Only 3
Great thread! :thumbup:
I've only had three instances where I've played a pro. I don't get out much.
Three years ago, I played in my very first Swanee tournament, 2009. I went 2-out. My first match was against Ernesto Dominguez. I knew who he was and of course he didn't know me. I was totally nervous coming in to the match and dogged a lot of shots I normally don't. I remember telling him at the end of our 8-1 match... "I don't know why but I was very intimidated playing you." He responded with, "Just play the table", shook my hand and smiled sincerely.
... Great advice which I always keep in mind!
2010 Swanee: Oscar Dominguez ended my run in the Swanee. I was nervous but not as nervous as I was when I played his father the year before. I still dogged some shots but definitely made an improvment from the prior year. I "played the table" a little more confidently this time around. I lost the match I believe 7-4 or 7-3. Placed 13-16th overall. I was pleased with my improvment year-over-year. Still had work to do though...
2011 Swanee: Alex Pagulayan put me in the 1-loss side this year. I was very nervous coming in but totally played loose once it started. Thanks to great advice from firends. Although I lost, I was very happy with my performance. In race to 7, it was back and forth. With Hill-5 Alex, I had my chance to make it hill-hill but missed position on a shot. Only had 7-8-9 to go and they were open. Needless to say, he wins 7-5. I was happy and disappointed at the same time. I was happy for playing as well as I did against the champ. And disappointed that I couldn't close out that one game! It was an experience I will never forget. Thanks Alex!
Here's a short clip taken by JohnnyShakes on his phone (Thanks Shakes!). Score was 1-0 Alex. Next rack he makes a ball on break but no shot. He pushes out. I'm up...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nZGaJwsV8w
Great thread! :thumbup:
I've only had three instances where I've played a pro. I don't get out much.
Three years ago, I played in my very first Swanee tournament, 2009. I went 2-out. My first match was against Ernesto Dominguez. I knew who he was and of course he didn't know me. I was totally nervous coming in to the match and dogged a lot of shots I normally don't. I remember telling him at the end of our 8-1 match... "I don't know why but I was very intimidated playing you." He responded with, "Just play the table", shook my hand and smiled sincerely.
... Great advice which I always keep in mind!2010 Swanee: Oscar Dominguez ended my run in the Swanee. I was nervous but not as nervous as I was when I played his father the year before. I still dogged some shots but definitely made an improvment from the prior year. I "played the table" a little more confidently this time around. I lost the match I believe 7-4 or 7-3. Placed 13-16th overall. I was pleased with my improvment year-over-year. Still had work to do though...
2011 Swanee: Alex Pagulayan put me in the 1-loss side this year. I was very nervous coming in but totally played loose once it started. Thanks to great advice from firends. Although I lost, I was very happy with my performance. In race to 7, it was back and forth. With Hill-5 Alex, I had my chance to make it hill-hill but missed position on a shot. Only had 7-8-9 to go and they were open. Needless to say, he wins 7-5. I was happy and disappointed at the same time. I was happy for playing as well as I did against the champ. And disappointed that I couldn't close out that one game! It was an experience I will never forget. Thanks Alex!
Here's a short clip taken by JohnnyShakes on his phone (Thanks Shakes!). Score was 1-0 Alex. Next rack he makes a ball on break but no shot. He pushes out. I'm up...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nZGaJwsV8w