AWBT Qualifier

On Friday, I flew straight from Burbank to the Phoenix for the AWBT qualifier. I’m totally screwed right now because of the new WPBA qualifying changes, it’s only going to make it even that much tougher for me to play on “the tour.” It’s okay. I’m up for the challenge.

I was pleasantly surprised at the airport when Susan herself was there to pick me up. I was expecting to see her husband Michael, but she got off work early and surprised me! YAY! Off to Kolby’s to hit some balls before dinner and sleepies.

I had no real expectations for myself since I didn’t really get to practice at all week and had just spent 18 hours walking barefoot on concrete and could use a serious visit to Dr. John. I just chalked it up to the fact that it only cost me 20 extra dollars to tack on an extra leg to PHX and I got to spend three days with my favorite couple.

The tournament was at Bull Shooters in Phoenix. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I walked in. This place is enormous! They have 42 tables!!! Seriously, 12 9-foot Gold Crowns, 16 Valley bar boxes, and 14 8-foot Gold Crowns. Good grief! It’s laid out just right too. The 9-foots are all the way in the back, away from the sunlight and traffic for the serious players, the bar boxes are right in the middle nearest the bar, and the 8-foots are right in the front. The staff was wonderful and I highly recommend the homemade green chili burrito!

I felt pretty decent warming up. The tables were SUPER dooper fast with bucket pockets. I’m the first to admit that under these circumstances, it’s extremely easy for me to get out of line. I totally start getting all fancy and stroke happy and just find ways to get myself in trouble. I lost my first match which I felt I shouldn’t have and won three (maybe four) more before losing to Susan to finish 5th. It totally sucked that we played each other because she almost won her match before that hil-hill. Grrrr!!!

I did manage to beat Darlene which I was really happy about. She killed me the last time we played in Dallas. I was ahead most of the match as she struggled. She ended up getting on the hill first, 6-5. Finally, at hill-hill, she played a poor push-out due to the springy rails and left the cue ball snookered from the 1. I gave it back to her. She made a good hit, but left me the 1 straight in the side with nothing to do but stop it and go for the 2-9 combo. Ultimately, I fired at it, missed and banked it in another pocket two rails. That’s 9 ball for ya. Susan lost her first match that way except the girl was straight in on the 9 and missed it two rails. Oh well. What can you do?

Angel ended up winning the thing. I watched her hot seat match where she won 7-1 and only missed one shot and scratched on one safety. She’s ready to be back on the tour for sure.

Overall, I played as well as I could’ve expected for the circumstances. I haven’t decided yet if I’m looking forward to Vegas.

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