got sharked, but is it even legal?

oldplayer · 2011-07-25T11:59:34+00:00

our team had our 9 ball match last night. we won 10-9 so that was good, but i lost a game because of being sharked. i made the 1,2 and made shape on the 3 ball, a straight in easy shot and only needed to back up about 5 or 6 inches for a straight in 4 ball in the same corner pocket. from there it was a classic lay out and should run the balls. it was a long strectch to reach the CB and my belly was over the 8 ball on the short rail. every table has a ref so he was watching me closely. on the 3rd stroke just before firing, i see a face come into view at table level about 1 foot from my bridge hand, it was my opponent checking to make sure i was not touching the 8 ball with my shirt! :angry: granted, i should have stopped the stroke but i guess i was too committed and scooped the Cb and sent it flying over the 3 ball and off the table. he gets ball in hand and runs the table. was that even legal for him to be at the table, especially that close? unsportsmanlike behavior or what? i am still seething.:angry: so is there a rule against this or what?