This is all I have to say.

[markgw]

Whats up Mark? Haven't seen you around for a while......

I'm in the same camp as Vagabond but I think what you and several others are missing is that Grady has went on this same triade every year since the first invite he didn't get from Charlie. I myself think the invite may have been overlooked the first year (or maybe there was bad blood before) and instead of quietly pushing some buttons to get an invite the second year Grady went completely off the air here (or maybe RSB on usenet) and made such a big deal of it that it killed EVER getting one..... Been doing it every year since..... Who wants invite someone that hates them and has been so negative publicly about there tournament? No one! I'll say it one more time. Grady needs to preserve his legacy, teach and promote. The title "The Professor" ain't no BS, the pool world has much to be learned from him and I would much rather see the "good ole Grady" instead of the "bitter" one.

Hey Saw, OK I see your point maybe he's not being politically correct. I just happened to love the man and everything he's done to help promote pool. I met him in Cleveland 20 years ago and have loved the guy ever since. Maybe I should pay his entry fee and have him snap it off. I think that would be a much better post . Or is the tournament strictly invite?

 

[Glendale]

Hey Saw, OK I see your point maybe he's not being politically correct. I just happened to love the man and everything he's done to help promote pool. I met him in Cleveland 20 years ago and have loved the guy ever since. Maybe I should pay his entry fee and have him snap it off. I think that would be a much better post . Or is the tournament strictly invite?

I think it was an invitational tournament.

 

[markgw]

I think it was an invitational tournament.

Thanks Glendale.... No wonder he's upset, he can't play at all unless he's invited. I would also like to mention when I met Grady on tour with my band Great White in the hotel lobby, I asked what he was doing in town because I recognized him from "The Color of Money". He said he was in town to play in a Round Robin Straight Pool Tournament down the street and invited me to come. It was 3 blocks from the hotel. I could only stay a little bit because I had sound check. His first opponent was Jim Rempe and in his 1st inning he ran 127 balls. I didn't see the end of the match but it looked like text book straight pool to me. Grady is a student of the game and a hell of a teacher I am told.....It was also Johnny Archers very 1st Straight Pool event. Alot of heavy hitters were there. The Miz and most of the big players from that era. What a treat that was and what a personable guy Grady was, just an all around great dude.

 

[Glendale]

Thanks Glendale.... No wonder he's upset, he can't play at all unless he's invited. I would also like to mention when I met Grady on tour with my band Great White in the hotel lobby, I asked what he was doing in town because I recognized him from "The Color of Money". He said he was in town to play in a Round Robin Straight Pool Tournament down the street and invited me to come. It was 3 blocks from the hotel. I could only stay a little bit because I had sound check. His first opponent was Jim Rempe and in his 1st inning he ran 127 balls. I didn't see the end of the match but it looked like text book straight pool to me. Grady is a student of the game and a hell of a teacher I am told.....It was also Johnny Archers very 1st Straight Pool event. Alot of heavy hitters were there. The Miz and most of the big players from that era. What a treat that was and what a personable guy Grady was, just an all around great dude.

No problem Mark. I agree, it is ashame that he wasn't invited....it's political bs. Thanks for sharing your story!

 

[Jason Koopman]

Pride?, respect?, call it what you will.. but he does not strike me as a person who would even comment on this if he didn't feel that he was up to par with the "current" 14.1 champions.

 

[markgw]

Pride?, respect?, call it what you will.. but he does not strike me as a person who would even comment on this if he didn't feel that he was up to par with the "current" 14.1 champions.

Agreed Jason, Grady wouldn't udder a peep unless he felt he could make a run at it, Cheer's, Mark

 

[cuetechasaurus]

For all that Grady has accomplished and done for pool, I think it's a shame that he is not invited to play.

 

[JB Cases]

Hey Saw, OK I see your point maybe he's not being politically correct. I just happened to love the man and everything he's done to help promote pool. I met him in Cleveland 20 years ago and have loved the guy ever since. Maybe I should pay his entry fee and have him snap it off. I think that would be a much better post . Or is the tournament strictly invite?

The tournament is not strictly invite. There are going to be some qualifiers. Grady could go and play in the qualifiers but he feels that he shouldn't have to and I agree with him. Especially considering the people that have been invited in the past who couldn't shine Grady's shoes when it comes to 14.1.

 

[corvette1340]

A choke is a choke....and Tom Watson choked. You can throw the money outta of the window in this situation - I doubt he was worried about putting food on the table for his family. C'mon now, the guy's a multi-millionaire!

Having said that, I still feel for the guy. I was rooting for him because he was the underdog and a class act! He showed tons of heart, and I was disappointed to see him fall short.

I'm just saying, money wasn't a factor in his half stroke choke.

lol, re-read my post. You'll see that I agree that the money didn't make a difference. I was asking the clown that made the post I was referencing if he had ever putted under any kind of pressure, monetary of otherwise.

