Few, if any, of us agree with the conclusion drawn in the opening post in the thread, but I, for one, appreciate the sentiment in it.
This isn't the US Open as we knew it, but from a historical perspective, what difference would it make if Matchroom called their new event in Vegas "The American 9-ball Championships?" Would we somehow be robbed of the memories of US Opens past? No, not really. Those memories are for keeps, part of pool's lore.
Matchroom, in obtaining the rights to the US Open 9-ball name and bringing this event to Vegas, where far greater fanfare is available than in the past, has grabbed the baton from the Behrmans and it is Matchroom's turn to run with it. They are doing it without abruptness or lack of respect for the event's history. The US Open trophy is now known as the Barry Behrman trophy, and Barry's kids, Brady and Shannon, were center stage and were a shining presence at this year's event, reminding us all of the tournament's roots.
Matchroom is not discarding the history of the US Open, but instead embracing it and building upon it, but it's their event now and, as the most skillful event producers in our sport, they'll add their special touches to the event.
... but there's nothing wrong with feeling regret with respect to the transition. The original poster's sentiments are, in fact, valid, at least to a point.
Mika in the HOF is a joke btw. Jsafter some serious thought the new us open format is not legitimate because, mika won two us opens after losing and fighting his way back and winning.. This was an unbelievable accomplishment not included in the discussions. History is only accurate if the format is the same and the evolution of the equipment is another topic. Let go back to the old format and history can be legitimate. Love the us open best tournament in the world.
What is the 2nd bone?
Yes, it's different. Best to embrace the change. Matchroom has shown the way.
Bob Dylan was right when he observed that "the times they are a changin," and it's your every right to prefer the past, but in pool and in life, time marches on and things change.
Back to back US Opens and throw in a REAL World Championship in 9 Ball without even considering his straight pool accomplishments puts him in. Just because he burnt out a bit and cant stop flapping his hands doesn't dq him imho.Mika in the HOF is a joke btw. Js
Back to back US Opens and throw in a REAL World Championship in 9 Ball without even considering his straight pool accomplishments puts him in. Just because he burnt out a bit and cant stop flapping his hands doesn't dq him imho.
He also won a sanctioned World 10-ball Championship. In 14.1, he has won the Predator World Championship (not WPA sanctioned) and the Derby City 14.1 Challenge, two of the tougher 14.1 events to win here in America. He has won the Challenge of Champions. Add in his two US Open 9-ball titles and a World 9-ball Championship and there really isn't much to discuss.
Mika in the HOF was a no-brainer.
I don't care about the format so much as the gimmick of jump cues being allowed.
I'm convinced if players had to jump with the full playing cue there would have been a different group of players in the final 8. Jump cues turn it into an arcade game.
Few, if any, of us agree with the conclusion drawn in the opening post in the thread, but I, for one, appreciate the sentiment in it.
This isn't the US Open as we knew it, but from a historical perspective, what difference would it make if Matchroom called their new event in Vegas "The American 9-ball Championships?" Would we somehow be robbed of the memories of US Opens past? No, not really. Those memories are for keeps, part of pool's lore.
Matchroom, in obtaining the rights to the US Open 9-ball name and bringing this event to Vegas, where far greater fanfare is available than in the past, has grabbed the baton from the Behrmans and it is Matchroom's turn to run with it. They are doing it without abruptness or lack of respect for the event's history. The US Open trophy is now known as the Barry Behrman trophy, and Barry's kids, Brady and Shannon, were center stage and were a shining presence at this year's event, reminding us all of the tournament's roots.
Matchroom is not discarding the history of the US Open, but instead embracing it and building upon it, but it's their event now and, as the most skillful event producers in our sport, they'll add their special touches to the event.
... but there's nothing wrong with feeling regret with respect to the transition. The original poster's sentiments are, in fact, valid, at least to a point.
Back to back US Opens and throw in a REAL World Championship in 9 Ball without even considering his straight pool accomplishments puts him in. Just because he burnt out a bit and cant stop flapping his hands doesn't dq him imho.
This is a very good statement regarding both sides of the coin. I agree.
Another factor to those who think like the OP....
I watched Pat Fleming, who was, in my opinion, treated unfairly by the Berhman's regarding the changeover to Matchroom--that said, Pat not only endorsed the new Matchroom US Open, but he entered and played in the tournament as well.
That right there is a pretty solid move by the pool ambassador himself, Mr. Fleming, and I was settled in my mind that it was ok to let go and enjoy the show--and I very much did.
We also have the US International Open now (started by Mr. Fleming) and more pool action/history to be made.
Great times for Great sport. Let's all cheer them on.