★★Qatar gets right to host World 9-Ball Championship For Four Years★★

[ENGLISH!]

my argument is that just because a few countries in a region are having issues, it should not mean events like the world 9 ball should be taken away from one of the locations in that region. This is why I used my example where a city in turmoil leads to a state being abandoned.
I can really go away from pool and try explain how certain events and decisions led to the turmoil (weapons of mass destruction?) however I want this argument to stick to pool. I'm only pro Qatar as I honestly feel this location, their investments and growing market towards the game in the middle-east can lead pool towards the right direction. There is no other location which can provide to the game like they can.

salted,

Perhaps you can enlighten me as to how a region, country, or city can lead pool in the right direction.

But...the ten riches cities in the world per GDP as of April 2013 are Tokyo, New York, Los Angelos, Seoul, London, Paris, Osaka, Chicago, Moscow, & Shanghai.

Why, exactly should this event be held just south of IRAN in Doha, Qatar, especially given the turmoil in the region at this time?

Best Wishes,
Rick

 

[salted]

salted,

Perhaps you can enlighten me as to how a region, country, or city can lead pool in the right direction.

But...the ten riches cities in the world per GDP as of April 2013 are Tokyo, New York, Los Angelos, Seoul, London, Paris, Osaka, Chicago, Moscow, & Shanghai.

Why, exactly should this event be held just south of IRAN in Doha, Qatar, especially given the turmoil in the region at this time?

Best Wishes,
Rick

The fact that a region, country or city is willing to hold the world 9 ball is a win for the game and leads it to the right direction.
I don't see any of those 10 cities wanting to host the world 9 ball so don't see your point. Qatar stepped up and took over this prestigious event while others were left with invisible sponsors and wannabe organisers.

 

[ENGLISH!]

The fact that a region, country or city is willing to hold the world 9 ball is a win for the game and leads it to the right direction.
I don't see any of those 10 cities wanting to host the world 9 ball so don't see your point. Qatar stepped up and took over this prestigious event while others were left with invisible sponsors and wannabe organisers.

salted,

So...if IRAN offered to 'host' it, it should have been 'awarded' to them, or how about Syria?

If the WPA can't 'sell' the event then perhaps the WPA should fold up shop & let someone else take the reins.

Again, I mean no offense to anyone as I certainly do not know all of the particulars.

But...If I were a 'western world' professional player I would pass on the event & find something else to do for that week as I would not go just south of IRAN to compete in or watch pocket billiards.

Again it's the risk reward balancing act.

The Middle East is a sad, sad situation & I pray for peaceful resolutions nearly every night, not just for that region but for around the whole world.

Sorry, but I just do not see any real logic to what you are saying.

Best Wishes,
Rick

PS As I said before there are places in New Orleans that I am not going to at night. The risk far out weighs the reward.

 

[naji]

Although Gabica is a Philippine national, he was a de facto representative of Qatar as he has been a Qatar national team coach for the past 4 years as well as wearing the Qatar shirt and colors throughout this event. There could not be a more important representative for Qatar to stream and yet they intentionally did not.

You have to really live there to understand what i said; None natives cannot represent the country; plus remember one of those Poinys knocked off one of the good natives.

I watched the finals on Youtube, and the Guest with the commentator was the head of the Qatar BSF, and said in Arabic, that they will have streams over the internet next year like no one sees before, he also said, that they met this year with Alkass channel but could not close the internet stream deal, so it was pushed for next year.


No place like USA that have high sportsmanship no matter who wins.

 

[book collector]

Every time I see this name I think of a song title " Qatar Hero" I know it is ridiculous but I can't stop.

 

[pro9dg]

everyone was disappointed that the live streaming match coverage of the finals was a failure.
to make it up to those thousands of disappointed pool fans all over the world, i suggest that they put all recorded videos of the 2013 WPC matches on youtube.[/QUOTE

So it will be free?
Al Kass produced a package with high production values. PERHAPS THEY FEEL THAT THEY HAVE HIT THEIR TARGET MARKET. ]

So why would they do that?

The fact is that the tournament slots were GAZUMPED by soccer..

So it was no fault of the WPA or the QBSF

 

[pooler]

Doug, I'm wondering why the billiard world should support an area of the world that has had no interest whatsoever in promoting women's billiards.

What signal is the WPA sending by centering their headquarters where women are not even considered for billiards competitions?

You and others may be critical of the U.S. but the BCA has always made sure that the events they ran had equal support for both men and women. This treatment has not even happened in Europe. The EPBF has been far from fair towards it's women players based on the events it runs.

