This is some seriously beautiful pool being played by two of the game's greatest superstars and finest technicians. The commentary has been solid, too, and unbiased.
Ralf is greatly respected in Asia, not only because he's a wonderful player who presents and conducts himself impeccably, but because of his long-term success over Efren Reyes, which dates back to at least 1998. I'd guess that no player had greater success competing against Efren in his prime than Ralf, and the very knowledgeable Asian pool fans are well aware of it.
And, of course, they know Ralf's a Hall of Famer now!
Ralf wins 9-6. I love this show! Pool and gambling forever are mixed. This show capitalizes on that fact. I think it's ultimately good for the sport!
I missed it:angry:. Was anyone from the US able to bet? Johnnyt
I believe so, that's the whole idea to make betting on these matches available anywhere. Sign up at Megasportsworld.com
Possibly Buddy, Earl or Sigel.
Earl and Buddy have not enjoyed the kind of success against Efren that Ralf has. However, you make a good point with Sigel, who dominated the rivalry in the 1980's in America but retired in the early 1990's. Still, the number of times Efren has played Ralf is much, much, much higher than the number of times Sigel played him, and Ralf has a great track record against Efren on both Asian and American soil.
Still, when you get to choose between Mike and Ralf, you can't go too wrong!
Thanks for your thoughts.
Well Reyes was much nearer his prime in the 80's to Mid 90's in rotation games. Budy, Nick V, Earl and Mike S all played very well when playing Reyes. Reyes played better 1 pocket and 8 ball later in his career. In the late 90's and eary 2000's Reyes was in a bit of a rotation game slump. Had some eye problems and first of his bout with diabetes. Later had lazer to correct the eyes.
This is some seriously beautiful pool being played by two of the game's greatest superstars and finest technicians. The commentary has been solid, too, and unbiased.
Ralf is greatly respected in Asia, not only because he's a wonderful player who presents and conducts himself impeccably, but because of his long-term success over Efren Reyes, which dates back to at least 1998. I'd guess that no player had greater success competing against Efren in his prime than Ralf, and the very knowledgeable Asian pool fans are well aware of it.
And, of course, they know Ralf's a Hall of Famer now!
sjm,
Here is a paragraph from a noted pool authority (I can't vouch for its accuracy, but is just about identical to what Ralf posts on his website).
In his early career, Ralf had decent success. In the years between 1983 and 1992, playing full time; Ralf finished in the top 3 in 81 events. This level of proficiency would satisfy many players…but NOT Ralf. In the early 90’s he quit smoking, improved his physical conditioning, increased his practice schedule, and worked on his mental game. Over the next 10 years, he finished in the top 3 in a staggering 236 events – a level of consistency seldom seen in the history of pocket billiards.
I notice that in the last 3 European events, Ralf is listed as 1st, 1st, 2nd. I guess you could say he is somewhat consistent:smile:. I wonder what his "top 3" number is over the past 9 years???