First Tournament Win

Andrew Manning

Andrew Manning

Aspiring know-it-all
Silver Member
I should start by saying I'm not a tournament player, really. I'm a league player, and a matching-up-with-friends player. Also, 8-ball is my strongest game, with 9-ball a distant second.

But recently I started playing a little weekly double-elimination 9-ball tournament. I came in second place 3 out of the first 5 times I played in it, and last night I took it down (a whopping $54 profit). I knocked the guy who was pointed out to me as "the strongest player in the field" out of the tournament to take the hot seat, then lost the first match of the finals, but won the second match decisively for the victory.

But I didn't start this thread just to brag. What was the first tournament you ever won (pool tournament of any format)? Did it take you a long time of coming close, but not being able to close the deal? Did you lose the winnings right afterwards? Did you beat anyone notable? Inquiring minds (at least mine) want to know...

-Andrew
 
Congratulations, Andrew. I understand exactly how you feel.

I play to have fun, and it feels great to win a tournament.
 
I've won quite a few, but all small local things. Nothing of note.

My favorite win though, I think, was around February '07. A friend had started up a little monthly 8-ball tournament in Boulder, CO, so beyond wanting to play in it, I felt kinda obligated. :D

My Christmas plans for '06 got snuffed out by a huge snowstorm that shut down Denver's airport right before the big Christmas rush. I ended up making plans to trip home (Atlanta) in February to visit family. And as it turns out, Tom Simpson had a three-day clinic scheduled there for around that same time. So I made a trip of it - few days with family, few days doing the clinic and hanging with my best friend evenings.

I get back to Colorado, and my friend's next tournament is a few days later. And damn if I don't snap that sucker off! My favorite shot was playing this one fellow who I always struggled against... left me in a bad spot... and I have a long cross-corner bank shot staring at me. BAM clean down the center of the pocket. My opponent's jaw dropped. :D
 
My dad took me to a local tournament at Guys and Dolls in Owings Mills, MD when I was 15. It was handicapped and guys were giving me crazy spots. I couldn't spell position but I comboed every one of my money balls and won the tournament pretty easily. I then took the $125 prize money and went to Charlie Rudo sports in Randallstown, MD and bought my first pair of Fila high-tops. Ah, those were the days. Congrats on your tournament victory brother...I'm sure it will be the first of many!
 
When I started playing again in the fall of 2005 is took about 8 or 10 weeks to get my game back. I started playing in the local American Legion tourney and it took about 5 weeks to get to the money. Since the 06-07 session I have done very well and have won the last three sessions. I think I stand at 28 wins in about 120 tourneys. A lot of 2nd and 3rds but as you know those don't count :wink:

It's just a local tourney and I play very little in between Sundays, there is some tough competition at my level so it is very cool that I have played so well. I'm mostly in it for fun and socializing. On a good week I come home with a few extra dollars in my pocket or have spent the whole day playing pool for very little money. I have a blast doing it.

BK
 
Congrats Andrew. How big was the field?

I seek to win my first tournament...but then again I also seek to even participate in my first tournament. Hopefully, both will happen soon...and at the same time. ;)
 
Tornaments

Andrew Manning said:
I should start by saying I'm not a tournament player, really. I'm a league player, and a matching-up-with-friends player. Also, 8-ball is my strongest game, with 9-ball a distant second.

But recently I started playing a little weekly double-elimination 9-ball tournament. I came in second place 3 out of the first 5 times I played in it, and last night I took it down (a whopping $54 profit). I knocked the guy who was pointed out to me as "the strongest player in the field" out of the tournament to take the hot seat, then lost the first match of the finals, but won the second match decisively for the victory.

But I didn't start this thread just to brag. What was the first tournament you ever won (pool tournament of any format)? Did it take you a long time of coming close, but not being able to close the deal? Did you lose the winnings right afterwards? Did you beat anyone notable? Inquiring minds (at least mine) want to know...

-Andrew
Click to expand...
I cant remember the first 1 that I won. But the one that I do remember was actually a 3rd place finish and I got a trophy. This was in Phoenix Az in a place called the Golden Eight Ball. It was called the End of Year Shootout in 1990. There were notable local guys at the time such as Doug Hale, Don Crump, Rod "Babe" Thompson, Terry Osborne, Danny Deliberto, Tommy Dilorenzo, in a field of 124 players. I was a nobody at the time and some still consider me as such. But, I played my heart out and got 3rd, received a trophy and some cash. I was on cloud 9 for a while.
By the way, the winner was some guy from Vegas "something" Ray, cant remember and 2nd place was Terry Osborne.
 
jsp said:
Congrats Andrew. How big was the field?

I seek to win my first tournament...but then again I also seek to even participate in my first tournament. Hopefully, both will happen soon...and at the same time. ;)
Click to expand...

Not big at all. I'm not sure on the exact number, but I believe it was around 14. It's a pretty good group of players at this pool hall, though; they all seem to take the game pretty seriously. At least 4 of them are either slight favorites or close to even money against me, so winning the tournament for me means playing my best.

-Andrew
 
Way to go Andrew! It's amazing how much better you play, when you FEEL like you can really depend on your stroke to be accurate...aka dead stroke! Congratulations, and here's hoping for many more victories!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
 
Good going, Andrew! Winning feels great; savor the moment. It keeps you going in the down times.

Can't remember my first win. Probably late 70's against some men. Won $40 at one of them (some things haven't changed!) and the only reason I remember that, is that I reinvested it for a lesson with the great Dan Louie. Unfortunately, I didn't learn anything, lol.
 
Congrats on your win and hope it ignites a fire to win many more.In the 4 years I have been playing I have probably won or cashed in about 100 tournaments or close to it I think,its very rewarding. :smile:
 
I used to play in alot of small weekly tournaments, fields of about 32. I remember my first win. I was 16 and in the finals for the third time. It was clear I was nervous, a friend even offered me a shot to calm my nerves. I didn't play great, but escaped with a win nevertheless. The only cool thing was I lost the first match of tournament so it was all from the losers side. The thing is this, from 96-2003 I probably won 24 locals, 3 tri-states, and even 11 league MVP's. Then I took off a few years and am fighting to get it back. I haven't won anything since 03 and it does wear on you. I guess my reason for long story is this, the first win is awesome, but the last/next win is even more satifsying. Good Luck too you
 
I won my 1st tournament when i put a tournament together at my house. The entry was 50 cents and i had 5 players from the neighborhood. I was like 12. I beat my buddy whose dad ran a poolroom adn i thought was a good player....
 
Way to snap it off Andrew, looked like your 9 ball game was pretty solid last time we played. You've got one on your resume I don't. See you around soon.
 
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