘a tricky little ask’ / ‘did not threaten the jaws.’ There was even a Samuel Clements quote: “The game of billiards has destroyed my naturally sweet disposition.”
> The commentators - - and this is not uncommon - - must not have a very good line of sight … they misnamed the numbered balls, didn’t see balls pocketed on the break, got the players mixed up, etc. Not their fault, yet a challenge that seems correctable.
> American commentators seem to be less willing to declare ‘it’s over.’ But more willing to share anecdotes, tell funny stories, dish the dirt. Speculate on upcoming shots. I vote USA.
> Is it just me or are individual match-ups more thrilling? Well, Wednesday will be 3-2 individual v. partners.
> The Euro coach has a ‘win the day, every day’ mantra. I wonder does that - - psychologically - - extend to the handshake ritual? As visitors, the Americans take the floor first and sit on the lefthand side (from our camera angle). The Euros then enter and assume an ‘in charge’ attitude. They are the first to shake hands with the ref and then they continue into the American space. Our players, somewhat awkwardly, stand up and then fist-bump the proffered … well, fists. We seem perpetually surprised and then reactive. Off guard.
> At least the Americans were first introduced with ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ And then escorted down into the arena by the babe. I’m sure all of us were relieved by the wardrobe adjustments. Much classier shirts. Corey looked particularly smart with his snow-white long-sleeved undergarment.
> What’s interesting … Mr. Gray shoots with a snooker cue. Smaller tip, smaller shaft, more stroke-force required. (I didn’t actually know this, just heard it.)
> The Great Britain 9-Ball Tour was mentioned a few times as a positive force in grooming their Mosconi Cup participants. Hmm … why don’t we try something like that in America?
> On the streams I watched I was surprised to see so many British ads on gambling, mobile casinos, etc. (I don’t have a TV, nor a cable package, so I wasn’t eligible for the ESPN coverage.)
> Did anyone else find it charming that the very professional ref, Ken S., once mistakingly racked the 9 ball at the bottom instead of in the middle? Then, during the correction phase, ostensibly put on his glasses.
Being Ms. Obvious is my life,
Sunny
P. S. I was definitely cheering for Team USA, but how do you root against someone who looks like Niels? Is that what they call an ethical dilemma in B-School? Oh well, he is married. You can see the ring. Plus children.
P. P. S. Marriage isn’t everything. Is it?