SPM Billiards Magazine Issue 32

from SPM Billiards Magazine Issue 32

SPM Billiards Magazine Issue 32

My First Out of Country Tournament

By Savannah “The RoadRunner” Easton My first out-of-country tournament was the Predator Canada Open in August. My family and I flew into Calgary, and we drove to Red Deer. This tournament would mark my 4th WPBA-sanctioned event since the beginning of the year. This predator pro billiard series was the first time the Predator Apex 7’ table debuted to the public; I was so excited to try the tables and decided to sign up for the CSI Western Canadian Junior 8 Ball Championship alongside with the Predator Pro Billiard Series.

First, let’s talk about the main event. I drew Chia Hua ‘Amber’ Chen first round, whom ended up winning the champion title after defeating one of my idols, Allison Fisher, twice in the shootout round. I was really nervous before our match after I watched some of Amber’s past matches on YouTube. Her cue ball control is phenomenal! It did not surprise me. She ended up winning our match with a 4-0, 4-0 score and shut me out. Not only did I not play my best game, I only had a few opportunities, and I failed to capitalize when they happened.

The same night, I drew a Canadian player, Toni Sakamoto; our match was scheduled on the main TV stream table, with a 30 seconds shot clock and John Leyman as the referee. I grew up watching John on TV! And to have him as our referee was just exciting! I had no experience with playing under the pressure of a shot clock; all I knew was I will have one extension allowed each rack. I played at my own pace the entire match and was able to execute all of my decisions without using my allowed extension except for one jump shot.

Some of you may not know this; I love to play on TV tables. I feel like I play my best games when I’m under pressure. I have learned to zone into the match, my arena, and ignore the cameras, thanks to my parents for streaming most of my matches since I started competing. It really helps with my game, and it trained me to be comfortable with the camera. I was able to squeak in a win against Toni with a 4-2, 4-3 final score without going into a shootout.

In the third match of the event, I drew Kyoko Sone from Japan. I met Kyoko from previous events, and I knew she is a top-seeded touring pro. I felt the pressure, but I also knew there was nothing I could do besides trying my best. I was able to capitalize on the opportunities

**Mark White/CSI Predator Commentator & Savannah Easton**
Photo by Tiffany Easton

I was given and won the first set with a 4-3 score. At that moment, I told myself I had a chance. A chance to win against a touring pro! In the second set, Kyoko did not give me many opportunities. She played almost flawless like she always does. And I ended up losing our second set with a 4-1 score.

We went straight into the shootout round from there. I have practiced my spot shots religiously just for this! My record at home was 13 spot shots in a row without missing one. But I also knew my opponents practiced the same shots before coming into this format. Since I won our lag, I had the option to shoot first, and I chose to shoot first. We both made our 1st, 3rd and 4th shots and missed our 2nd shot. And when this happens, we go into sudden death rounds where the object ball will move further away from the cue ball. The first player to make the ball will win the entire match. After the referee set up the shot, I could see a crowd of people around our table from the corner of my eyes. I looked back to the object ball and shot; I missed. Kyoko walked up to the table, I saw she took a few deep breaths before her shot, and Kyoko did what Kyoko does, she made the ball, center pocket. That ended my run at the main event. I was disappointed at myself, but I also know, I have nothing to lose at this time. Just being able to compete against the top ranked female players at this point of my pool journey, it’s an honor. I have learned so much from every single one of them. I am grateful to have this opportunity and it is the best experience I could ever ask for. Thank you, WPBA, and thank you, Predator.

**Savannah "The Roadrunner" Easton**
Photo by Cameron Easton

**Savannah on the New Predator APEX Table**
Photo by Predator

Now, on to the CSI Western Canadian Junior 8 Ball Championship. I first have to give a review on the Predator Apex 7’ tables; the tables are beautiful! The matte black table with a glossy Predator logo just looks really attractive, in my opinion! I had played on several 7’ during the two days, and they all played extremely well and solid. I especially love the flat pockets, and I find them easy to bridge over. I also noticed that there are ‘springs’ inside of each pocket to minimize the noise when the balls were dropping. The rails banked true, and the table speed was absolutely perfect. I felt very comfortable playing on the tables, and the final match was also played on the CSI TV stream table. I was able to pull off the champion title and only gave up 3 racks in the entire tournament.

Overall, I had a great experience in Canada. My family and I went to Banff after the tournament before we went home. Everyone was extremely friendly to me. I even got the chance to commentate on Caroline Pao and Bean Hung’s quarter-final match with Mark White!!! He is funny! Commentating is one of my favorite things to do! I love the game of pool, and I am loving every opportunity that I am having right now.