That's What I'm Talking About

The Carolina Sting

By Keith McCready

I've always been a road player, and my pool travels have taken me from coast to coast. North Carolina, though, has always been o­ne of my favorite stomping grounds. So, when I heard about the Carolinas Open, I couldn't wait to check out the action.  Effectively bypassed by major interstates, the town of Goldsboro is rich with old-fashioned Southern traditions. The two-lane road into town is adorned with small farms that grow tobacco, vegetables, and a little cotton. As the sun sets, local folk relax o­n their front porches, waving occasionally to passersby. Travelers are considered neighbors and friends.

Fast Eddie's Sports Bar & Grill hosted the event, and it was paradise in the making. This is a players' poolroom with equipment maintained to the highest standard, the competition always topnotch. The roster filled up quickly with world-class champions, professionals, young guns, and road players, and it was standing room o­nly.

When the last match o­n Day 1 concluded, action was brewing in the air. I didn't need to look too far before I was propositioned by Keith Bennett, a Carolinian young gun who shot straighter than Tom Mix. Like a horse with his ears perked, he wanted to race to 9 for a nickel or a dime. Although tempting, I knew he had a devastating 9-ball break.

There's always a paddle to fit every backside. Waiting in the wings was my friend Big Jerry from Virginia, a strongman about 6'8" weighing in at 260 pounds who happened to break the balls like a cannon. So I countered Bennett's offer with the proviso that I have a designated breaker, the player of my choice. Showing no fear, he readily agreed. When Big Jerry stepped up to the plate, he cracked the rack with a vengeance, allowing me to clean the table with ease. It was over in a matter of minutes, with the big man and me stuffing our pockets.

At week's end, the Carolinas Open came to a close, but I knew it was the last chance for action. Every table in the joint was a mini battleground. I surveyed the room, looking for my next victim, but it was slim pickings, except for o­ne Detroit player by the name of Ronnie Wiseman. Due more to fate than design, he was the o­nly o­ne left standing.

I laid the trap, knowing I had Big Jerry o­n my side for the all the breaks, and Ronnie took the bait but quickly laid out his own conditions. "No problem, Keith, but I get to have a designated breaker, too." I quickly gathered my cue stick and located my secret weapon, Big Jerry. After our victory with Bennett, we were a force to be reckoned with, and he was all for it.

I couldn't wait to see who Wiseman picked, and there stood Alex Pagulayan, short in stature compared to my giant power breaker. Ronnie wasted no time flipping the coin, and he won the toss. After a few break-and-runs, I could see the writing o­n the wall. Alex would break, Ronnie ran out, and Big Jerry and I could o­nly sit back and enjoy the show.

Racing to 9, at the conclusion of the sixth game, I tried diligently to settle out of court, but the dynamic duo wouldn't hear of it. They were having too much fun seeing me helpless as I persistently chirped from my perch. Ronnie and Alex couldn't contain their laughter.  "Hey, Keith, maybe next time you should get a better breaker," knowing Big Jerry remained seated for the duration of the set.

It goes without saying that being more likely to win doesn't mean you will win overall. Alex Pagulayan became the 2004 World Pool Champion. Contrary to what everybody may think, losing is a virtual part of the learning process. Ironically, it is the most effective way to improve your game. Pressure to win, though, can sometimes hinder your capabilities, and you may find yourself not having fun anymore. Everyone flubs a shot from time to time, resulting in a loss. Move forward with grace and maintain your conviction to constantly improve.

There are three components to success: study the game, practice hard, and play.  Determine how much effort you are willing to put forth and then develop reasonable practice goals.  Celebrate the victories, and when o­n the heels of defeat, deal with it constructively.  Winning and losing are all part of the competition process.

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