The biggest difference between match one and match two as far as Dennis was concerned was the tighter table (4.25" pockets) used in the second match. He prefers it tough. He said the first table was too loose for him. He felt that gave Tony an advantage.
I will agree that Dennis may still be a 9-8 underdog (half a ball) against Shane or Alex at One Pocket. It doesn't sound like much but it is, especially in a long match. Given 9-8 then it would be a good match. I seriously doubt he wants to play either guy even, but I could be wrong. If he has a backer of course he will get up there. One thing about Dennis, he will give it his best shot to win no matter what the game is.
You would think that after his two losses to Shane in the U.S. Open finals he wouldn't want to gamble with him. You would be wrong. Dennis will play Shane some Ten Ball in a heartbeat and Shane knows that. When it comes to money games Dennis may be the King and that includes Alex. Alex is in no hurry to tangle with Dennis, you can believe that. I think they both have a grudging respect for each other, but I know who has the bigger cajones.
There are other very good One Pocket players right here and one or more of them might get the backing they need to challenge Dennis. I suspect the next big match we see will feature one of them, someone like Justin Hall or Danny Smith. Dennis loves playing the BIG match, the bigger the better. You might see him giving weight to one of the high rollers in pool just to make a game. He knows the real money is in One Pocket so he's ready to make a game if asked.
