Shark-owski

I had my first weekend away from the babies to travel to the city to play in the Australian 9-ball Open.  I haven't played a women's 9-ball competition since I left Canada so I was very excited to get to play. 

Day one, Saturday, was a round robin format.  We were divided into two groups of seven and played everyone in our group a race to five.  It was a long day - I played, and sat waiting, from 11am to 10:30pm.  In the end I only lost one match (to the reigning champ) and finished second in my group. 

Day two was a different story.  It was single knock-out (you lose once, you're out!) and there were 8/14 of us left. 

I put my game-face on and played really well in my first match, winning 7-2 - on to the semi-finals (already!).  It was here I met the reigning six-time winner, LH.  I think most of the girls in the competition expect to lose to her, but I've been wanting to play her for a long while now - I couldn't wait! In my opinion, anyone who misses in pool is beatable.  She misses. 

I played really well against LH and kept my poker-face on throughout the entire set.  At one point I ran three tables in a row (while she sat and watched) and it was then that I think she started getting rattled.  I don't think LH is too used to getting beaten in Australia but I was happy to do it.  In the end I beat her 8-5 and loved every minute of it.  I got a lot of low-fives and quiet smirks from the other girls, I think they were secretly thrilled that she didn't get to take the title this time.

I didn't play great in the final but I ended up winning the match 9-6.  It was filmed and broadcast live so B and some friends were able to watch it which was pretty cool!  I imagine they'll be re-posting the video which you'll be able to find here.