American Billiard Radio Debut

Well, I shouldn't really call this a "debut" as I was interviewed by American Billiard Radio (ABR) last year.

But the "debut" is:  I will now be a regular contributor!

David Bond (creator and main host dude) asked me about joining the team late last year and I told him I would have to think about because my plate is run-ith-over.  But I did give it some thought over the holidays and decided I would be honored to contribute and help out!

So, you get to hear my non-sexy voice prolly 1-2 times a month if you listen in already regularly.

New episodes/broadcasts are posted 9pm central time just about every single Thursday.  

I will mostly be talking about blog topics with David.  Going in depth a little more on what I write about.  I will cover only one topic each time, and I will try and correlate the topic to a recent blog post, although I LOVE some oldies, but goodies, that I might locate in the deep archives that I may wish to talk about.

The goal is not to talk simply about pool per se.  The goal is to provide tips and advice and learning experiences that have helped propel my game, which I hope will help others.

If even one person learns something new to help their game, I will be pleased. :)

http://www.americanbilliardradio.com/

Asking to Brag

I have been a COOP (Continuity of OPerations) class all this week for work.  It's a fantastically-run class about how to prepare for the "What If" scenario. 

You know, if your office building is no longer standing due to a natural disaster or human intervention, what would you all do in that situation?  How would the essential functions of your business continue?

We need to prepare for these "What If" scenarios.  This can include doing training, exercises, preparing plans, what are your notification procedures?, etc.  Finally, do you have an alternate building your staff could work out of until you get to return?  If so - those type of situations should be planned out BEFORE an event.

It was a great class and it made me think of things I hadn't thought of before and gave us a lot of resources to get a plan in place.  Loved it.

Anyway, back on the topic of pool...

The week was separated into two classes.  In the first morning of introductions, we were to stand up and say our name, where we worked, title, and then something we were passionate about. 

I don't normally share what I'm passionate about.  I kinda keep quiet it.

Yet here I was EXCITED!  I was being ASKED to share.  :)

I shared with the folks in the class that my passion is pool and I'm kinda a top player in the area and I also run one of the largest billiards tour in the state of Texas right here in DFW (Dallas - Fort Worth area).

No one seemed to care, honestly, lol.

In the second class of the week, sure enough the morning of we do introductions again b/c it's not all the same people.  THIS time we had to share not our passion, but something we are kinda famous for. 

Hmm... I don't normally talk about myself.  Even in the pool room, usually a friend will mention first I've got a certain title - I don't like to talk about myself too much, especially to strangers.

While most people said they went to school with a famous person, I stood up proudly and said, "on my work side, I implemented the Southern and Eastern United States Tsunami Warning Program and on my personal side, I am a National 9-Ball Champion and a 3-time Texas State 8-Ball Champion."

People said, "ooooooh" and the instructor joked no one should play me in pool, and I quipped as I sat down, "yea, keep your money in your pockets please."  As we all laughed.

It was actually a nice way to brag a little.  Like I said, I don't normally talk about myself (prolly why my resumes aren't very stout, lol).  But in this case, I kinda had to brag and a small piece of me was proud to do it.  :)

Amanda Lampert in Lights

My bestie Amanda Lampert has won NUMEROUS titles in her short pool life.  Just to name a FEW:  Houston Open a few times, Texas Open a few times, OB Cues Ladies Tour stops a few times, OB Cues Tour Champion, Regional Tour Champion, BCAPL Open Champion, etc.

However, I think I was MORE proud of seeing this!

She was so honored when CSI/BCAPL asked her last year if they could take her pic for the Walk of Fame at the Rio that they put up during BCAPL Nationals. 

2016 was the first they put it up and she was right up front!  Where she still belongs (and in life).

SO STINKING PROUD OF HER!!!

Fellow ACS National Champion

This is my friend Steve Hansen.  We are both ACS National Champions!  I won the 9ball women's singles in 2014 and he /just/ won the 8ball men's senior division earlier this month in Vegas.

I saw him last weekend and I was so very mindful of how he must be feeling.  He walked into the pool room, and friends were congratulating him and shaking his hand.

I walked up to him and gave him a big congratulatory hug!  And called him, "Champ" and asked him how he felt.  We each had big smiles as we swapped similar stories.

He said he never thought in a million years he wold be a National Champion, and I remember thinking and feeling the exact same way. 

We shared how we each had goals in our pool life, or maybe even in that tournament (like top 10 he confessed), but never thought he would actually be able to be a National Champion.  I SO related to all he was saying and it was cool to swap our emotions about the win and how unreal it feels!

So, of course we had to get a pic together!  ACS National Champs! 

CONGRATs, Steve!!

Where I'm Meant to Be

I think one of the most amazing things I have experienced rising up in the ranks (so to be speak) is when you go from being nervous in certain points of big tournaments, to knowing you belong there.

I remember the first time it happened to me.  I was playing in BCAPL Texas State, and I had done well enough that I was coming back to play on the winner's side for the second day.

As I walked in, instead of playing on far back tables or scattered around like all the first day, each winner's side match was scheduled right up front.  People had already claimed their seats to watch their friends and players were warming up.

Normally in this position, my nerves ramp right up and I get butterflies, and my adrenaline starts to race just seeing where my table is in front of everyone.  But I had finally got to a point in my pool career that I actually recall saying to myself, "this is where I'm meant to be."

Wow, just typing that out makes me smile.  Gonna type that out again, "this is where I'm meant to be."

It was one the coolest things I have experienced.  I wasn't nervous at all.  I wasn't scared.  I truly felt okay to be playing in front of everyone on the front tables because that's where I was suppose to be finally.

Difficult to not come across arrogant to put this into words, but for SO long and YEARS and YEARS I would get nervous and feel pressure and pretty much fail before even getting to the table just from anxiety.

So to finally feel COMFORTABLE and thinking that's where I belong instead of chicken-shit-scared was so powerful and calming and a huge confidence boost.

And, haha, I actually didn't win that match nor placed real high in the tourney (I think that was the year I placed 5th maybe).  I still had a lot to learn along the way to finally win that coveted title.  But those thoughts and feelings that day sure put me on my way.

Paper Brackets - Goodbye, Mementos

I can tell I'm moving on from my pool playing days.

