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Pool play begins at RiverCenter

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By Christopher Maloney | Thursday, April 10, 2008 12:31 AM CDT | () comments

The Iowa State Poolplayers Association State Championships began Wednesday night at the RiverCenter in Davenport, and there was more fun in the air and a lot less stress than in years past.

With bar music playing over the speakers and beer cans around, the scene was a bunch of adults having fun, socializing, knowing that they are playing for state titles and money but not really caring.

Adding to the billiard feel in the air were vendors such as Diveney Custom Cues of West Liberty, Iowa, Bounceville Woodworks of Wellman, Iowa, and a place where competitors can see how fast their break is in mph.

Wednesday night was for 9-ball play, with 8-ball play starting this morning.

Debbie Melroy of Milan, Ill., said she has taken part in the ISPA Championships all three times they were held in the Quad-Cities and also various times in Waterloo. Wednesday was her first try at 9-ball, though.

“I usually play at Miller Time (Billiards in Bettendorf) or at local bars,” she said. “I like to shoot pool and decided to take part this weekend because it is a stress relief for me. It is really great here. You meet a lot of new people, and I feel pretty good about my chances tonight and over this week.”

Terry Anderson, ISPA vice-president and Miller Time’s owner, understands how this week of pool can be a stress reliever. He also remembers the previous years when the Quad-Cities hosted the event and things didn’t run so smoothly.

“Last time, I personally had a match at 6 p.m., and with 20 minutes left I still had my cues in my car in valet. I also had problems with deliveries running late, and it was a lot less stressful back then. This year, things have gone a lot more smoothly.”

To make it to the state championships, players from Iowa had to register as ISPA members and play at least six weeks in a league. They are able to compete in more than one type of pool play over the weekend, such as two of Wednesday’s local first-round winners will be doing.

At the ISPA, brackets for each of the 1,700 competitors is done via computer, including what time each of their matches will be whether they win or lose.

Gary Norman, 74, of Davenport took part in the seniors (55 and over) 9-ball championships and defeated Scott Saienga of Story City.

He said he stopped playing pool for decades until about three years ago when he took it up again during a trip to South Padre Island in Texas. He prefers 9-ball over 8-ball because that is what he played in his 20s.

He was humble after his victory.

“I didn’t play very well, but he missed more shots than I did,” he said. “I do enjoy pool again, like I did when I was younger. It gives me something to do.”

Norman plays at Miller Time and also at Leisure Time Billiards in East Moline. This is his second year competing in the ISPA Championships.

Another local success was Rich Brideaux of Moline who defeated Victor Grandstaff of Des Moines in the Master’s level competition.

He said this week marks his fourth year taking part in the championships.

“I am not playing particularly well tonight,” he said. “But I am here because I just love to play.”

Contact the sports desk at (563) 383-2285 or sports@qctimes.com.