Hmmmmmm..., FranCrimi

Could you possibly elaborate on the highlighted (in red) section of your comment ?

Regards

 

[FranCrimi]

Hmmmmmm..., FranCrimi

Could you possibly elaborate on the highlighted (in red) section of your comment ?

Regards

Sure. As far back as I can remember, the EPBF chose their male players to represent Europe in WPA sanctioned events by their ranking, which was derived from their play on the EPBF tour. However, the women were chosen based on their finish in just one women's event at year-end, for each disciplne, because there was no women's EPBF tour. And sometimes the women players were even hand-picked by the EPBF. For many years there have been no viable competitions in Europe to accumulate even remotely enough to have a legitimate European women's ranking system. The main focus there has always been on the men.

 

[pro9dg]

Fran, I am not totally familiar with the way that things operate in Europe but I do believe that Gre Leenders and David Morris would be running ladies events if they thought that there was a demand for them.
As far as I am aware ladies can play on the (Men's) Euro Tour. These guys are not exactly bosom buddies of mine but I do recognise and salute their efforts. Many European Woman have forsaken the Euro scene and have moved over to the States - Allison, Karen, Kelly, Julie, Kim, Sarah - they have all tasted success over there and Jasmin and others travel to compete.
I suppose the compromise could be to take their results from the EuroTour events in which they do paricipate

 

[pro9dg]

Doug, I'm wondering why the billiard world should support an area of the world that has had no interest whatsoever in promoting women's billiards.

What signal is the WPA sending by centering their headquarters where women are not even considered for billiards competitions?

You and others may be critical of the U.S. but the BCA has always made sure that the events they ran had equal support for both men and women. This treatment has not even happened in Europe. The EPBF has been far from fair towards it's women players based on the events it runs.

Fran

The picture that you paint is not as bleak as you see it.

Last year the Iranian Federation sent six referees to officiate at the 2012 World 9 Ball.
They were all women and they were treated respectfully by the Qatar authorities. The also did a top class job..

Now ladies from Iran and Saudi Arabia are now able to compete in international sports events.

In Dubai The Ladies Tennis Open, top ladies player Shahar Peer now is accepted by the organisers and she is from Israel.

The Crown Prince of Dubai, who is also President of the Dubai Sports Council, has launched a special initiative aimed at encouraging ladies to play pool and snooker.

I am reminded of the joke:
It was the custom for ladies to walk 5 steps behind their male colleagues. Now they walk 5 paces in front/ Why the change................................? Landmines.

I think that those days are coming to an end

 

[pooler]

Sure. As far back as I can remember, the EPBF chose their male players to represent Europe in WPA sanctioned events by their ranking, which was derived from their play on the EPBF tour. However, the women were chosen based on their finish in just one women's event at year-end, for each disciplne, because there was no women's EPBF tour. And sometimes the women players were even hand-picked by the EPBF. For many years there have been no viable competitions in Europe to accumulate even remotely enough to have a legitimate European women's ranking system. The main focus there has always been on the men.

Thanks FranCrimi :smile:

Well, yes; I agree that the situation in Europe has been for long far from perfect; however, a lot of work has been put to resolve this matter.
It is only fair to state that since the beginning of 2012 we do have a regular EuroTour for women so there is a huge improvement.
Check for info at:
http://www.eurotouronline.eu/default_etwomen.asp?db=eurotour&client=women (click at Calendar to see the list of previous events)

I am more interested in the other part of your previous statement:

You and others may be critical of the U.S. but the BCA has always made sure that the events they ran had equal support for both men and women.

The question is:
How exactly does (did) the BCA treat men and women players equal?
By not supporting any of them ??? :wink:
It has been stated here on countless occasions that BCA, for many years now, does nothing to support professional pool players, be it a man, a woman or a child. Are you relating to the long gone past ?
No offence intended, just curious about that.

 

[JAM]

Thanks FranCrimi :smile:

Well, yes; I agree that the situation in Europe has been for long far from perfect; however, a lot of work has been put to resolve this matter.
It is only fair to state that since the beginning of 2012 we do have a regular EuroTour for women so there is a huge improvement.
Check for info at:
http://www.eurotouronline.eu/default_etwomen.asp?db=eurotour&client=women (click at Calendar to see the list of previous events)

I am more interested in the other part of your previous statement:


The question is:
How exactly does (did) the BCA treat men and women players equal?
By not supporting any of them ??? :wink:
It has been stated here on countless occasions that BCA, for many years now, does nothing to support professional pool players, be it a man, a woman or a child. Are you relating to the long gone past ?
No offence intended, just curious about that.

