Big Apple finals

[Travis Bickle]

I've been kicking myself this morning since I read that they're down to 3 -- Niels, Ralf and Engert -- for the last day. I should sit an hour and change on the subway, each way, to SEE 3 MATCHES???

What were they thinking? The last couple of years they had 8 guys left for Sunday. Then I didn't mind shelling out, I think it was $40. But this morning when I called Master's, they couldn't even tell me what they were going to charge today. Not only that, but they're planning to have semis at 1 and finals at 7!

And I'm kicking myself because I could've gone last night OR today, but not both. I blew it for sure, but I think they did, too.

 

[9 Ball Girl]

I've been kicking myself this morning since I read that they're down to 3 -- Niels, Ralf and Engert -- for the last day. I should sit an hour and change on the subway, each way, to SEE 3 MATCHES???

What were they thinking? The last couple of years they had 8 guys left for Sunday. Then I didn't mind shelling out, I think it was $40. But this morning when I called Master's, they couldn't even tell me what they were going to charge today. Not only that, but they're planning to have semis at 1 and finals at 7!

And I'm kicking myself because I could've gone last night OR today, but not both. I blew it for sure, but I think they did, too.

After the matches last night (a little after midnight), Scott had announced that the semifinals were at 1 PM today and the finals at 3 PM--unless things were changed after I left.

The damn door entry fee goes up every day which is stupid, IMO. I heard someone say that they paid $60 for the whole day yesterday.

 

[sjm]

I've been kicking myself this morning since I read that they're down to 3 -- Niels, Ralf and Engert -- for the last day. I should sit an hour and change on the subway, each way, to SEE 3 MATCHES???

What were they thinking? The last couple of years they had 8 guys left for Sunday. Then I didn't mind shelling out, I think it was $40. But this morning when I called Master's, they couldn't even tell me what they were going to charge today. Not only that, but they're planning to have semis at 1 and finals at 7!

And I'm kicking myself because I could've gone last night OR today, but not both. I blew it for sure, but I think they did, too.

Wouldn't that be two matches? 1 PM and 7 PM? They must have expected Basavich to get this far! I fear that if you end of missing a classic match, I'll feel bad about this recommendation, but I'd suggest skipping it. Stay home and watch the PGA Championship! On a 95 degree with a chance of rain, staying home is often a very good idea.

That's very poor planning on the part of the tournament organizers. Just like you, I'm wondering what they were thinking.

 

[lewdo26]

I recently went to the Sang Lee International Tournament and they had it very specifically noted on their brochures and flyers what the times and admission for each round were. All of which were followed religiously.

The organizers of the Big Apple 9 Ball should get their cue from their 3-cushion cousins, otherwise the audience could end up with a feeling that they're being gyped. And something close to that is what I felt yesterday. So much so that I chose not to be present.

Like Travis, I'm also beating myself in the head. Primarily for not studying Engert's matches more closely since Accu-stats has very little material on that great player...

Given the wheather and the poor organization in the last day of the tournament, I may have to wait a while longer until I'll be able to see him play again.

 

[Nostroke]

After the matches last night (a little after midnight), Scott had announced that the semifinals were at 1 PM today and the finals at 3 PM--unless things were changed after I left.

The damn door entry fee goes up every day which is stupid, IMO. I heard someone say that they paid $60 for the whole day yesterday.

Yeah i heard Scott say that and that is what im planning on- i paid $100 for a Sat/Sun pass- a bit much but im having a good time.

 

[youngtrane]

Yeah i heard Scott say that and that is what im planning on- i paid $100 for a Sat/Sun pass- a bit much but im having a good time.

I paid $60 for the whole day on saturday, and although it may be because this is the first tournament with pros that I"ve watched live, I found it to be a great experience. Watching players of this caliber on accustats videos is one thing, but it's nothing compared to being able to see them in person just a few feet away and observing every nuance of their preshot routine, stroke, position play, and more.

On a sidenote, I ran into Earl later that night at McDonalds. After losing a hill hill match to a lucky 9 by Tony Crosby (who I might add I was impressed by his playing), you can imagine what he had to say! "I'm a world champion, and I have no chance at all to win against these guys who don't have nearly the knowledge or skill that I have. I'm playing so well, and i still can't win! I'm not cheating, I'm being honest and trying to use my knowledge to win this game, when you have guys with only 5 years of experience taking out the jump cue every shot because they don't know how to kick! Pool is a great game, but not when people are breaking and making the wing ball every single time!" That was an amusing conversation, and he did bring up some interesting questions, but I couldn't help seeing him as a sore loser =P Oh earl.

