Congrats to Keith Clark and Richie M. for advancing with me to Tampa in Nov!

The story--
That time of year again!

Off to the US Amateur Championship Prelims this weekend in CT.  Good luck to everyone that is playing.  Hope to party with you in FL!  I will update you guys next week on the results.  Thanks for all the support and best wishes! 

Here is where the Men's Bracket is:  http://ct.apaleagues.com/CustomPage.aspx?q=2977

http://www.usamateurchampionship.com/

and the results are............

Quick update before I forget what happened....Format, mixed 8/9 ball (3 games of 8ball, 7 games of 9ball) race to 5
Winner takes the break or picks what game to start with.

Match 1 vs Stacey - Won
I was up 3 zero then she came back and it was hill hill.  I was able to pull the WIN though!

Match 2 vs Wendy - Lost
I broke 8ball and ran out like 5 balls then missed and she ran out.  She broke then I ran.  She took game 3 too.  Blur, blur, blur.  It was hill-hill again.  Didn't get over that hill this one.  LOST.

Match 3 vs Lisa - Won
Lost 4 straight games and she was on the hill.   First time I felt I needed to take a break so I went to wash up and take that walk.   I came back and tried to take each game seriously and be very careful with my leaves.   Broke her rhythm and came back 1-4, 2-4, 3-4, 4-4 and here I am for the 3rd game in a row.  Hill-Hill....  and I did it!  Won.

Match 4 vs Nicole - Won
I was up quick 3 to zero.  Then I lost a game.  3-1.  4-1.  4-2.  Then I finished up ending it at 5-2.

Match 5 vs Kristen - Won
She was tough to start.  She was playing real well and up fast.  Its really a blur, she was playing very confident and well.  She started to give me games at the end and all I remember is that I won at the end. Don't know the score.  It was close though.

Match 6 vs Tammy - Won
I knew she would be a tough player because I just saw her make the 9 ball on the break two games in a row! It started as another one of those matches if I missed she was out. 8 ball started like that.  But when we got to 9 ball, it shifted my way and I won 5 - 3

Match 7 vs Kim - Won
She was a different tough.  She played different than I do.  She took longer on all her shots which made me get eager when it was my turn and take less time to think.   Another game where she had the lead and it went hill hill.  I didn't get too easy on the 8 but hit it very hard and it went in another pocket and set me up for the 9.  4th hill-hill of the day!

FINAL Match vs Joan (Race to 9!)
Very close matches.  Went back and forth at 5-5 and a lot of safeties.  I found myself down 5-8, 6-8, 7-8...  hill hill of course!   Last game.  *sigh* I had a straight on shot with the 8 deep in the corner pocket with the 9 in the middle of the other end of the rail.  I didn't want to over english the ball like I always do and miss it trying to set up for the 9.  I just jab it and try to get out of the corner.  I ended up sliding to the other side and kind of getting the same shot but from the other side of the table as if i hit it hard but at least it wasn't on the rail or in the pocket.  I didn't check the 9 like I should of.  Didn't want cut it and let it sit too close to the pocket if I missed being so far across the table.  I should of checked it because I think it was too on the rail for the bank I attempted.  I hit it hard and it was to close so it deflected off the cue right away and went all over the place, leaving the cue and 9 for a cut shot down the table.  It was a lot of pressure and she missed it.  Leaving me a 12 degree(ish) cut shot from middle of the table.  *Breathe* I thought to myself to calm myself down.  (Bob L has been embeding into my mind by now)  With no english I just took my time while I was down and shot it slowly and took the win.  

WOW, I WON!  

Always a veryyyyy good feeling.   I put a lot of focus in this tournament this year, even though I wasn't running racks when I got there.  I had to adjust a lot playing on those tables.  It was just refelted with Aramath balls run soooo fast.  I had to slow down a lot for those who know my game.  I just didn't want to disappoint myself and all those that been wishing me luck.  I broke the "every other year curse" Paul C.  Thanks for reminding me! haha.

Thanks for everyone for the support and congrats!

Update on the others from the World Class league that played in the Mens side:
-Congrats to Keith Clark for grabbing a spot from the losers bracket and Richie won undefeated!
-Nice efforts to Sandra, Emmet, Jack S and so sad to Eagle losing in double hill.