01.29.07
Posted in Competing, Event at 2:30 am by Cherry Bomb
That’s the Hunter Tour motto.
This weekend’s Hunter stop was another meaningful adventure towards developing my 9 ball game and competition experience.I won my first match 7-1 and felt great about the way I hit the ball and the decisions I made. I was feeling confident and it really reflected. I felt very fortunate to win my next match, 7-3, against the super-fierce Tara McCracken. I didn’t feel like I played as well as I did in my first match, but I made the shots I needed to. She’s such a solid player that I knew I needed to capitalize when I had the opportunity to.
I had a long wait before I would play again, so I decided to get some food and helped Melinda take some tournament pictures with her fancy camera. That was fun! They would finally call my next match. Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep the mo’ alive. I lost 7-3 to Terry Petrosino. I played poorly and she played extremely well. Towards the end, I began feeling a bit jittery (like low blood-sugar). I think I needed another snack. I didn’t feel hungry when I began the match, but by the time my adrenaline kicked in, I started feeling it.
If I would’ve won that match that would’ve been my last match for the evening and we could’ve left for dinner. A large group of us were planning to go eat together. Instead, it would be hours before I would play my last match of the evening. My bracket got all backed up and I ended up having to wait for three more rounds before I would play again. I should’ve gone to go eat and come back, but the others from the group were still playing. So, instead, I took a nap, took some more pictures, and just hung out for awhile.
My match was the very last one of the evening to be played and everyone ended up waiting and watching my match until they began dropping like flies… One by one… Until, there were only a couple of them left. Oh! I won, by the way. I beat Laura Bendikas of Chicago 7-4. I feel like I played pretty decently. I had my only break and run of the tournament and jumped in a couple balls. We were both pretty pooped though by the end. My next match would be at 10a.m. the next morning.
After finally getting out of there after 11p.m., I grabbed a quick bite and headed back to the room to get some rest. My 10a.m. match in the morning was against the sweet but intense, Kyu Yi. I wish I could’ve delivered a stronger performance. Some poor decisions and bad shots led to my 7-1 defeat. I was very disappointed that I didn’t play better. She played nearly flawlessly.
I called my coach, wallowed in my own self-pity, and gathered my things to go study some matches (per a wise coach’s suggestion).
Anyway, here were some of my observations:
Kudos to Jennifer Kraber for her tenacity! She is a true fighter. This is only the third tournament that I have watched her compete in and she wins more matches on the loser’s side than most people I know. She may be out of sync or struggling, but she’s a fighter and she never gives up.
The same can be said about Kim Pierce, whom I watched fight her way back to a respectable 7-6 loss after being down quite a bit to Kyu Yi. While down 6-5, a missed attempted 9 ball combo for Kyu left Kim completely snookered on the 4 ball. After some careful thought and measurement, she kicked it into the side pocket. Now, that’s clutch pool at its finest! After fighting her way back to hill-hill, Kyu made a nice run to win the match. Afterwards, Kim told me she hadn’t felt that way in a while and was considering taking a break from the game because she thought maybe she was losing interest. I hope she doesn’t…
Shayla Neris had a strong third place finish this tournament. Looking sharp on Sunday, she won two matches before losing the match for the hot seat to newcomer, Estelle Bijnen who traveled all the way from the Netherlands (and would ultimately win the tournament). Having spoken with Shayla previously about competition and drive, this was only my first real opportunity to watch her compete. She may not have played perfect pool this weekend, but she was as steady as a brain surgeon. Rarely did you catch her looking away from the table. She remained “in the box” (as my coach would call it) the entire time; keeping her eyes on the balls and her head in her own match. It was brilliant work! I look forward to reading her blog posting about the experience.
My good friend and roommate for this trip, Amanda Lampert, is another amazing player. After winning the Regional Tour Championships the previous weekend, I wondered if Amanda was feeling some expectation pressures from her peers to deliver another strong performance. She made a disappointing exit from the main event after winning two matches on the loser’s side but returned on Sunday to take second place in the second chance tournament. Amanda is such a fierce competitor. Her intensity is remarkable and her stroke is one of the best I’ve seen. Not to mention, she’s one of the most humble and gracious human beings I know.
