Classic Billiards 9-Ball Tournament : GSBT (Conyers, GA)

I walked into Classic Billiards at noon and only twelve players were practicing. In less than hour another forty players showed up. This time the GSBT event was on 7 Diamond Smart Tables, which is what I have in my basement. I paid my $45 entry, bought myself in the Calcutta for $10, and waited to play my first match. I drew Felipe Florez aB player who I haven’t played before. He didn’t have a smooth stroke, but played smart when he got out of shape. He locked me up over-and-over again and got some good rolls when he missed; it was 2-6 before I knew it. I put together a couple racks, a few good safeties, and took advantage of the scratch on the break to win the match 7-6 with a 2-9 combo. What a comeback! I then played Joe Williams. He was a weak B player and he made a mistake every game he broke, which I converted into a win; 7-2. My next match was my toughest and most memorable. I drew Jason Jones a tough A player out of Alabama. He got up on me quickly, but when he got to the hill I took over the match and came back to tie it up. I had the break to win, but didn’t stroke the shot for the 7-ball probably and undercut it. I left him an easy out and I went to the B side. If I would have run out it, I would have finished in the money which would have been my first for a GBST event. On day two, I was extremely tied; got home around 3am. I played okay, but kept on scratching against Arron Fraday A player. He wiped the floor with me and beat me 2-7. I finished 17th-24th out of 56 players. This was my best event for a tournament of this size, but I know I should have got into the 13th-16th if I made those three balls. On a good note, I got some great comments on my play. Tim Orange AA player said I was a A player on these tables. Not bad for only practicing at home for two hours a week and playing league once in the last three months.