I recently came across all these paper brackets I had saved from the numerous Ladies Tour Second Chance tourneys that I won:

These paper brackets were proof of the little successful beginner in me. 

Let's face it, the first true steps in moving up the pool ladder are always the first few tourneys you win, no matter how small the field.  These tourneys only had 10-18 players, but your first wins are still so awesome, right?

I recall how after each win, I would be so proud to be able to take these home and save them to remember my accomplishments!  These wins were few and far between and I cherished them so much, and wanted to always remember them!  (so I thought.)

But, I have already delicately placed all these paper memories into my recycle bin. 

I felt funny parting with these large brackets, the proof of my early successes, but I admit the newer plaques and trophies obviously mean so much more to me.

But after I leave this world, who is really going to keep these around because the win column says "Melinda"?

Time to recycle.  :)

Top Shooter?

The last two years I was second in the rankings at the end of the season in my women's league.

Two years, SECOND.  I was very stoked and happy!

This year, wait for it, wait for it.  Yep:  FIRST!

I have to admit I tried and tried and tried so hard to do well all season.  I was neck and neck with another player who had a FANTASTIC SEASON and I am SO proud of her (Shaunte).

Every week I'd check the stats.

Either I said "whew" or "dammit" lol.

Her and I kept getting closer and closer, and switching places from first to second, the last few months, too.

I played 90 games, won 70 and only lost 20.  :)  That gave me a 77.78%!   And, I am the top shooter!  She had 77.12% - see how VERY close??!  WOW.

So, while I'm VERY proud of myself and I really tried to get first this year (even though I admit I'd be happy with second place again because that IS tough to do that too imo), I have to confess something....

While I have the highest % in the entire league, in order to earn the "official" Top Shooter award/plaque you had to have played at least 109 games.  So, I'm very honored I have the stats of the top shooter still, but I am even more happier for my friend Shaunte who will get the award money and plaque as she had quite an impressive year!  (she played 118 games)

[And btw, yes, 109 games is over 21.8 weeks.... and the league only has 28 weeks.]

Still, happy for her, happy for me!

Her game has seriously improved and I am extremely proud of her!  It's been an honor to see her game mature (I know I don't like to compete against her, lol). 

Here all my final stats for this season on the ladies league:

2015 Season, 90 games, 77.78%, first place:
Wins:  70, Losses:  20
Break and Runs:  1
Rack and Runs:  5
Five and 0s:  5

Here was my last two years:

In 2014 Season, 96 games, 77.08%, second place:
Wins:  74, Losses:  22
Break and Runs:  1
Rack and Runs:  7
Five and 0s:  5

In 2013 Season, I played 85 games, 75.3%, second place:
Wins:  64, Losses:  21
Break and Runs:  4
Rack and Runs:  4
Five and 0s:  5

Finally Finished Well at BCAPL Nationals!

After all the years I have been playing at BCAPL Nationals, I can finally say that I finally finished well!!

I placed 5th out of about 250 players!

I cannot begin to express how happy and accomplished and ecstatic I feel.  I can't even put it into words, really.

I have wanted to place well for so many years, had the talent to do it the last few years, but could never come with it during game time.  This year, I did!

WOW!

Still honestly, can't believe it.  I.am.so.happy!!

The girl that put me out of the tournament went on to win the entire event - the BCAPL Women's Open Singles!  VERY proud of her as she played GREAT!  Even though I had a few chances against her which may haunt me (lol) I am happy to have been beaten by the eventual winner.

And, her name was Toni and since that's my Mom's name, that was cool, too.

Further - I placed high enough to finally get moved up as an ADVANCED player.  YAY!!  So happy!   And, I was ONE match away from becoming a Master - dang it, so close...  :(

But still very extremely happy to finally place so high in this event that I have played in for about 15-20 years.  Feels awesome after all those years of thinking I can do well to finally actually play well enough to place high.

Go me!

And congrats to Toni Sakamoto for winning the entire shebang!

Everyone keeps saying how can I leave the competing after placing so high, but I have already made up my mind - no more leagues.  So, super glad I went out on a high note!  Wow - still can't believe this....  :)

Really, More Hardware?

Pretty tough to do, but Greg Sandifer and I WON the BCAPL Texas state Scotch Doubles event undefeated!   Second year in a row for me!  And with a new partner.

Then came singles.  After a very long, exhausting, tough day full of close matches and lots of nerves and adrenaline, I found myself winning all my matches somehow and won the hotseat match.  I would be I the finals the next day!!

As you might recall, I won this event last year - THE tourney I always wanted to win.   To be in the finals the next year didn't even make sense to me how I could do that.

Felt pretty fortunate to be in the finals!!  I got double dipped by a super talented player (Ricki Casper), and plus I didn't play well enough.  But very pleased with second place in a really tough field!!

People kept acting disappointed when I told them (after they asked how I did in singles), that I placed 2nd (and not 1st).  Well, I still think I did great, honestly!!  (even tho someone actually told me second place is the first loser).   BUT.... I found out after the finals, that my opponent lost her Grandmother just the week before, and she wanted to win it for her. So, I'm even more glad she won!  I've been in her shoes and I know that means a lot. So again, second place was great for me, and my opponent played her heart out to win it!

And my women's team, 8 Ball Heat, placed 7th!!

Good pool week.  Made me reflect a lot about pool and where my future lies with it as I can sense a change acoming, but still feel extremely fortunate for my week!

Amateur Pool Player of the Year for 2014

On January 6th, I got a really amazing surprise.

Renowned billiards author Phil Capelle announced his choice for Amateur Player of the Year.

ME!

He had asked me earlier in December for my accomplishments for 2014, and then I forgot about it.  Until, January 6th:

Melinda Bailey –
POOL’S AMATEUR PLAYER OF THE YEAR FOR 2014

I am happy to announce that Melinda Bailey is my choice for Pool’s Amateur Player of the Year in 2014!

Amateur pool is the backbone of our sport, and in 2014 no player exemplified the spirit of an amateur more than Melinda Bailey of Forth Worth Texas. Melinda’s regular job is with the National Weather Service, but she finds the time on nights and weekends to compete in leagues and tournaments, and she travels all over playing in state and national events.

