I never really liked playing 9 ball on a bar box as it seems more of a lottery than 8 ball, especially race to 5! None the less I was looking forward to the event and I had high hopes of a top finish.

I arrived in Vegas a couple of days early in order to prepare properly. The previous year I had arrived late the day before the tournament started and it took me a few days to get over the jet lag. Still I had just recovered from a week in hospital with a severe case of tonsillitis and I was still pretty sick.

I actually almost lost my first match, trailing 4:2. However I gritted my teeth and held my nerve to win the match 5:4 and progress to the second round. Fortunately I then started to play well despite my cough getting extremely worse. I can't remember how many matches I played on the first day but by around 9pm I think it was about eight! I was extremely sick, tired and ready for bed but I realized I still had one more match to play.

I went to the bar and bought another Red Bull energy drink, about my 5th of the day and prepared myself for my next match. I was to play Dave Krenzel for a place in the final of the winners side. Fortunately Dave missed a ball early to give me some confidence and with a large crowd of Aussies cheering me on I managed to win the match 5:0.

I didn't get much sleep that night but I was delighted to be through to the finals day which was to take place a couple of days later after the 8 ball singles. I had already secured $2000 but I really wanted to get to the final and win a trophy (infamous Charlie) more than anything!

I woke up early and played a few games to warm up and then we started the match. I went behind early but held my nerve to move 4:2 ahead. In the final frame I did tighten up a little and made an extremely poor positional shot on my penultimate ball. Fortunately I pulled I great positional shot to save the match and advance to my first Las Vegas final.

I was now guaranteed at least $3000, but more importantly a Charlie and a chance to play in the main arena. However I would have to wait for my chance for much longer than I anticipated. Dave Krenzel, the guy I have sent to the losers side of the draw had remained unbeaten and was one match away from a rematch. Unfortunately he was also still in the 8 ball singles AND the scotch doubles! I spent most of the day hanging around waiting for a time to play. Finally we got the nod and we started our match around 4pm.

I struggled in the first set, mainly with my break, I just couldn't make a ball and Dave won it 5:2. However because DI had won the winners side of the draw Dave had to beat me twice so we played again. I started well and one the first and was looking good in the second. However a poorly judged positional shot on the 9 left me a bank shot. I misjudged it badly so instead of 2:0 up it was 1:1 and with my break struggling I never really recovered. Dave was playing extremely well and seemed to be unbeatable that day. He got his revenge for my 5:0 win and he also won the 8 ball singles AND got to the final of the scotch doubles. Quite an achievement which earnt him around $11,000 for the week and great respect. Well done Dave, I'll get you next time!