Waiting in the wings to face the winners of those matches at 3 p.m. are James Forsythe, Eric Hall, Jeremiah Brown, Bobby Nicholson, Chuck Raulston, and Floyd Reasons. (Josh Degler, who played his elimination match Friday night, will meet David Braxson in the other 3 p.m. showdown.)

On the ladies' side, a small but strong field of 13 began play Friday night. Multiple-time defending champion Helena Thornfeldt wasted no time establishing the mark, knocking off both of her local Nashvillian opponents, Cindy Hall 7-2 and Charlotte Miller 7-0.

Her strongest challenges may come from her good friend and fellow women's tour standout, Monica Webb, and from a relative newcomer to the tour, Emily Wilmoth of Boca Raton, FL. Webb dispatched her two foes, Kathy Sanders and K.K. Williams, 7-1 and 7-0, respectively.

Wilmoth was almost as efficient, besting Brandy Brown 7-4 and Cheryl Edwards 7-2. Other players in the field include Alison and Chelsea Hardwick, Samantha Patton, and Joyce Dowden. All but o­ne lady will play o­n Saturday; a late elimination match between Hall and Chelsea Hardwick was still in progress at posting time.

In and around the proceedings o­n Saturday will be the Scotch doubles competition. Saturday will also be the scene of the Midnight Madness encounter, limited to eight contestants, race-to-11, winner-takes-all format, with a $500 entry fee.

Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news o­n the Music City Open.