Pooling Resources Right On Cue

May 6, 2015 Posted in clicking 365 project

Today was a highlight; who would’ve thought the South African Pool Championships are being held here, of all places, and have been so for several years. I almost lost my nerve, but I found courage, grabbed my camera and headed for the Pietman Hugo Hall at the Showgrounds. For those unfamiliar, this national event showcases the best pool players in South Africa, making it a must-see for enthusiasts like us.

Yesterday I noticed hundreds of cars and a few large buses parked in the parking area, but honestly thought it was a Police Con (excuse the pun; it’s the new word for convention). Last night, a friend who owns a guesthouse in town told me the Pool Champs were being held there, and she was chock-a-block.

Three huge display halls, the size of rugby fields, are decked out with pool tables and lights. The walls are lined with men and women eagerly waiting to play, creating a lively, competitive vibe that makes you feel part of the action. Teams from all our provinces are represented, and the atmosphere is electric and very “pub-like”. Camaraderie, team spirit and competitiveness are the order of the day. A lot of showmanship goes with the game too; I believe our champ will be in his tuxedo tomorrow. I might just be there.

“A pool game mixes ritual with geometry.” ― Mary Karr, The Liars' Club

The reigning South African champ, from the Western Cape, was on top form, “tickling” those balls one after the other into the pockets.

I enjoyed informative chats with a few chaps, who eagerly told me all about the game, as the only time I ever “played” pool was very late at night and all I could do was lie across the table seductively!

These are not your everyday pool players; they’re serious about the game, all amateurs too. Now I know why the Eastern Cape is in dire straits; everybody’s playing pool, it seems. As with every game, some characters draw one’s eye, the fascinating ones.

Sadly, this year will be the last time Worcester hosts this tournament, as the conditions of the halls have deteriorated so much that the organisers have found another venue. It's a shame to see the venue decline, and I hope the new location will do justice to the event.

I included a lot more photographs today, as I promised I’d put up as many as I could. The conditions were quite trying, and I had to up my ISO to 3200 to reduce blurring as much as possible. I don’t shoot using a flash, so the artificial light was a challenge too. I set my white balance to “Bulb” and adjusted in camera Raw, hoping to capture the atmosphere despite the difficulties.

Boys, here’s a reminder: “Squat the rock after the break (i.e., leave the CB in the center of the table to have the most options after the break).” And “Draw for show, follow for dough.”