The National Pocket Billiards Association (NPPA) 8-Ball Team Competition witnessed a pivotal showdown during Week 1’s third night, with CUE Action claiming a hard-fought 5–3 victory against Obsidian. This match represented a critical early test for both squads, each determined to distance themselves from disappointing performances in the previous season.
The evening commenced with Obsidian’s Feelinz demonstrating remarkable resilience against CUE Action newcomer Poker. After conceding the opening rack, Feelinz mounted a impressive comeback to secure a 2–1 victory, marking an early advantage for her team. This initial success proved short-lived as CUE Action’s Pachi delivered a commanding response, defeating Obsidian’s Perla with a clean 2–0 sweep that leveled the competition.
The match’s momentum shifted decisively during the Randy versus Mercedes encounter. Despite Mercedes capturing the first game, two critical 8-ball scratches in subsequent racks enabled Randy to claim a 2–1 comeback victory, establishing CUE Action’s first lead of the night.
Team captain Wendy then delivered a performance of strategic excellence against the previously undefeated iRanks, grinding out a 2–1 triumph that extended CUE Action’s advantage to 3–1. Obsidian responded through PoolDawg’s spectacular shot-making against Ligarro, narrowing the deficit to 3–2 with what many spectators deemed the evening’s most impressive shot.
CUE Action’s Willy then produced a clinical 2–0 shutout against Zing-Zing, placing his team on the verge of victory at 4–2. Obsidian’s veteran player Mully temporarily kept his team’s hopes alive with a gritty 2–1 win over Max (Alexis), reducing the margin to 4–3. However, CUE Action’s Brian ultimately sealed the team victory with a decisive 2–0 performance against Coach in the final matchup.
This contest revealed significant developmental progress for both organizations. CUE Action demonstrated enhanced strategic coordination and mental toughness, while Obsidian showcased flashes of brilliance despite costly errors. The match’s intensity suggests this NPPA season will feature heightened competition throughout the league standings.