Thanks to Hard Times, The IPT and all the Players

[CrownCityCorey]

Hello,

I would like to extend a personal thanks to Hard Times Billiards, The IPT and all the Players that came to participate in the IPT Qualifier at Hard Times Billiards Bellflower, CA this past weekend.

I am honored to have participated in this landmark event and personally had not seen a field this strong (comparable to the BCA Open, US Open or World Championships) in this former hotbed of pool world excellence of Southern California for about 15+ years!!!

With the UPA Pro Tour championships not being held here this year, it was refreshing to give this area and its deep pool roots such a great treat.

Thanks a million!!! Let's do it again real soon!!!

Corey Harper

 

[frankncali]

Hello,

I would like to extend a personal thanks to Hard Times Billiards, The IPT and all the Players that came to participate in the IPT Qualifier at Hard Times Billiards Bellflower, CA this past weekend.

I am honored to have participated in this landmark event and personally had not seen a field this strong (comparable to the BCA Open, US Open or World Championships) in this former hotbed of pool world excellence of Southern California for about 15+ years!!!

With the UPA Pro Tour championships not being held here this year, it was refreshing to give this area and its deep pool roots such a great treat.

Thanks a million!!! Let's do it again real soon!!!

Corey Harper

Corey
I was not able to keep an eye on all your matches but from what I did see
I thought you played really well. I am not sure how you rated your performance. You are sure to be disappointed with not winning a spot
but you can hold your head up with a good tournament against some of the best in the world.
I was hoping for a SoCal guy to grab a spot at this event but there are still
other qualifiers to do so.
Nice job and keep plugging away
frank

 

[TATE]

Corey,

Looks like you had a fine tournament too. I know it's hard to work those long days (and nights) and still have something left for the competition, but you are one of the few who seem to be able to do it.

I was impressed that the tournament had such a strong international field. That would be a big ticket for most of these players in travel expenses, to say nothing of the entrance fees.

I am sure the pressure was immense. Sorry I didn't get a chance to get down there to see the action.

Chris

 

[LastTwo]

Corey,

Looks like you had a fine tournament too. I know it's hard to work those long days (and nights) and still have something left for the competition, but you are one of the few who seem to be able to do it.

I was impressed that the tournament had such a strong international field. That would be a big ticket for most of these players in travel expenses, to say nothing of the entrance fees.

I am sure the pressure was immense. Sorry I didn't get a chance to get down there to see the action.

Chris

I was down there on Saturday for a few hours, then me and Danny P. went to go play a tournament. I was mesmerised by how good these guys play 8-ball. I started out watching Cliff Joyner and Frankie Hernandez. Cliff didn't seem to be warmed up yet, and he missed two 8-balls early on. Once he got in stroke, I saw how much his one-pocket ability benefited him in 8-ball, he made some of the most amazing outs I've ever seen. Across from there I watched Takami and Eric H. play. Takami plays smooth and perfect. Just when I thought him and Cliff looked to be unbeatable, I saw Orcullo finish of an opponent, and I tell you this guy is the total pool-playing package. He shoots straighter than Earl Strickland, his cueball is like Buddy Hall's, his break is like Bustamante's, and he can finesse the ball like Reyes. I think Orcullo will be a greater force than Manalo once he gets going in these tournaments. I got to watch Wu play a little bit, and I think he is the best breaker on the PLANET right now. He's got as much power as anyone, but his control is unmatched. After being there for just a few hours I think my game went up a ball or two!

 

[CrownCityCorey]

Corey
I was not able to keep an eye on all your matches but from what I did see
I thought you played really well. I am not sure how you rated your performance. You are sure to be disappointed with not winning a spot
but you can hold your head up with a good tournament against some of the best in the world.
I was hoping for a SoCal guy to grab a spot at this event but there are still
other qualifiers to do so.
Nice job and keep plugging away
frank

In hindsight I did Ok, however most of the time I felt I was playing awful. I only had 2 good matches. One of them I lost, to Takenaka 9-10 (I was on the hill first, broke dry and did not shoot again) the other was vs. Oscar Dominguez (he sure does play good!).

I just fell apart my next match. I was mentally exhausted from playing a game that is not my most familiar and having to play it at "that" level. I was day dreaming of 9-Ball (LOL!).