I know nothing about UK 8ball as I've never seen the table in person, let alone played the game.
However, some weeks ago I had a crack at local regional 9ball tournament and I scored an unbelievable second place!!! I still find it hard to believe as there were at least 8 or so better players than me at this 30 men tournament.
Started badly with a 9 racks to 1 thrashing, so went off to left side of the draw or one-loss side as some call it. For those who do not play 9ball tournaments, double elimination draw is used very often. Match by match my game got better and better. It took at least 4 matches for me to start feeling comfortable at the table. I play 9ball very rarely these days, as snooker has become my main game. In the semi final I managed to beat the guy who gave me thrashing in the first round, 9 racks to 3 for me this time. Final? This time one of the top guys at national level was my opponent, not impossible to beat him, but it was a step too far.
What has snooker done for my 9ball:
- endless patience - I could play safeties for hours
- rest play - others stretch, I love to play with it
- stun shots - better than ever
What has snooker not done for my 9ball:
- some shots I treat with too much respect, as if on snooker table
- lost some feel for fast Simonis napless cloth and US style cue, hence poorer positioning than when I was only playing pool
I will definitely play both games at tournaments. Love the challenge of being almost completely out of comfort zone.
However, some weeks ago I had a crack at local regional 9ball tournament and I scored an unbelievable second place!!! I still find it hard to believe as there were at least 8 or so better players than me at this 30 men tournament.
Started badly with a 9 racks to 1 thrashing, so went off to left side of the draw or one-loss side as some call it. For those who do not play 9ball tournaments, double elimination draw is used very often. Match by match my game got better and better. It took at least 4 matches for me to start feeling comfortable at the table. I play 9ball very rarely these days, as snooker has become my main game. In the semi final I managed to beat the guy who gave me thrashing in the first round, 9 racks to 3 for me this time. Final? This time one of the top guys at national level was my opponent, not impossible to beat him, but it was a step too far.
What has snooker done for my 9ball:
- endless patience - I could play safeties for hours
- rest play - others stretch, I love to play with it
- stun shots - better than ever
What has snooker not done for my 9ball:
- some shots I treat with too much respect, as if on snooker table
- lost some feel for fast Simonis napless cloth and US style cue, hence poorer positioning than when I was only playing pool
I will definitely play both games at tournaments. Love the challenge of being almost completely out of comfort zone.
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