First - major props for bringing an exciting event to pool. You have proven that a race to 5 can be just as exciting and riveting as a race to 11. It is a great four hours of pool production each day. That is plenty to watch and keep people interested. And bringing back professionalism to American pool with instilling Mark Wilson as this year's captain. I could go on and on with what is right about this year's Mosconi Cup, but you already know that.
But there are things you need to fix. I saw you fixed the capitalization of Shane's last name after I pointed it out, so it makes me think you are listening so here it goes.........
1. The table. Why choose a Diamond if it is going to be setup to play like a bar table? Diamond is the class of the class of tables in the market today. It is a fair table but one that you have to have a standard of skill level to master. I understand that TV lights will ease up a table but the brand new cloth and what seems (I could be wrong) side pockets cut wide open and this table is simply too easy. Sure it provides run out pool as no one wants to see players struggling. but these guys are all professionals and can still impress under tighter conditions. In the same respect, no one wants to see a ball hit between the second and third diamond and still go in.
Diamond tables are beautiful and deserve to be showcased in the Mosconi. Matchroom sets them up easy because it means that the players look better and he games go faster. Like you, I wouldn't want the World 9-ball Championships played with such easy equipment, but even if I don't like it, I can deal with it at the Mosconi.
2. The break. The 9 ball on the spot simply isn't working in the game of 9 ball. The players already figured it out and went to the cut break, making the one in the side more than ever. You need to move the spot DOWN on the table which obviously moves the rack DOWN on the table, about two spots in distance. Than rack the one of the spot. The wing balls won't go and the one ball will be very difficult to make in the side.
I don't have a problem with where they rack the nine but wouldn't mind this change.
3. The shot clock. I love the shot clock caused no one likes slow play. However, when it gets down to 5 seconds and the shot clock is going off with each second like Defcon 5 has just arrived, with this loud thunderous beeping, no one is going to be successfully be able to shoot under those conditions. The drunk English fans are a big enough distraction. One normal toned beep at 5 seconds remaining is good enough. If the player doesn't shoot then in 5 seconds or ask for an extension, so be it. Give the captain the right to call out extension as well so his player isn't charged a foul if he loses track of time. Put a shot clock(s) around the time in view for the players if it is that much of an issue as well.
Agreed, the beeping is overwhelming.
4. The fans. I like that the fans are in to it. Reminds me of the final tables of the WSOP. Good clean fun. But there is a time and place for everything. And when referees warning has to take place cause it isn't working. If the crowd can't be respectful when a player is down shooting, security should escort them out. I bet after the first one, it won't happen again. If they want to hoot and holler after each game, let them have it. Tennis takes less concentration and they don't allow it. Also, if alcohol sales is going to be present, don't sell them bottles. Either put their beer in a plastic cup or sell plastic bottles. It is ridiculous to hear during a magnificent production such as thing, beer bottles clanging as they are dropped to the floor.
Agreed.
5. The announcers. I hear that the announcers in the booth are given small monitors or a poor view of the table. If so, fix that. Give them a 55 inch screen to watch or a better seat in the house. There are too many missed calls and it makes the announcers appear they don't know the game. If that is not the case, then fix the announcers (I am available by the way).
Yes, the commentary has sometimes been dreadful, and as experienced commentators are in the booth, they must have a poor view of the play to have been wrong so often.
6. The players entrance. Have their cues already down by their chair. No one can see what type of playing cue they are using as they enter anyways if they are thinking the sponsors might want it. I understand they are coming off the practice table in the back somewhere, but you could have some staff member be responsible for securely getting their cues table side. I can see some cue getting caught up in some drunk fan or a players nerves getting the best of him and tripping holding his cue, breaking and then what? Daz gonna borrow a cue from the crowd to play with? And without their cues in hand, the the players can make an even bigger entrance, high fiving more fans. Pumping their fists like they are on Jersey Shore. The whole 9 yards.
Disagree. Their cues are their weapons and set the mood for the battle to come.
Great first two days. Thanks for bringing it to the fans.
Signed,
Watchez (is the Teacher)
p.s. If I think of anything else, I will let you know.
