ACUI pool tournament on cue with table sharks

While not exactly a scene out of the 1961 Paul Newman classic "The Hustler," the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) presented its annual pool qualifying tournament Oct. 21.

In all, 46 players entered the nine-ball single-elimination style tournament in the Student Union. Early confusion about how to bracket and structure the matches was quickly addressed, and tournament play was underway for the event.

"The tournament was much better than last year," sophomore biology major Michael Huynh said. "However, we really need some new tables in here and fast."

The opening rounds consisted of best-of-three matches, while many spectators looked on. At one point, the gallery of onlookers grew so raucous, they had to be asked to quiet down out of respect for the players.

One such spectator was freshman arts and technology major Chris Navarro.

"Most of these guys play religiously," Navarro said. "I realized early on I probably was not good enough to make the cut."

As the tournament reached the quarterfinal, round play shifted to a best-of-five format. Although the evening was largely considered a success by most of the players, several suggestions were made as to how the tournament could be improved next year.

"We need to have longer matches and make it double-elimination," senior neuroscience major Jerry Chuang said. "A lot of the best players got kicked out too early."

Chuang finished in third place and is also secretary of the newly formed Pool Club at UTD.

The final match featured electrical engineering graduate student Tung Pham against Huynh in a best-of-seven match.

Pham was victorious and received a new pool cue and accessories for winning the tournament.

"The pool cue is really nice," Pham said. "But, I think I would rather just get the cash!"

The action was not contained strictly to the tournament though. As the evening wound down, the off-tables consisted of trick shot competitions and other non-tournament contests.

With the competition drawing to a close, the focus of pool players shifts to the "Best of the Best Tournament" also being held in the Student Union Nov. 5-6.

That event will be sponsored by the Pool Club, and the entry fee is $10.

The tournament will feature free food and trophies for the winners.

"It should be a good time," Chuang said. "If you are a fan of pool, it is definitely worth checking out."

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