Terry Petrosino put me in the loser’s bracket. The only time I’ve ever watched Terry play was at the last Hunter stop at Bogie’s where she and I stayed to play in the Sunday night tournament. Sunday’s match against her was a different story. She is not to be taken lightly at all. She is a ferocious ball-pocketer with no fear.
Kyu Yi is a sweet little thing on the exterior but a little pistol at the table. She shared with me early in the tournament that she did not feel good about how she was playing. In fact, her exact words were, “I did everything I could to lose that match but I didn’t.” It takes a great player to win when they’re not playing well. Like they say, “It’s not how good you’re A Game is, it’s how good your B Game is.” Regardless, she is incredibly solid, made all the right shots and decisions, and never cracked once during our match. Away from the table, she’s just precious!
Heather Lloyd was the 2006 player of the year and is another truly, truly humble people. I don’t know her well, but from what I’ve seen and heard, she’s incredibly genuine. Her 9 ball game is very simple and effective because of it. She is not in anyway flashy or a showboat. What I like the most about her is that she always looks like she’s having a great time at the table.
If I missed anyone, it’s not due to lack of respect or admiration, I’m just recounting the specific people I had the opportunity to study from this weekend. The Hunter tour is an amazing resource for outstanding pool. Every stop is filled with players of all levels and it’s always guaranteed to be a fun time and a positive learning experience (well, it always is for me, anyway).
p.s. As it turns out… I also discovered that I’m allergic to Texas. I must’ve sneezed about 350 times this weekend. My nose is raw from blowing it and my eyes and throat are all itchy… I will be more prepared on my next visit.
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01.22.07
Posted in Event, Misc at 1:21 pm by Cherry Bomb
My good friend Amanda Lampert just won the Regional Tour Championships in Spring Hill, Florida this weekend.
She is the complete opposite of my recent article on respect. She is, by far, THE most humble winner and great player that I know. Everyone could learn a little from her (Oh! And from Colt’s quarterback Peyton Manning. I don’t watch football but I watched the post-game interview.).
This win qualifies Amanda for all 5 Pro Classic tour events, the US Open and the BCA ENJOYPOOL.com with paid entry fees. View complete bracket.
WOW! Exciting!!!
Just added qualifying for this event to my 2007 goals.
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Posted in Competing at 2:32 am by Cherry Bomb
(a small [well, I originally thought so] rant on a big topic)
Merriam Webster defines respect as “an act of giving particular attention : consideration“
I got into a verbal altercation with a friend today. It was over respect.
In preparation for my upcoming Hunter qualifiers, I plan on participating in more big table 9 ball events. Today, I played at Table Steaks South. They have a Sunday 9 ball tournament and on the first Sunday of each month, it’s one-pocket (I don’t have the patience for that game).
On this cold, snowy day, I braved the weather in search of solid 9 ball competition. Only nine others did the same. Since there were only ten people in the tournament, they changed the race from five to six, alternate breaks. I lost my first match 6-1. Oddly, I felt like I played well. I felt the score did not reflect my performance. The one game I won was a break/run where every ball went into its intended pocket. The tables at South play MUCH speedier than the Brunswick at my Table Steaks.
In my next match, I played my friend Greg. I consider him my friend. You know that friend??? Everyone has that friend. That’s the one that at some point or another has offended everyone that they’ve come in contact with and all your other friends wonder how you could put up with him. Well, Greg is that friend. In fact, Chisolm and I are both friends with him outside of pool. I’ve gone out of my way to help him and even defend him to other people. Greg is just extremely competitive………..EXTREMELY…….
Well, in a race to six, I was ahead 5-4 when Greg was hooked and played an intentional foul, attempting to knock the 9 ball away from the pocket to eliminate the 2-9 combo. He still left it make-able but hairy. Instead, I chose the runout with ball-in-paw. The first half of the runout was nearly flawless. I was in perfect line for each shot. As I got closer to the end of the rack, I got a little funny on the 6 ball. A bad stroke on the 6 got me on the wrong side of the 7 and the next thing I knew, I had a long, tough shot at the 8 ball.
