UPA sanctions US Open
- Thread starter jjinfla
- Start date
jjinfla said:
This is definitely a step in the right direction and the result of a lot of hard work on both sides. Now we must support the event, the vendors, and Barry, as well as the UPA to ensure its success. If this situation can be worked out, so can all of the other problems that surround our industry.
sjm said:
As much as I dislike the tactics the UPA uses on occasion I will agree with this. It is a win/win situation, the US Open gets more prestige and added ranking points for the World Championships qualifiers as well as not having to butt heads with the UPA over its members and playing rights, and the UPA gets the most premier event in North America as part of it's organization and ranking system. I can only think that this will make alot of events think twice about not joining the UPA as sanctioned events now, like the DCC and maybe the Reno Open. With the addition of the US Open the UPA now has quite the list of premier events under it's banner and in all honesty I think now maybe the push should be made to sanction up some remaining premier events in North America and make a push to change the UPA from a players organizing body to a true pro tour. A good 12 events a year with 10K+ first place money minimum would be fine to start with if they could manage it. They must be up close to 10 events sanctioned for this year now already. We really really need an official premier pro tour in North America for this sport.
Will Mika Immonen be playing?
14.1player said:
I sure hope so. It would be a shame if he does not play. He's a top contender in any event he competes in, and he's a joy to watch.
I wonder if the UPA format of alternate break will be in force. If the U.S. Open is sanctioned by the UPA, then the UPA rules for tournament play may be in force.
I personally am curious about the seeding process. I do not understand why the "seniors tour" is used for ranking. The only senior tournament I am aware of is the one in Florida. Is there actually a "seniors tour"?
The U.S. Open is probably the most prestigious stop on the tournament trail for me. The atmosphere is quite different from other major tournaments, and the festivities for pool enthusiasts and railbirds are quite magnificant.
The August-September time frame has provided back-to-back tournaments for players. Aside from the many wonderful regional tour events, here's a listing:
Orlando Open-August 3-7, 2005-Orlando, Florida, at Disney, $30,000 in cash and prices based on a full field.
$25,000-added Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour Season Finale at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York, August 18-21, 2005
$20,000-added Carolinas Open-Goldsboro, North Carolina-September 6-11, 2005
$50,000-added U.S. Open, Chesapeake Beach, Virginia-September 19-25, 2005
I want to go to all four of these tournaments. We already paid our entry fee for the Joss Turning Stone Casino in New York, and I can't wait. Pool is definitely alive and well on the East Coast. I just wish my pocket book allowed me to go to every single one. Unless I hit the lottery, we will be forced to pick and choose. I enjoy going to these tournaments, but I also enjoy keeping a roof over my head. I guess it's a good thing that there is a multitude of pool events for the players.
In sum, I think it's great that the UPA and Barry Behrman have come together for the betterment of the sport. It's a win-win for pool in the United States (IMO).
JAM
hmmm, does this mean charlie williams will start playing in the open again? he's been boycotting the event because of the unfortunate events that took place a few years ago. now that its UPA sanctioned, i would think charlie will be playing in the event. it will be interesting to see if he still boycotts it even with the sanction.
VAP
VAP
vapoolplayer said:
Hi, VAP! I think Charlie Williams will be in attendance this year, now that all of the wrinkles have been ironed regarding the UPA and the U.S. Open.
The seeding process, though, as it relates to the so-called "seniors tour" bothers me somewhat, and it will affect the decision-making process on which tournaments we attend in the August-September time frame, without a doubt. It is very expensive to participate in week-long events. For the life of me, I cannot understand how a tournament for seniors which occurs once a year is going to be utilized in the seeding process of the U.S. Open.
JAM
JAM said:
well, i think you know as well as i do where the "senior" suggestion came from
i personally don't think there should be seeding in an "open" event. either change the name or make it a real open.
VAP
vapoolplayer said:well, i think you know as well as i do where the "senior" suggestion came from
LOL. Yep, I remember it well!
vapoolplayer said:
One thing, VAP, at least you live in Virginia and it ain't too far to travel for you, which is a good thing. We're definitely going to the Virginia State 9-Ball Open in Richmond at the end of July, hoping to take another shot at the title, the purse, AND a paid entry fee to the U.S. Open.
