It’s been a good few weeks, I would have liked a little better, but that’s pool. I’ve been very consistent this year so far. I arrived in USA mid-January and played DCC (Derby City Classic), picked up 1st and 2nd in the Straight Pool and Fat Boy 10 Ball challenge, and lost in the semi final at the World 8 Ball Championship in February. At Valley Forge, I played really good to reach 5th place in the 10 Ball Players’ Championships. After 12 hours straight of playing with no breaks, I got a little tired in my last match with SVB and lost 10-8. It’s actually the first time he’s beaten me on the 9ft table, but I suppose he’s got to win eventually. I was down 6-2 and came back to draw level at 7-7, but I missed a good chance to go in front and it cost me the match in the end. Big positives from the tournament, I was breaking so good… much improved break and was hitting them great with control consistently, so that excites me for future tournaments. Congrats to Ralf Souquet on becoming the champion, ever so consistent… and even though he didn’t play his best game in final, he always finds a way to win :-)
I did manage to win the Fury Straight Pool Challenge at Valley Forge beating John Schmidt in the final. I didn’t play good due to tiredness and it was cold in the room, but any win is great. That’s my second straight pool title this year… not bad to say I rarely play straight pool. I have only ever entered 6 straight pool tournaments, I won 4 of the 6 and placed 2nd and 9th, so maybe this year I should compete in the World Straight Pool Championships. Thanks to Fury for putting on a great tournament and all the hard work they do to make it happen.
This weekend gone, I played the NYC 9 Ball Championships. It was a good field and good payout plus calcutta. I was playing really good but come up against Jason Klatt, was bad match, I made a few schoolboy errors, especially at hill-hill. I missed an easy 3 ball, I didn’t look at the shot because I was just thinking of position for the next ball. It cost me the match and probably the chance of the title.
I did come back strong on the losers’ side. I played great in beating: Stevie Moore, Eddie Abraham, John Morra, and a local guy Kong. I made a bad mistake in the first rack against Saez. He then run the next 3 racks to go up 4-0, then another mistake from me, it was curtains 7-1 loss… 3rd place not bad.
I was happy to see Jason Klatt take the title, much improved player this past year, well done Jason.
Like I said, it’s been a good few months for me. I carried my form on since October last year and I know I can still get better, which excites me even more. I know my best is still to come on a regular basis.
I go back UK tomorrow to see my family, play a 3 man team tournament on the weekend, and then get ready for Philippine Open.
Got a crazy schedule coming, lots of trips… Asia, Europe, America
I really enjoy my life in the States and love spending time with Angie. She is an amazing person and her family and friends are great also. Sometimes you get lucky and meet someone where you have so much common and everything just clicks and it’s happened for me, so I’m extremely happy with life.
Other news, my brand of polo shirts will be on sale soon. Hope you will like them, thanks to Yannick and Adam for all their hard work.
Lastly, the pool world has recently experienced a great loss. It was sad to hear the news of the passing of George Sansouci at the age of 39. Top pool player from New York and was always friendly to me… always congratulated me on my recent successes… always a gentleman. RIP George
Dynamite
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