Maybe you will be surprised that I joined the 2010 10-Ball Billiards Tournament sponsored by Star Paper. Yes, other than chess, playing billiards is one of my hobbies. I am really not an expert on this game but to tell you the truth I can make a shot.
I still remember that during my abrupt training at Okinawa I am the only who could beat the Malaysian friend on the 8-ball game.
My first tournament game here at Star Paper was a mixture of excitement and fear. Excitement in the sense that the opportunity is once and a lifetime, and fear because I really don't know what is at stake for me on this tournament - err... I mean I really don't know whom I will face on the elimination round.
Came the tournament proper, I faced a certain A. Recto from Silang, Cavite. I brought my cue stick and had my silent prayer before the game. Luckily, I was given a plus 1 score (that was the prize I was given for being a novice) by the tournament director. I was just enjoying the game and was taking time to savor the moment.
The games were so thrilling as I led 6-5 on a raise to 7 game. On the 12th rack it was my turn to shoot the 5-ball and it was kinda difficult shot and I was having a hesitation. But I took and shoot it (rather than making a placing) the way I wanted it and I missed until the 5-ball went in front of the left side pocket. I sweated profusely as I visualize the imminent danger of losing since all the next balls were beside all the pockets. He made the shot and all the other shots thereafter to reach the final game. On the final rack, he made a strong break thereby shooting the 7-ball. I prayed a lot and the more I prayed the more shots he made and came the last 3 balls 8, 9, and 10 and I prayed again..."Lord give me this one," but it was not given to me. Maybe my opponent's prayer was more forceful and effective. After the game I learned that it was his fourth-try to join on the same tournament.
Well, guys that was my experience and this time I didn't feel the pain of losing.
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