Attending all of the Pro pool events here in NE FL at the end of the year right down the street from my home in JAX, particularly Predator’s WPA Women’s World 9 Ball Championship. There was the International, River City Open, Predator Men’s 10 Ball, and then the women’s W9C.
It was great watching the top women battle it out in person. Hadn’t seen them since leaving Chicago a decade ago where I used to regularly attend the WPBA events in Michigan City, E. Peoria, and Villa Park. Much better talent at this event, though too bad a few additional Heyball ladies didn’t attend (Siming, etc). Would be interesting to know if the promoter even extended an invite to Chen; I sure as hell would have. Predator put on a great event with admission being free too. Didn’t mind the set format for 9 ball and thought the extended races in the last couple of rounds really challenged them appropriately. The shootout is just dumb. Cool sitting tableside watching Shasha Liu crush Amit. Too bad they couldn’t have had some elevated seating around the outer tables. What a waste not having any vendors other than that one booth (out of Vegas) and a couple of Predator displays.
The Men’s 10 Ball was great but definitely could have used a few more top pros attending. Also thought the races should have been extended some in the last couple of rounds. The scheduling of their event was just ass awful. No need at all to stretch the event out like they did. No wonder why more pros don’t attend with all that downtime and unnecessary extra nightly expenses. This isn’t just a Predator issue either. Of course they toss the Doubles event on top to fill the time. Thank god there was no Juniors event.
River City Open was nothing special. Only a few big names, good to see Biado there. The seating (and prices) were horrendous. Maybe with more notice they can get better signups.
The International was a let down after last year. Wonder if Fleming will have it there again? I thought he had a contract for another year. Thought most of the Pro events were poorly attended and duds. Guess the amateur sold out so maybe that was a positive on his ledger.
Will be attending all of them again if they take place, plus add the FL Open too. Will pass on the Mosconi Carnival.
