This first match (Friday night), I lost. I played badly. Good in the beginning, but then I missed a lot of balls in the middle and end. And, since I wasn't playing well, I should not have gone for a lot of the shots I did. Further, I got hooked a lot, almost when it seemed I could make a come back. :(
I was up 26-10 and my opponent, Turtle #2, mumbles to himself he can't believe we are in inning 13 and he only has ten points. He mumbled quite a bit during our match. Like when we had to use the back of the score sheet, he mumbled that meant we had already played 50 innings.
A couple of friends (Dane and Beth) showed up to watch and I didn't feel uncomfy about them being there at all, but I did feel uncomfy about other things. For instance, I ordered my dinner (grilled chicken and carrots) and I realized that distracted me. As soon as the food arrived, I didn't play as well.
Turtle #2 almost rallied and the score is close 47-38, then he passes me 60-62. I rebound and go ahead 77-69 (whew) and I take a bathroom break and feel very relieved. I guess I felt too comfy? Not sure, but he ran 9 and a several 4s while I struggled to find shots... and then lost 88-100.
We started the match at 6:30pm and it ended about 10:00pm. Wow. But, we played a lot of safeties back and forth a lot, too. It really was a good match. Just wish I would have played better. :(
I lost because I played bad. I missed too many shots. I reflected a lot after the match. I was really upset, but also trying to figure what the heck was going on. It dawned on me that I was extremely uncomfortable. I wore a new shirt and kept tugging at it - throughout the whole match, even when seated. I didn't like the pants I wore either. I was determined to wear something very comfortable the next day for my scotch doubles tourney and that proved beneficial (we won!). I already know how important it is to dress comfortably, but I don't think I realized just how uncomfy my new shirt would be.
I'm not saying my shirt caused me the loss, but I really did not feel comfy and that is key. But, bottom line is I didn't play well. I missed too many shots. Furthermore, my mental game is on vacation. I was not mentally strong during the last three matches. And now I'm 0-3 for the start of this straight pool season. :(
I apologized to Dane and Beth for my bad play, lol. I admit, I was embarrassed. But, because they talked about my blog and that they follow me, I was anxious to tell them my upcoming schedule:
- After this match, I had a scotch doubles match the very next day in Dallas.
- Then WSOP Ladies Poker tourney on Sunday.
- Another straight pool match Monday night (a toughie).
- The next weekend the OB Cues Ladies Tour stop
- The next weekend a scotch doubles tourney and a Ladies event in Temple, Texas
- Then a weekend "kinda off" but on that Sunday I go to Reno, NV for a week for the Bar Table Championships (8bll, 8bll and 10ball tourneys).
Whew. :)
I explained to them that my busy pool schedule made me feel further stressed and worried about my recent bad play. A lot of tourneys coming up and I was playing badly right now. :( Possibly in a rut?
2 comments:
We thought you played well. I remember one breakout you went for that didn't work out. I think knowing when to breakout vs. play safe is an important part of the game. Beth and I hoped our presence added moral support, not pressure. We were as quiet and non-responsive as possible. Surely it had to be better than if your opponent had noisy supporters cheering him on? I do feel that trying to eat and play is a bad idea. It takes away from focus. Also, I'm sure your opponent's muttering was noticeable, but you can take that as a sign of distress on his part and use it as encouragement. We hope you will allow us to come watch you again -- but maybe straight pool should not be a spectator sport. Your call. Regardless, we're still big fans and hope you come out of your slump.
Oh, I play so much better than what you saw!! and no, you and Beth did not bother me at all.
You two are welcome anytime to watch. I just hope I show up next time. Monday, you would have seen the real me, lol!
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