She also was a prominent member of the team that ran the Hunter Tour, and she recently founded and runs the Omega Billiards Tour in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. She’s also has worked with AZ Billiards and has been the webmaster for numerous billiards sites (including billiardspress.com), and Melinda continues to blog about her life in pool at http://pooljourney.blogspot.com/ where she shares the thoughts of an amateur with complete candor and conviction. In recognition of her play and contributions to the game, she appeared on the cover of Bad Boys Billiard Online Magazine’s first edition, and was interviewed in the July issue of Billiards Digest.

Now for the best part: After years and years of competing and working on her game, the damn broke loose for Melinda in 2014 as she enjoyed the kind of year most of us only dream about. In a two month span she won state wide singles and doubles titles, then captured an individual title at the ACS Nationals and two additional ACS team titles! Melinda also won or placed in the top four in several other competitions. Her record in 2014.

Monday league team playoffs, 1st place (Jan)
Monday league singles tourney, 2nd place (Feb)
BCA Texas State Scotch Doubles, 1st place (April)
BCA Texas State Women's Singles, 1st place (April)
ACS Nationals Women's 9-Ball Singles, 1st place (May)
ACS Nationals Women's 9-Ball Team event, 1st place (May)
ACS Nationals Women's 8-Ball Team event, 1st place (May)
Men's league team playoffs, 1st place (June)
ACS Texas State Women's Singles, 4th place (October)
Women's league individual standings for 2014, 2nd place (October)
Women's league team playoffs, 2nd place (November)

I could NOT believe it!

And then I was overwhelmed with all the comments from follow players!  OVERWHELMED. 

Here is the photo he used (he said it showed my lefthanded-ness well, lol):

This screen capture also shows that it was shared 19 times and has 84 comments!  WOW!

I'm still speechless.  Someone noted that it doesn't say male or female, and Phil responded that was intentional.  Did I really have that great of a year last year in pool??  I had one of the the worse years in my life personally off the table, but somehow managed to play good pool?  Really?

While there is no "official" Amateur Player of the Year award, Phil decided after seeing all my accomplishments, to announce this. 

Again, all the comments and praise and accolades really meant a lot.  To be singled out and recognized was pretty cool.  I didn't even realize anyone had noticed.  Heck, I didn't even really realize the year I had had!!

Thank you to all my friends and fellow pool players for their love and support!  And thank you to all my competitors who helped me become a better player towards all the finals I eventually played in!

Year 2014

2014 is coming to an end soon.  Only a few days left.

While I have accomplished a lot in pool (one title I've ALWAYS wanted to win (BCA Texas State singles), another I never thought I could win (a single Nationals title), how do I feel about my year?

You want the honest truth?

I don't feel any different.

I wish I had someone important by my side when I won those titles, instead my b/f at the time was always breaking up with me and not there for me.  I was alone for each win; for each title.  It was bitter sweet to win the ACS National 9-Ball Women's Single tourney on Mother's Day, though. 

One thing I don't like is everyone keeps telling me I'm a master player when I am not.  I'd like to earn that title, before being told I can't play in events.  It's upsetting me a lot b/c it's not true that I am a master player.  I'm advanced ONLY with ACS.  Open player with BCAPL.

Yet, you win titles and people assume you are "ranked" higher.  I suppose that comes with the territory, though, right?

I didn't play a lot of pool last year.  I mean, I played in big tournaments, yes, but I only played in two OB Cues Ladies Tour stops and that's only because they were in town, lol.  I quit two of my leagues and now only play in my ladies league.  I don't even play in weekly tournaments anymore, either.

I hope to play in more weekly tournaments next year, though!  Play against the guys and hopefully get even better!  That'd be fun to get even better!  Wow!  I can't even imagine how exciting that would be!

And then, someone in the billiards field said if there was an award for female amateur player of the year, he thought I should get it.  I never thought about that.  WOW, me, really?  That thought actually crossed someone's mind??  He said, "Seriously, it is probably one of the best season's that an amateur has ever had."

I don't really know about that, but it's sweet and awesome to even think that, really, of me and my pool year.  :)  Makes me look at the past year QUITE different!

A Pool Player - But So Much More

A few years ago, I was sitting in a local pool room, about to play in a match, and this girl walked by and stopped by my table.

She introduced herself and told me she was my biggest fan and always saw me, but finally had the courage to talk to me this night.

I shook her hand before she darted off, and blushed the whole time we chatted.

Me?

I'm just a little pool player.

At this point in my career, I hadn't won a dang thing!  No titles; no awards, nothing.  I was just a little pool player in a big city.

Eventually, we would become friends!  We would hang out at big tournaments, see each other more in the pool rooms, etc.  We were even on a team together last season on Monday nights, by accident!  It awesome getting to know her better over the years.  Although, we didn't really hang out away from pool.

So, imagine my tearful surprise when I got this message on FB from her after I won ACS Nationals:

"We don't see each other much. Yet I still miss you. It's weird...it's only because you aren't in the state. I'm so thrilled and elated for all of your amazing accomplishments. You have done some amazing things this year Mi Linda. Everyone is right, ya know. You're an amazing person and it's deserved. I can say I have never heard you speak down about anyone, something I cannot claim for myself. ...You are a person that one should strive to share similarities. Someone to look up to, and I do admire you. I admire you as a person first and foremost, you as one who sets and obtains goals, one who is passionate about loves their career, and of course your pool abilities. Which while earned via hard work and dedication, despite what you think, is also done through a natural grace and talent for the skill of the game. Good luck, congrats and be safe coming home!"

I admit I got a lot of congrat's after I won.  But... this post... meant SO much more to me.  

She didn't just congratulate me, she talked about my character as a person; not as a pool player.  This meant more to me than anything.  Because I am a good person/friend before being a pool player.  I strive to be a good, warm-hearted person who cares about others.  That, to me, comes before being a pool player.

I would rather be remembered for that, than for any pool accomplishments.

My Mom would be SO proud of the person I have become, I think.  

Here is my dear friend, Tami, after our team won first place last season:

And here she is being cool and funny, in the front in the white shirt:

LOVE YOU, TAMI  !!!!

Thank you for making me sob with your kind words and open, warm heart.  I am so glad you approached me that day over 4 years ago.  You are so amazing and kind!  I look forward to many more years as friends!!

Another Team, Another PlayOff Win!

I joined a Sunday team (called "The Los Borrachos") back in the Fall of 2013.

