Thx for the write up.... well explained perspective of ''the moment''.
With the world now involved in pro nine ball events, this is a major long term concern for Pat.
I think he might have to make a big change.... Or just do a Smaller production.
Your below post Stu...... made matters very clear.
''Field size and depth in the pro events disappointed.
The main reasons, in my opinion: a) the Predator event in Spain caused many top Europeans to skip it.
b) five top Europeans were in Scotland training for the Mosconi.
C) player burnout, as the top pros just got home from two months hopping from country to country in Asia.
Pat will have to look at the world events from now on to find His Spot on the calendar.
I think his best bet might be this.
Wait till he knows what MR is going to do in 2026 with the US Open 9 ball.
I don't know if Pat has the connections in TX like he does on the Atlantic coast.
An undeniable complication, Bill, is that 2025 has likely introduced us to how pool is going to be from now on. It's very possible that the pros will, again, spend two months in Asia next September and October. The breadth of the world pool calendar has made things very complicated for players to manage both their schedules and their expenses. Still, there is no denying that, more than ever, they can pick and choose their events, no longer obligated to play in everything to earn a living at pro pool.
The rapid globalization of the game in the past decade has, unquestionably, made our sport better, but it has come with some growing pains, and players, event producers, and even fans face new choices.
