Angela Jackson Triumphs Over Tough Field at the Mirage Results provided by Rich Montoya,Tournament Director

With player’s such as Tony Piazza, Rich Cunningham, Ernie Martinez , Andrew ATM Pettinger, John Sandifer, Rick Field, Larry Romero and a host of other players in different brackets, Angela Jackson played superb. She stayed within her game - playing the right safeties and getting out when she needed to. She showed why this system works… for everyone.

Angela won the tournament by beating Naomi Castonguay 5-3, Deb Worcester 5-2, Terry Duncan 5-3, and Tina Payne 5-4 in the women’s bracket. Then she moved on to the open bracket to take on Mike DeSantiago before meeting up with Greg Kingsbury, where she won the battle for the hot seat. In high-drama fashion, she lost to Mike 6-2 before gathering herself to conquer a win 6-2 in the finals. She got a standing ovation for her efforts.

This is a handicapped system that features four levels of players in the same tourney. This system guarantees each bracket will produce winners. In the end all of the winners from each bracket come together and it is up to each individual to find ways to win.

When I designed this tourney it was my dream to see a lower skill level player win, but I knew that it would not be easy. It was also designed to teach players how to win by having the best players to compete against. It’s like getting lessons for free for two days. Watching those top players get out time after time, seemingly without much effort. But in truth we all know it took countless hours to achieve this level of play.

Greg Kingsbury, one of the top AA’s in this tournament, said he knew he had to break good, play lock up and throw away the key safeties and get out when the opportunity presented itself especially against ATM. Well, the result was 3rd place. He gave credit not to himself but to two players that helped him with his game (Chuck Nielson and Dave Billings) and of course hours of practice. Congratulations to Greg. He is always very courteous and practices proper etiquette while competing.

But most of all, my hat is off to Angela Jackson. You played very well and you’ve earned our respect as a top player!

There were many competitors from as far as Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and all around the metro area. Thanks to all who help make this possible.

Special thanks to Heather Frayer, owner of the Mirage, and all of her staff. They were very thoughtful in the way they conducted themselves as they waited on everyone. It is venues like this that make great tournaments.

Thanks to all the players for your participation. Special thanks go out to Larry Sposato (asst. director), Tina Payne, Roy Yamane, and Derek Skonecki. Our dedication to making the billiard community better will always be at the forefront of our minds. We are always looking to improve and have continuity in the billiard industry. If anyone has solutions that work, please present them to us in writing at stayinstrokebilliards@gmail.com.

Please find a way to compete at our events and read the Cue Times. Go practice, find a mentor, or buy a new cue that fits your style of play. Do something to help the local pool scene!