Well, we had our Sunday league playoff's a couple of weekends ago and guess what?

Yep, WE WON!

We were 50-1 underdogs going into the finals!  Ouch!  Even though we would need to be double dipped, those odds are pretty brutal, lol.

The finals only went one set.  A hill-hill thriller, but still, we won undefeated!

I told the team they are helping my already great pool year.  :)

We all played very well together, stepped in when another player was needed, and it was a great team chemistry and support!   CONGRAT's, Guys!!!

Mario was the Hill-Hill guy.

Winning Can Lead to Other Opportunities

I hadn't ever thought about this before.

After I won the BCAPL Texas State tourney, I mentioned that it crossed my mind to see if I could get sponsorship from someone for my ACS Team, to kinda ride the the wave of success I was having.

Well, last week someone called me and wanted to interview me for a new online billiard magazine, since I just had a great April and May.

The next day, I received ANOTHER call to get interviewed!  This is from one of the top billiard magazines so I was even more excited!

Each interview asked different questions about my wins - how I overcame jitters, what's next (not thinking ahead I told them), how I got my nickname, which wins had more meaning, and of course some details about the win, etc.  It was really fun!

But, I guess winning can lead to even MORE opportunities as I was actually (I still can't believe this) approached by a CUEMAKER who wants to make me my own custom cue (that I design)... FOR FREE!  So, I would have a cue sponsor.  OMGosh!

I can't believe it!!

This is WAY early, but if this comes to fruition, you know I'll be writing about it here in this blog.

I already have 4 custom design cues (even though I had to let two go) and I thought the final one would be my last..... but maybe not.  Wow!

Celebrations, Good and Bad

After my teammates and I came home from winning TWO ACS Nationals titles, they each had families to come home to to celebrate with!

Here is a pic from one of my teammates' welcome home from her kids:

I thought it was super SUPER sweet!

Another teammate lives with her Mom, and so she was waiting home for the huge hug!

And the final teammate, her Mom was actually IN Vegas with her so they were able to celebrate on the spot (okay, later that weekend in Vegas).

I feel very happy for my teammates, because I wouldn't wish my welcome on anyone:  I came home to an empty house.  I am not here to take away from my teammates' blessings, and that's the last thing I want to do.  But if I am to be honest in my blog entries, I have to say that coming home after such huge accomplishments to an empty house, with no one to even hug or share my achievements with was actually extremely depressing.

As you all know, my Mom passed 2 1/2 years ago, am an only child, and have no children.  No roommate, either.  My lovely dogs Lily and Izzy ALWAYS welcome me home, but they didn't know I came home as a 3-time National champion.

I have to say:  It sucked.

Most of my friends live too far for anyone to even say, "let's go celebrate."  (luckily one friend contacted me, who I will mention in a minute)

I'm NOT saying that we all need celebrations after a big accomplishment.  But I am saying coming home to no one and nothing was down right brutal, sad, and depressing.

Unless you are in my shoes, you have no idea even remotely what I am trying to say.  Let's just say it was a very lonely time and I was very sad.

Even one of my girlfriends told me this:  "I watched your team after you all won the second title.  Everyone was SO excited!  And every one of them got on their phones to call their families and loved ones.  Not you, though.  You were smiling and happy, yes, but you simply put your cues up and turned in the score sheet.  You didn't jump on your phone or text or nothing.  It was eye opening."

I don't want to harp on this, so let me share that my teammates and I DID celebrate the night of our wins, IN Vegas!  Although Janet was with her family in Vegas, Courtney and Nina and I went to MGM across the street from the Tropicana to try and find somewhere nice (and not super expensive) to eat.

After a couple of shots

We finally ended up a WolfGang's place.  

I admit I was apprehensive, but I was WRONG.  I LOVED the food.  AND, we got champagne, too!   So, we toasted our wins with the sparkling.  It was super cool!

It was a lot of fun!

After I came home, my friend Julie (who I wrote about recently) was so happy for me about my wins, she offered to meet up and have a toast.  It meant so much to me, that yes, I cried.  More than once! It was so very moving for me, and she had no idea how tough things were going.

Here we are:

So, coming home was bittersweet.

Can't take away that I'm a National Champion, though!  I just know in my heart my Mom and Dad are proud of me. 

Omega Sponsor, ACS, Dream Come True

After I won the BCAPL Texas State tourney and was on the cusp of winning the Scotch Doubles in that same event, it all of a sudden hit me to see if Mike Hoang and his company Omega Billiards Supply would like to sponsor my women's team to the ACS Nationals tourney

I figured, the worse that could happen was he would just say no.

We have asked other companies to sponsor our team, but the most we received (while VERY happy about this) was team shirts being paid for, and then those pool rooms get their names and advertising on the shirts they paid for.

I only stated the facts to Mike, that I thought we would have a good chance winning both women's team events, and I was riding on a successful frenzy, also.

He said yes!!  I was SO excited he believed in us!  He paid our team entry fees, and we bought and made new shirts that showcased Omega Billiards Supply:

(thank you to Andy White of Irving Ink and Thread for the short-turn-around, quality shirts!) 

John Lewis who runs American Cuesports (ACS) has done a fine job for the last 10+ years.  I don't know if he realizes that he makes dreams come true by running this league.

To become a National Champion is a dream come true.

I told both him and the Tournament Director that they made dreams come true by hosting the event! Yes, I told them with tears in my eyes!

And every day I would walk by Mike's booth and at the end of the day and give him an update.

Day One:  "We are still on the winner's side of BOTH the 8-ball and 9-ball!"

He would smile back.

Morning of Day two:  "We are playing for the hotseat today!"

End of Day two:  "Hey Mike," (huge smile on my face). "We play in the finals tomorrow, for BOTH events!"

Day three, about noon: "Mike, we just WON the 9-ball event!  I told you!"

Day three, about 5pm: Mike was watching our match, as it was right in front of his booth, "We won the 8-ball, too!!"

To have support was AMAZING and much-needed money-wise, too.  We can't thank him enough for his support and belief in us.

To ACS and Omega, making dreams come true!  A HUGE THANK YOU!!

2014 ACS 9-Ball Singles - the Details

I guess it's about time I give the details to my ACS Nationals 9-Ball tourney, held at the Tropicana in Las Vegas, the second weekend of May (Mother's Day).

