I haven't been able to watch all the Accu-stats All Star Invitational matches...hey, some people have to work! I did watch last night's (April 16) matches between Darren Appleton and Dennis Orcollo at One Pocket and Thorsten Hohmann vs. Shane Van Boening at Straight Pool. It was WELL worth the money!!
Appleton vs. Orcollo One Pocket
Darren Appleton and Dennis Orcollo battled for nearly 4 hours in a race to 4 One Pocket match. Both players looked patient and in control, with Orcollo my early favorite. There were lots of safety moves and the first 2 games took a long time. Neither player made many mistakes. The only mistakes coming near the end of the set, Dennis Orcollo left some shots for Darren, which probably cost him the match.
The real highlight of the night was the last rack. The match went hill-hill at 3 games each. There was a 60 second shot clock, but the final rack lasted for what seemed like 2 hours. Both players eventually battled to where they each needed just one ball to win the rack and match. Darren out-maneuvered Dennis to get the last ball for the win, which put Appleton at a perfect 4-0 score so far in the round robin format of this tournament.
Hohmann vs. Van Boening Straight Pool
Thorsten Hohmann and Shane Van Boening squared off in a 150 point Straight Pool match. Darren Appleton joined Danny DiLiberto in the commentator booth after defeating Dennis Orcollo at One Pocket. Darren provided some good commentary throughout the match.
Thorsten Hohmann looked to be in control of the match early, going on a 70+ ball run before eventually missing in one of the lower pockets, which Darren Appleton mentioned several times were playing very tight on that particular Diamond table. Shane got to the table and ran a few before also missing in the lower pocket. An added bonus to the match was if a player ran 100 balls, he received a bonus of $500. For every 50 balls he ran after that, another $500. Thorsten looked to reach the 100 ball run before shooting an awkward shot down the rail, which almost looked as if he miscued.
Billy and Darren commented that Shane Van Boening really doesn't play or practice much Straight Pool, but said he will pick it up quick if he were to play and practice it more. They also predicted he would do well at the game due to his superior pocketing ability.
Shane eventually got the score to 113 before Thorsten got to the table and pocketed the remaining 3 balls he needed to win the match 150-113.
To check the current standings, visit the Accu-Stats website.
