Peoria - 1 A.M. Friday morning

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Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
Peoria - Final thoughts

Damn I'm tired. If I had more energy and time I would write a shorter note; but here goes a stream of consciousness update of the last 36 hours.

Met up with SJM and some friends Wednesday evening for dinner (the usual incredible stories from SJM about the pool greats he has known and observed). I then received an hour or so of 3 cushion billiard advice from SJM (dang, he's good at everything), followed by a partners match (we were on opposing sides). Despite the fact that this was my first ever game of 3 cushion, my team was victorious in 2 consecutive matches (very narrow victories admittedly, I think SJM's partner was dragging them down :) :) ). It might have helped that I was given 2 points for each billiard (since the other 3 players were world-beaters). This was followed by a straight pool match to 100 (just SJM vs. me). It was very hotly contested; and I can verify that even though SJM was using a house cue, and only plays once a week; he has serious skill and knowledge of the game. He took it easy on me until it was 79-69, when he ran 20, but got himself slightly snookered at 99. I felt so sorry for him that I missed my shot and he closed it out - it was a fantastic game; ending about 2:30 A.M.

Had to get up at 7:30 and head to Peoria from Indy. Arrived about 12:30 and non-stop pool viewing since then. Both Melissa and Sarah won their first matches. The second matches (late) were just EXCRUCIATING for the fans of these 2 AZB'ers. Sarah had a lead of 6-2 over Monica Webb (race to 9) when she made an unforced position error, rolling the cue ball a little long; snookering herself. Monica won that game; and all of the rest. Sarah had a large rooting section from St. Louis; but it wasn't enough. Melissa's match started an hour late (vs. Sueyen Rhee). She played fairly well, but got some horrific breaks (including a 3-rail kick into the 3-ball by Rhee in the case game that resulted in a fluked in 9-ball - a very disappointing end to the match after 2 really nice safeties by Melissa).

Notables in attendance = Jerry Briesath, Jeff Carter, Woody_768, ChristyD, Ken4fun, SJM, Nostroke, RackinZack/zeeder. Very nice people all of them (I keep expecting to run into internet-psycho-stalker-guys, but other than that Betmore guy, they have all been great - a very enthusiastic bunch of pool fans with a really good knowledge and appreciation for the game - JMO).

Jennifer Barretta was a little uneven in her first match, but pulled out the victory. She stomped her opponent in the second match.

Time to get to sleep.
 
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Peoria - 7 P.M. Friday evening

Well, its been a very eventful day. Both Melissa and Sarah won their matches this afternoon. Melissa fell behind Alice Rim 6-1, missing many makeable shots. She regained her focus, and played LIGHTS OUT the rest of the match winning 8 straight games. She had 2 extremely difficult runouts down 6-3 and 6-4. If anyone is interested I may diagram them early next week - very Efren-like.

Sarah defeated her opponent easily, and played well; really no contest against a new player.

Wally in Cincy has arrived, haven't yet spoken with him to get his predicitions.

We have again patronized the local Burger Barge - for the BEST burger in the world - BBQ sauce, mixed shredded cheeses, coleslaw all inside the bun with the burger - melts in your mouth.

Jennifer B. was routed by Monica Webb. She was down 7-0 at one point, only getting a couple of games near the end. Monica is playing as well as anyone. It seems Ga Young Kim, Allison, and Monica seem to be playing the best so far. Karen was way off form (missing several very makeable shots in the first 4 games against Vivian V. - and each bad miss left Vivian snookered (not intended as a 2 way shot by Karen), Karen won all 4 games despite playing badly.
 
Thanks for the updates on all aspects... the games and the AZB'ers! Sounds like the rest of us are missing out.
 
Yez, Mon, we enjoy the tales from the tourney trail- especially after you stay up for more than a day at a time...keep up the good work, and no naps either!
SOrry that Sueyen put a damper on your day, but I must admit that I am happy to hear my good friend won. She loves the game (like we all do) and certainly has both won and lost that way.
 
Black-Balled said:
SOrry that Sueyen put a damper on your day, but I must admit that I am happy to hear my good friend won. She loves the game (like we all do) and certainly has both won and lost that way.
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BB,
I actually watched 2 of Sueyen's matches. I noticed when sitting directly behind her that she has a FUNKY way of aiming, even on fairly straightforward shots - I suspect it is a Houle variation. She does it smoothly and quickly, so it is not that noticeable unless you are observing directly behind the cue; but dang, it moves all over the place. On a cut to the right, the cue flies to the left of the ball, then it is pointed to the left edge, then to somewhere near the center - it makes me nervous just watching. She did however come very close to making it to the television matches.
 