I've had putts on number 18 that have meant a few thousand dollars several times but I can't imagine putting for a million dollars much less the British Open.

The monetary pressure was nil for Watson, but the historic implications created more pressure than putting for an infinite amount of money. AND add in the fact that, I'll say it again, the man is 60 YEARS OLD!!

 

[deadstroke7]

JMO - Grady and any other player of his tenure and calibur should have open invitations to any tournament anywhere, irregardless.

Let's find ways for more people to play, not less. It can do nothing but help.

JMO

 

[Jason Robichaud]

The minute you hold an invite event someone will be off the list believing they should have been invited. I'm sure the invite is based on skill and ability to sell seats.

I think it would be nice to hold one spot for a different legend each year to pay respect for what they have done... I don't see a need though to lower the level of play by inviting every past player to run 100. The new players and up and coming wouldn't get to play then!

They could do a tribute at the event, history of the player/video etc and honor legends of the game. I think this would be a better solution.

 

[NYC cue dude]

Whats up Mark? Haven't seen you around for a while......

I'm in the same camp as Vagabond but I think what you and several others are missing is that Grady has went on this same triade every year since the first invite he didn't get from Charlie. I myself think the invite may have been overlooked the first year (or maybe there was bad blood before) and instead of quietly pushing some buttons to get an invite the second year Grady went completely off the air here (or maybe RSB on usenet) and made such a big deal of it that it killed EVER getting one..... Been doing it every year since..... Who wants invite someone that hates them and has been so negative publicly about their tournament? No one! I'll say it one more time. Grady needs to preserve his legacy, teach and promote. The title "The Professor" ain't no BS, the pool world has much to be learned from him and I would much rather see the "good ole Grady" instead of the "bitter" one.

all of the posters here are doing nothing more than assuming or speculating. Grady and I both know why he hasn't been invited. He also knows that unless something drastically changes, he never will. It's not my place to reveal the reasons, but a few years ago, Grady and I mixed it up on here over this very issue.

The past few years, Grady did attempt to qualify, and came up short.

The event is invitation only, as has always been the history of straight pool world championship events.

With the exception of the sponsor wildcards, any "lowere calibre" players that have played in the event have been last minute replacements (local players) for the players that cancelled in the last 48 hours.

The post above is the closest to be the truth in this entire thread.

And no, IMO, Grady does not deserve an invite.

Rg

 

[Glendale]

lol, re-read my post. You'll see that I agree that the money didn't make a difference. I was asking the clown that made the post I was referencing if he had ever putted under any kind of pressure, monetary of otherwise.

I've had putts on number 18 that have meant a few thousand dollars several times but I can't imagine putting for a million dollars much less the British Open.

The monetary pressure was nil for Watson, but the historic implications created more pressure than putting for an infinite amount of money. AND add in the fact that, I'll say it again, the man is 60 YEARS OLD!!

Sorry about that, I missed a couple of words. Good post.

I was definitely pulling for him. He had his fate in his hands and let it slip away. I'm sure it was very heartbreaking for him from a pride standpoint. He did prove to everyone that a nearly 60 yr old could still compete (win).

 

[Rich R.]

The tournament is not strictly invite. There are going to be some qualifiers. Grady could go and play in the qualifiers but he feels that he shouldn't have to and I agree with him. Especially considering the people that have been invited in the past who couldn't shine Grady's shoes when it comes to 14.1.

Grady did play in a qualifier. He came to Maryland to play in the Maryland Straight Pool Championship which was a qualifier.

I'm not sure what his win vs loss record was in the first round robin segment, but I know he didn't make it to day two. I watched a little bit of one of his matches and he was struggling against one of the local straight pool league players. I'm not sure if he won or lost that match. It was too sad to watch.

No one disputes that Grady was once a great player. The bottom line is that those times were long ago and Grady no longer has those skills. That is very understandable considering Grady's age and it is nothing to be ashamed of. I have no doubt that a few other players have been invited that don't deserve a spot, but that doesn't mean that Grady should be included. It means that those players should be weeded out and replaced by more capable players.

 

[Klink]

lol, re-read my post. You'll see that I agree that the money didn't make a difference. I was asking the clown that made the post I was referencing if he had ever putted under any kind of pressure, monetary of otherwise.

I've had putts on number 18 that have meant a few thousand dollars several times but I can't imagine putting for a million dollars much less the British Open.

The monetary pressure was nil for Watson, but the historic implications created more pressure than putting for an infinite amount of money. AND add in the fact that, I'll say it again, the man is 60 YEARS OLD!!

Tap Tap Tap

Anyone who wouldn't feel proud of Watson and the way he played and held it together is nuts.

I think Grady should be invited. 14.1 needs all the help it can get!

 

[Holly]

I am not sure which exact 14.1 event Grady is referring to. As he is aware, I have tremendous respect for his accomplishments and he and his wife are people that, while we do not always agree, I adore them and always wish them the best.

