Hey Jim & everyone,
This tournament was a rough one for me. With so little time to prepare between events and many obligations in those few days I didn't have a lot of practice time so I was a little rusty. I flew out of New York at 8 am, but my flight was delayed for an hour which caused me to miss my connection into Albuquerque. When I got into Chicago they told me that they didn't have anymore direct flights so I had to take 2 more flights to get there...just in time for the players meeting. Immediately after the players meeting there was a pro-am, so no practice for me on Wednesday, either. To make matters worse the airline lost my luggage which didn't come until sometime on Thursday night. I had to go out and buy clothes and supplies early Thursday morning. Luckily my cue case somehow made it and I didn't have to play until 12:30. I actually ended up winning that match and playing fairly well. Later that night I played Karen Corr, and just couldn't get out from anywhere.
The next day I had to play at 6:30pm, and I played well through the match, but at 8-6 up I missed a very makeable 9 ball, then at hill-hill missed a fairly easy 8 ball. I think I just put a lot of pressure on myself because I had such a great event last time, and the cumulative stress from my airline episode and lack of proper practice just caught up with me. It really hurts when you have the match in your hands and blow it, but I know that this is all part of the learning process, and it will only make me stronger. Even the best one's dog it sometimes!
As my mentor, Stu Mattana, says "The past is history" ...and I'm looking forward to our next event in Lincoln City, OR.
Take care & may the rolls be with you!
Jenn
