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

[ENGLISH!]

Rick,
Qatar, like all other countries, holds Championships once or twice a year (not every day), and is protected by the best Air force in the world, US Al-Udeid Air Base; and Qatar is 200 miles a way from Iran separated by the sea its only border to Iran, and very secured boarders, There is no highways or roads between Iran and Qatar it is desert. You probably thinking like US, open highways between states, it is not like that over there. You need to visit.

Mr. Naji,

I am not a racist nor geographically challenged as the Master of Deceptive Trolling has so 'eloquently' implied.

I know exactly where Qatar is in relation to Iran. I assisted in the arrangement for quite a bit of copper & refrigeration equipment to be shipped there & the EAU.

Given the turmoil in the region of the recent past & the fact that those two countries are not of the same faction as Iran & that there is a US military base in Qatar is exactly why I think that it is a bad idea for the WPA to award the World 9 Ball Championship to Doha for the next 4 years.

How many times do I have to say that I have nothing against those two counties or the Muslim religion.

Good people are sometimes stuck living in bad neighborhoods.

If you or anyone thinks that a terrorist or Iran could not attack those countries I'd say that you are delusional.

Mad men do not act rational & do not even consider the law or what is best for them.

That is my concern. If the US or a coalition sends 200 or so tomahawk missiles into Syria & perhaps one malfunctions & hits Iran, can you or anyone here on AZB guarantee what will or will not happen.

If my son was a Pro player planning on playing those tournaments or if my daughter wanted to go watch, I would beg them not to do so.

It's easy to sit here or there & say how ridiculous any apprehension regarding Qatar is & how safe it is, etc.

It's not so easy after things go wrong & loves ones have died.

In this instance I would rather be safe than sorry.

I don't swim across bayous with 9 foot alligators just a short swim upstream.

Sorry,
Rick

PS Regards & Best Wishes to You, Mr. Naji.

 

[9BallEddie]

This thread has been the most interesting thread I've read in the short time I've been a member. Certainly a lot of misunderstanding and stubbornness but nonetheless entertaining for me.

I think the main point is where is this sport going to flourish and prosper the most. And, unfortunately for many people here, it simply is not in the US. At least not now and certainly not like it used to be.

According to an article here on azbilliards, the 9-ball championship just a few days ago in Qatar had over 1,000 cheering spectators. I watched a stream of the 14.1 championship hosted in the US just last night. Great matches particularly the final between Archer and Hohmann. Guess how many were watching that FREE stream? Just over 400. I can only imagine how may people would have watched if it were a PPV. The sport simply would not survive if it remained solely in the "comfortable" venues according to the minds of some here.

 

[Joe_Jaguar]

This thread has been the most interesting thread I've read in the short time I've been a member. Certainly a lot of misunderstanding and stubbornness but nonetheless entertaining for me.

I think the main point is where is this sport going to flourish and prosper the most. And, unfortunately for many people here, it simply is not in the US. At least not now and certainly not like it used to be.

According to an article here on azbilliards, the 9-ball championship just a few days ago in Qatar had over 1,000 cheering spectators. I watched a stream of the 14.1 championship hosted in the US just last night. Great matches particularly the final between Archer and Hohmann. Guess how many were watching that FREE stream? Just over 400. I can only imagine how may people would have watched if it were a PPV. The sport simply would not survive if it remained solely in the "comfortable" venues according to the minds of some here.

Out of curiosity. were there any photos posted showing those cheering 1000+ fans in that sports club?

 

[9BallEddie]

Out of curiosity. were there any photos posted showing those cheering 1000+ fans in that sports club?

I saw no images of the crowd to prove there were 1,000 fans. My only reference is the article. But I've never seen someone's life in jeopardy near Qatar either. I've only read about that too (in this thread I might add) :wink:

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

I'm not naive enough to think there couldn't possibly have been some back room dealings (this is pool after all), but the event is not exactly like the Olympics where cities are fighting for the rights to host. So if a place offers up front to commit for 4 years to write a check for the added money and put on the event, it merits serious consideration. At least the WPA has guaranteed there will be a 9 Ball WC with the required added money for the next few years.

 

[JoeyA]

Sorry Joey,

I just can not picture my 28 year old daughter going to watch a pool tournament in Qatar, just south of IRAN with her German last name, even though we are not Jewish. Do you think Mr. Jewett could escort her safely? Did you read what others have said about military personnel not leaving the base for fear of their lives.

The rich country of Qatar that has made it's money by selling most of it's oil to the the western world (especially in the 'old' days) & perhaps refined right here in the Louisiana 'society' may be or becoming a fine country.