This is my 3rd year going to the event.  First year I placed 3rd in the women's open 8-ball division.  Second year my women's team placed 3rd in the women's open 9-ball division.  While those two finishes may SEEM minor or unimpressive, lol, I have to say that for whatever reason, I play THE BEST pool of my life at this ACS Nationals tourney in May.  I have no idea why, I just do.

However, this year I hadn't been putting any time on the felt and was only looking forward to going to Vegas to get away from the real world for a while.  It is my favorite city and I needed an escape.  Honestly, I didn't even care about the tourney.  I was just glad I was going because it was in Vegas and I needed to get away.

Maybe that is the key to my title tournament jitters from the past: not caring.  No expectations means no nerves for this lady!

So, I get to Vegas on Thursday afternoon and I admittedly proceed to my favorite table game at Harrah's (that's where I stayed) called High Card Flush and sat there all night drinking my helpless life away and playing this card table game that I love so much.

I woke up early Friday morning and decided to head to Planet Hollywood, my new favorite casino, to have breakfast at their cafe, called the Planet Dailies.  Although it was filled with good/sad memories for me, I also had a few glasses of Champagne with cranberry juice.  YUM.

I walked by their High Card Flush table (only a few casino's have this card game, mostly the ones affiliated with the Total Rewards card) and it's already open.  Yay!  After the first hour, I got a 6-card diamond flush that paid out 100 to 1, and I had my little $5 bet, so made a cool $500 on the spot.

After a couple more hours, I then went to back to Harrah's and went poolside, even though I heard the pool was blah (and it was!).  Very boring and just a square pool.  But I laid out for a few hours to get some sun.  The most interesting thing I saw was this pigeon, who is very good at avoiding the paparazzi!  (me)

I tried to fall asleep that night but I had too much redbull and could NOT go to sleep.  I was begging for sleep because my first match was at 10:30am on Saturday and I KNEW I would be up early because I was still on Texas time.  I think I got about a whole 3 hours of sleep total.  I was pretty doomed.  And I knew it.

I was so physically exhausted and hung over, I didn't care about pool.  Which, is what I wanted, right?

I got a bye, so had plenty of time (since I woke up at 4am) to ride the MonoRail from Harrah's to the MGM, where I then walked a mile thru the MGM (not joking) and then over and across to the Tropicana.

My first match is at 10:30am and I am EXHAUSTED.  I don't care about anything.  It shows, too.  I find myself down 6-1.  :(  My opponent is a GREAT player and she was a Master so had to go to 7 to win, I am Advanced and needed 6 games to win.

For whatever reason, little by little I hung in there and managed to claw back and won 6-6!  OMG I could not believe it.  Here I was exhausted and SO VERY tired and yet was still able to play pool and came back to win!

My next opponent at Noon was also a Master, and we started a little late because my hill-hill match went over time.  She didn't really play like a Master and I won 6-3 I think.

I'm still VERY tired.  I just really want to go home honestly.  Crawl back in bed.

I then played a 5 (Open player) at 1:30pm.  I don't know how I was even functioning, as obviously tiredness does not wear off.  I knew my opponent, and every time we have played in a National tourney the last few years, she has defeated me. They were all very close, memorable matches.  I told her I didn't think she should be a 5.  Maybe I shouldn't have said that, but what I meant was she played better than an Open player.

I find myself down 3-2 and she needs 2 games and I need 3.  At this point, I *kinda* want to look at the bottom of the score sheet.  The score sheets have times printed at the bottom for the next round (win or lose), so you know when you play next so you don't have to look it up on the brackets.  I knew if I read the loser didn't play until the next day (Sunday), that I would prolly just give in so I could go to sleep, lol.  But, quite honestly, I knew I had enough energy to go play High Card Flush and wouldn't go to sleep right away anyway.  If that was the case, I told myself, then I could play pool.

I noticed she made mistakes late in the rack and I kinda waited for my turns at the table and sure enough it goes hill-hill and a tough choice by her (after a very long decision, she tried a safe that was wasn't successful), I was able to seal the game with a 3-ball out.

Here I am in that very match:

WHEW.  Got by that one, too.  (somehow)

I check the sheet.  Dang.  I have ANOTHER match today.  This time at 4:30pm.  This time against the tournament favorite.  Luckily, I ENJOY watching her play because she is the epitome of 3-balls-ahead shape and so I emulate her and play good.  She walks around the table and sees exactly where she needs to be for her third ball.  It's truly beautiful!

She jumps up 4-2 and I am just SO exhausted I could cry.  I'm barely functioning and really just want her to put me out of my misery.

After a discussion with retired Pro Joe Salazar (who has a booth there), he shared that there is a big difference between mental exhaustion and physical exhaustion.  If I was mentally exhausted, I really wouldn't be able to function or execute my shots.  But because it was physical, I was still able to compete and shoot and make decisions based on my muscle memory and knowledge.

Down 2-4, I look at the score wrong.  I think it's 5-2.  With my opponent going to 7.  I figured I was done.  D.O.N.E.

But then when I checked the score again to see who broke, I see I'm *only* down 2-4.  Mentally, that was HUGE to me.  It gave me some extra pep for some reason and I was able to tie up the score at 4-4.

At this point, she's getting frustrated and starts to get upset at people walking by, some bad rolls she is getting, some good rolls (well, $hit in balls by me), and she is very agitated.  Eventually, her emotions get in the way and I'm able to capitalize on some of her mistakes (while also playing decent) and I won 6-5!!

Omg ARE YOU SERIOUS?

I look at the bracket and see I am playing FOR the hotseat at 1pm the next day.

OMG REALLY???

I am already on cloud nine and canNOT believe I just defeated the favorite.  WOW.  All that exhaustion and not caring and not thinking ahead WORKED again!

At this point it's about 6pm and I figure, "well, I have time to gamble."  lmao.  High Card Flush here I come.  This time I walk back and it's a HIKE but I stop in at Planet Hollywood on the way to Harrah's and play my fav casino game, and then eat a really juicy hamburger at PBR Rock Bar and Grill to reward myself for a good day of pool.

