That title doesn't sound right, right? Let me explain.
Last night I felt something I have not felt in a long time. I felt the deep feeling of concentration that only comes from the most heated of competition. I'm talking about that feeling where the outside world disappears, where you can "feel" the shots as much as shoot them, where you can execute shots you normally can't pull off, and you can feel every inch of the table.
My 1P league is coming down to me & one other guy. We are the distinct leaders of the handicapped league. He's always been one of the best & most feared players in our area...and I am not. So I had my work cut out for me even if I was getting a 12-8 handicap.
He ended up winning 3-1, but sometimes the scoresheet doesn't tell the story. It could have easily gone 3-1 my way. Three of the games came down to end game battles over the final ball. In fact, I had the winning ball IN THE JAWS OF MY POCKET in all three games, but he was able to extract it & fight back. It was a BATTLE!
Although the night ended in a loss, I felt great. I've not felt that deep feeling in about a 5-6 years. Since getting engaged in 2002 and having a baby in 2005, I'm a total weekend warrior. I never get in any kind of stroke nor do I ever achieve any quality concentration. But it was back for one night at least. I can honestly say I put up the best fight I could.
Sorry for rambling on, but for those of you out there that know the feeling, you will understand. Especially if you are like me and it's been a while since you've felt it.
Last night I felt something I have not felt in a long time. I felt the deep feeling of concentration that only comes from the most heated of competition. I'm talking about that feeling where the outside world disappears, where you can "feel" the shots as much as shoot them, where you can execute shots you normally can't pull off, and you can feel every inch of the table.
My 1P league is coming down to me & one other guy. We are the distinct leaders of the handicapped league. He's always been one of the best & most feared players in our area...and I am not. So I had my work cut out for me even if I was getting a 12-8 handicap.
He ended up winning 3-1, but sometimes the scoresheet doesn't tell the story. It could have easily gone 3-1 my way. Three of the games came down to end game battles over the final ball. In fact, I had the winning ball IN THE JAWS OF MY POCKET in all three games, but he was able to extract it & fight back. It was a BATTLE!
Although the night ended in a loss, I felt great. I've not felt that deep feeling in about a 5-6 years. Since getting engaged in 2002 and having a baby in 2005, I'm a total weekend warrior. I never get in any kind of stroke nor do I ever achieve any quality concentration. But it was back for one night at least. I can honestly say I put up the best fight I could.
Sorry for rambling on, but for those of you out there that know the feeling, you will understand. Especially if you are like me and it's been a while since you've felt it.
