UPDATE – *Correct* venues and start times are now in the spreadsheet. Check groups carefully as I have had to make some adjustments. If you downloaded this spreadsheet before noon on Wed 12 May, please download it and check it again.
Start Times for Venues:
Ojo’s Cafe and Bar – 10am
Labor Club Belconnen – 10am
The Maram – 11am
The Basement – 11am
Kaleen Tavern – 11am
Hi all
Please find below the groups for Round One of the Open Singles, as well as the 32 seeds. You will notice that venues have not yet been added, as these will be finalised in the next few days, however I thought people might at least like to know when and who they will be playing.
With a record number of 180 entries this year, round one has been extended from the usual 16 groups to 18. The Top 4 from each group still qualify, which means qualifiers for Round Two have been increased from 64 to 72 to accommodate this as well.
The link to the spreadsheet is available by clicking through to the full article.
Round 1 Groups: (3-page PDF)
http://www.acteba.com.au/downloads/2010_Open_Singles_Round_1_Groups.pdf
The format is as follows:
- Play starts at the nominated time listed above your group (this will be added when the venues are confirmed as starting times may differ). Tables will be open for practice 30 minutes prior to the start time.
- Please check in with your adjudicator when you arrive.
- Any player who is not present at the venue when the first frame of the day is called will be disqualified, unless they have contacted either myself or the adjudicator prior. In recent years a certain amount of leniency has been afforded, including being given until your frame is called, however this will not be the case this year.
- Similarly, any player leaving before the completion of the day’s play will be automatically disqualified from the following year’s selection trials.
- Each player will play the others in their group in 4 round robins.
- Top 4 finishers will qualify for Round Two. In the event of a tie for 4th place, a playoff of a minimum of race to 2 frames will take place. Players may elect to play more. There is no need for a playoff between any other finishers.
- While there are no referees, be mindful of the 60 seconds and if you believe an opponent is exceeding it, call the adjudicator in to time your frame.
- There is no lunch break scheduled for the day, so please be aware that it is a matter of eat when you can in order to keep the day moving.
- If you have any queries regarding rules, snookers etc, call your adjudicator in to mediate. For new players, this is quite common so don’t be afraid to call them if you disagree with your opponent on a call. The adjudicators decision is final.
- A block warning on mobile phones and coaching will be issued at the start of the day.
- If you need a break for whatever reason, talk to your adjudicator first, you will find they are normally accommodating. Do not assume or you will be deemed to have forfeited the frame you are absent for.
Round One of the selection trials normally lasts between 7 and 8 hours. Yes, this is a long day but the practice and experience is unique in the ACTEBA Calendar. The adjudicators looking after your group have done this plenty of times before and know the best way to keep a group running smoothly. If you find yourself sitting down for a while please trust that the adjudicator is trying to time it so all players finish each round about the same time. Trust me, if you push for your frames to be “hurried up”, you will be left waiting at the end of each round.
I can only advise patience and “stick to your natural game” to all first round players. Many of you have been here before numerous times, but like me think that one frame out of 28 doesn’t matter. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen playoffs caused by a stupid shot earlier in the day, or a player missing out by that one frame “they should have won”.
To use an old Eight Ball cliché, play the table not the opponent. And with that I wish all players the best of luck in round one. Except those in my group. I hope you play badly enough that I just scrape through and annoy my wife because I have to play eight ball again next weekend.
Please feel free to contact me with any queries you might have.