With each shot, I just told myself I had to make the ball. I lined up for my cue-ball-on-the-rail, table-length, slow-roller on the 8 ball with the 9 sitting nearby. I took a deep breath and nailed it. Okay, so position was not ideal, but It was such a clutch shot and I was so proud of myself for just making it. No sooner did the ball drop in the pocket did I see Greg out of his seat storming across the room, right past the pocket I would be shooting the 9 ball into.
I had no idea what the heck he was doing. I looked over at his friend and she had no idea either. I thought maybe he was leaving or conceiting or who knows??? Who would do that? As it turned out, he was just walking across the room to get it jacket; at that moment, at that precise moment, he had the uncontrollable, undeniable need to walk within a foot of me, past the pocket I was about to shoot at to get his jacket….. ?!?!????
When he returned to our table with his jacket, I stuck my hand out to shake his hand, assuming that he had conceited because I, personally, could not fathom doing something like that in the middle of a match to which he responded, “Well, aren’t you gonna shoot it?” OMG!!! With much misfortune, I was so flustered and baffled at the entire string of events that I got down and rattled the 9 ball. I began trembling with all sorts of emotions and started pulling the balls out of the pockets for my break at hill-hill.
He walked over to rack and then accused me of “missing on purpose.” Well, trust me, I wanted to make that stinkin’ ball. I did not and would not ever intentionally miss. Ironically, just before the match began Greg told me how gracious and respectful he was planning to be during our match. He stopped racking and I reminded him about his comment at the beginning of the match and told him, “I would NEVER do that to you.” He refused to rack and conceited the game, claiming that he wasn’t trying to shark me. I told him that if he really wasn’t trying to be disrespectful then to just rack the balls because it was my break. After a few more heated words back and forth, he broke down his cues and conceited the match.
The moral of the story, for me, was: NEVER EXPECT RESPECT. Okay, I can admit that maybe I overreacted today, but I wouldn’t have taken it so personally if I didn’t consider Greg a friend outside of pool. I understand that he is incredibly competitive, but you can see his entire demeanor shifting during a match if he begins to lose a few games. He’s always very friendly with you at the beginning of the match and gradually becomes shorter and shorter with you. I knew that he had it in him to show this sort of disrespect because I’ve witnessed him doing it to others. So, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised when I was victim to it.
Perhaps I can no longer put this thing called RESPECT on such a high pedestal. Just because I demand it from myself, I can’t demand it from others; not from my opponents and not even from my friends. That’s unfortunate. He would be disqualified from any pro event for raging by the table like that, or for leaving his seat at all. If I want to be a professional then I will compete like a professional. Unfortunately, I can’t expect the same from my opponents. Respect should be a requirement. Instead, it’s an elective. With no expectations of it, I can’t be disappointed when I don’t get it.
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01.19.07
Posted in Guest Writer, Misc at 3:43 pm by Cherry Bomb
Dear Pool Players:
With the holidays now safely in our past, those of us who survived can now think about joining a pool league at the new Pair O’ Dice Poolroom at the Skylark Lounge. (see attached photo)
Despite a few bumps, the fall season is finished and now it’s time to look toward Spring. If you are interested please reply to let me know. If you’re not interested or have a conflict, perhaps you know someone who would like to join. Please feel free to pass along my e-mail address or phone number–720-838-7553.
I would like to assemble next Wednesday, January 24, at 7PM upstairs at the Skylark Lounge at 140 S. Broadway in Denver. Please let me know if you want to join as an individual or if you have a complete, four-person team. At our first meeting we can determine the league’s structure for the upcoming season, including but not limited to deciding: 8 Ball, 9 Ball or both, handicaps, match format and any other relevent factors for the league. Thank you for your interest and I look forward to hearing from you.
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01.14.07
Posted in Misc, Polls at 3:51 am by Cherry Bomb
First, and foremost, I want to mention how honored I am to be mentioned in the following blog postings:
My favourite (he’s european) billiard blogs
Pool and Billiards Blogs – the best that I’ve read (make sure you vote)
Wow! That’s so exciting?!??