To show the distance between casinos, here is a map of the strip.  The tournament is at the Tropicana (down on the bottom), Planet Hollywood is in the middle (where I enjoyed staying last year) and this year I'm all the way up at Harrah's (top blue circle).  Wont stay there again for any tourneys held at the Tropicana I can guarantee you that, lol.  While I LOVE the strip, it made for an even more exhausting time playing pool, even if I didn't walk the entire way back and forth.  I did take the Tram 3 times, walked a lot though, and then taxis once my roommate Courtney came in for teams.  Anyway, here is the map:

I get a good nights rest (finally) but still a TAD tired.  But, NOTHING like Saturday.

This day, Sunday, is pretty difficult though as it was Mother's Day and my lovely Mom, Toni, had been passed just 2 1/2 years ago.

My goal this day was to not think ahead, though.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  I reviewed my checklist a few times (the one that I prepared for the BCAPL Texas State tourney) but otherwise just relaxed.  I ate at the Mirage buffet (MY FAV) and had their champagne Sunday brunch and then rested before heading to the Tropicana.  I knew not to WALK this day, as I wanted to be rested up as much as I could.

I got to the Tropicana about 12:15pm.  I saw that my opponent was already hitting balls.  I grabbed my cue from my teammate, Janet (she graciously kept it at the Tropicana for me so I didn't have to trek it up and down the strip every day), and I hit some balls and felt real good.

We start the match and I'm in a good mood.

My opponent's name is Jacki and she is from Virginia.  Her and her husband are good friends of a friend of mine.  As I shake her hand she says, "I feel like I already know you" as she shyly laughed a little.

She raced to 5 (and Open player) and I still raced to 6 (as as Advanced Player).  I broke first.  The 9-ball is sitting down near a pocket and I see that I can back bank the 1-ball into the 9-ball.  Risky, but the 1-ball doesn't go anywhere else, anyway.

I make it!

Then she breaks, doesn't make anything, and the 1-9 combo sets up and I make it.

I am now up 2-0 and she says, "Nice way to start out."  She wasn't being rude, she was just frustrated.

I didn't want her to feel bad, but it was how the first two games went.  I was SUPER confident and just told myself not to think of those "rolls" and instead realize that, well, this was just my time evidently.

And just like that, things turned.

I hooked myself, she got out.  I missed a tough 9-ball, she made it next.

Score 2-2, and I could tell I was trying too hard.  And she was playing really good.  Bad combo for team Melinda.

At this point, it seemed like the match was put on fast forward.  She got out really well and I missed a tough 8-ball after a REALLY great run.   I felt it slipping away, even though I was playing well.  But, I hooked myself AGAIN on a really fantastic shot, and she got ball-in-hand and ran out well and won the match 5-4.

OMGosh, I was DEFLATED.

I was really pissed and ready to play at 3pm.

I go to the tournament desk and they tell me it will be delayed.

Wait, WHAT?

Evidently the scotch doubles matches were still going on.  The match I was waiting for, hadn't even STARTED because one of the players was in the doubles tourney still.  REALLY?

I went upstairs and had a slice of their thin pizza (YUM), went back downstairs.  Still.  Nothing.  No opponent.  They hadn't even started yet - STILL!

I texted my g/f Amanda about how upset I was with the previous match and she suggested I listen to my ipod.  So I went upstairs to the couches and the beautiful sunlight and listened to Rihanna as I sat there sulking, not wanting to talk to anyone.  Just pissed.  Upset.  Disappointed.  :(

I still didn't think ahead, just thought of the missed opportunities I had in the match.

I finally went back downstairs to the convention center where all the main pool tables where about 4pm and HEY, they are finally playing!  I go sit by Joe Salazar, who runs a booth there, and I sat with him and expressed my woes.  I consider him my mental coach and we just chatted about things in general and he gave me some advice about how I played well at State, and that this experience no matter the outcome will be good for me.

Finally I had an opponent at 5pm.  Ugh.  5PM!

Unfortunately, it was against the favorite.  Yes, I had beaten her the evening before, but she is so so tough to beat.

I didn't think I would defeat her this time.  Yep, no expectations at all.  (I think you all are seeing the theme here, also.)

She gets ahead 2-0 and then 3-1, but she makes a few uncharacteristic mistakes and I tie it 3-3.  More mistakes occur and I start playing good pool!  Really smart safes, and outs.  I get ahead 5-3, but she makes a small comeback and regroups well and the score is now 5-4 me.  The last game I shit in the 3-ball.  She gets pissed.  Trying to get perfect shape on the 8-ball, I shit-in the 7-ball.  Ooops.  She's pretty livid.  I don't blame her, really.  Even though everyone would tell me later "that's 9-ball," still sucks when it happens to you.  I got out and won 6-4!

OMG I'm in the finals!!!

Really?

I feel like a winner just beating the favorite (again).  Honestly.  It felt like SUCH an accomplishment!

OMFG!  Joe was SO happy for me to persevere!  He said I learned a lot coming off a bad loss and ALSO being down in that match.  All these awesome learning experiences!

I turn in my score-sheet.  Yep, my opponent is playing scotch doubles!

I can't even begin the finals now.  I have to wait.  MORE.

Yep, I go have another slice of thin pizza.  That's what I do!  I was barely eating on the trip so indulging a little for celebration was fine by me, lol.

I had a few drinks during the course of the day, but didn't drink anymore as I wanted to feel the whole finals match, completely, with all my senses.

I watched from afar her match and it seemed to take forever.  I hit a few balls, rested my feet, listened to my ipod some more.  Just relaxed.  Nothing I could do but wait.  And try to relax while I waited.

And I tried as HARD AS I COULD to not think, "You might be a National Champion."  Now that I reflect back, I don't think it even entered my mind!  I just wanted to play pool and give a good fight, like I did NOT do the last time Jacki and I met at 1pm earlier this day. 

I didn't think ahead.  YAY me!  That has totally affected me in the past.

We finally start at 8pm and she said it, even though I was thinking it, "I'm exhausted."  At that point I knew I had a little edge.  At that point I realized she had been playing pool non-stop all day since 1pm, I had only played two matches.  AND, she still had another scotch doubles match after ours.

I felt bad, "what if it goes two-sets, she'll really be tired."

OMG did I really just think of my opponent like I always do?  Yep, I did.  BUT, that wasn't going to get in the way.  I told myself, "if it goes 2 sets, it goes 2 sets,  Melinda.  Nothing you can do."

It crossed my mind had we played the finals sooner in the day, the outcome could have been very different.

