More GCO tidbits...
We drove to Toledo in 7-1/2 hours from D.C.. When we arrived at the Clarion Hotel, the venue site, we were greeted by Tom Gearhart and staff who were already set up at 2:00 in the afternoon, handing out badges, a welcome kit, AND a green sheet with the rules of the tournament.
There WILL BE jump cues allowed. You must break from the box. The race will be to 10. Loser racks. Sardo racks are here with the 1-ball placed on the spot as opposed to the 9-ball (like at the U.S. Open). Not sure why some tourneys have the 1-ball on the spot and others have the 9-ball. Diamond tables and BLUE Simonis cloth.
The tournament room has about 10 Diamond tables, nicely spread apart, and when we checked it out yesterday afternoon, there was Buddy Hall, Johnny Archer, and Tommy Kennedy practicing. Vendors were loading their wares in the vendor area, adjacent to the ballroom where the pro event is happening.
I think they got 90-some players in total. The complimentary buffet consisting of meatballs, fresh vegetables, Mexican egg rolls, and little quiches was really appreciated by all. Free beer and wine for all, but the did charge $1.50 for any soda, which is my drink of choice. What is unique and kind of cool for some at this tournament (same as last year), the beers and sodas cost exactly the same, $1.50 a pop at all times. Easy on the pocket book for sure, at least in my camp!
I always like this part of the tournament, when the players are practicing quietly and in their own individual zones, each with the hope and desire to do well this week.
They had a mini tournament, $50 entry fee. The match between Keith and Ronnie Wiseman was hilarious, each player cutting up with each other. Ronnie and Keith are good friends, and the rapport between the two of them was great, making little wisecracks. Everybody sitting on the rail was laughing, including me. The finals came down to Canadian Luc "Machine Gun" Salvas and Keith, and both players dazzled the crowd with their lightning-quick style of play. Luc made some magnificant shots, and Keith was playing fairly well. The match went fast and furious, and came down to hill-hill, with Luc the winner, $400. Keith got $250 for second, and Josh Brothers came in third place. I think third place paid 80 bucks. It was a great way for all players who participated to warm up and get their mind-sets ready for the big event.
Keith's first match is tonight at midnight. Ryan McCreesh plays Larry Nevel first round. A lot of the players were pleased to see Mark Jarvis, a player from Detroit, who hasn't been on the tournament trail as of late, but he's here for this week. Some very tough competition.
Well, I'm up like a rooster in the mornings. Can't seem to sleep in, even when I'm on the road. So I'm going to the restaurant to enjoy the breakfast buffet. The APA players are supposed to arrive on Friday for the amateur event.
JAM
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