Next, this is a reminder that there will be an extra Free Pool Clinic this month on Tuesday. I decided to have an extra one since there are five Tuesday this month.
Next to next, I have a new pool coach that I’m working with. He’s amazing!!! I’m SOOOO excited. He has a ton of experience and really knows how to communicate and articulate himself very well. He’s incredibly organized and has a pretty clear vision of what I need. I’m VERY, VERY excited about working with him. I’ve currently made some mechanical adjustments. It’s still a work in progress. There will be more to come on this as my training continues…
Lastly, I now have an ONLINE CALENDAR. It can be found at http://calendar.yahoo.com/sammspocket. There’s also a link for it to the right. I’m very excited about it. Enjoy!
More of everything to come. Thanks for your continued readership.
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01.13.07
Posted in Competing, Misc at 4:09 am by Cherry Bomb
What do you do when you miss a shot or scratch? How do you react when your opponent plays a safety on you? How about when your opponent gets a lucky roll and hooks you? Do you get angry? Do you swear or shout? Does it affect your next shot?
Most likely, if you react negatively, that attitude carries over to your next shot. Have you ever been so angry with what you were facing that it consumed you? Were you so flustered and overwhelmed by the thoughts of “I can’t believe I did that!” or “That sucked!” or “What a crappy roll!”? Believe it or not, those negative feelings can influence the decisions we make and how we execute them.
I remember the days of being an incredibly emotional player. I wore everything on my sleeve. You could tell if I hooked myself or if I got perfect shape. And, you could definitely tell that I was going to miss my next shot by how affected I was from the previous one. I expressed every single feeling towards every single shot. By the end of each match, whether I won or lost, I was completely emotionally depleted. It’s taken me years to gradually overcome this natural response and step towards a new outlook for each shot.
It’s not an easy transition to completely separate yourself from your emotions during a match, but just give it a try and you’ll begin noticing immediate benefits. During this transition, look around. Notice the players in the room that pound their cue into the ground and yell and scream profanities at the balls. How silly do they look? (Nothing personal, if this is you.) What did that change? Now, watch Allison, Thorsten, Karen, and many of the other top pros. Notice their calmness and lack of response, regardless of what shot they face. During competition, this flat affect strengthens their consistency.
Every ounce of negative energy wasted on reacting to something in the past, something that you can not change, drains you. Better yet, redirect that energy and focus on something you can change. You can not change the outcome from the previous shot, but you can change and control what happens next with the actions you take. Why allow yourself to waste all that energy reacting to what your opponent did to you? It still doesn’t change what you need to do. Rather, use that energy to determine which rail to kick at or how to play a nasty safety.
Try this: When you’re hooked or faced with a tough shot, whether you did it to yourself or your opponent left it for you, try to approach the table with a feeling of thankfulness. Be thankful to have a shot. Whether you like it or not, a shot is a chance to win. So, don’t piss and moan about what you left yourself or if you get out of line. Redirect that energy! If your opponent left you that same tough shot, you would be thankful to be at the table again. Appreciate the fact that you’re at the table and make the best of it.
Nobody said it would be easy. In fact, not reacting at all can even affect your opponent. I love it when my opponent gets all bent out of shape and jumps out of their seat because they can’t tell if I have a shot or not. I’m not saying that you can’t be a great player if you show your emotions, but just don’t allow it to consume you. So, as you’re making out your list of resolutions add this one to it and make it a positive year, every year.
I wish you and your family a Happy & Prosperous New Year!
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01.02.07
Posted in Misc at 3:51 pm by Cherry Bomb
I would just like to remind Coloradoans that Shakespeares has finally reopened and we are trying to get the buzz goin’ again for what used to be a super competitive Tuesday night, big table 9 ball tournament. It’s starts around 7:30pm.
New Shakes is at 2620 Walnut.
The phone number is still (303) 433-6000.
I-25 to 20th Street, take Market North, it turns into Walnut after Broadway.
It’s on your Right, after 26th.
They lost a few tables but the remaining ones are all newly recovered with new rails. They play great!
There’s currently no food on Sundays and they close at midnight during the week, but with a little boost, we can get it back to the way it used to be, or better!
Hope to see you there!
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