Yesterday I had a chance to play in the Ginky Memorial. I've attended and supported the Ginky memorial for the last 4 years, but never played it because the perceived caliber of competition. I had a great time.
I've been a low level league players for years, starting out with Team 8-ball, and then moving into Individual 9-ball. I've tried APA, and held my own as a SL4. So, I'm no world class beater. A couple of my friends from the leagues liked playing in the tournaments as D, and D+s, so I thought I would give this a chance.
I've been hovering between D, and D+. Two seasons ago, I was losing 11-3, and the league director had to dropped me back to a D when he reviewed the handicaps. This season, I was doing pretty well ended up with a 10-4 record and asked to be raised back up to a D+.
In order to protect the existing tournament player base, Tony Robles put me in starting as C. I've known Tony for years and its fair.
Having nearly 250 players meant they were able to put like handicap players together. So, that means all the Cs in one bracket, all the B's in another.
I lucked out with a first round bye. Got to enjoy a breakfast at Steinway. Its not on the menu, so you have ask for it. 2nd match I squeaked out a win hill-hill. I won my third match against another C by a margin of 3 games. So now these thoughts whirled through my brain, I'm ready to move up; albeitly against lower level Cs.
This morning as I was preparing to go, I was reminded of forgotten family obligations. Day to take my dad on a round to visit the doctors, and translate if necessary. So, I immediately let Tony know that I'm forfeiting. I feel good that I was able to hold my own.
The Ginky Memorial is very well run, with three tours pooling their resources together. There were staff everywhere! Finnegan, who is now the Godfather of NYC Action, didn't let it go to his head when he was called over to watch a hit.
With nearly 250 players, friends, and supporters I thought it could be a madhouse. The staff did a great job of scheduling the players to avoid this. Lower brackets kicked off first, then higher ones in the afternoon. To me, it felt no more crowded than a normal tournament weekend at Steinway. Kudos to Manny, Anna, and the rest of the staff for being on the ball. I always ask for Luisa.
Here is a picture of player that beat one of my friends (BMW). That kid has a tremendous break! I thought it was my obligation to warn others. Take no one for granted, everyone is strong enough to take down the Ginky Memorial.
Some of the players chilling out in the bleachers, watching the live stream table. Lukas, it was nice to meet you and your dad from out of town. Hope you're still in today!
I've been a low level league players for years, starting out with Team 8-ball, and then moving into Individual 9-ball. I've tried APA, and held my own as a SL4. So, I'm no world class beater. A couple of my friends from the leagues liked playing in the tournaments as D, and D+s, so I thought I would give this a chance.
I've been hovering between D, and D+. Two seasons ago, I was losing 11-3, and the league director had to dropped me back to a D when he reviewed the handicaps. This season, I was doing pretty well ended up with a 10-4 record and asked to be raised back up to a D+.
In order to protect the existing tournament player base, Tony Robles put me in starting as C. I've known Tony for years and its fair.
Having nearly 250 players meant they were able to put like handicap players together. So, that means all the Cs in one bracket, all the B's in another.
I lucked out with a first round bye. Got to enjoy a breakfast at Steinway. Its not on the menu, so you have ask for it. 2nd match I squeaked out a win hill-hill. I won my third match against another C by a margin of 3 games. So now these thoughts whirled through my brain, I'm ready to move up; albeitly against lower level Cs.
This morning as I was preparing to go, I was reminded of forgotten family obligations. Day to take my dad on a round to visit the doctors, and translate if necessary. So, I immediately let Tony know that I'm forfeiting. I feel good that I was able to hold my own.
The Ginky Memorial is very well run, with three tours pooling their resources together. There were staff everywhere! Finnegan, who is now the Godfather of NYC Action, didn't let it go to his head when he was called over to watch a hit.
With nearly 250 players, friends, and supporters I thought it could be a madhouse. The staff did a great job of scheduling the players to avoid this. Lower brackets kicked off first, then higher ones in the afternoon. To me, it felt no more crowded than a normal tournament weekend at Steinway. Kudos to Manny, Anna, and the rest of the staff for being on the ball. I always ask for Luisa.
Here is a picture of player that beat one of my friends (BMW). That kid has a tremendous break! I thought it was my obligation to warn others. Take no one for granted, everyone is strong enough to take down the Ginky Memorial.
Some of the players chilling out in the bleachers, watching the live stream table. Lukas, it was nice to meet you and your dad from out of town. Hope you're still in today!
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