SJM at the World Straight Pool Championships
Starting this thread to share my experiences this week. I suspect that for the first few days, I won't be able to provide that much in the way of match coverage, but later in the week, I'll try to share much of what I see.
Well, here am I, mingled amongst these confirmed worldbeaters. Even breakfast this morning served as a reminder of just how dangerous this field is, as I said good morning and good luck to each of Hohmann, Immonen, Eberle, and Orcullo, in the cafe, and said the same to Engert and Schmidt when, moments after breakfast, our paths crossed by the elevators.
I must admit to being overwhelmed a bit by the occasion. It's four years since I last competed, and even then, I never competed at this level. Still, my excitement and joy of being here far outweigh my apprehensions of being badly overmatched. I feel certain I'll be focused when I play, and that's all I can really hope for.
I wonder what it will feel like to compete against players at this level. I grew up practicing with and hanging around top players, but never competed aginst them. In fact, one of the guys I played over 30 years ago at the Golden Q, name Tom Walter, is in the field, and I'm exicted to see him here.
It definitely helps that I count so many of the players as good friends, but I'm dying to see how I handle my first three matches, all of them in the evening session today.
This is soooooooooo cool. I can't wait to get out there and try my luck on the glorious green felt.
Starting this thread to share my experiences this week. I suspect that for the first few days, I won't be able to provide that much in the way of match coverage, but later in the week, I'll try to share much of what I see.
Well, here am I, mingled amongst these confirmed worldbeaters. Even breakfast this morning served as a reminder of just how dangerous this field is, as I said good morning and good luck to each of Hohmann, Immonen, Eberle, and Orcullo, in the cafe, and said the same to Engert and Schmidt when, moments after breakfast, our paths crossed by the elevators.
I must admit to being overwhelmed a bit by the occasion. It's four years since I last competed, and even then, I never competed at this level. Still, my excitement and joy of being here far outweigh my apprehensions of being badly overmatched. I feel certain I'll be focused when I play, and that's all I can really hope for.
I wonder what it will feel like to compete against players at this level. I grew up practicing with and hanging around top players, but never competed aginst them. In fact, one of the guys I played over 30 years ago at the Golden Q, name Tom Walter, is in the field, and I'm exicted to see him here.
It definitely helps that I count so many of the players as good friends, but I'm dying to see how I handle my first three matches, all of them in the evening session today.
This is soooooooooo cool. I can't wait to get out there and try my luck on the glorious green felt.
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) You're going to do great!!! 
