Let's Cut a Little Slack
I will stick my neck out here for a second. I was one of the tournament directors that Lorider is referring to.
Let me set the scene for a moment for clarification. There were technically THREE 16-person double elimination tournaments being ran simultaneously with continuous play on 12 tables. APA Splashboards, not to be confused with Singles Qualifers. Splashboards are able to qualify 5 out of the 16 to spots in Regionals. Win 3 before you lose 2.
Starting at Noon, the co-director and I kicked off all 3 Splashboards, and we finished all three by 630 PM. Yes, there were about 20% that participated in both 8-ball and 9-ball formats. The reason the formats were done on the same weekend/afternoon was to offer the chance to some people that can't make multiple weekends to get qualified for Regionals. With the window closing to get qualified, there were multiple requests from players to run not just one of each, but a second 9-ball Splashboard.
With all of that being said, I would like to think qualifying 15 people to go to a Regional (LoRider included) far surpasses spending an afternoon on a sport that we all love, giving these players a chance for Vegas. Memphis has historically never qualified many players for Regionals, but the new League Operators are on a mission, and I fully support it.
I took the time out my busy week to help direct these tournaments, and I am very appreciative of the opportunity. I would do it this way again and again too.
I would be happy to answer any questions you have, though! Help me help Memphis run better tournaments...
LoRider, feel free to contact me or the LOs.