BTW, David Hunt is looking mighty sporty as of late, with a few PP 9-Ball Tour wins under his belt. Chris Lauer of Fredericksburg will most likely be defending his title from last year. AzBilliard's Black-Balled, another Virginian, put on an excellent peformance at The Playing Field as I recall, and then there's Pookie.
Remember that Polish trucker who stepped up to Keith and challenged him on the snooker table? He played GREAT! Who was that masked guy?!I understand the seeding process, and as with all tournaments, there are going to be rules which won't please everybody. The seniors tour, though, doesn't make any sense to me. I like white-haired Charlie from North Carolina, but I do not think he qualifies for a seed at the U.S. Open.
Of course, I got a little ticked the other day when I had to renew my driver's license. I waited in line for about 30 minutes, and this lady walked right ahead of me and butted in. I was about to say something, but was told that senior citizens are afforded certain benefits, discounts on public transportation and not having to stand in lines. So I bite my tongue when it comes to seniors, since I'm sitting on the fence post myself!
Do other sports organizations give seeds to senior players? Just curious!
JAM
I hope everyone realizes that Charlie Williams is not the president of the UPA any longer. Remember when everyone was saying that the organization should be run by a non-playing person. Well Chalie stepped down, even though he was guaranteed to be President as long as he wanted it, and brought in Robert Lipson.
Since then two things have happened. Charlie's game has improved and the credibility of the UPA has greatly improved.
First, the UPA has signed contracts with ESPN to have two of their events filmed, the World Summit and the UPA Championship, I believe. That in itself was a great move by Lipson.
Now he has combined the UPA with the US Open. Only good things can come from this.
And don't forget the UPA combining with the Seminole Florida Pro Tour later this month (26-29). Four great events in one year.
I think that all of this bodes well for the future of professional pool. Now will the pro pool players get behind the UPA and join and back them? The only way the organization will be strong is with a strong membership. It seems to me that if a person wishes to be called a pro he better ante up the $100 and join the UPA.
It appears that Robert Lipson has developed the nucleus of a great organization with people who will work with him. Perhaps he should get Blackjack on board, if possible. Since he seems to have the best interest of pool in mind.
Jake
Since then two things have happened. Charlie's game has improved and the credibility of the UPA has greatly improved.
First, the UPA has signed contracts with ESPN to have two of their events filmed, the World Summit and the UPA Championship, I believe. That in itself was a great move by Lipson.
Now he has combined the UPA with the US Open. Only good things can come from this.
And don't forget the UPA combining with the Seminole Florida Pro Tour later this month (26-29). Four great events in one year.
I think that all of this bodes well for the future of professional pool. Now will the pro pool players get behind the UPA and join and back them? The only way the organization will be strong is with a strong membership. It seems to me that if a person wishes to be called a pro he better ante up the $100 and join the UPA.
It appears that Robert Lipson has developed the nucleus of a great organization with people who will work with him. Perhaps he should get Blackjack on board, if possible. Since he seems to have the best interest of pool in mind.
Jake
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JAM said:LOL. Yep, I remember it well!
One thing, VAP, at least you live in Virginia and it ain't too far to travel for you, which is a good thing. We're definitely going to the Virginia State 9-Ball Open in Richmond at the end of July, hoping to take another shot at the title, the purse, AND a paid entry fee to the U.S. Open.
BTW, David Hunt is looking mighty sporty as of late, with a few PP 9-Ball Tour wins under his belt. Chris Lauer of Fredericksburg will most likely be defending his title from last year. AzBilliard's Black-Balled, another Virginian, put on an excellent peformance at The Playing Field as I recall, and then there's Pookie.
I understand the seeding process, and as with all tournaments, there are going to be rules which won't please everybody. The seniors tour, though, doesn't make any sense to me. I like white-haired Charlie from North Carolina, but I do not think he qualifies for a seed at the U.S. Open.
Of course, I got a little ticked the other day when I had to renew my driver's license. I waited in line for about 30 minutes, and this lady walked right ahead of me and butted in. I was about to say something, but was told that senior citizens are afforded certain benefits, discounts on public transportation and not having to stand in lines. So I bite my tongue when it comes to seniors, since I'm sitting on the fence post myself!
Do other sports organizations give seeds to senior players? Just curious!
JAM
i'll be there for the state tourney jam. playing in it this year though. i'm shooting for a top 16 finish this year.
as far as the open, if i come up with enough cash for the entry fee i'll be playing. i know i'll be playing in the dcc in jan, so the open is on the fence for this year.
VAP
