Are the Open tourneys really open?

hang-the-9

hang-the-9

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I know there is no way even a strong B player can get more than a round or 2 into an open event, but let's say I wanted to enter something like the U.S. Open. Could I? Are the open tourneys really open to anyone that puts up the cash? I know Derby City will take anyones money, how about things like Sands (is that even around still?), the big ones you used to see on TV and on AccuStats?
 
hang-the-9 said:
I know there is no way even a strong B player can get more than a round or 2 into an open event, but let's say I wanted to enter something like the U.S. Open. Could I? Are the open tourneys really open to anyone that puts up the cash? I know Derby City will take anyones money, how about things like Sands (is that even around still?), the big ones you used to see on TV and on AccuStats?
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Yes, they are open. I think the US Open though is only open to men, please correct me if I am wrong. And why the assumption that a strong B player can't get two rounds into an open event? I consider myself a strong B player and I have done it a few times.
 
You can at the U.S. OPEN, just put up the $$ and you're in. I think there are a few like Turining Stone that are by invite only though.

Southpaw
 
The US OPEN is "open" - always has been. Pay your entry and show up.

Most events that are not "invitational" are open pending field limits - or tourneys that require ranking/points/qualifiers for entry.


The J. Pechauer Southeast Open Tour is just that - Open for all players - men, women, juniors, seniors, amateurs, pros, etc. Tour card is optional, but is very affordable.
 
Southpaw said:
You can at the U.S. OPEN, just put up the $$ and you're in. I think there are a few like Turining Stone that are by invite only though.

Southpaw
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I believe Turning Stone is Open
 
Thanks for the replies. I asked because someone told me that you had to be ranked or invited to those things (U.S. Open in particular). I always though Open was Open, and if you want to toss your money to play 2 races, that's your business. I would not mind paying the fee to watch Archer run 9 racks on me hehe.
 
hang-the-9 said:
I know there is no way even a strong B player can get more than a round or 2 into an open event,
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Can you explain how you "know" this?
 
In a limited field are all the spots available or are most pros locked in or guaranteed a spot? If it were first come first in than it could be possible for a group of ball bangers to sent in their entry fee and locking up all the spots with no pros in the field. Highly unlikely but still possible.
 
TheBook said:
In a limited field are all the spots available or are most pros locked in or guaranteed a spot? If it were first come first in than it could be possible for a group of ball bangers to sent in their entry fee and locking up all the spots with no pros in the field. Highly unlikely but still possible.
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I would guess that by the time a call for entries was made public there would be quite a few players who were already "locked in."

The flyer says they only take 128 players, but by the time that flyer hits the streets 65 players have already been pre-confirmed.

I'm not sure that is what happens, but I would be stunned if it isn't.
 
easy-e said:
Can you explain how you "know" this?
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Well, I guess it's not 100%. Some of the top players could get in a huge fight, and break their hands. I'm going by normal pool rules where the better player tends to win :p :D
 
That's the beauty of our sport, that you can just put up your $$ and perhaps play Efren, Earl, Shane or Ralf in your first match...

On my first Eurotour-event, in Belgium, I played Alex Lely. Same year as he won the European Championships. I was so nervous... Lost 7-2, and felt great afterwards. I had played one of the best :D
 
hang-the-9 said:
Well, I guess it's not 100%. Some of the top players could get in a huge fight, and break their hands. I'm going by normal pool rules where the better player tends to win :p :D
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Once upon a time in a tournament far, far away (long before Tanner Pruess was born) I sent 3 players to losers bracket - back to back to back. All of them were ranked in the top 10 in the world at the time and I wasn't the odds on favorite to beat any of them - ever... but it happened.

In 1992, Tommy Kennedy (a touring pro for barely 3 months) virtually came from out of nowhere to beat Coker, Fusco, Bustamante, Rempe, Lebron, Hall, Archer, and Archer again to win the US Open 9 Ball Championships. Lightning strikes from out of nowhere and dynamite comes in small packages...

dynamite.gif


That's why they play the matches on the pool table, not on paper.

When you gather the best in the world, anything can happen on any given day - all it takes is a few good rolls and a great attitude from the right player at the right time under the right conditions. That's why I'm still at it. You never know what tomorrow brings.

:D
 
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McKinneyMiner said:
I would guess that by the time a call for entries was made public there would be quite a few players who were already "locked in."

The flyer says they only take 128 players, but by the time that flyer hits the streets 65 players have already been pre-confirmed.

I'm not sure that is what happens, but I would be stunned if it isn't.
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I dont get even the general point you are trying to make. Maybe Im just having a senior moment.
 
Blackjack said:
Once upon a time in a tournament far, far away (long before Tanner Pruess was born) I sent 3 players to losers bracket - back to back to back. All of them were ranked in the top 10 in the world at the time and I wasn't the odds on favorite to beat any of them - ever... but it happened.

In 1992, Tommy Kennedy (a touring pro for barely 3 months) virtually came from out of nowhere to beat Coker, Fusco, Bustamante, Rempe, Lebron, Hall, Archer, and Archer again to win the US Open 9 Ball Championships. Lightning strikes from out of nowhere and dynamite comes in small packages...

dynamite.gif


That's why they play the matches on the pool table, not on paper.

When you gather the best in the world, anything can happen on any given day - all it takes is a few good rolls and a great attitude from the right player at the right time under the right conditions. That's why I'm still at it. You never know what tomorrow brings.

:D
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Good post David. I have had lots of those moments myself. Always great when it does:D
 
Fragged said:
I dont get even the general point you are trying to make. Maybe Im just having a senior moment.
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Hmmm...

I re-read it to make sure I didn't suffer a senior moment and I have come to the conclusion that it was you... :)

Using Turning Stone as an example...

As the TD I limit the field to 128 players right from the start.

But before I even send out the info to the public I have pencil-in committments from Ralf Souquet, Shane van Boening, Ronnie Alcano and Dennis Hatch.

Using just those 4 as pencil-ins (and I am sure the number is MUCH greater) by the time the call goes out to the general public about the event there are in reality only 124 spaces available.

Those 4 may not even have paid, but their spots are assured if and when they do. If they back out a space opens up, but not until they officially back out.

And I am sure some of these soft commits are done before the general pool playing public even knows the dates of the event.

Like I said, I'm not positive this is what happens but I'd bet on it.
 
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IIRC, The "BCA Open" has been by invite only and for some reason, not all of the strongest players get invited.
 
McKinneyMiner said:
I would guess that by the time a call for entries was made public there would be quite a few players who were already "locked in."

The flyer says they only take 128 players, but by the time that flyer hits the streets 65 players have already been pre-confirmed.

I'm not sure that is what happens, but I would be stunned if it isn't.
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most players commit very quickly once the dates are announced as it is a great venue - for instance, August is already schedule - if you don't sign up quickly and book rooms, you are plum out of luck.

p.s. i don't think that Zuglan has anyone locked in, first come first serve.
 
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