Sorry I missed it today. Sunday is a family day for me most of the time. I try to keep my priorities in order.
Congrats first to the M & M girls (Melissa and Melissa) who did such a good job of running the tournament. A couple of good TD's in the making. Thanks to Eddie and Hard Times for hosting another good tourney, and hats off to all the gals who traveled from all over to make this a full field. Definitely one of the most important women's amateur events held all year.
Big applause to Ms. Chang who showed she is ready to rock and roll on the WPBA tour. I just wish they had more tournaments this year. They sure do have a lot of good players. The WPBA events are more competitive than ever.
And I really feel bad that I didn't get a chance to be in the commentators box with Tina or Mike. I know they did a great job though. Tina has never been bashful with her opinion (a good thing on TV) and she definitely knows what's happening out there. Mike has a smooth, glib style that is a perfect contrast to hers. I like his low key sarcasm the best. I bet those who were watching really enjoyed the commentary. I'd like to see a playback of a couple of matches if they are available. Here's hoping they recorded them.
Hi Jay,
First off...the words of support and praise are appreciated. This was a first effort for me as a TD...and I have to say, it was a TON of work. There is no way I could have done it on my own. (I will thank the appropriate people in a second.)
Second...you sure did miss a great display from Shu-Han Chang...the winner of the event. She played extremely well...and I am looking forward to having her on tour. New talent is always welcome...and the Asian gals sure are making their statements to the billiards world in the past few years.
I am quite surprised you didn't jump on the commentary...you would have been welcome of course. You have fans...they would have loved to hear your take on the matches in progress.
On a quite separate note.....
I am quite exhausted today...but happy that the tournament went off with only a few minor hitches. All the player who earned their 2010 exemption should be proud of what they accomplished...it was a grueling schedule, and they were the last women standing.
Out of the top 8....5 of them have previously competed in WPBA events at one time or another...Naomi, Amy, Lisa, Mary, and Liz. Shu-Han has competed in and won prestigious events over in Asia. So...I think a special recognition needs to go out to Kimberly Benson and Emily Duddy...who will be experiencing the WPBA for the first time in San Diego. They battled against some veterans and came out victorious.
And now...I'd like to thank the following for their support, encouragement, contributions, and their sponsorship of the event.
Hard Times Billiards and Eddie Arreguin - Hard Times graciously opened their pool room to 64 women for the weekend...and every single one of those women was appreciative...as were the fans who came to support them. Eddie added $5000 to the prize fund...which helped build the biggest purse ever for this annual event...a grand total of almost $16,000. And the staff...they were gracious and friendly...and they hustled their butts for whatever we needed. Thank you Eddie and staff!!!
AZBilliards and Mike Howerton - Mike Howerton...a long time friend of mine, and former WPBA Board member...took the weekend to come out from Arizona and stream the event so that anyone could watch the feature match-ups. He didn't ask for a penny...instead he did it for the love of the game and as a favor to me. I know that the fans appreciated it...as well as the loved ones of the players who were not able to come watch in person. Thank you Mike.
Simonis - As they do with so many other events in the industry...Simonis was right there willing to help when we asked for sponsorship. They provided the room with 10 sets of cloth so that the tables would be in great condition for the players. (On a side note...thanks to Ernesto and Oscar who worked tirelessly through Thursday night to get the tables finished for the start of the tournament.) Simonis...I'd like to recognize all you do for the WPBA and the industry in general....so thank you.
Melissa Morris, Laurie Storli, Fach Garcia, Ramin Bakhtiari, Chris Rogers, Ford, and Andy Chen - Melissa and Laurie....thank you for all your hard work. I literally would have gone crazy without you both. Fach and Ramin - my referees - thank you for donating your time and knowledge. You were awesome...and even though you didn't get paid in money...I hope the hugs and smiles of the ladies were payment enough! Chris and Ford...thank you for the support and encouragement. You came down to sweat the action...and ended up helping with everything from setting up my printer to shot-clocking slow matches. You guys were awesome...and I learned a lot about TD'ing from you. I hope my attitude was 1/2 as good as yours! And finally...Andy Chen...who came down at the WPBA's request to film parts of the event...doing interviews and capturing footage that can be used to promote the event and the ladies playing. You were there all weekend...so patient with me even though I didn't always have time to help you. You grabbed the reins, did a fantastic job...and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Also...thanks to
Tina Pawloski who came up from San Diego to help with commentary. She tirelessly sat for 3 days...extolling the virtues of the players, answering questions from the fans, and keeping up-to-date on the progress of the tournament. Awesome job girlfriend.
I hope I'm not forgetting anyone...but it is always possible. If I do...it will come to me...and I will come beg for forgiveness in another post.
All the best to all of you out there,
Melissa