I'd kind of like to know how the American players were chosen to go to Qatar last week. Just curious!

Also, Pooler, are you familiar with a family from Poland with the last name spelled P-o-z-n-e-r-z-o-n? TIA!

ETA: If that name is familiar to you, would you please send me a "private message"? Thanks.

 

[sfleinen]

The fact that a region, country or city is willing to hold the world 9 ball is a win for the game and leads it to the right direction.
I don't see any of those 10 cities wanting to host the world 9 ball so don't see your point. Qatar stepped up and took over this prestigious event while others were left with invisible sponsors and wannabe organisers.

salted:

You're wasting your time. You know the old expression, "keeping an eye on the world from a room with no windows"? Unfortunately, that applies to a lot of Americans -- especially those that live inland, the heartland, or not on a coast that faces the rest of the world (i.e. one that doesn't face the other continents, unlike the east and west coast). The OP is obviously one of those. Forgo the "15 years of maritime experience" -- that could mean anything -- including being rooted to a single base as a dry dock or ship iron worker, which counts as "maritime experience." If he did travel on any of those vessels, I doubt he ever step foot off of the ship, save for refueling and replenishment at the harbors his vessel pulled into, and was required to load up and get underway again as quickly as possible.

Your analogy of damning an entire U.S. state because a single city has problems is right on the money -- you don't damn an entire area of the world just because a few pieces of that area are experiencing problems. Part of being a world traveler is knowing where to go, and where not to go. See post #17.

Obviously, I vehemently disagree with that area of the world's view of and treatment of women as second-class citizens. When traveling, you have to be flexible and follow the rules of the areas you travel to. If this is too much for one's sensibilities, then obviously don't go there. But it's easy for culturally-neutered Americans who don't have any experience spending lots of time in other countries to pass judgment based on rough-around-the-edges Joe Factoryworker "keeping an eye on the world from a room with no windows" values.

-Sean

 

[pooler]

I'd kind of like to know how the American players were chosen to go to Qatar last week. Just curious!

The answer to your first question:

Those who went there were the only ones who used the newest BCA's tool for supporting ProPool in the USA: the Official Rules Mobile Application :grin-square::wink:

 

[ENGLISH!]

salted:

You're wasting your time. You know the old expression, "keeping an eye on the world from a room with no windows"? Unfortunately, that applies to a lot of Americans -- especially those that live inland, the heartland, or not on a coast that faces the rest of the world (i.e. one that doesn't face the other continents, unlike the east and west coast). The OP is obviously one of those. Forgo the "15 years of maritime experience" -- that could mean anything -- including being rooted to a single base as a dry dock or ship iron worker, which counts as "maritime experience." If he did travel on any of those vessels, I doubt he ever step foot off of the ship, save for refueling and replenishment at the harbors his vessel pulled into, and was required to load up and get underway again as quickly as possible.

Your analogy of damning an entire U.S. state because a single city has problems is right on the money -- you don't damn an entire area of the world just because a few pieces of that area are experiencing problems. Part of being a world traveler is knowing where to go, and where not to go. See post #17.

Obviously, I vehemently disagree with that area of the world's view of and treatment of women as second-class citizens. When traveling, you have to be flexible and follow the rules of the areas you travel to. If this is too much for one's sensibilities, then obviously don't go there. But it's easy for culturally-neutered Americans who don't have any experience spending lots of time in other countries to pass judgment based on rough-around-the-edges Joe Factoryworker "keeping an eye on the world from a room with no windows" values.

-Sean

Your backhands all missed wide 'left'. There are a few words that describe you quite well, one in particular. Unfortunately...I can't use any of them here on AZB.

 

[pt109]

I hate to say this...but I think all American & European players should 'boycot' the events....unless they are moved to a more friendly neutral sight.

They can keep the rights but should be made aware of a boycot unless the events are moved.

ENGLISH, maybe you should be a little more aware of the history of your
own area....and Qatar.
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j...=Yvv9_hF22j9Ze4i16Ns7nQ&bvm=bv.52164340,d.b2I

Not every Muslim has a bomb strapped to his chest.....

 

[JAM]

ENGLISH, maybe you should be a little more aware of the history of your
own area....and Qatar.
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j...=Yvv9_hF22j9Ze4i16Ns7nQ&bvm=bv.52164340,d.b2I

Not every Muslim has a bomb strapped to his chest.....

I just watched that movie last night: Argo. Man, what a movie!

I wonder if Mr. Wilson is that CIA agent played by Ben Affleck who retired. Similar traits. Hmm. . .