Williebetmore said:
BB,
I actually watched 2 of Sueyen's matches. I noticed when sitting directly behind her that she has a FUNKY way of aiming, even on fairly straightforward shots - I suspect it is a Houle variation. She does it smoothly and quickly, so it is not that noticeable unless you are observing directly behind the cue; but dang, it moves all over the place. On a cut to the right, the cue flies to the left of the ball, then it is pointed to the left edge, then to somewhere near the center - it makes me nervous just watching. She did however come very close to making it to the television matches.
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I have never noticed the swervy arm. Might have been nerves (yours! or hers)...I will ask her about it next time we cross. Don't think she's a Houle user, but you never know. Thanks again for you iinput!
 
Williebetmore said:
Damn I'm tired. .
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ya pussy.

as a multi-year veteran of DCC this should be child's play for you

Williebetmore said:
Despite the fact that this was my first ever game of 3 cushion, my team was victorious in 2 consecutive matches
.
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he let you win and you know it :p

Williebetmore said:
He took it easy on me until it was 79-69, when he ran 20, but got himself slightly snookered at 99. .
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he missed on purpose and you know it :p


Wally<~~ played some straights w/ sjm today, remembers what it's like to swim with sharks.......
 
Wally in Cincy said:
ya pussy.
as a multi-year veteran of DCC this should be child's play for you
he let you win and you know it :p
he missed on purpose and you know it :p
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Wally,
In response to your post I was going to return a diatribe filled with outrage at your scandalous allegations; sarcasm at your sophmoric analysis; ascerbic witticisms directed at questioning your manhood, pool skill, intelligence, and sexual orientation. Unfortunately your post was accurate....so, never mind this post.
 
Indy - Monday 6 P.M.

Well this is the last report for those interested.

Sunday was an excellent day. I FINALLY met Vagabond, who was gracious enough to send me his Buddy Hall book last week. Unfortunately it wasn't in time for him to play with our AZB group on Saturday. He is a true gentleman, and despite his protestations to the contrary, a very accomplished player with some well documented achievements.

We had an AZB get together during the lunch break at the Burger Barge. Unfortunately all of the indoor seating was filled, and we took up 4 tables outside in the sweltering, blistering heat (my estimate is 110 degrees in the shade, I felt like I was sitting in a pizza oven). Still, the company more than made up for the somewhat uncomfortable environment, and Vagabond was gracious enough to treat.

Kudo's to Sarah for putting up with us; I believe we all were very appreciative for her hanging out with us - actions like these are indicative that she is going to be a great ambassador for the game of pool. I don't believe she even once made fun of Zeeder for not bringing his cue to Peoria (I was not so gracious). It was very nice hanging out with Wally and Cathy (?sp?), Jeff and Barb, Vagabond, SJM, Zeeder, Manifest Ecstasy. I regret I didn't get to spend any time with Deanna.

The matches on Sunday were very enjoyable. I got to sweat at least one with SJM - safety/kicking/pushing/strategy guru extraordinaire. I just wish I had been able to see more matches with him (too much pool, too little time). Sarah also sweated one match with us - thanks again. I'm pretty sure at this point that Allison Fisher is not actually human - I think she's one of those robots like in the "Alien" movie. I kept expecting her to cut her hand accidentally and have all that white milky gooey stuff come out instead of blood. Oh wait, I think I may have been affected by the heat - maybe Allison is just great.
 
Williebetmore said:
Indy - I'm pretty sure at this point that Allison Fisher is not actually human -
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That is the reason why I always refer to her as my DIVA.
 
Allison was great! Awesome to watch, awesome to talk to. She's just a great all around person.

Vagabond, you were so curtious, and thanks for signing the napkin..I'm sure your hands are still cramped up from writing (:
 
I don't know how allison does it, I thought that Helena was really giving her a match, but just like SJM said helena would really have to pick it up.. and he was totally right.. allison just really ran away with the whole tournament... It was quite an experience

and don't forget you have mine on there too.. cause it will be worth something.............................. someday... *sigh*
 
Williebetmore said:
Barb,
Yes, I think I was quite clear; it is V-A-G-A-B-O-N-D.
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I'm talking about his real name, which, for the life of me, I cannot pronounce. :p

Barbara
 
Why the secret?

vagabond said:
I met Barbara for few minutes in 2002 at BCA open.She knows my name. :D
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I would like to know who everyone is. I'm pretty knowledgable of pool and the people around pool. I for one would like to know who you and sjm are. Is it a secret because your roadies or pros?

What are your names, really curious?
 
Tim-n-NIs roadies or pros? What are your names said:
Howdy,
I can`t speak for SJM.
With respect to me the awnser is Yes for both but not any more.I can`t run more than 2 balls and it is not worth your time to meet me.But few months ago I was in corner pocket on Lomas(Albuquerque) looking for a game but that local guy refused to give the spot I asked.I did not play him and I left the town after that.
Cheers
Vagabond. :D
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