Just a little feedback for those who asked about my match.
I've never played at Hardtimes before, and was pretty fortunate to get 3 hours practice on the actual table the night before the match...thanks to Carla for making that happen.
The table is a GC with 3 7/8" pockets. It played great. Initially the prospect of playing One Pocket on such tight pockets may seem a little daunting, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the pocket take the ball if hit at a reasonable pace (and more than reasonably accurate....:lol)
I had not gambled on a GC for some years (currently only play IP on Diamonds). I would definitely not relish playing on a sub 4" Diamond as the pocket shelves are much deeper than a crown.
The match was tagged as 3 races to 3, but with only 4 hrs scheduled, so any long moving games could easily impact this. The first set I won game #1 and needed only 1 ball in the 2nd (Efren needing 7) before I made an unforced scratch, only to lose that game.
At 2-2 each the tie breaker was an extended moving game with Efren showing his experience to win that first set. That set took about 3 1/2 hours and in the interest of Efren's next opponent,we decided to play a 2nd race to 2 set.
I managed to break Efrens serve in the first game, and then ran out the second game for 2-0 , after he made an uncharacteristic banking error, running the cue 3 rails.
So we played for approx 4 1/2 hrs and we broke even. It was without doubt the most memorable and satisfying billiard experience for me.
In regards to Efrens current speed.....I would say that if we played 3 years ago, I believe my chances of fading the 10-7 spot would be very tough. I felt that I played about as good as I could against a player of his caliber.
Today I would estimate Efrens speed at approx 85% of his speed from then. Even at 85% he still clearly demonstrates the ability to win tournaments.
All in all, a very rewarding experience. I would highly recommend to anyone who wishes to test themselves against this legend.
A quick thanks to Daniel Busch for giving me the opportunity and also for the great hospitality, both at Hardtimes (Frank the Barber, little Al, Carla) and House of Billiards (Wayne, Keoneyo, Magdy)
(P.S. I understand that a copy of the match may be available for viewing on Youtube in a few weeks).
Thanks.
Bernie.
I've never played at Hardtimes before, and was pretty fortunate to get 3 hours practice on the actual table the night before the match...thanks to Carla for making that happen.
The table is a GC with 3 7/8" pockets. It played great. Initially the prospect of playing One Pocket on such tight pockets may seem a little daunting, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the pocket take the ball if hit at a reasonable pace (and more than reasonably accurate....:lol)
I had not gambled on a GC for some years (currently only play IP on Diamonds). I would definitely not relish playing on a sub 4" Diamond as the pocket shelves are much deeper than a crown.
The match was tagged as 3 races to 3, but with only 4 hrs scheduled, so any long moving games could easily impact this. The first set I won game #1 and needed only 1 ball in the 2nd (Efren needing 7) before I made an unforced scratch, only to lose that game.
At 2-2 each the tie breaker was an extended moving game with Efren showing his experience to win that first set. That set took about 3 1/2 hours and in the interest of Efren's next opponent,we decided to play a 2nd race to 2 set.
I managed to break Efrens serve in the first game, and then ran out the second game for 2-0 , after he made an uncharacteristic banking error, running the cue 3 rails.
So we played for approx 4 1/2 hrs and we broke even. It was without doubt the most memorable and satisfying billiard experience for me.
In regards to Efrens current speed.....I would say that if we played 3 years ago, I believe my chances of fading the 10-7 spot would be very tough. I felt that I played about as good as I could against a player of his caliber.
Today I would estimate Efrens speed at approx 85% of his speed from then. Even at 85% he still clearly demonstrates the ability to win tournaments.
All in all, a very rewarding experience. I would highly recommend to anyone who wishes to test themselves against this legend.
A quick thanks to Daniel Busch for giving me the opportunity and also for the great hospitality, both at Hardtimes (Frank the Barber, little Al, Carla) and House of Billiards (Wayne, Keoneyo, Magdy)
(P.S. I understand that a copy of the match may be available for viewing on Youtube in a few weeks).
Thanks.
Bernie.
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