But at this point in time, it is just in a very bad neighborhood where westerners are concerned.

What would you say if for some reason next year's tournament was moved to Damascus or Tehran or Pyongyang, because they wanted to boost word wide perception.

You live in the New Orleans area. You should know that it's all about location, location, & then location.

No offence meant & none taken by me. I guess we are just looking through different binoculars.

Regards & Best Wishes,
Rick

I know many things Rick.

I know that the sky isn't falling.
I know that each person can make up their own mind about safety issues when traveling and that there is no need for a Paul Revere, shouting til he goes hoarse, that there is danger ahead.

I know that it is folly to urge other people to boycott this event because of your own personal concerns.

I wouldn't hesitate to go to "The Peaceful Land" (Pyongyang) at the invitation of Kim Jong-un but I would probably contact my buddy Dennis Rodman first. :winknudge:

JoeyA

 

[ENGLISH!]

I know many things Rick.

I know that the sky isn't falling.
I know that each person can make up their own mind about safety issues when traveling and that there is no need for a Paul Revere, shouting til he goes hoarse, that there is danger ahead.

I know that it is folly to urge other people to boycott this event because of your own personal concerns.

I wouldn't hesitate to go to "The Peaceful Land" (Pyongyang) at the invitation of Kim Jong-un but I would probably contact my buddy Dennis Rodman first. :winknudge:

JoeyA

Joey,

As always... it is up to each individual.

I did not specifically ask anyone to boycot, per say, I just said if it were me...or if I were...or I would suggest...

If you would visit Pyongyang at the request of Kim Jong-un then we are just two different types of people.

The rest deleted as it would belong in the NPR sub forum.

Best Wishes,
Rick

 

[naji]

Joey,

As always... it is up to each individual.

I did not specifically ask anyone to boycot, per say, I just said if it were me...or if I were...or I would suggest...

If you would visit Pyongyang at the request of Kim Jong-un then we are just two different types of people.

The rest deleted as it would belong in the NPR sub forum.

Best Wishes,
Rick

Hi Rick,
Please do not take what i am about to say personal, when you learned to play pool; do you remember yourself many years back, focusing on certain aspects of the game, come to find years later it has nothing to do with pocketing a ball, later you changed, and continue changing as you gain knowledge and experience, or maybe some statements you said in the past about pool and years down the road someone corrects you and you admit you were wrong all the time. I am afraid to say that you and many many other people in the US and all over the world have none or very limited exposure and real experience to other cultures or possibly only hear one sided news feed all the time; therefore, you will never be able to express other opinions besides what you know or hear; just like pool experience; we can write about it much better than a newbie.

What i am trying to get out of this, if two people or more insists and argues about their beliefs, ideas, or opinions, it does not necessarily mean these people are racist, biased, suborned or haters it is simply one has more/less experience/knowledge than the other. Having said that which camp you like to be on? are you welling to acquire more knowledge, travel, and be on the experienced side or remain focused on what you know and side with those that have same level of experience you have.

I know the answer, because when it comes to pool; i know which side you want to be on. I know we all fear the unknown, and certainly would advise against visiting Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, those are red hot regions; not because of being US citizen, but because everyone in danger. Other cities that do not have wars in it, i do not see any issues to visit. At the end of the day, no matter where you go, Paris, Rome, there will be poor and hungry people that have no discrimination to who they attack; actually my 18 years old son, and his american buddies went to Rome after HS graduation, got stopped and mugged in the heart of Rome; luckily no injuries just valuables taken; i would't tell people do not go to Rome, i will certainly warn them. It is luck of the draw, like pool!!

The truth is, there are so many other reasons that Qatar was picked, one of which the ease of getting visa at the airport vs wait months to get a visa to US, or most European countries, another one, location, i personally hate a long flight, and rather just fly 2-4 hours when i fly for work. I am sure there are many other reasons of which we do not know and could make a whole lot of sense if we know them..As far as the stream, i heard the head of the QBSF said there will be live stream next event, and i expect multiple tables, they are working on it, the issue is Alkass channel have all rights to this event but IMO seems "biased to the local team" , i am hoping they get neutral party to stream, i bet if Accustats applied they will be granted some rights, with English language commentators like Billy I and Danny DiLiberto, i love those guys stories !

Later.

 

[sfleinen]

The Miss America pageant? They still hold that crap?!

So was the great Twitter tweets "racist" just because they referred to her as an Arab or was there actually something racist tweeted? Tweet Tweet :banghead:

There were racist comments *in addition* to dismissively calling her an Arab. (I get your point; misidentifying someone's race isn't itself racist. But you should see some of those comments.)

