I'm kind of sad to read this thread upon waking up this morning.
I can't imagine the logistics involved in running an event of this magnitude initially, much less making sure everything runs according to schedule. Many times, no matter how much preparation happens beforehand, there's always a few unforeseen glitches that will occur. I'm sure there are others more knowledgeable than I on this topic.
From speaking with some of the players who do follow the tournament trail on a regular basis, pool in the year 2006 has come a long way. The players themselves are happy to be given multiple opportunities to compete. In the past 30 days or so, the "professional" player has enjoyed several GOOD events, back to back, to earn a living: Enjoypool.com in Vegas, the UPA/Dragon Promotions/Predator in Florida, and the 14.1 World Championship in New Jersey. And then there's Reno (I think) next week.
Though I have NOT agreed with the pool politics during the past few years, I am elated and excited to see pool happenings on the rise. In the past, the Filipino players were a mainstay at MANY American tournaments, and now they are attending more and more overseas events. However, Europe's top players -- Niels, Thorsten, Fabio, Ralf, and many others -- are now regulars on the American tournament trail, some even moving here because of the existing opportunities.
Having said all of the above, I think Charlie Williams is responsible for raising the bar. He created the UPA, a professional men's organization which was nonexistent, and the UPA definitely experienced some growing pains, some of which I didn't agree with. However, the UPA is making strides, thanks to Dragon Productions. Charlie Williams, et al., has opened the door to the international scene for pool players. This is what was needed for the sport to grow, so bravo to him for making it happen.
Players are happy to be doing what they do best, which is playing pool and earning a living. It most definitely is not a perfect world, but as the sport gains in popularity, especially with the infusion of the IPT events on the horizon, so too will the venues and added monies. So maybe we will all benefit in the long run.
About the 14.1 tournament, the homeboys in my area are doing great, Ryan McCreesh and Mike Davis. I gotta root for the home team!
I'm also excited to see Joss Tour TD Mike Zuglan having a good tournament. Most know he's a straight pool champion, and to see him shine brightly warms my heart.
And how about Carlos Vieira with one of the high runs of 100?!
In sum, my hat is off to Seyberts, Dragon Promotions, and the players themselves. Sometimes events have obstacles which cannot be foreseen. So I celebrate the 14.1 World Championship and am thankful to see it happen. Next year, when the second 14.1 tournament occurs, the organizers will have a good handle on how to make it even better.
So that's my story, and I'm sticking with it!
Here's a picture of Carlos Vieira who currently holds the one of the highest runs of 100 at this event.
JAM
