I've had some free time to watch some videos of recent matches here lately. With the Compton/Appleton match coming up, I've already seen Chip play quite a few times but no so much for Darren, so I've been watching his matches in particular. Don't get me wrong, the guy is a fantastic pool player. That said, the one thing that seems to stand out in his matches is how incredibly slow he plays, especially when it comes to shot selection. I have rarely seen players, pro or amateur take so much time between shots, even the simplest of shots and patterns seem to drag out when he's at the table.
I just wonder, at what point does it become a sportsmanship issue. While clocks and timers are rarely used in professional matches/tourneys, unless they were on TV in days of old, has anyone ever put him on a timer? Are there other pros out there that take as long between shots? I understand all about rhythm, and that there are vast differences from one player to the next as to how fast or slow of a rhythm they settle in to, but Darren, well, the term molasses is floating around in the back of my thought process.
The upcoming matchup between him and Chip should be interesting, as Chip tends play at a quicker pace than most in my opinion. Anyhow, just some random thoughts.
I just wonder, at what point does it become a sportsmanship issue. While clocks and timers are rarely used in professional matches/tourneys, unless they were on TV in days of old, has anyone ever put him on a timer? Are there other pros out there that take as long between shots? I understand all about rhythm, and that there are vast differences from one player to the next as to how fast or slow of a rhythm they settle in to, but Darren, well, the term molasses is floating around in the back of my thought process.
The upcoming matchup between him and Chip should be interesting, as Chip tends play at a quicker pace than most in my opinion. Anyhow, just some random thoughts.