I had a fun little road trip down I-65 to Iron City Billiards in Birmingham. This is a newer room with 26 7 ft. Diamonds and 10 9ft. Diamonds, if I recall. This was a fairly big tourney with a 1 pocket open, 1-pocket pro, 9 ball open, and ladies open.
ICB is a clean venue, good food, and non smoking. I spent an hour or so watching Bata, the G.O.A.T taking on all comers...well those willing to pay $150...in a 2 rack set. He had a constant smile on his face and seemed to genuinely enjoy himself, especially when he was playing the kids. Last I checked, the waiting list to play him got to over 25 folks. He was also playing people chess for $20 bucks a game. Hopefully it turns out to be a lucrative weekend for him, Lord knows he deserves it!
I also got to chat with Tennessee Tarzan, Mike Massey. He was there raffling off a signed cue. He is like royalty around the South.
Sky is a cool dude, regular old country boy and seemed right at home, even with his matches attracting the largest crowds and a steady stream of folks wanting a picture.
A ton of talent showed up for this 17k added tourney, and although I heard several complaints about long wait times between matches, it was a really fun way to spend a Saturday.
Couple of other thoughts:
I really like Josh Roberts game. If he isn't an elite American player already, he is not far from it.
T-Rex can play rotation pool with anyone in the world on a good day. Scary to think how good he could be if he devoted more time to it. But according to him, he just doesn't like rotation that much.
Just watching Effren hit balls must be like what I imagine it was like to watch Dimaggio or the Babe take batting practice...surreal.
Sky is a bona-fide star with the game to match.
Here are the results as of now...
1-pocket open- 1st. Josh Roberts, 2nd. Effren, 3rd. T-REX
1-POCKET PRO- 1st. Josh Roberts, 2nd. Omar alShaheen, 3rd. Roland Garcia
9Ball Banks -mini- 1st. Kevin Ping, 2nd. Sky Woodward, 3rd. Hermit Dee/Manny Chau
9 Ball Mini- 1st. Manny Chau 2nd. Chris Davenport, 3rd. Hermit Dee/Paul Gibson
The 9 vall main is ongoing with Trex, Sky, Manny Chau, Josh Roberts, Roland Garcia, among others still on the winners side.
ICB is a clean venue, good food, and non smoking. I spent an hour or so watching Bata, the G.O.A.T taking on all comers...well those willing to pay $150...in a 2 rack set. He had a constant smile on his face and seemed to genuinely enjoy himself, especially when he was playing the kids. Last I checked, the waiting list to play him got to over 25 folks. He was also playing people chess for $20 bucks a game. Hopefully it turns out to be a lucrative weekend for him, Lord knows he deserves it!
I also got to chat with Tennessee Tarzan, Mike Massey. He was there raffling off a signed cue. He is like royalty around the South.
Sky is a cool dude, regular old country boy and seemed right at home, even with his matches attracting the largest crowds and a steady stream of folks wanting a picture.
A ton of talent showed up for this 17k added tourney, and although I heard several complaints about long wait times between matches, it was a really fun way to spend a Saturday.
Couple of other thoughts:
I really like Josh Roberts game. If he isn't an elite American player already, he is not far from it.
T-Rex can play rotation pool with anyone in the world on a good day. Scary to think how good he could be if he devoted more time to it. But according to him, he just doesn't like rotation that much.
Just watching Effren hit balls must be like what I imagine it was like to watch Dimaggio or the Babe take batting practice...surreal.
Sky is a bona-fide star with the game to match.
Here are the results as of now...
1-pocket open- 1st. Josh Roberts, 2nd. Effren, 3rd. T-REX
1-POCKET PRO- 1st. Josh Roberts, 2nd. Omar alShaheen, 3rd. Roland Garcia
9Ball Banks -mini- 1st. Kevin Ping, 2nd. Sky Woodward, 3rd. Hermit Dee/Manny Chau
9 Ball Mini- 1st. Manny Chau 2nd. Chris Davenport, 3rd. Hermit Dee/Paul Gibson
The 9 vall main is ongoing with Trex, Sky, Manny Chau, Josh Roberts, Roland Garcia, among others still on the winners side.
