Another topic to have some fun with here. I am sure there are others out there who have their own story and hopefully you won't mind sharing...
For me, I have had several teachers during my 20+ years of playing and most of them I have defeated by now...only a few left that maybe someday I will end up on the high side of the big match...
Anyway, I had this one teacher who definately was/is a world class player. This was probabaly our 4th or 5th encounter. When we played it was a race to 9 on the 8 footers. The pockets were respectably tight and it was finally my day with my teacher. I knew he was one who was somewhat sensitive to his opponents when in matches , especially in the regional events that we attend up here in the northwest and west coast area of the nation. Knowing that he was very perticular about many things, I stayed far out of sight from him during our match as to not disturb him in any way. I am one who definately knows match play edicate and good pool edicate in general all the way around.
Anyway, he said to me at the start of the match good luck and please no talking and silly stuff while we play. Sometimes I laugh at myself when I make mistakes. I did not even say nice shot or anything and stayed far from the table when he was having his turn. Somehow he could not get comfortable and was playing bad. He told me to stay closer to the table and so I did. He still could not find his game and when I had my turn, I could just do no wrong... I suppose he knew that my skills were on the rise and that I legitamatly had a chance to win the match from the start. I ended up winning 9-7 and that was a big day for me. I ended up 2nd in the regional event and made 600 dollars or so....
That day was one that I will never forget and sure was a stepping stone for me and my skill development and confidence...
I was and am well aware that he played bad and for a bit, I could do no wrong at the table...most of times I have defeated the champions they played bad. Only a couple of times did I actually play good with only a couple of mistakes...
I did not reveal any names here because they are not needed...just the story will most likely be good enough...
Thanks again,
Mr. J.
For me, I have had several teachers during my 20+ years of playing and most of them I have defeated by now...only a few left that maybe someday I will end up on the high side of the big match...
Anyway, I had this one teacher who definately was/is a world class player. This was probabaly our 4th or 5th encounter. When we played it was a race to 9 on the 8 footers. The pockets were respectably tight and it was finally my day with my teacher. I knew he was one who was somewhat sensitive to his opponents when in matches , especially in the regional events that we attend up here in the northwest and west coast area of the nation. Knowing that he was very perticular about many things, I stayed far out of sight from him during our match as to not disturb him in any way. I am one who definately knows match play edicate and good pool edicate in general all the way around.
Anyway, he said to me at the start of the match good luck and please no talking and silly stuff while we play. Sometimes I laugh at myself when I make mistakes. I did not even say nice shot or anything and stayed far from the table when he was having his turn. Somehow he could not get comfortable and was playing bad. He told me to stay closer to the table and so I did. He still could not find his game and when I had my turn, I could just do no wrong... I suppose he knew that my skills were on the rise and that I legitamatly had a chance to win the match from the start. I ended up winning 9-7 and that was a big day for me. I ended up 2nd in the regional event and made 600 dollars or so....
That day was one that I will never forget and sure was a stepping stone for me and my skill development and confidence...
I was and am well aware that he played bad and for a bit, I could do no wrong at the table...most of times I have defeated the champions they played bad. Only a couple of times did I actually play good with only a couple of mistakes...
I did not reveal any names here because they are not needed...just the story will most likely be good enough...
Thanks again,
Mr. J.
When we met in the Finals, I gave it back to him and we split it anyway. Those races to 1-3 make the good players shake because anyone can beat them. Not taking anything away from you because you are capable of playing jam up no matter how long the race. 
And he probably didn't let you win (he knew I needed the help though, lol) because you are a fierce competitor.