09-04-2002, 09:45 AM
Tony Watson and a few of his running buddies walked thru our doors here at Family Billiards in Boone for the first time last night. I'd seen Tony before at numerous tourneys but never met him, so I immediately spoke to him by name - just to let him know I was aware of the caliber of player he is. I informed him there was only one player around that would consider playing him (myself), that there was only one table I would play him on (our tightest table), and that I needed some major weight. We agreed on the last 3 balls in a race to 9, for a stake that to him I'm sure was minimal - but it was the best and only action he was going to get in this part of the state.
The table had him flustered at first and he started out very slow. As I expected, he adjusted well as he got more acclimated to the table and the fact that he had to be dead accurate - no cheating the pocket is allowed on this table. I had an early lead in the set, but was certainly feeling out of my comfort zone and struggling with my game - which gave him some opportunities to come back. The first set ended up going hill-hill and he made no mistakes the final few games. I have very little experience getting weight from any player, so I found myself playing needless shape on the 8-ball for no reason.
The second set he kicked it into a higher gear as he got more familiar with the conditions, whereas I tended to struggle even more with my game, and he won it comfortably. At that point in order to keep playing him I asked for another ball or 4-5 games on the wire in a race to 9 (no ball spot), neither of which he was excited about giving up on this table. He offered I play one of his buddies even, which was a bit of a letdown to me but certainly would give me a chance to catch my breath - at least I hoped.
His buddy (whom I don't know) played very well, and we were fairly evenly matched. I had an early lead in both sets, but couldn't keep it my intensity for whatever reason. He also made a rather quick adjustment to the tight tables successfully - which let me know he was a very good and experienced player. I was feeling the pressure of being down to my last few bullets in my wallet in addition to being alone with these virtual strangers in my poolroom after closing - which I didn't exactly feel that comfortable about. Both sets were close, but I lost the final hill-hill set and called it quits for the night. I let them know that I would gladly play his buddy again, and they stated they'd likely come up again soon. Although all smokers (and had to go outside to light up) they loved our poolroom.
Tony and I talked considerably about Allison. He has the utmost respect for her game as she's beaten him in smaller tournaments. He's offered her and/or her backer to wager, but they never have. He certainly wouldn't be afraid of matching up with her, but would prefer to play her a 10-ahead set as opposed to a race - something she wouldn't likely be interested in doing. When I suggested it, he expressed interest in doing a public exhibition match with her up here even for a minimal wager, as he would enjoy the challenge and the spotlight.
I've had countless practice sessions with Allison, but never for a wager - so I'm in my comfort zone and can play close to my normal game against her. I'm sure it would no doubt be a totally different experience and much tougher (for me) if we ever wagered. My opinion of how the two would do in a matchup - I'd have to give Tony a slight edge over the long haul and the fact that he's such a seasoned and proven money player, but close to an even match if playing just a few races. Based on how quickly and successfully Tony adjusted to this extremely tight table, this wouldn't provide Allison with the advantage that I had initially thought it would. I asked him if he's ever played on a tighter table than this. He said there was one in Augusta, Ga that was as tight, but he'd certainly never seen one any tighter.
We talked briefly about the UPPA and that some pro players may not be attending the Open. He hadn't kept up with the latest developments, but certainly planned on being there and playing himself. I found Tony, his brother and his friends to be very polite - but of course anytime you win it's easier to be so. I'm looking forward to a future matchup, and this time I will be more prepared. I'm no fool as I'm well aware that I'm far from the same level of player as TW. However, it's not often up here in the mountains I get the opportunity to match up with a player of his stature, and it was well worth it. - Chris in NC
The table had him flustered at first and he started out very slow. As I expected, he adjusted well as he got more acclimated to the table and the fact that he had to be dead accurate - no cheating the pocket is allowed on this table. I had an early lead in the set, but was certainly feeling out of my comfort zone and struggling with my game - which gave him some opportunities to come back. The first set ended up going hill-hill and he made no mistakes the final few games. I have very little experience getting weight from any player, so I found myself playing needless shape on the 8-ball for no reason.
The second set he kicked it into a higher gear as he got more familiar with the conditions, whereas I tended to struggle even more with my game, and he won it comfortably. At that point in order to keep playing him I asked for another ball or 4-5 games on the wire in a race to 9 (no ball spot), neither of which he was excited about giving up on this table. He offered I play one of his buddies even, which was a bit of a letdown to me but certainly would give me a chance to catch my breath - at least I hoped.
His buddy (whom I don't know) played very well, and we were fairly evenly matched. I had an early lead in both sets, but couldn't keep it my intensity for whatever reason. He also made a rather quick adjustment to the tight tables successfully - which let me know he was a very good and experienced player. I was feeling the pressure of being down to my last few bullets in my wallet in addition to being alone with these virtual strangers in my poolroom after closing - which I didn't exactly feel that comfortable about. Both sets were close, but I lost the final hill-hill set and called it quits for the night. I let them know that I would gladly play his buddy again, and they stated they'd likely come up again soon. Although all smokers (and had to go outside to light up) they loved our poolroom.
Tony and I talked considerably about Allison. He has the utmost respect for her game as she's beaten him in smaller tournaments. He's offered her and/or her backer to wager, but they never have. He certainly wouldn't be afraid of matching up with her, but would prefer to play her a 10-ahead set as opposed to a race - something she wouldn't likely be interested in doing. When I suggested it, he expressed interest in doing a public exhibition match with her up here even for a minimal wager, as he would enjoy the challenge and the spotlight.
I've had countless practice sessions with Allison, but never for a wager - so I'm in my comfort zone and can play close to my normal game against her. I'm sure it would no doubt be a totally different experience and much tougher (for me) if we ever wagered. My opinion of how the two would do in a matchup - I'd have to give Tony a slight edge over the long haul and the fact that he's such a seasoned and proven money player, but close to an even match if playing just a few races. Based on how quickly and successfully Tony adjusted to this extremely tight table, this wouldn't provide Allison with the advantage that I had initially thought it would. I asked him if he's ever played on a tighter table than this. He said there was one in Augusta, Ga that was as tight, but he'd certainly never seen one any tighter.
We talked briefly about the UPPA and that some pro players may not be attending the Open. He hadn't kept up with the latest developments, but certainly planned on being there and playing himself. I found Tony, his brother and his friends to be very polite - but of course anytime you win it's easier to be so. I'm looking forward to a future matchup, and this time I will be more prepared. I'm no fool as I'm well aware that I'm far from the same level of player as TW. However, it's not often up here in the mountains I get the opportunity to match up with a player of his stature, and it was well worth it. - Chris in NC