Perfect Timing

By Kerry Hartsfield Impson,
Former WPBA Touring Pro

Well, it's finally happened! Not because I played brilliantly and won a qualifier, or because I garnered a spot in every event by virtue of being top dog on our regional tour; no, this was simply being in the right place at the right time. The Women's Professional Billiard Association National 9-Ball Championship will be held in Lincoln City, Oregon next week and somehow a spot became available, which as usual was filled with a local player - in this case, me! (I am still considered a pro by the WPBA, and therefore still pay inactive pro dues, which makes me eligible for the waiting list.) Since I've been working part-time my practice has been very limited, and my expectations for this tournament are minimal. But a pro tourney right here in my own backyard? I figured I had to give it a shot. I look at it as a fun opportunity to relive the thrill of playing in the professional arena again...at least for a couple of matches!

I only have two goals for this tournament. First, I'm going to make balls. I'm going to concentrate on making each ball, one at a time - forget the score, forget who I'm playing, forget that I'm not at the top of my game. No focusing on my "bad" rolls (which are usually poor judgment, stroke or speed anyway) and my opponent's good ones; no rehashing the last missed shot; no regrets, no complaints, no whines. Since this is "cram" time, I'm going to try to practice at least two hours a day until the tournament starts, which is about the most I can manage while working 25 hours a week. Indeed, I almost declined the spot; even winning a single match would be a tall order - this year on the Northwest Women's Pool Association regional tour I didn't win a single tour stop or qualifier, and only barely stumbled into first place overall (with one more stop to go) because the points leader was unable to attend the last event! Not exactly a stellar year. Which is why my second goal is to have fun. Of course, it will be hard to have fun if I'm out there dogging my brains out and playing pathetically, but if nothing else it will then be the perfect test of my composure. Ha ha.

So, I'm going to get out there and give it my best. I'm excited as well as nervous, but I think as long as I keep the attitude that I've finally got an opportunity to compete against the best women players in the world, I think I can at least accomplish my second goal. And who knows? Maybe I'll even get lucky and win a match or two.

 

All copyrights are owned by Kerry Hartsfield Impson. No duplication is allowed without her permission.