Judge for yourself -- hit google up. Plenty of write-ups and captures (of the tweets) abound.
-Sean

 

[ENGLISH!]

Hi Rick,
Please do not take what i am about to say personal, when you learned to play pool; do you remember yourself many years back, focusing on certain aspects of the game, come to find years later it has nothing to do with pocketing a ball, later you changed, and continue changing as you gain knowledge and experience, or maybe some statements you said in the past about pool and years down the road someone corrects you and you admit you were wrong all the time. I am afraid to say that you and many many other people in the US and all over the world have none or very limited exposure and real experience to other cultures or possibly only hear one sided news feed all the time; therefore, you will never be able to express other opinions besides what you know or hear; just like pool experience; we can write about it much better than a newbie.

What i am trying to get out of this, if two people or more insists and argues about their beliefs, ideas, or opinions, it does not necessarily mean these people are racist, biased, suborned or haters it is simply one has more/less experience/knowledge than the other. Having said that which camp you like to be on? are you welling to acquire more knowledge, travel, and be on the experienced side or remain focused on what you know and side with those that have same level of experience you have.

I know the answer, because when it comes to pool; i know which side you want to be on. I know we all fear the unknown, and certainly would advise against visiting Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, those are red hot regions; not because of being US citizen, but because everyone in danger. Other cities that do not have wars in it, i do not see any issues to visit. At the end of the day, no matter where you go, Paris, Rome, there will be poor and hungry people that have no discrimination to who they attack; actually my 18 years old son, and his american buddies went to Rome after HS graduation, got stopped and mugged in the heart of Rome; luckily no injuries just valuables taken; i would't tell people do not go to Rome, i will certainly warn them. It is luck of the draw, like pool!!

The truth is, there are so many other reasons that Qatar was picked, one of which the ease of getting visa at the airport vs wait months to get a visa to US, or most European countries, another one, location, i personally hate a long flight, and rather just fly 2-4 hours when i fly for work. I am sure there are many other reasons of which we do not know and could make a whole lot of sense if we know them..As far as the stream, i heard the head of the QBSF said there will be live stream next event, and i expect multiple tables, they are working on it, the issue is Alkass channel have all rights to this event but IMO seems "biased to the local team" , i am hoping they get neutral party to stream, i bet if Accustats applied they will be granted some rights, with English language commentators like Billy I and Danny DiLiberto, i love those guys stories !

Later.

Mr. Naji,

I understand most of your points. The one about flying time does not make total sense. While Doha may be centrally located for that hemisphere it is still 1/2 way around the world from somewhere & a 1/4 of the way too.

If it it so easy to get a visa then I would imagine that it would also be easy for a terrorist group to have someone get a visa. You and others keep mixing up normal crime like the one's that got robbed in Rome with mad men trying to kill people for political & religious reasons.

As I have said numerous times, I do not have a problem with Qatar other than where it is in the world at this unstable & volatile time. If it were known that one(1) player was of the Jewish faith a terrorist bombing MIGHT occur for just that reason & 'they' would call it justified & say that the others that died also 'deserved' it for just being in the vicinity of one of such faith. Such is the religious intolerance of certain factions in that region of the world.

The risk of losing one's life does not balance with the playing or even possibly winning a pool tournament even if it is a world title.

There are places that I certainly will not go in New Orleans to play pool or any reason for the normal crime factor reasons.

Now take that small scale & expand it state wide, some would say that they would not play pool in New Orleans. That is your point & I understand it. While I might know where to go that is 'safe'. They would not.

The difference is in New Orleans or Rome we are talking about normal crime. In the region of Qatar we are taking about suicide bombers & potential missile strikes.

I doubt that anyone is not going to go based on what I have said, but if someone does choose to not go & something does happen maybe I will get a communication saying it was me that made them think twice.

As I have also said a few times, I hope & pray that nothing happens & that that area is at peace by next year & ASAP. I pray for that as well as the rest of the world. Although I have my doubts that it will happen any time soon unless there is Divine intervention.

Regards & Best Wishes,
Rick

PS I also think that it is a bit suspicious that the WPA would award Doha the tournament for 4 years. Is it ALL about the money. A prostitute would probably choose to go with whom ever is offering to pay the most. Why in Doha at this unstable & volatile time vs Tokyo or Moscow or Hawaii or Sydney. Will every world title now be held where the one man operation WPA is residing. Remember when & why the WPA was formed in 1987. In my opinion a new structure is now needed, but that is the topic for a different thread.

PSS I have had time to consider a question I asked earlier regarding the tournament being held in Damascus or Tehran. The tournament might actually be safer if it were held in Tehran. Should Americans or Westerners or a player of the Jewish faith compete in Tehran? Again that a topic for a different thread, probably in NPR.

