Some may disagree with me, and I am not sure what came first - but super fast cushions and smaller pockets just demand stroke mechanics that are so pure (and robotic in look and consistency) to be able to pocket balls and control the CB.

The smaller the pockets become - the more perfectly repeatable stroke must follow at the highest levels.

Older Brunswick GCs had very close to 5 inch pockets - many were at 5 inches or even more as stock. You could be fast and loose and still be very competitive at higher levels- that ability does not translate to today’s pro tables for most players- so the European and most Asian training favors much stricter stroke mechanics.

lfigueroa said:

And yes, Efren and Chohan gamble with the hoi pollio at various events. I've seen it too. But they at least give up some weight.

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I have seen both of them gamble with the John Q Publics of the world giving no weight. In fact, one year my roommate played some $50 a rack one-pocket with Chohan with no spot. He won just one of the four racks played and seemed quite proud of himself.

It's different. That's for sure...