Thanks for the good wishes guys! I didn't have much luck, but didn't think it was too poor in the grand scope of things. I didn't win a match, nor a lot of games, but I did come up with an interesting stat that the IPT should track!
It's the EROA (8-Ball Run-Out AGAINST)!!!! Played Mike Massey first and he opened with a 2 Pack and went on to 3 more Run-outs in the match for a total of 5. Then I played the Russian, Goran M (not going to attempt to spell it!)..... Nice player, but a tad slow (I know "pot calling the kettle black). He opened with a 2 pack and it was 35 minutes in when I got my first "shot". He also went on to another ERO. Then I played Corey Harper (who posts here). He didn't open with an ERO but did earn 3 in the match. Then I had to play Alex and ..........crap. Well, it suffices to say that I wasn't the favorite here anyway!
He opened with a 3 pack and went on to officially score 5 RO's. I think there was also another that we both missed but a spectator reminded me of it and I think it was correct - so he actually had 6. I did shoot three times in the match so that was cool. Alex is playing well and I certainly believe that he is going to be around at the end (final 6). The break will determine the outcome of this event. Period. Unless nerves come into play and wreak havoc with the final group.
All in all I played 40 games with 15 RO's against, leaving 25 games in which I actually came to the table. I won 8 of those 25 games for a 32% win percentage in them...... not bad, considering that I only got to go to the table once every LONG while! I would practice for 45 minutes prior to a match, only to sit for the next 30 or so and come to the table cold. I wasn't prepared for that here but will be more mentally prepared for it next time. These are not tables you want to come unprepared to play on.
The tables were tough but will definitely be tougher soon. They will not be changing cloth every event. Kevin said that they will be "monitoring" the cloth and will change when deemed necessary. I can tell you guys this, I am totally impressed with this guy. I have had several opportunites this week to talk with him and/or listen in on conversations and I haven't heard one topic brought up that he wasn't prepared enough or knowledgeable enough to answer - on a wide range of topics. Conversations on a number of different topics, not just pool. With Deno absent, Kevin covered the players meeting himself and i can tell you he didn't miss a beat. Some subjects that are discussed at players meetings can be difficult if you aren't a player but he talked for an hour and a half and (as far as I could see) didn't even look at notes. One player this weekend even brought up the subject of dry-cleaning the cloth before putting it on the tables and he didn't blink..... going into an explanation about the other cloths having teflon in them and this one not and if they dry-cleaned this cloth it would actually make it worse. I know that his "job" is to sell people and in order to do that job he MUST be prepared but I'm truly impressed with the range of knowledge he has. He just may be the best at what he does, call it what you may - selling or conning or whatever (naysayers).
As far as the other Hoosiers go, they struggled but didn't do too poorly. Brian did struggle a little on day one, but looked much more comfortable before the day was over and I predict will be very good today. Denver also looked a little uncomfortable, but in both cases I think it was strictly a shock to have their first look at this cloth and balls. As you all know, when you come to a different situation like this it will take time to adjust and that is what happened. I had the advantage of having had experienced the cloth so was at least prepared for that. What noone was prepared for were the balls. This was quite a difference. I had a break that I had practiced and was working particularly well, but when I got here and practiced it with the new balls - it doesn't work. The cue ball kinda "pings" off of the rack and makes it very difficult to pin point.
FYI.... we do have our Diamond covered with the IPT cloth, we have the Sardo Rack and when I leave here..... we will have a set of these balls! If anyone wants to get a mini-IPT experience, come on up to Breaker's in Muncie and give it a shot. The pockets are about 4 1/2 but aren't the same cut as the tourney tables but good enough to get a feel.
I saw a LOT of the power breakers breaking and coming up dry and also saw a lot of the precision breakers who couldn't keep whitey from running even if they put a short leash on him. The women are definitely at a disadvantage here (I know - Mikey told me!). Simply put, I didn't play one man (both in qualifier challenge matches nor in this tournament), with the exception of Alex - who is nimble enough and quick enough to compensate.........that wasn't at least 6' 5" or so and all were breaking monsters. I can't compete with that, period. I'm 5'4" - and although I do have a decent break can never hope to crush them like the guys. I also can't reach half the shots so, again at a disadvantage. They have no trouble reaching past the side pockets, have no trouble with accidental touching of balls because they "fold" over the table.... I lean into it. These aren't excuses - just observations. These are things I will have to figure out.
Going back to the Hoosiers, Jeff Beckly played decent but not the top of his game. I imagine that he was running on pure adrenaline after getting the late notice of his entry. He stays in stroke and was ready to play but probably a little jittery and I predict will settle in today. His last game against Shannon was a hill-hill loss by the 3-foul rule. I can attest that this was very bitter for him as I saw the dissapointment in his face. Jeff was thinking he was out at that point but I do believe that he may have made it into the next round. I hope so because it will be good to see him with an opportunity to settle in.
George Breedlove........ what can I say. He is also one of my top picks. George is George. He is always at the top of the class and has such great talent, knowlege and focus. He will be there at the end also. Solid play on day one. I watched most of his matches and didn't see him actually miss but 1 ball. That's pretty good. He did miss a couple of others that I deemed "fliers" but they were "must take" shots. Anyway, he is a force.
Well, that's it for now. I'm gonna get cleaned up and head back down to watch the second round. It truly is hard to even pick out ONE match to watch because there are so many great matchups. To say that this is THE tournament is an understatement. So many of the foreign players are making their names known here for the first time and making clear that they are going to be forces.... The Americans are doing well also but there are several that are in shock at not making it out of their bracket. Those guys will be a little more prepared next time as well. This tour will only get tougher and tougher as the tournaments go by. I can only say "thanks" at giving me an opportunity to be a part of it.........
Tammie Jones
