PONTIAC - Adam Ashman readily admits he is not the best pool player in Pontiac.

"Not by a long shot," said the 21-year-old City of Pontiac employee.

But since taking up the sport two and a half years ago, Ashman has discovered pool "is a sport you can have fun in whether you are good or not."

Ashman had plenty of good fun Oct. 3 and 4 in St. Charles, Mo., when he won his first tournament, the APA (American Poolplayers Association) 9-Ball Shootout Midwest Regional.

That effort earned him an expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas for the national tournament next April 30 through May 3, where first prize is $10,000.

"My goal in Vegas is to win it," Ashman said. "If I don't win it this time, I'm going back some way, some how (to try again)."

Ashman is no stranger to Las Vegas, having played pool in other tournaments there while paying his own way.

The Midwest Regional used a handicap system so players of all skill levels could compete on equal footing. Ashman has a five handicap while the top players have a nine.

Ashman posted a 14-1 record in the 90-player tournament, avenging his only loss in the championship match. He also placed third in 8-ball.

Ashman admitted he was "a little bit" surprised to win, especially when he didn't feel he was playing his best. What saved him was a knack for playing safeties so his opponents didn't have an easy shot.

Ashman also has a trick for staying calm under pressure.

"I usually start out with a drink or two," he smiled. "It takes the edge off and then after that I just act like I'm playing someone I know."

Ashman says breaking well and leaving the cue ball in the proper position are keys. He sometimes practices on 9-foot tables, which makes 7-foot tables such as those used in the Midwest Regional seem easier.

Ashman practices 30 to 60 minutes three or four nights a week in local bar leagues.

"There are guys I know who practice eight hours a day, every day," said Ashman, who would only get that serious himself on one condition. "If I could make money doing it, I would."

Ashman has a healthy respect for the skills of pros.

"I don't stand a chance against them even when they are playing for fun," he said.

But that doesn't mean Ashman scrimps on equipment. His three cues include two beauties costing $1,000 and $500.

Ashman doesn't have a coach, but he credits friends for monitoring his strategy. Sometimes they'll point out easier shots than the ones he chooses, especially in 8-ball.

"I always thought to myself, 'If I can do the run out in my head, I can do it on the table,'" said Ashman, who has seen that doesn't always work, but he's having fun working on it.

Do It! is a weekly feature in The Pantagraph that focuses on the games that we play and on those who play them. If you have a story idea, contact the sports department at sports@pantagraph.com or (309) 820-3255.