Okay, here's my two cents on the subject, and like SJM I saw them both play many times.
First of all, it's like comparing Lassiter with Archer. Different players from different eras. But I have done that before on here and I will again.
Jean was unquestionably the best woman player of her era. It wasn't even close (with one exception). She was about two speeds above some other pretty good players. Most notably Loree Jon, Robin, Ewa, Belinda, Mary Kenniston and Geraldine Titcomb. The second best woman player (the exception) of that era was Lori Shampo, who was primarily a gambler. Lori actually played a lot like Jasmin.
The field for most women's 9-Ball tourneys back then usually had 16 players. Over 20 was a big field, and only the U.S. Open got 32 players. I don't know who Jean played like in the current crop of players. I honestly can't think of one woman to compare her too. Her game was more like a man, maybe a Mike Davis style. Kind of big and powerful.
Just like SJM said, Allison has had to face larger and deeper fields of good opponents. I'm amazed she continues to win, considering there are more good players coming onto the WPBT all the time. And she has had one super strong opponent in Karen Corr for many years now. Jean never had a challenger like this, mainly because Lori rarely made it to a women's event. She was usually in action somewhere for far more money.
So on the surface it would appear that Allison is the stronger player. But now for the intangibles. Jean had a way of rising to the occasion. She seemed able to elevate her game to the level of the competition. She played one speed against the women and another speed in men's events. Like Karen and Jeanette, Jean often beat top men players. To their utter dismay I might add. I truly believe that if she had continued to play in men's tournaments, she would eventually have won one. It was just so controversial at the time though.
I've often been asked how Jean would do on todays WPBT. And my answer is she would win her share. She would not be the dominant player by any means. But I believe she would win tournaments, and be right there in the mix. One of the top players if you will.
You see once again, pool on the highest level comes down to heart. Jean had this quality. She knew how to win. Saying all this, I agree with SJM. It's a toss up. One day Archer wins. One day Souquet wins. Got it.
First of all, it's like comparing Lassiter with Archer. Different players from different eras. But I have done that before on here and I will again.
Jean was unquestionably the best woman player of her era. It wasn't even close (with one exception). She was about two speeds above some other pretty good players. Most notably Loree Jon, Robin, Ewa, Belinda, Mary Kenniston and Geraldine Titcomb. The second best woman player (the exception) of that era was Lori Shampo, who was primarily a gambler. Lori actually played a lot like Jasmin.
The field for most women's 9-Ball tourneys back then usually had 16 players. Over 20 was a big field, and only the U.S. Open got 32 players. I don't know who Jean played like in the current crop of players. I honestly can't think of one woman to compare her too. Her game was more like a man, maybe a Mike Davis style. Kind of big and powerful.
Just like SJM said, Allison has had to face larger and deeper fields of good opponents. I'm amazed she continues to win, considering there are more good players coming onto the WPBT all the time. And she has had one super strong opponent in Karen Corr for many years now. Jean never had a challenger like this, mainly because Lori rarely made it to a women's event. She was usually in action somewhere for far more money.
So on the surface it would appear that Allison is the stronger player. But now for the intangibles. Jean had a way of rising to the occasion. She seemed able to elevate her game to the level of the competition. She played one speed against the women and another speed in men's events. Like Karen and Jeanette, Jean often beat top men players. To their utter dismay I might add. I truly believe that if she had continued to play in men's tournaments, she would eventually have won one. It was just so controversial at the time though.
I've often been asked how Jean would do on todays WPBT. And my answer is she would win her share. She would not be the dominant player by any means. But I believe she would win tournaments, and be right there in the mix. One of the top players if you will.
You see once again, pool on the highest level comes down to heart. Jean had this quality. She knew how to win. Saying all this, I agree with SJM. It's a toss up. One day Archer wins. One day Souquet wins. Got it.
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