It is true and I have not been looking fwd to the first-person accounting...
THe tables were really tough. I often play on a GC table that's tighter, but the Diamonds were more unforgiving.
First was David Grossman (FL). He has won some regional tournaments and got ahead 9-4 or so. THen I stopped trying to make shape and just went with what the angle gave me. THis, along with rolling the ball, pocket speed, was the only was I could make a runout. FInal verdict, 11-6 loss.
Then came Matt Krah. Matt also plays better than I, but I was happy to not have drawn a player better than him. WWe were back and forth, he made the 9 on the first break, to 6-6. 3x, he made the same wing ball, 3x I forgot to check the rack. At6-6, I made myself stand while he racked so I would think to check the balls. There was the wing gap (surprise surprise) and I made him fix it every time thereafter. From 6-6 to 9-6, him. Then 10-8, him. Then...10-10, I am breaking. I come up dry, he plays safe and leaves me where I can't reach the CB with my stick in sight line. I try to mini-masse with the stick to the side (I will get the WEI up later, won't work from home), but I barely miss the 1. HE takes BIH and makes a difficult run for the win, hill-hill.
Thanks for all the folks whose efforts allowed me to experience the most prestigious event in the US. I look forward to sending another AZBer next year!
THe tables were really tough. I often play on a GC table that's tighter, but the Diamonds were more unforgiving.
First was David Grossman (FL). He has won some regional tournaments and got ahead 9-4 or so. THen I stopped trying to make shape and just went with what the angle gave me. THis, along with rolling the ball, pocket speed, was the only was I could make a runout. FInal verdict, 11-6 loss.
Then came Matt Krah. Matt also plays better than I, but I was happy to not have drawn a player better than him. WWe were back and forth, he made the 9 on the first break, to 6-6. 3x, he made the same wing ball, 3x I forgot to check the rack. At6-6, I made myself stand while he racked so I would think to check the balls. There was the wing gap (surprise surprise) and I made him fix it every time thereafter. From 6-6 to 9-6, him. Then 10-8, him. Then...10-10, I am breaking. I come up dry, he plays safe and leaves me where I can't reach the CB with my stick in sight line. I try to mini-masse with the stick to the side (I will get the WEI up later, won't work from home), but I barely miss the 1. HE takes BIH and makes a difficult run for the win, hill-hill.
Thanks for all the folks whose efforts allowed me to experience the most prestigious event in the US. I look forward to sending another AZBer next year!