There is a slow but growing resurgence in 14.1. We at CueSports International with the NCS 14.1 National Championships are working towards helping the game. We appreciate everyone's support. I would love to have Grady play, but the NCS is qualifier based and unless someone plays in a qualifier they cannot play in the national event. The NCS 14.1 Nationals will be sending the top two players to the 2009 World 14.1 Championship. We appreciate Dragon Promotions offering those two spots to the NCS earlier this year in support of the sport.

I am not sure the criteria for the invites to the World 14.1, the best person to discuss that with is Charlie Williams at Dragon Promotions. I do know however there is only 64 spots in that event and they have only so many spots per geography.

One aspect of the NCS that means a great deal and has at time placed us at CSI in the firepit by some players is the fact we treat all players equally. It is not personal, there are several professional players whom I have a great deal of love for and count as friends. However, we will not play favoritism. That does not build the sport towards the future.

Saying that...there is room for an all stars tourney or maybe a seniors all stars tourney?

Also, being a golfer since age 12...I got a little misty watching Tom Watson this weekend

 

[markgw]

I am not sure which exact 14.1 event Grady is referring to. As he is aware, I have tremendous respect for his accomplishments and he and his wife are people that, while we do not always agree, I adore them and always wish them the best.

There is a slow but growing resurgence in 14.1. We at CueSports International with the NCS 14.1 National Championships are working towards helping the game. We appreciate everyone's support. I would love to have Grady play, but the NCS is qualifier based and unless someone plays in a qualifier they cannot play in the national event. The NCS 14.1 Nationals will be sending the top two players to the 2009 World 14.1 Championship. We appreciate Dragon Promotions offering those two spots to the NCS earlier this year in support of the sport.

I am not sure the criteria for the invites to the World 14.1, the best person to discuss that with is Charlie Williams at Dragon Promotions. I do know however there is only 64 spots in that event and they have only so many spots per geography.

One aspect of the NCS that means a great deal and has at time placed us at CSI in the firepit by some players is the fact we treat all players equally. It is not personal, there are several professional players whom I have a great deal of love for and count as friends. However, we will not play favoritism. That does not build the sport towards the future.

Saying that...there is room for an all stars tourney or maybe a seniors all stars tourney?

Also, being a golfer since age 12...I got a little misty watching Tom Watson this weekend

Speaking for me only..........I only came on here to show Grady some love and respect. It's not really about the invites or anything else. Just pure love and respect to a man that has done everything in his power to put pool on the map. He at least deserves that. When people come on here and disrespect someone like Grady Matthews I have to at least defend my friend, nothing more, nothing less............

 

[Fast Davie NC]

Grady,

you are a True Master of the game of 14.1, if anyone deserves to be there its you..... Maybe it is just fear as to why you didnt get the invite, i am sure that you can show those youngins a thing or two. i for one would love to see it !

Steve

I sure would like to see Danny D play Grady some Straight Pool

 

[JB Cases]

all of the posters here are doing nothing more than assuming or speculating. Grady and I both know why he hasn't been invited. He also knows that unless something drastically changes, he never will. It's not my place to reveal the reasons, but a few years ago, Grady and I mixed it up on here over this very issue.

The past few years, Grady did attempt to qualify, and came up short.

The event is invitation only, as has always been the history of straight pool world championship events.

With the exception of the sponsor wildcards, any "lowere calibre" players that have played in the event have been last minute replacements (local players) for the players that cancelled in the last 48 hours.

The post above is the closest to be the truth in this entire thread.

And no, IMO, Grady does not deserve an invite.

Rg

As I said politics at it's finest.

Well to be fair Randy, at the 14.1 World Championship that Grady promoted way back when you would not have been able to play in either, neither through qualification or invite. Possibly you would have been able to buy a spot with enough added money. That seems to be the norm these days, buy your way into a tournament to mix it up with the pros, buy yourself a ticket into space, buy yourself whatever you can buy.

And why not? If you can afford it then buy it. Some people have to earn the experience and others earn money so they can buy the experience.

Grady, just accept it that the majority of folks here are on your side but since none of us are able or willing to pollute the words "World Championship" you will most likely never be invited to the World Championship.

However I will pledge $500 towards a bet with Randy that IF you win a qualifier then you will then get to top ten in the tournament. I hope that some of my fellow posters here will agree with that and go in with me.

Oh I know that Randy won't take the bet but I'd like to see you get in fighting shape - SNAP off the qualifier and then show up and show them what you got. Screw their invites. Their loss. Maybe you will get to play Shanelle Lorraine in the first round.

 

[Luxury]

I see all of this as a potential learning experience for younger players who really want to have all the opportunities they can to make money in pool.

Lesson: Don't burn your bridges.

For Grady I'm sure the chance to win money had nothing to do with anything and possibly Sarah Rousey doesn't care about that sort of thing either but to all the guys who do wan't to make a living in pool perhaps they learned a valuable lesson from all of this.