I enjoyed this tournament immensely.
Crazy tough and I feel like I know many of the players better after watching in this format. It seemed that they were really having fun with each other.
The Ko brothers are very likable and so talented.
Congrats to all and Shane...you played fantastic.
I only watched some highlights. But in the semi final Ko Ping-chun apologized for a 9 ball break.
***Rant alert with hyperbole or sarcasm possible***
I found this horrible. The little hand wave of apology because the 9 got kicked in the side. Disgusting. The little hand wave started as I understand it in billiards. Three cushion players would give the little hand wave when they scratched one. It wasn't a thing in pool. Let alone 9-ball. ESPECIALLY on the break. Please. And the rules seem to be changed all the time to make the break harder, more random etc... 9 ball is a short rack game. An early 9 wins you the cash. Since when was it a delicate little game with no luck allowed? I think this is where the ridiculous call everything no early 10 ball 10 ball rules started. Boring and useless to make open break short rack games luck free. But that is where the trend has gone. Play a longer race or whatever.
Even in billiards, an old player schooled me. He was mentioned in one of the Byrne books when he talked of playing at the Denver Athletic Club. This player passed a few years ago about a month short of 100 years old and was known as a gentleman. At 38th and Sheridan he told me what to do when you scratch one in 3C. Give them the little hand wave/apology then try to run 4-5 more to really tilt the opponent. I expect this in 3C.
In 9 ball I expect silence. Or Keith McCready saying "Oh, the impossible dream" or "Like a nightmare..." I don't want the handwave. I mean really. Is the guy who made the 9 ball expected to control all kisses between all 10 balls flying around and ensure there is no favorable roll? If he gets kicked into a scratch am I supposed to give him a little hug or teddy bear or something? Please. Stop this hand wave in 9 ball now.
It is even worse than the phony thing the pro golfers do now where they take off their hats to shake hands on the 18th hole. They may do this because taking the sponsor off TV for 20 seconds is the ultimate form of respect now. But in better times men generally didn't take their hats off outside for other men. Of course the player making a show of phony etiquette outside while shaking hands will leave the hat on at an indoor press conference. Sponsor over etiquette right? It would mean more if they followed Hogan and Snead and had hats without logos and wore a jacket and no hat to accept the trophy. That won't happen except at the Masters I guess.
Rant over. Nothing personal on Ko Ping-chun. Great player and I'm sure the hand wave is motivated by good intentions. That doesn't mean I like it. Nor would I set up a series of rules to make it a foul or yellow card or whatever nonsense happens at some tournaments now. But just don't do it. If it is for the match just shake hands with neither gloating nor phony gestures. In a cash game just play another game or set. No need for calling extra attention to good luck which is an inherent part of the game. And there is some chance that this expression of guilt/unworthiness might take a little from your competitive edge. IMO.
I like your rant about a small thing. I agree-ish. The Japanese or Germans surely have a word for such a rant!