Also, Niels really impressed me. He would not miss a shot! His fundamentals are impeccable, so I must say, Niels, you've got a new faN!

~trane

 

[vagabond]

the jump cue every shot because they don't know how to kick! Pool is a great game, but not when people are breaking and making the wing ball every single time!"

~trane

He has been saying this for nearly 15 years even when he was winning the world championships and US opens.He refused to use a Jump cue.He was using the playing cue to jump.So it is not after loosing this match he is talking about those issues.These are matters of principles for Earl but they may give the appearence of complaining.let us be fair to Earl.

 

[sniper]

Was a pass available for the whole tournament or do you have no choice but to buy a new pass each day?


I hope Neils wins this one, he sure handles pressure well look at his hill-hill wins over Busty, Parica, and Basavich.

 

[bruin70]

I recently went to the Sang Lee International Tournament and they had it very specifically noted on their brochures and flyers what the times and admission for each round were. All of which were followed religiously.

The organizers of the Big Apple 9 Ball should get their cue from their 3-cushion cousins,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.

to refer to my previous post, i thought i got gyped friday!!! this tourney is hanging on by a thread, and the thread is attached to mohican sun's pants. i don't think the 3C tourney wants to even be named in the same sentence as the apply tourney they were well organized, and the tone of the tournament was very professional. 60% of the prize money came from non-pool related sponsors, and it's going to get better.

yup...and the red felt marker names were a nice touch too. after perusing the master's shoddy flyers, my friend turned to me and said "do these people have computers?"

 

[bruin70]

I ,,,,,,,,,,,

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"I'm a world champion, and I have no chance at all to win against these guys who don't have nearly the knowledge or skill that I have. I'm playing so well, and i still can't win! ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Also, Niels really impressed me. He would not miss a shot! His fundamentals are impeccable, so I must say, Niels, you've got a new faN!

~trane

earl should not be complaining for one simple reason................9ball is a stupid game that does not test players' skills, and has a low point of entry for any hot shot shmoe to upset a great, seasoned player(i am not refering to crosby vs earl). he knows this. of the three cue sports, pool is the one scoffed at by the other two.

i realize earl has no choice in the matter,,,it is what's available in the states. unless making a living is critical to him at this juncture,,,he should take off two years and try snooker. or is he too old?

 

[Railbird]

Earl neglected to tell you the part about him playing a 2-6-9 combination in the corner to close out the match, but he let the cueball loose and went two rails a scratched in the corner giving Tony Crosby ball in hand.
Poor old Earl, not happy unless he has something to whine about!

I paid $60 for the whole day on saturday, and although it may be because this is the first tournament with pros that I"ve watched live, I found it to be a great experience. Watching players of this caliber on accustats videos is one thing, but it's nothing compared to being able to see them in person just a few feet away and observing every nuance of their preshot routine, stroke, position play, and more.

On a sidenote, I ran into Earl later that night at McDonalds. After losing a hill hill match to a lucky 9 by Tony Crosby (who I might add I was impressed by his playing), you can imagine what he had to say! "I'm a world champion, and I have no chance at all to win against these guys who don't have nearly the knowledge or skill that I have. I'm playing so well, and i still can't win! I'm not cheating, I'm being honest and trying to use my knowledge to win this game, when you have guys with only 5 years of experience taking out the jump cue every shot because they don't know how to kick! Pool is a great game, but not when people are breaking and making the wing ball every single time!" That was an amusing conversation, and he did bring up some interesting questions, but I couldn't help seeing him as a sore loser =P Oh earl.

Also, Niels really impressed me. He would not miss a shot! His fundamentals are impeccable, so I must say, Niels, you've got a new faN!

~trane

 

[youngtrane]

Earl neglected to tell you the part about him playing a 2-6-9 combination in the corner to close out the match, but he let the cueball loose and went two rails a scratched in the corner giving Tony Crosby ball in hand.
Poor old Earl, not happy unless he has something to whine about!

Oh I know, I saw the whole match. Crosby had a 2 9 combo which left the 9 hanging, and Earl had to spin the cueball to make the three ball combo. I didn't mean to turn this into an argument about Earl, just thought that that was an interesting tidbit that ended my night.

