how about...
in 1986 I was seated in a small pool room watching a straight pool tournament. I couldn't help but notice this young 19 year old move effortlessly around a table. Intense,yet comfortable. I had not seen this type of demeanor for many years. He was at that moment,intriguing. I wanted to gaze around the room to see what others were doing,but I could not take my eyes away that I might miss a spectacular shot. All you could hear were clicks and snaps. The clicking of the cue ball with the appreciative snaps of the audience.
Somewhere in between there must have been the kerplunk of the balls in the pockets. However,the pocketing occured at such a rhythm,it was lost in the white noise of the mind. I can remember,as if it were yesterday. 40,50,80,100,the match was over,"keep going!" the crowd lauded, and the youngster continued. In the 120's a little off line,...finesse,and the run begins anew. In the 160's to 180's,smooth sailing until the cue ball managed to have just enough of an angle to bring the run to an end. 192 Ball run. The crowd applauds and everyone rushes to congratulate the young gladiator.
A while later,as the crowd thins, I take a moment to go speak with the new champion. I give him my commentary and applaud him for his accomplishment. I tell him that I haven't seen such a "pure" straight pool shooter since a young Steve Mizerak. He is quite humble concerning his comparison to the Legend.
It was then that I told him,"You have to go to America! You must go and measure yourself against the Best in order to become the Best. I believe you have the talent to become the World Champion of Straight Pool. I believe you can beat them all."
I'll never forget the look in Oliver Ortmann's eyes when I said that.
And the rest,we know is,...
the Machine!