So here we are, the final round of frames in AKNel1's second side game - Pot Black
ELITE F
AndyBarrell 69 V 59 Velcro
The much anticipated final between current hotshot AndyBarrell and Velcro proved to be close, but not all that competitive. As Velcro had indicated in his pre-match interview it was obvious that Andy was going to be favourite. The chance for revenge was Velcro's opportunity, but when it came to the crunch it just didn't happen. Andy got out front earlier and Velcro was chasing the game after that. In end Velcro was lucky that it was only a 10 point defeat. AndyBarrell wins Pot Black....
ELITE 3rd place playoff
R_U_Sure 61 V 54 1086
Bronze medal went to R_U_Sure with a close game against 1086. A strong game with good play, both can be proud of their efforts in this frame.
NOT-SO-ELITE-BUT-NOT-AS-BAD-AS-PRO F
Canary Yellow 55 V 60 Dalythgoe
The finals so far were all proving to be great games, well worthy of their status, and also a great tribute to the tournament committee for having a format that worked so well. Dalythgoe won this won with a black ball victory, but Canary Yellow may rue some missed shots early in the frame.
NOT-SO-ELITE-BUT-NOT-AS-BAD-AS-PRO 3rd place playoff
Shawpower 62 V 63 Flyingkillercob
Frame of the round? Quite possibly. Great play, good safety and even some good banter made this engrossing snooker. FlyingKillerCob sealed the frame with a doubled black into the left centre pocket.
PRO F
Blahblah 43 V 54 Barry
Barry had this one in control once the reds were gone, Blahblah just ran out of points when he looked as though there his form might have been returning again.
PRO 3rd place playoff
Triggerhappy 40 V 48 Digsby
Digsby shook off the hangover and the disappointment of the events in the semi to seal the 3rd place playoff. Whilst not all of the ladies were still in tow, there were some who still stuck around. There was no long pink in this game, but he certainly impressed at least one of his fanclub when he managed to squeeze in a tight brown
NOT-SO-PRO F
SgB 61 V 39 Glasgowlatic
A run of tight frames this round ended by SgB who tore apart Glasgowlatic with some fine safety play.
NOT-SO-PRO 3rd placed playoff
Karrde 64 V 58 Brogie
Despite 6 pints of Guinness being sunk by Brogie, he played a valiant game to just fall short against Karrde.
And now for the amateurs (bit like me but at least I’m getting better at this write up malarkey)
AMATEUR ELITE F
M-Boy 56 V 51 Cherylhoney
M-Boy was obviously trying to be a true gent and gave every respect to Cherylhoney during this game, but victory to become amateur champion was the goal here and the potential to perhaps make it into the professional ranks for next season. M-Boy held on to win though, so congratulations to him.
AMATEUR ELITE 3rd place playoff
Viddleodge 59 V 58 Jeffersdn
Yet another sensational game, it's getting harder to distinguish what happened in each match cos they were all so good. Viddleodge was rumoured to have lost the grimmace and actually smiled as he saw the black ball fall for victory.
AMATEUR-NOT-SO-ELITE F
Whatever 51 V 60 Bagpuss
A 60 clearance brought Bagpuss back from the dead after Whatever had knocked 51 in straight off the break. It looked like he might not let bagpuss make a single visit to the table, but losing position on the 9th red saw Bagpuss get a chance and it was done then.
AMATEUR-NOT-SO-ELITE 3rd place playoff
Johnathan 66 V 49 Flyman
Johnathan won this one as flyman seemed not be too concerned about the game. It was obviously not a glamour title for him.
AMATEUR F
RomynPG 47 V 74 Padrock
A bit one sided this final, RomynPG's boat had sailed long before the end of the frame.
AMATEUR 3rd place playoff
AKNel1 65 V 54 Sligorover
AKNel1 played well to clinch this frame, Sligo had a slightly different challenge on his mind as he beat Brogie's tally with 9 Guinness. The remaining frames were significantly delayed though as the last shot by Sligo tore a long rip in the cloth. That's what amateurs boozing can do...
NOT-EVEN-AMATEUR-MIGHT-AS-WELL-QUIT F
Krispdafunk 64 V 52 Spencer4
Since both players had avoided the risk of being the FISO version Alain Robidoux they both relaxed and enjoyed their final appearance on the big stage before they could embark on the amateur exhibition circuit. Krispdafunk warmed up for the tour with a nice run early on before Spencer4 got back into it. The colours were all on their spots though when Krisp came back to the table and he put them away with ease.
THE-HEY-EVERYBODY-I’M-REALLY-RUBBISH-AT-THIS-GAME Decider
UmExcuseMe 34 V 63 Carlos the finger
The game no-one wanted to play, the contestants no-one expected to be there. A result no-one could predict. In a shocking display of "couldn't care less" attitude UEM potted a few balls and then inexplicably began to leave the balls short. Every one over the pocket. Carlos didn't need a second invitation and he made UEM pay. So there you have it - a player so respected in the game, has he shown that he's been around a bit too long? Or is it just a wee slump? Can he take inspiration from Steve Davis and come back stronger? I'm sure that those who know him well will rally round and support him where necessary.
If anyone wants to contribute to the fund for UEM's rehabilitation you can contact me off list
And that's all for the Pot Black tourney.
It's been great. Thanks to AKNel1 for all his work. Thanks to you guys for letting me continue the write-up in his absence and I hope it's been OK.
Cheers
Vel