Every country has its own militants, some more than others. Even America has militants like KKK and Black Panthers. Germany had Nazis. It does not mean all the citizens of the country are militant. Sometimes a country's citizens are victimized by their own militants. :frown:

 

[ENGLISH!]

ENGLISH, maybe you should be a little more aware of the history of your
own area....and Qatar.
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j...=Yvv9_hF22j9Ze4i16Ns7nQ&bvm=bv.52164340,d.b2I

Not every Muslim has a bomb strapped to his chest.....

PT,

I said nothing about every Muslim or any Muslim for that matter. I have had a few small business dealings with a few People that practice the Muslim religion & they certainly seemed to be very nice & kind people. There are quite a few, actually I'd say many in the New Orleans area. I have no religious prejudice as you seem to want to make me appear, nor any for that matter.

My concern is in regards to the radicals that would strap a bomb to their chest & blow themselves up along with how many innocent men, women, & children. And...it only takes one in your proximity to take your life &/or that of your spouse or your child. Perhaps it won't be a suicide bomb. Perhaps it will be a 'stray' surface to air missile that takes down your plane on it's approach to land, or over another country in route. Who knows?

If you or anyone wants to go there to play or watch pool, that is certainly your prerogative.

I just hope & pray that all goes well, but if I were any Pro, but especially one from the western world, that is one tournament of which I would choose to pass on.

The proximity to the 'home' of the radicals is my concern.

As I have said, the reward does not out weigh the risk IMO. I'd spend that week doing something else if I was any Pro & especially one from the western world.

That's all I'm saying. It is only about one's safety.

Regards & Best Wishes,
Rick

PS When that donation was made public, I pointed out the generosity of such a foreign national to my 'children' & family members.

PSS Note though that he did not get out from behind the tinted bullet proof glass of his limousine to walk among the people of the ravaged neighborhoods that he toured. Could that have been due to possible safety concerns? Also, just how rich would he be if not for the western world buying all of the oil back in the day before anyone else really wanted it & how many refineries & chemical plants based on oil by products are there in Louisiana? There is at least one in Chalmette, La., just south east of New Orleans & the 9th. ward. There are many just up river between New Orleans & Baton Rouge & in Baton Rouge. Many of those plant workers live in the New Orleans area.

 

[ENGLISH!]

I just watched that movie last night: Argo. Man, what a movie!

I wonder if Mr. Wilson is that CIA agent played by Ben Affleck who retired. Similar traits. Hmm. . .

Every country has its own militants, some more than others. Even America has militants like KKK and Black Panthers. Germany had Nazis. It does not mean all the citizens of the country are militant. Sometimes a country's citizens are victimized by their own militants. :frown:

Jen,

I agree with you. New Orleans is certainly a victim of it's inner city crime rep.

In this case, it is the proximity to the militants & their 'home' that puts EAU & Qatar in a bad feeling for safety reasons.

I don't know for sure but it seems to me that those two may be on the road to fostering global peace.

They just live too close to the bad guys for me regarding safety.

Regards & Best Wishes,
Rick

 

[JoeyA]

ENGLISH, maybe you should be a little more aware of the history of your
own area....and Qatar.
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j...=Yvv9_hF22j9Ze4i16Ns7nQ&bvm=bv.52164340,d.b2I

Not every Muslim has a bomb strapped to his chest.....

I also know for a fact that the Kuwaiti people donated huge sums of money to the American Red Cross right here in New Orleans. My wife was a volunteer for the Red Cross and drove one of their very high dollar emergency vehicles used of serving catastrophically damaged areas. I remember at least a few of the vehicles were purchased with money from the Kuwati people.

I too, think English is painting with a broad brush that isn't needed or justified. His attempt to encourage boycotting the World Championships in Qatar are off mark and unwarranted but that is only my opinion.

“We saw what happened to Orleans,” the emir said in the interview. “We were watching on television. We are part of this society. It is good for everyone to help out. I really felt sorry for the people.” From the article you referenced, it is easy to see that there are good hearts all over the world. The emir's statement about "We are part of this society" lets me know that the world is changing for the better. There's room for improvement in every country but we won't get it done, painting every place as a terrorist haven.

Sure, there is danger just about anywhere you look but encouraging people to boycott tournaments in Qatar is unfair and reasonable. English is entitled to his opinion but on this subject, I differ.

I wouldn't hesitate to go to Qatar, especially for a pool tournament, but like others have mentioned, I would honor their laws and their customs while in their country.

In the meantime, I do hope they get the live streaming issues ironed out before the next big event.

JoeyA