On the o­ne-loss side, a match between Billy Bailey and David Braxson was extending beyond 90 minutes, with Braxson holding a slight lead. Bailey, owner of Diamond Billiards in Jasper, TN, had reached that point with a from-the-grave comeback against the feisty but sometimes erratic Jamie Baraks, who blew a hill-4 lead in the process, despite a couple of rather remarkable jump-cut shots along the way.

Baraks had gotten to that point by besting Pooky Rasmeloungon 11-7, Floyd Reasons 11-5, and finally crafty veteran David Matlock 11-8. For some reason, however, against the less-imposing Bailey, he just could not seem to close the deal. After missing his final attempt at a jump-cut shot, and as Bailey lined up to run the last four inevitable balls, Baraks turned away and, in o­ne motion, snapped his cue stick in half in utter frustration.

Another match of note pitted two local veterans and longtime friends Bobby Pickle and Jimmy Reid against o­ne another, with Reid emerging 11-5. Pickle had just survived another local standout, Tennessee State Champion Nick Hickerson, in a thrilling 11-7 match, in which Pickle swept the last four games. Reid, meanwhile, had bested James Forsythe after suffering his o­nly loss of the week, 11-8 to young Todd, before facing off with Pickle.

On the ladies’ side, there were o­nly a few matches played, but they also thinned the field considerably. Monica Webb knocked multiple-time defending champion Helena Thornfeldt from the unbeaten ranks with a commanding 7-2 victory. In the other winners' side match, Emily Wilmoth of Boca Raton, FL, took down the younger of the Hardwick sisters, Alison (only 15), 7-4.

Sunday's play resumes at 2 p.m., beginning with a showdown of the remaining undefeated players. Then the o­ne-loss battles continue until o­nly o­ne is left to face the top dog, presumably at 6 p.m. The ladies will also play off to determine the ultimate Queen of Music City, at least for this year.

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