Shane is a way more refined player today than he was over a decade ago. He's made many improvements on his wobbly stroke and has been even more accurate in the past 5-10 years. Shane today would give 2007 Shane the 6 or 7 ball. The knowledge and shot repertoire he has gained in his arsenal is enough to beat young Shane.
Also, one reason Shane was dominating everything and everyone back then is because there weren't as many elite players as there are in today's era of pro pool. Less competition and fewer elite players, so it was easier for him to be the stand out. Today, he is no longer the biggest shark in the smallest pond.
Agreed 100%. Shane plays as well as he ever has, and probably better than he did a decade ago.
The rules have evolved in a way that he cannot dominate with his break the way he did when he had his greatest success (meaning 2014-16), but by adding features to his game and becoming more refined tactically, he has managed to keep up with the much higher grade of pros we find in today's game. Assuming their careers are still going when they are 42, I really doubt either Josh or Fedor will still be a Top 5 player in the world based on Fargo, as Shane is at present. Of course, we shall see.
Those who fail to appreciate just how difficult it is to stay at or near the top of the pro game year after year when the game has exploded internationally simply aren't giving Shane enough credit. He's a modern marvel. Only a few have ever had his staying power.
www.pooldawg.com
no disrespect
