True, but life of a pool player has not changed that much comparatively, there's just more workin' it world wide.
How many nine ball events does MR host each year?
Seven. The Matchroom produced majors are UK Open, European Open, World 9ball, Florida Open, US Open 9ball, Hanoi Open, Philippines Open.
FYI, nearly all the top players have good cue deals and other solid sponsorships that probably cover their participation expenses for the year. I suspect, therefore, that the majority of them end up clearing every bit of their AZB prize money. Many of them also give lessons and have paid appearances. No, they can't afford to live on Park Avenue, but they are not hurting either. They will not make big money until the game grows enough to support it, and that day is still a way off.
As for the money, not one of the first 15 US Open 9ball winners won more than $10,000, with the average at about $6,000. Now, the winner gets $100,000. The old-timers had it awfully tough, too.