 

[NYC cue dude]

Yes.

Out of curiosity. were there any photos posted showing those cheering 1000+ fans in that sports club?

I was shocked to see the stands full of people. 1000 easy. Thorsten also confirmed this as they were all rooting against him, lol

Edit: Excuse me. You asked if these photos had been posted. I'm not sure about that. Several times during the 2 matches that were made available (semis and finals) the cameras panned the audience to show the number of people.

 

[Joe_Jaguar]

I was shocked to see the stands full of people. 1000 easy. Thorsten also confirmed this as they were all rooting against him, lol

Edit: Excuse me. You asked if these photos had been posted. I'm not sure about that. Several times during the 2 matches that were made available (semis and finals) the cameras panned the audience to show the number of people.

Ok, thanks for the confirmation. Guess it wasn't just a WPA puff piece of a write-up..

 

[pro9dg]

Iranian women referees at the 2012 World 9-ball

At the 2012 WPA World 9-ball Championship, the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation invited a group of women referees to Doha to officiate the matches. They did an incredible job, totally professional, and got rave reviews from all the players and officials. The only thing that was different from any other match was that the players could not shake hands with the referees.

Also, to give you an idea of how pool can be a force for good in this crazy world, Qatar is a mostly Sunni country, while Iran is Shia Muslim. But the QBSF invited these women in the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship. Thanks to Ted Lerner, press officer of the WPA for these images.

 

[FranCrimi]

At the 2012 WPA World 9-ball Championship, the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation invited a group of women referees to Doha to officiate the matches. They did an incredible job, totally professional, and got rave reviews from all the players and officials. The only thing that was different from any other match was that the players could not shake hands with the referees.

Also, to give you an idea of how pool can be a force for good in this crazy world, Qatar is a mostly Sunni country, while Iran is Shia Muslim. But the QBSF invited these women in the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship. Thanks to Ted Lerner, press officer of the WPA for these images.

The progress is good, but it's not good enough. You know that as well as I do, Doug. Not nearly good enough.

 

[pooler]

The progress is good, but it's not good enough. You know that as well as I do, Doug. Not nearly good enough.

Considering what we see on pictures in Doug's post, Michaela Tabb might have a totally different opinion on such course of things :thumbup:
Do they also Referee in Snooker ???:sorry:

 

[Johnnyt]

You can paint it anyway you want, but if someone dug deep enough they would find it's just all about the money. Whoever let the WPA take over pool was not thinking or was paid in some way. Johnnyt

 

[ENGLISH!]

You can paint it anyway you want, but if someone dug deep enough they would find it's just all about the money. Whoever let the WPA take over pool was not thinking or was paid in some way. Johnnyt

That's my line of thinking too. The BCA did not have the World Wide Vision & either just let it go or sold it out.

I had a bit of a novel idea. How about the country of any World Champion has the right of first refusal for the following year's event at a minimum of a 5 % increase in the prize money with the player & the WPA board deciding if multiple entrants make hosting offers.

 

[Pidge]

I've got a buddy who's working in Qatar at the moment. He's worked all over the middle east in the last 6 years. He's out there with his wife, daughter and 2 sons. He says the people are very friendly and its a beautiful country. Can't be such a bad place eh? Amazing how many people have tunnel vision because they're drip fed BS by news organisations who try to make us believe certain parts of the world are out to get us. I wouldn't think twice about going to Qatar with my girlfriend to watch some pool. There is a threat of terrorism and crime in any part of the world, be it Europe, America, Asia or the Middle East.

No doubting that Qatar got the go ahead because they offered up the most money. Same thing happened in the football Worl Cup. So what? Pool going to the place that offers the most money is the best thing at the moment. Packed out venues, TV time, exposure to people who otherwise would get to see it and big money going to the players.

I wish Qatar and the event the best of luck.

 

[ENGLISH!]

s.

I wish Qatar and the event the best of luck.

Pidge,

So do I.

I also wish the event & the region more than just luck.

But over 100,000 people have died in Syria. How many in Libya, Egypt, Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc.

And we're not talking about 'normal' crime.

Anyone that swims the bayou with 9' alligators all around better be a very good swimmer or have a big knife.

Qatar, EAU, etc. are stuck there. I'm not visiting them anytime soon.

Who knows, by next year all may be different.

I certainly hope so.

Best,
Rick

 

[Scaramouche]

Qatar created Al Jazeera to broadcast dissenting views, a new concept in Middle East communication.
Maybe Fox should try it.