Well, looks like the "other" Shannon (Murphey) is playing great bank pool and I would consider him a favorite now to take the title this year. It took him about 15 minutes to white wash SVB and about the same time to freeze out the Freezer. He followed that performance with a banking clinic against John Brumback that resulted in a lopsided 3-0 victory his way. I feel good about his redemption this year, as he borrowed my cue last year to lose his second match to Tim Heath...maybe my cue is unlucky???:sorry:
Speaking of John Brumback, he bounced right back with a huge comeback over Dennis Orcullo. Dennis is obviously an elite player and beating him at anything involving a cue is quite a feat, so well done John! John might just have the Filipinos # this year, as he scratched out a hard fought win against Alex. Gotta like John's chances from here, and also gotta root for fellow AZB'ers, so John and Shannon are my pics to take it down from here. We will see.
In other news, I saw Mike Dechaine and Eric Durbin practice for the 10 ball event tonight on the 10' tables. Durbin got the 9 ball (edit: they were only playing for $200 per set) and Mike won the match 9 to 6. Durbin was playing pretty well though, and the spot was more nominal than anything. Having said that, Mike's break is huge and he is running out consistently, so he's super hard to beat.
As to the 10' tables, I just don't see the huge appeal. They aren't bad by any means, but I don't think that they add to the game in any meaningful way. just my opinion of course, but there you have it. I'll gladly watch it on 10 footers all day if that is where pool is headed. Still, like Durbin said to Mike before the match: "it's still pool, just with an extra foot"...

That's what I kinda think too, especially after watching some top flight pool on them.
Anyway, have fun at the Derby to all who can attend a day or two. The action is fun to sweat.
Cheers,
JL