Phoenix Open - August 18-22

dtroup64 said:
Biado missed ball in hand during that last rack. I know he was trying to get difficult position, but it was ball in hand.
Click to expand...
It's diffcult to reiterate enough how difficult the tables were playing. A combination of the new felt (I had someone comment on the silicone content in the felt that will eventually wear off but I wasn't aware of any silicone in the cloth) and the balls, they do seem to skid way easier but that could be the cloth or whatever; however, I've played on many conditions, including new felt, and this and the cloth and balls at the AZ open played different than anything I've played on.

I saw many 800 + level players miss shots you wouldn't expect them to. I"m not going to name names. Maybe as we get into the top 32 and the weekend it will get better as the cloth gets more worn, who knows, but I wouldn't be so quick to blame the players.
 
Jaden said:
It's diffcult to reiterate enough how difficult the tables were playing. A combination of the new felt (I had someone comment on the silicone content in the felt that will eventually wear off but I wasn't aware of any silicone in the cloth) and the balls, they do seem to skid way easier but that could be the cloth or whatever; however, I've played on many conditions, including new felt, and this played different than anything I've played on.

I saw many 800 + level players miss shots you wouldn't expect them to. I"m not going to name names. Maybe as we get into the top 32 and the weekend it will get better as the cloth gets more worn, who knows, but I wouldn't be so quick to blame the players.
Click to expand...
Appreciate your response. I'm a low 500 and would have missed pretty much every ball on the table, so I'm not one to speak. I'm just not used to seeing someone of Biado's stature fall in such a key moment.
 
skogstokig said:
BIH miss is inexcusable from a pro of his level. but biado also has one of the best mental game in the sport, he probably has already forgotten about it
Click to expand...
It may be inexcusable, but it also may be reasonable when most side spin causes skidding, again, unless you played on these tables in the last couple of days, it's hard to understand.

Now don't get me wrong it was entirely possible to run out on these tables, I did so many times, but the balls many times wouldn't do what you'd expect especially when trying to do something a little more involved. I don't remember missing with bih, but at least a couple of times the cb did something completely unexpected on a shot with bih.
 
Jaden said:
It's diffcult to reiterate enough how difficult the tables were playing. A combination of the new felt (I had someone comment on the silicone content in the felt that will eventually wear off but I wasn't aware of any silicone in the cloth) and the balls, they do seem to skid way easier but that could be the cloth or whatever; however, I've played on many conditions, including new felt, and this and the cloth and balls at the AZ open played different than anything I've played on.

I saw many 800 + level players miss shots you wouldn't expect them to. I"m not going to name names. Maybe as we get into the top 32 and the weekend it will get better as the cloth gets more worn, who knows, but I wouldn't be so quick to blame the players.
Click to expand...


People talk about all of Babe Ruth’s home runs.

Truth is he also got struck out many times.
 
Scott Frost has talked repeatedly about how the tables in Phoenix play funny, unlike anyplace else. No moisture in the slick new cloth. Balls do things players don’t expect.
 
sjm said:
Bravo Justin Bergman! Also delighted to see Gorst return with what appears to be his "A" game. Best of luck to both.
Click to expand...
Bergman really looks great at times, but being away from the tour for so long trips him up now and then. He’s beaten Filler and Biado this year. Not bad.

Gorst has looked really sharp. Young American Harrison Leinen had a chance to keep it close. He has to work on kicking game. Missed three kicks on Gorst safeties to give up BIH.
 
nmh2008 said:
And Shane is playing as well as I've ever seen him play (though I've only really watched for the last 5 yrs or so).
Click to expand...
The last few matches I've watched of his made me "re-realize" how his game is light years beyond any other American players, Fedor excluded. Superb cue ball control.
 
nmh2008 said:
And Shane is playing as well as I've ever seen him play (though I've only really watched for the last 5 yrs or so).
Click to expand...

i tend to agree. would be interesting to know what fargo performance he had in the last two events, with the kind of opposition he's faced..

ellerman v antonakis could be good, both beat higher rated players yesterday. antonakis seems to be an improving player. winner will play atencio/wiktor
 
skogstokig said:
i tend to agree. would be interesting to know what fargo performance he had in the last two events, with the kind of opposition he's faced..

ellerman v antonakis could be good, both beat higher rated players yesterday. antonakis seems to be an improving player. winner will play atencio/wiktor
Click to expand...
His effective rating so far in Phoenix is 952.56. I can't find the Florida open stats anywhere.
 
jbart65 said:
Scott Frost has talked repeatedly about how the tables in Phoenix play funny, unlike anyplace else. No moisture in the slick new cloth. Balls do things players don’t expect.
Click to expand...
I've played in Phoenix for 10 plus years, it's not just the dry tables and balls. I can't remember if I've played on brand new cloth in Phoenix or not. All the pool halls across the country tend to blend together... so maybe it's a combination of the dryness and the new cloth and balls. 🤷‍♂️
 
StrokeofLuck said:
The last few matches I've watched of his made me "re-realize" how his game is light years beyond any other American players, Fedor excluded. Superb cue ball control.
Click to expand...
Every part of his game seems to be strong right now - he's breaking well (and getting decent rolls), moving well, and jumping well. Feels like he hasn't missed a bank since the Reagan administration. His interview with Molina Mike & Panozzo after the Florida open was outstanding, it is clear that he was embarrassed after the Fedor match and has been determined to prove he's not a has-been. Good for him

Skyler seems to have fallen off a cliff in the last 2 years. I don't remember exact tournaments or times, but I felt like there was a 9-12 month window there where he was firmly in that 2nd tier of players (Alcaide, Shaw, etc) but it feels like he's realized how many up & coming monsters there are and lost confidence, turning his focus to being a dad.

I don't enjoy watching him play, but can't deny the form Tyler has been in. Justin has the talent but the break seems to be letting him down. I actually thought Bergman with practice would be an elite breaker of the balls with this Matchroom format, but he's struggling with it.
 
Jaden said:
I've played in Phoenix for 10 plus years, it's not just the dry tables and balls. I can't remember if I've played on brand new cloth in Phoenix or not. All the pool halls across the country tend to blend together... so maybe it's a combination of the dryness and the new cloth and balls. 🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...
That’s what he said. The combination of things.
 
jbart65 said:
That’s what he said. The combination of things.
Click to expand...
Yeah I was typing and thinking out loud on the keys at the same time. So first I was like, oh it can't just be that cause I've played here for ten years and then as I was thinking more about it, I was like, well maybe since I'm not sure if I've played on brand new cloth in AZ before. I do know that I played on brand new simonis on a diamond blue label in New Mexico which tends to have the same level of dryness and that table played perfectly...hmmm. Here I go typing my thoughts as I'm thinking them again....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top