by Okay, not really. The US did win, but, despite the predictions of some
naysayers (who, me?), it was a very close affair. With Canada trailing 5-6
in a race to seven wins, Cliff Thorburn ground to either 4-2 or 4-3, before
Nick Varner won the hill-hill match, 5-4. Had Cliff got that last game, it
would have been the undefeated Pagulayan up to play our last match.
Final score: US 7, Canada 5. Full results are up at AZBilliards, courtesy
of Sheri Richardson.
A couple of brief notes:
- Every single one of the players behaved in an exemplary fashion. The
American players in particular were very warm and polite, especially since
the crowd was ALL pulling for the Canadians. The Canadians were also lots of
fun for the home town fans.
- Archer and Jones both have very hot girlfriends (yet another reason to
feel jealous)
- I never noticed that Varner's back arm shakes so much. It's not quite
*** Lane territory, but it is clearly noticeable and hard to see how he can
shoot so well with it.
- The doubles matches were in scotch doubles format, and the players were
wearing microphones and encouraged to talk (not shark or anything). The
banter between the partners was amuzing and often very educational, as you
got to learn what they were thinking about and the decisions they were
making.
- What I learned most about watching them play Scotch was that I want Archer
as my Scotch doubles partner. Time after time, he bailed Varner out of
trouble and left him perfect shape. Must be nice.
- Watching Cliff and Nick play each other makes me long for a shot clock -
not a 30 second shot clock, but at least a 5 minute shot clock.
All for now, off to bed.
Gideon