I know I'm jumping on "the next big thing" (after Niels just won world) but I believe if they played right now SVB would have all he could handle and maybe more. Johnnyt
PS: Playing 10 ball winner breaks.
That would be a nice matchup, but I don't think Niels Feijen needs to prove his mettle against our Boy Wonder.
As we know Niels is a proven champion, what with his two World Titles—and the yardstick IS the world titles now.
But I agree with you, Niels wouldn't have to like it against SVB in ANY race, regardless of length.
But that goes for any other champion.
If the real issue here is simply throwing SVB at someone just for the sake of proving his worth,
I don't think that's necessary. SVB will get his world title someday. He's only 30 years old.
Still young. Niels is late 30s.
RELATED TRIVIA: The oldest world champion in ANY sport is one Fred Davis.
He won (and retained) the professional billiards title in 1980 at the age of 67.
Look it up for yourself.
If one has the talent, drive, means, and health, then there is no reason why
a professional pool player can't win any title well into his 60s, 70s and beyond.
The Golden bear won the Masters at age 46 SVB HAS TIME, FOLKS!!
Let's put this in another light —and this in no way puts down former champions whatsoever—
but if SVB were playing in the 70s, 80s, or 90s he would have won a few World Championships, guaranteed.
Why? Because when Earl, Johnny, et al. were winning these world titles the overall competition wasn't even close to what it is today.
SVB has to contend with players from Asia, Europe, and small pockets here and there AND the competition is only going to get tougher.
SVB is more than capable of winning a world title.
Although SVB himself says it's more difficult to play overseas,
I don't buy that as the reason for his inability (so far) to win the big ones.
The competition is simply too damn tough.