Home field advantage can be a major factor in any sport. For Vegas sharpshooter Duane Jones, he's hoping it is.

Uncomfortable plane trips. Overbearing seat partners. That forgotten extra pair of socks.  Adding travel to the list of challenges in a major tournament like the U.S. Amateur would favor those players assured of getting a good night's rest in the confines of home sweet home. That's the case for Las Vegas resident Duane Jones, a skill level 7 in 8-Ball and SL 8 in 9-Ball here in the Las Vegas APA League.

    Since qualifying in the Preliminary Round, Jones, who is sponsored by K Turbo Products, has been making occasional stops at the Cue Club, familiarizing himself with the surroundings. He's also taken to practicing three-to-four times a week, which is a little more intensive than his usual routine. Why? Because he's ready to take his shot with at the big boys.  "The only way I'm going to significantly improve my game is to play with better shooters in tournaments like this one and with the pros," he said. "I realize this could be my window to play in a pro event like the U.S. Open, which has been a goal of mine for a while now."

    Like most of the qualified participants for this one, Jones shoots for the love of the game. Fortunately for him, lugging the bronze and marble magic could be only a short ride away.