For the first time since the Joshua Filler et al. WPA vs. WNT scheduling conflict, the sentiment shifted noticeably. Last year, many voices were critical of the players who chose to prioritize Predator or WPA events over Matchroom ones. In yesterday's podcast, though, the tone was different. There was a sense of understanding that pros are doing what’s best for their careers, longevity, and personal goals.
Does Molina Mike have a point in his Frazer/MR criticism? Sure. I referred to many of them in a prior post.
Start with Frazer. She is a bit thin skinned at times, and doesn’t like to get asked tough questions in front of players. That’s obvious at Mosconi "press" conferences - they are anything but. She needs to be more willing to engage. Heck, the controversy might be good for the sport.
MM also ridiculed Frazer the other day for doing lots of selfies and promoting players he doesn’t think are deserving. Ridiculous, in my view. She works her tail off to promote the sport and be an ambassador for it. She should promote anyone and everyone.
What does Predator/WPA do in this regard? Absolutely nothing. Pool needs more promotors and, yes, self promotors like Emily.
Now Matchroom and WNT. The schedule in 2025 was a holy mess this year.
The dispute with the WPA probably contributed to that. And lest anyone forget, the WNT tour was only established in 2023. I’d expect lots of growing pains, especially since pool has never had anything like WNT is trying to achieve.
If the sked is a mess again in 2026, however, there should be consequences. The full-year calendar should be available well in advance.
Other MR issues:
*The point system for ranking sucks. Dollars won is not the best determinant.
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WNT.TV still needs big improvement, and an app would be best.
*Invitational events need to be regular. If not, drop them. There was no World Cup of Pool for the second year in a row and no World Pool Masters.
*The Reyes Cup selection process was very flawed. And Team World is a fatally flawed concept. No one plays for the “world.”
*The Mosconi Cup selection process is also flawed. Having team captains gives MR more control, but it’s also led to players getting on the team who might not be deserving. That’s led to a lot of talk, justifiably so, of a fix being in. Or a buddy system.
I’d junk the player captains and return the Mosconi closer to its recent roots. In my ideal scenario, the first four spots would be based on rankings, with just one wild card and a non-playing captain.
