It is very special to be able to see these world-class players battle up close. This field is literally star-studded. Sometimes I feel like my head is on a swivel. Everywhere I turn there is a superstar making an incredible shot or a great run-out.
For example, last night Alex Pagulayan was playing Oi from Japan. Oi ran an EIGHT-PACK before Alex even got to the table. And what does Alex do? He comes back to make it 8-7! The match went to the hill where he eventually lost, but just the fact that someone could be up 8-0 in a race to 11 and not be guaranteed a victory is amazing. This is the kind of crazy talent that is on display here.
In the courageous department, Shane Van Boening lost his grandmother on Tuesday. And what does he do? He stays in the event and is continuing his journey.
The field is loaded with Asian giants from Chinese Taipei and the Philippines. It is a pleasure watching Wu, Jiaqing and Ko Pin Yi work their silky-smooth magic on a pool table.
Earl Strickland barely beat Cheng last night and is playing Chris Melling right now.
Last night we watched Shane Van Boening play Ronnie Alcano, and these guys were on the Loser's side of the bracket!
And lest I forget, Jayson Shaw looks flawless! He is running racks in under two minutes and misses like, never! He is the man to beat this year!
This is a great venue. If you have never been, you should really try to get to a professional event at least once. It is overwhelming to see such great players performing at such high levels right before your very eyes. You are watching it, but sometimes it is hard to believe you are experiencing it live. Watching someone break and run 5, 6, 7 racks in a row on these tight Diamonds says it all. What makes it even more impressive is that the nine ball has to be racked on the spot and they must use the break box.
I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon due to other commitments, but so far it has been a wonderful week of pool.
I would like to congratulate the following local players for competing, and for winning a few matches. This was one of the toughest fields at the Open.
For the Marylanders out there, it should be noted that with the exception of one player on that list, all the rest will be at the Maryland State 8-Ball Tournament on Nov. 4-5 at the Bank Shot Bar & Grill in Ft. Meade. If that wasn't enough, Eklent Kaci, Earl Strickland and James Aranas (Dodong Diamond) will be there as well.
We are very fortunate.
For example, last night Alex Pagulayan was playing Oi from Japan. Oi ran an EIGHT-PACK before Alex even got to the table. And what does Alex do? He comes back to make it 8-7! The match went to the hill where he eventually lost, but just the fact that someone could be up 8-0 in a race to 11 and not be guaranteed a victory is amazing. This is the kind of crazy talent that is on display here.
In the courageous department, Shane Van Boening lost his grandmother on Tuesday. And what does he do? He stays in the event and is continuing his journey.
The field is loaded with Asian giants from Chinese Taipei and the Philippines. It is a pleasure watching Wu, Jiaqing and Ko Pin Yi work their silky-smooth magic on a pool table.
Earl Strickland barely beat Cheng last night and is playing Chris Melling right now.
Last night we watched Shane Van Boening play Ronnie Alcano, and these guys were on the Loser's side of the bracket!
And lest I forget, Jayson Shaw looks flawless! He is running racks in under two minutes and misses like, never! He is the man to beat this year!
This is a great venue. If you have never been, you should really try to get to a professional event at least once. It is overwhelming to see such great players performing at such high levels right before your very eyes. You are watching it, but sometimes it is hard to believe you are experiencing it live. Watching someone break and run 5, 6, 7 racks in a row on these tight Diamonds says it all. What makes it even more impressive is that the nine ball has to be racked on the spot and they must use the break box.
I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon due to other commitments, but so far it has been a wonderful week of pool.
I would like to congratulate the following local players for competing, and for winning a few matches. This was one of the toughest fields at the Open.
- Brandon Shuff
- Steve Fleming
- Kevin West
- Matt Krah
- John Moody Sr.
- Brett Stottlemyer
For the Marylanders out there, it should be noted that with the exception of one player on that list, all the rest will be at the Maryland State 8-Ball Tournament on Nov. 4-5 at the Bank Shot Bar & Grill in Ft. Meade. If that wasn't enough, Eklent Kaci, Earl Strickland and James Aranas (Dodong Diamond) will be there as well.
We are very fortunate.
Last edited:
