Mickey's 6th Annual 9-Ball Tournament

One of the things I love about living in Las Vegas is it seems like every weekend there's a pool tournament going on. This past weekend Mickey's held it's 6th annual 9 ball tournament. There was 36 players, and this being an open tournament some of the best players showed up. It was a race to 8, winner breaks and we played on the 9 foot Diamonds. The owner Shawn Gresser provided food for everyone, the service was great, and Shawn ran an excellent tournament. I started off with a buy, then my opponent didn't show for my next match. I'm thinking how lucky is this. After watching other people play I couldn't wait to get started. When I did start  my match I won the first two games. I missed the 4 ball and watched my opponent run out. I was either kicking at shots or trying to play safe but never really got a good shot, and watched as my opponent win the next 8 games. As I started my next match on the loser side I found myself down 5 to 0. I remembered how much I hate 9 ball and started thinking about how much I missed bowling. I got in to a groove and won the next 4 games. Thinking I might be able to pull this off  I had a brain fart and never won another game. I got into this tournament because I wanted to play some of the best, but at this rate how much torment can one person take. Anyway I had a great weekend and enjoyed watching some good pool. I need to play in some tournament more my speed and take baby steps before entering these open tournaments.
I wanted to take more pictures but got so involved in watching I didn't do what I intended to do .
The vegasbilliardbuzz has a picture of the first and second place winners.

You have got to read this!

Every since I posted  what's in my case with Samm Diep, I have had other blogs contact me, or I have found other blogs of interest. One blog that really stands out is OMGWTF. this is so funny and covers all aspects of pool. Melinda has a way with words and will keep you laughing. Check out the article about Scott Medeiros.The article is titled  APA  National Team Championships.

SATURDAY AT POOL SHARKS.

The vegas billiard tour had it's finial 9 ball tournament on Saturday at Pool Sharks. Although I went 2 and out I had a good time. My first match was with a guy I play all the time and I have a  fairly good chance of beating him. He had me down 3 to nothing in a race to 4.  I came back and tied it 3 all. In the 4th game I played a safe on the 5 ball and he had to kick from the end rail to hit it. He shot the cue ball at medium speed hit the end rail and the cue ball jumped over the 5,6 and 8 that were around the spot. He was amazed , shouted out loud and could not believe what just happened. All I could say was tough break and started to run out. I ran down to the 8 and made a shot putting the 8 in the corner hoping to come off the same end rail that he had problems with and the cue ball jumped on me and scratched in the side. I wanted to shout and scream but I already looked like an idiot knowing that rail was bad and did the shot anyway.
I was hoping to do better on the losers side and I played someone I didn't know. Usually I play better when I don't know the person I am playing, so I really looked forward to this next match. We started our match on the same table that I just played in a race to 3. We were hill hill and my opponent hit that same lousy rail and the ball jumped causing him to miss and leaving me a tough shot. I made the shot making the 4 and had the 7 ball tied up . I played the 5 for position on the 6 to break up the 7. Great plan, great shot except the 8 ball hit that same f @#*+*# rail jumped a little and hit the cue ball causing it to scratch. The vegas billiard tour has a tournament in Oct. for the top 48 players with a $1000 added. I happen to be in that top 48 and  know I need to bring my best game. Wish me luck because this finial tournament will be tough.

Efren Reyes from the Philippines vs. Jim Rempe from the USA, 1996 Legends of 9-Ball

This video is 14 years ago, Look how young Reyes looks. Great video, Reyes keeps getting out of position and coming up with some amazing shots!

REMINISCING

I was talking with a friend of mine last week and we started talking about when we use to play at Pinky's. Pinky's was located off FLamigo in Las Vegas Nv.
After our conversation we both agreed that we missed playing there. Pinky's has been closed for years,but the memories still hang on. Those of you that aren't familiar with Pinky's, they were a night club with 35 to 40 pool tables. All the 7 foot tables were covered with a hot pink cloth. I use to wear glasses at that time and the glare from the pink felt would cause me to miss some shots. At least that was my excuse.

Anyway back then I didn't know much about how to play the game. We would go out and bang balls and have a really good time. After several years of bad mechanic's and jumping up on every shot ( they should of nicknamed me grasshopper). I had a chance to watch the pros play at the Riviera and really fell in love with the game.
I wanted to learn more and become a much better player. I started playing serious and learning as much as I could asking alot of questions from better players and teaching myself. Big mistake, If you want to play better and become competitive then I would recommend lessons. All you new players that really want to get better
should get lessons and learn to start with the basics. Don't play around and try to teach yourself. I live in Las Vegas and we have several people that are more than capable of teaching you.If you don't live in Vegas I'm sure someone in
your area is giving lessons. In Vegas we have Walter Glass who I hear gives great lessons, and Greg Kuhls who also gives lesson which are also very good. To get these guy's phone number you can go to www.vegasbilliardsbuzz.com . Believe me I wasted years trying to teach myself, don't make the same mistake.