Casper just won his first European Championships and that was 9-ball so definitely he is on a run this year and can go all the way. Come on Casper, such pressure runouts the last two!
I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Just my opinion, but ivory is nothing more than an overpriced novelty these days. There are so many synthetics that look just as nice and are exponentially more durable. I didn't always feel that way. But as I've gotten older I tend to like ivory on elephants more than on cues. And even though the ivory used in cues these days is supposed to be pre-ban, it's still pushing the demand for it. Again, just my opinion and I'd never knock anyone for wanting it. It's just not my thing anymore.
My AG cue inlays are all pre-ban scrimmed elephant ivory that would be protected under clear coat, so I did go that route since it did not cost anything extra back in 2005. Now it's more of a liability since the cue could be confiscated by customs if it crosses state lines for any repair work. This means that I baby the cue at all times, even while playing at work. At some point I'll probably store it for good and use the Schon CX61 as my main player.
I should have asked for this feature when my cue was ordered, even if it was just decorative. Andy did ask if I wanted to upgrade to and ivory join and butt cap, but I chose SS and delrin since I wanted materials that could withstand some mishaps.
I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Just my opinion, but ivory is nothing more than an overpriced novelty these days. There are so many synthetics that look just as nice and are exponentially more durable. I didn't always feel that way. But as I've gotten older I tend to like ivory on elephants more than on cues. And even though the ivory used in cues these days is supposed to be pre-ban, it's still pushing the demand for it. Again, just my opinion and I'd never knock anyone for wanting it. It's just not my thing anymore.
this has been the hardest fought WC i can remember. big names falling (some early too), matches going hill-hill or very close. it seems like 12 or 13 of the last 16 will be players who have never won a MR major title. that says something about what a tough field it is