I played really good the first set and she makes a few mistakes and I capitalize.  I win 6-2 I think.

At this point, we both have to run to the bathroom.  I knew that could be my demise.  But I had to go.  I still didn't think ahead, or think of the possibilities or anything.  I just wanted to get back and play more pool.

But I could tell I got relaxed.  I could tell I felt like I had already accomplished a lot by winning the first set.  I tried so hard not to relax, but I could feel it in my body after the quick restroom break.

She tells me she hopes she gives me a better game this match, and I can see she's a little more confident and awake.  I'm saying, "noooooo" lol in my head. 

Jacki plays really, really good.  She said she had never placed well in this tourney before and that's why she was a 5, but she told me she had been gambling more in the pool room the last year and her game has gone up.  And it was obvious.

I thought of this a lot when I saw her bear down on shots and get out.  She played really well and I knew it would be a good, tough finals.

The first game I make a mistake and she capitalizes.  Next game I make a mistake and she capitalizes again.  Dang it!

Really?!

I do NOT want to go out this way.

The next game I make another mistake and I realize I'm getting tired and I go get lots of cold water to wake up.  She's running out and my heart is sinking.  She will be up 3-0 if she runs out.  That's overcome-able, but tough to overcome in reality.  She leaves herself a really long 9-ball.... and she misses it!

Wow.

Light at the end of the tunnel!

I make the 9-ball and I have more pep i my step!  Whew.  I can see she's tired and I feel bad for her, but I keep going and I win another game.  Score tired 2-2.  The cold water and getting on the scoreboard helped me so much!

I started to play really well again and found myself ahead 4-3.  We both need two.

The next game is a safety battle and for the first time in a long time, I win by three-fouling.

I'm now on the hill.

NO WAY.

I try still so VERY hard not think ahead and I did not.

I broke.

I see an out.

Really?

I ALMOST hook myself on the VERY first shot, but had enough room to make the 2-ball.  I look at my three-balls-ahead shape well and plan ahead and I can see if I get on this 6-ball okay, I will win.  I make the 3, 5, and get on the 6 ball perfectly.  Stay down Melinda!  I make the 7.  Breathe Melinda!  I make the 8ball and slide over well for the 9-ball.

I get down on the 9-ball, a short, straight-in shot.  I get back up because I'm crying.

Yep, I'm CRY-ing!

OMG I'm really about to win this tournament.  OMG.

I get down and the tears are so much in my eyes, I can't see.  I get back up.  Melinda, hold it together.

I finally shoot the 9-ball and start bawling!

I shake her hand and she asks me why I'm so emotional.  I tell her it's Mother's Day and I won it for my Mom.  :)  And plus, I add, it's a National title.

She tells me how sweet I am to dedicate it to my Mom and I hug the few friends of mine who were there (Connie and Janet and Ren and his wife).

I can't BELIEVE IT!

I post on Facebook, "I won the tourney for you, Mom.  I'm a National Champion!" 

Joe had left already by the time the first set was over, so the next morning I practically ran to tell him, "I won!" I exclaimed!  Awww, his little grasshopper doing so well!  :)

Days later, still can't believe it.  Weeks later, still can't believe it.

Official ACS photo.  Jacki (2nd) and I (1st)

Jacki was a really great opponent and I couldn't have asked for a nicer and talented opponent with a big heart and calm demeanor.  I am honored to share the podium with her!

Even as I type this.  I still can't believe it!   HOW DID I REALLY DO THAT??  

My Brain Finally Shut Off

Might sound like you need to think to play pool, especially since pool is mostly mental, lol, but not for me.

Don't get me wrong - thinking IS key.  But when I think of the expectations, status, what could be, etc, I falter.

I fully and completely admit that my brain got in the way of winning title tournaments. 

I feel that back in 2012 when I played at the ACS Nationals for the first time, and I found myself in the hotseat for the Women's Open 8-Ball singles, that that FAILED experience was a HUGE LEARNING experience for me.

Here are my exact words from that blog entry:

"The next morning, I get up early because I'm still on Texas time.  After some yoga, I try to go back to sleep for a nap and it suddenly dawns on me:  I'm going to be playing in the hotseat for a NATIONAL tourney!  Further, I may not play in this tourney again so it's my only chance.  Omg, the calm before the storm: I all of a sudden was freaked out.  To think to yourself in just a few hours you may be a National Champ is very unnerving.  And for me, who always freaks out in title tournaments anyway, made it extremely difficult for me to be mentally strong for such an important match. 

And sure enough, true to form, I did not play well in the hotseat.  I lost 0-4.  :(  My opponent shot well, but I also had a chance in every game.  I wasn't nervous, just, didn't play well at all.  I was playing timid and unconfident. "

I know in my heart that that experience helped me WIN the 2014 ACS Nationals Women's 9-Ball Singles event this year.

What's funny to me is, I heard most of my life from books and audio-tapes that you are suppose to think like a winner.  Well, I tried.  But, every time I walked into a pool room and tried to think like I winner, I faltered.

I wonder if I did that too early in my pool journey?  I didn't really have enough experience yet or have my fundamentals down pat enough yet to be thinking that way back then.

But, I think it but too much pressure on me.  It really did!

All I know is, at the BCAPL Texas State tourney, the most important thing to me was my checklist  AND to NOT think ahead.  Not to freak myself out.  Not to want the win so badly that I don't even play pool (like I had the last 6 years before).   And, I finally succeeded and won!

And that's what I did this time in Vegas in the ACS Nationals 9-ball women's division.  I didn't think ahead.  Well, I tried with all my might not to think ahead!

Even when I was still on the winner's side the second day and about to play for the hotseat, I didn't think ahead.  Even after I lost that match and then beat the favorite of the tourney to play in the finals, I did NOT think ahead.

Even after I WON the first set in the finals, I tried NOT to think ahead.

I just wanted to play pool.  No expectations.  No thinking.  I just let my years of experience kinda show up through my body and play the game.

Was I hopeful?

Sure.

Did I want to win?

Well, sure.

But I just tried not to think, "OMG I could be a National Champ!"

THAT is the type of thinking that has always stopped me from winning in the past.

This time, I just played pool.

If I caught myself thinking ahead, I stopped it.

If I thought something negative, I reversed it or fixed it.

