I was under the impression that Hohmann and Immonen are both long-time New Yorkers, with "New Yorkers" being a subset of "Americans". For either of them to compete against the U.S. in an event like this is a little bit like biting the hand that feeds you... Some might see it as bad form.
Mika IS the last player to be picked for the Euros.
Unless things have changed VERY recently, Thorsten has been in Jacksonville for years-way more than he was ever in NY. and that kinda stuff is normal for pool. Jeanette Lee and Charlie Williams have both represented Korea in the past couple years. Now that IS over the top.
Unless things have changed VERY recently, Thorsten has been in Jacksonville for years-way more than he was ever in NY. and that kinda stuff is normal for pool. Jeanette Lee and Charlie Williams have both represented Korea in the past couple years. Now that IS over the top.
I was under the impression that Hohmann and Immonen are both long-time New Yorkers, with "New Yorkers" being a subset of "Americans". For either of them to compete against the U.S. in an event like this is a little bit like biting the hand that feeds you... Some might see it as bad form.
That pleasure of showing people you're "in the know" and calling Matchroom and Barry Hearn embarrassments is priceless, given the space YOU actually take in this industry, Randy.
I can't understand for 1 second how a businessman like you likes to stomp on anyone else's business just because their decision doesn't suit you.
The Mosconi Cup is a TV show, a commercial product ran by a company that has an interest in following the vibe of the pool community, but not over commercial and business matters.
Their aim always has been to make great products and be profitable. Thorsten was, and will be in the future, feature in their products. Just not this year, it seems.
Now just to point something obvious. Between 2003 and 2013, when Thorsten won the same competition (World 9-Ball), how many people saw him LIVE on their TV, then over and over on clips and pro pictures ?
Oh yeah, that ratio would be 100% to 0% from 2003 to 2013. Not mentioning his winner's prize money chopped in half too.
So thank you Matchroom for the 2003 World Championship which was actually broadcast live on TV across the world, and paid decent money. And led Thorsten to have a seat in the 2003 Team.
Why would they change plans that have been in the making since January to pay tribute to a tournament that has been a sinking ship ever since they dropped it ?
There are reasons, above and beyond all of us, for Matchroom to do what they did. It's not us to criticize or judge, but to accept and work with it.
The Mosconi Cup XX will be the best Pool event of the year, and Thorsten won't be in it. My personal feeling is that I would have loved to have him in it, but I understand why he won't.
I'm sure if you take a couple of steps back you will, too.
You say that it isn't for us to question him. Excuse me, but I will always question what I believe to be as wrong. You go on to say "what have I done in pool". Barry's business is pool and televised sport. In it ONLY to make money. Whatever I have done to contribute to the industry has always been done at great financial cost without ever having ANY expectations of return. It's true that I am close to Thorsten, but you are wrong to think that I alone take great offense to this snub. Just as my opinion is biased in this particular instance, yours is as well. Tell Barry I said "hi" as your snapping pictures off for him.
*has taken two steps back and feel quite the same.
You say that it isn't for us to question him. Excuse me, but I will always question what I believe to be as wrong. You go on to say "what have I done in pool". Barry's business is pool and televised sport. In it ONLY to make money. Whatever I have done to contribute to the industry has always been done at great financial cost without ever having ANY expectations of return. It's true that I am close to Thorsten, but you are wrong to think that I alone take great offense to this snub. Just as my opinion is biased in this particular instance, yours is as well. Tell Barry I said "hi" as your snapping pictures off for him.
*has taken two steps back and feel quite the same.
If anybody knows Barry Hearn, I would respectfully request that next year, he change the format of the Mosconi Cup to be Team Europe vs. Team Asia.
The United States with its American supporters is not worthy of playing in the Mosconi Cup anymore. It's a wrap.
It would be a much better show with Team Europe and Team Asia from here on in.
Thanks for the memories, Barry Hearn. Without you, the global high-caliber events would be nonexistent. Try Team Asia next year. You will be glad you did. Less headache, less criticism, and you will win the appreciation of many more supporters by moving in this direction.![]()
You say that it isn't for us to question him. Excuse me, but I will always question what I believe to be as wrong. You go on to say "what have I done in pool". Barry's business is pool and televised sport. In it ONLY to make money. Whatever I have done to contribute to the industry has always been done at great financial cost without ever having ANY expectations of return. It's true that I am close to Thorsten, but you are wrong to think that I alone take great offense to this snub. Just as my opinion is biased in this particular instance, yours is as well. Tell Barry I said "hi" as your snapping pictures off for him.
*has taken two steps back and feel quite the same.
You really are a poor sport.
Mosconi is not a meritocracy. It is a TV show. Always has been.
I don't recall much, if any criticism @ BH regarding The Cup and the just completed World Cup, other than the MC selection process each year.
He seems to be held in high regard. Not sure why you're claiming he's proven
to be a joke. I'm confident you're in the minority.
The main thing Barry wants is ratings and the last thing Barry wants is a blowout.
If someone did a poll: "If you could only spectate one event, what would it be?"
- I'd bet The Cup would win by a landslide.
It's only the best pool on TV every year! I guess Matchroom got that part wrong too. :yeah:
Or how about Amar Kang and Raj Hundal representing India?
I'm curious why you are addressing this to me?
Where did I say Matchroom got anything wrong?
I'll bite though.
Mosconi is far from the best pool. It is the best show.