level5ninja
New member
Hi all. Long time reader, first time poster. Let me start off by saying that I love the ring games. Love them. They're dynamic and exciting and you get to see TOP LEVEL players attempt shots they normally wouldn't. That's the fun of the event...the excitement.
This post is regarding the spotting of a ball during the Bank Ring Game at the 2011 DCC.
There was one ball left on the table and all 6 players were still in. The ball was left in the jaws of a side pocket. All 6 players attempted 3 rail kicks to pocket the ball and failed....3 or 4 times a piece. It was very exciting and dramatic. Every time one of them got close to pocketing the ball the crowd would yell and cringe when the cue ball just BARELY missed the object ball. It was like watching a pro golfer miss a very long and curvy putt.
In short: it's kind of what you, as a spectator, show up for...excitement.
After about 3 rounds the decision was made to spot the ball and let play continue from there. I completely disagree with that decision. These are PROFESSIONAL players attempting a very difficult shot. It was great to have the privilege of watching them attempt the shot. It was exciting and fun. Spotting the ball robbed the 6 players the opportunity to execute the skill necessary to pocket the ball in the natural rotation and, more importantly, robbed the audience of the thrill and excitement of witnessing when one of them succeeds.
I have nothing but respect for all of the guys who work so hard to host a GREAT tournament and I have nothing negative to say usually I just think they should have let the table stand and let the pro's do their job.
My 2 cents.
This post is regarding the spotting of a ball during the Bank Ring Game at the 2011 DCC.
There was one ball left on the table and all 6 players were still in. The ball was left in the jaws of a side pocket. All 6 players attempted 3 rail kicks to pocket the ball and failed....3 or 4 times a piece. It was very exciting and dramatic. Every time one of them got close to pocketing the ball the crowd would yell and cringe when the cue ball just BARELY missed the object ball. It was like watching a pro golfer miss a very long and curvy putt.
In short: it's kind of what you, as a spectator, show up for...excitement.
After about 3 rounds the decision was made to spot the ball and let play continue from there. I completely disagree with that decision. These are PROFESSIONAL players attempting a very difficult shot. It was great to have the privilege of watching them attempt the shot. It was exciting and fun. Spotting the ball robbed the 6 players the opportunity to execute the skill necessary to pocket the ball in the natural rotation and, more importantly, robbed the audience of the thrill and excitement of witnessing when one of them succeeds.
I have nothing but respect for all of the guys who work so hard to host a GREAT tournament and I have nothing negative to say usually I just think they should have let the table stand and let the pro's do their job.
My 2 cents.