All the years competing have led me to this point.  All the times I was the clutch for my team (only the last 2 1/2 years mind you) have prepared me for this moment.  All the failed tournaments.  Lost matches.  Dogged balls under pressure.  Mental game got the best of me.  .... All led me to this point.

Don't get me wrong, there were MANY positive experiences that led to this point too.  But what I'm trying to say is EVERY SINGLE experience.

Even in 1999 I can remember someone telling me "second place the real winner" because they learn more from getting second than winning.

It's also important for me to realize that my recent win at the Texas BCAPL State tourney was a huge confidence booster.  I fully admitted I had not hit balls before this event and only wanted to have fun in Vegas.  That is a key for me - no expectations.  I always play best with no expectations or wanting to win a title tourney, lol. 

But as Phil Capelle told me directly:

Congratulations on your latest win. I remember once advising you that you must let winning go to your head, but in a good way - and apparently you have! As the great Jack Nicklaus once said, "Winning begets winning." And it is so true. Once he got the habit, he won majors for 25 years. I see your latest win as another big confidence booster - the kind of thing that will help you to quell that voice of doubt once and for all. And do not explain away you win to good luck or whatever. Winning takes a separate skill from playing, and you are showing that you have learned it. I am so proud of you and I wish you more happiness with your game and the sport as you march forward into battle. You go girl! Best always, Phil

So, maybe that recent win was helpful?

Phil thinks so.  :)

My point to this entire post was my brain really got in the way before.  I don't even want to think about the future possibilities of my pool career - even now.  I honestly feel like retiring, lol.  Seriously!  But, I think that's key - I have accomplished a lot already in my pool life in just the last 2 years, and no longer freak out during title tournaments because I am NOT thinking ahead.

I have always known this.  I just always wanted the wins so badly that desire got in the way.

I didn't know how to quiet my thoughts and just play pool when it counted.

That's why I STRESS playing in as many tournaments as you can so you get experience.  I think playing in these women's team events the last few years has helped me gain more composure, play better under pressure, focus on my fundamentals when it counted, etc.  Being the clutch is no easy task, but it gave me a lot of experience.

I also felt like *I* could be the person to be held accountable.  Not everyone can lose gracefully for a team and handle it behind closed doors well.

All of the experiences in local, regional, state, and national tourneys has led to a quieter mind and "easier" thoughts during these big title tournaments I yearned for so badly.

The more experience, the better you will do/play/get each and every time!  :)

Title Goals - Not for Me

After I won the BCAPL Texas State tourney in April, people would joke that a National title is next.

"Uh, no," I would reply back.  "I'm not that good."

I really felt this way.  I imagined the BCAPL Nationals and how TOUGH that tournament really is.  Sure, I've won two BCAPL National Women's Team events, but that's with the help of lovely ladies to win it!

To imagine I could even remotely win a "singles" National Championship is beyond my comprehension, really.

During the Texas BCAPL tourney in Texas in April, one of my friends and I were talking about titles we always wanted to win.

I told him I had ALWAYS wanted to win the Texas BCAPL State tourney.  He shared that he always wanted to win the Texas Open.

The Texas Open??

OMG, I realized right then and there just how "low" my 'dream' was.  I'm wanting to win this "little" Texas BCAPL State tourney and in my mind, he was reaching for the moon with his goal/dream!

Granted, my big goal in life was to win a tourney in my 30s (almost missed that goal!) and then my wish/dream was to win the Texas BCAPL State women's division.

But, I never listed it as a "goal."

I have written a lot about goals and goals should be VERY attainable.  Even though I always thought I *should* win the Texas BCAPL State tourney, I "failed" for numerous, many, tough years from that.

But I know goals should be realistic and attainable.

So, I fully admit that my goals do not have to do with winning certain events.

So, to hear after State that people said next is for me to win Nationals, I thought they were crazy!

And then I found my self VERY close to the finals of the ACS Nationals 9-ball women's division.  Did I ever think I could win it? Nope.  Not at any time.  Not even during the finals.  I have learned (finally, after much heartbreak) to NOT think ahead.  It wasn't a goal to win the tournament, even when I was in the finals.  I just frankly tried with all my might not to think ahead because in the past it got in my way of winning the elusive titles. 

So, honestly, THAT was my goal.  And for me, finally, attainable!

The ACS Women's 9-Ball event is very tough!  It's a handicapped tourney and I play masters, advanced players, open players, etc.  I raced to 6, Open raced to 5, Masters raced to 9.  I played three Master players the first day!  It was a tough tourney!

While someone recently made fun of my win (which hurt me badly), in my heart, I feel very fortunate to have won the ACS Nationals 9-Ball Women's event and know my Momma would be very proud of me!  But, was it my goal?  Nope.  Should it be your goal?  I honestly don't think so.  That's a LOT of pressure.  More so, that's dependent on a LOT of things out of your control. 

Having a goal to have fun, stay down, don't think ahead, stay in the moment, re-focus early, study the game, etc ARE attainable, realistic goals.  "Wanting to win a certain tournament" is dependent on SO many factors out of your control, I personally don't recommend that.

ACS Nationals Championships 2014 - One for the Record Books

I just came back from 9 days in Vegas.  6 of which were playing pool at the 2014 ACS National Championships!

I'll post lots of stories and tidbits from the week, as you all know I will.  As usual, I wrote little reminders down each day on things I wanted to blog about/share, so I wouldn't forget!

Before I give a long, drawn-out detail of each of my tourneys, lol, here's a VERY short, but exciting recap!

I won the ACS Nationals Women's 9-Ball Singles! 

 Jacki Duggan and I

OMG I WON! 

I am a National Champion!  I still can't believe I did it, even as I type this out over 8 days later.  I am on cloud nine! I won it on Mother's Day and dedicated the win to my lovely Mom, Mrs. Toni Bailey.  :)  Gosh I miss her.

My ladies team, All Mixed Up, won BOTH the 9-ball ladies team event AND the 8-ball ladies team events!

BOTH!

Courtney Evans, Me, Janet Ybarra, and Nina Stillwell

I can't believe what a amazing week pool-wise I had!  Especially under the personal circumstances I was under. 

I will provide details later of each division, and also share many, many blog entries of cool, different, or interesting topics that I saw, learned, felt, experienced throughout the week.

Until then - enjoy the game you love to play.