 

[Railbird]

No argument here, the guy is an incredible talent but just never seems happy unless he is complaining about something, whether he is winning or losing.

Oh I know, I saw the whole match. Crosby had a 2 9 combo which left the 9 hanging, and Earl had to spin the cueball to make the three ball combo. I didn't mean to turn this into an argument about Earl, just thought that that was an interesting tidbit that ended my night.

 

[youngtrane]

No argument here, the guy is an incredible talent but just never seems happy unless he is complaining about something, whether he is winning or losing.

Agreed. His antics while he was playing were amusing, to say the least.
Anybody here going to the World Summit in september?

 

[lewdo26]

Did anyone pick Niels to win this thing? Let me hear it! Who was it?! A great effort by one of my favorite players.

 

[shots05]

For those who watched the Big Apple Tournament this year at Master's I don't blame you for being disappointed about the prices for enterng. Jose Burgos put together and a great tournament for all of NYC to see. What was disappointing were the prices to enter and watch. $40 for a day session and then $60 dollars for an evening session. If was ridiculous. Last year, spectators didn't pay that much. Even though it was a UPA event, people didn't pay that much just to watch the World's Best Pool Players battle against each other.
Just in case you're wondering, I played in the tournament and was surprised on how the crowd was during the event. Yes, we would love to promote pool and make it one of the biggest attractions to watch, but to watch an event for $25 one night and then come back and pay $40 another night, that's out of control. Pool events have always been a set entry fee to watch.
I would like Next Year's event to be put together the same way but I believe the promotion and entry fee for this event should be looked over because it wasn't as big as last year's. There was more of a crowd. I couldn't even sit down because there was that many people. I think Master Billiards, not Jose Burgos, got away with a lot with having those prices at the door.

 

[Travis Bickle]

Wouldn't that be two matches? 1 PM and 7 PM? They must have expected Basavich to get this far! I fear that if you end of missing a classic match, I'll feel bad about this recommendation, but I'd suggest skipping it. Stay home and watch the PGA Championship! On a 95 degree with a chance of rain, staying home is often a very good idea.

That's very poor planning on the part of the tournament organizers. Just like you, I'm wondering what they were thinking.

SJM,

I was thinking they might play 2 sets in the finals, if need be. And as far as the 7 p.m. final went, don't know how I was given that info on the phone, but that's what I was told at 10:30 a.m. I was relieved to see the sked said 1 p.m. and 3 when I got there.

Didn't see you there ... I hope my gripes didn't have any effect. No doubt your information sources were better than mine.

Anyway, I said what the hell and went, and I can't complain now after seeing those two fantastic matches, though the first one gave a new definition to torture on the rack, with endless disputes between Ralf and Niels. In fact, you could see it coming at hill-hill. You KNEW there was no way Ralf would let Niels get away without reracking. I believe he made him do it twice, just to maybe get his blood pressure up. It was beautiful seeing Niels' break and run under those circumstances. And a great relief knowing you wouldn't have to sit through that again in the final!

Talk about heart ... Niels' coming back from 4-0 in the first, then 6-0, 8-4 and 11-8 in the final was inspiring. Engert looked untouchable ... for some reason he reminded me of Federer at Wimbledon ... but there were a couple of hiccups when he had chances to really bury Niels. All it took was maybe 2 misses. I think he let games get away at 6-0 and at 8-4. And then he jumped up on a somewhat challenging 1 ball shot that should have gotten him the runout (based on his previous standard) that would've put it hill-hill.

I think it was in the 8-4 game that Engert made the crucial slipup. He fell into that classic syndrome of getting just a hair further out of line with each shot. He had gotten about perfect on the 5 to get back up table for the 6 and 7, which were lying one above the other by the head rail. But in drawing off long rail he didn't quite get into the ball and caught the point of the side pocket. This forced him to slice in the 6 and go up and down some 24 feet, which was maybe 6 inches too many and left him leaning over the table for another awkward cut on the 7. He pocketed that, too, but left himself a slight backcut all the way uptable on the 8, which he hung up.


Even if it was only 2 matches ... all in all, not the worst $30 I ever spent.

 

[bruin70]

SJM,

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,


Even if it was only 2 matches ... all in all, not the worst $30 I ever spent.

what was the attendance for the two matches?

 

[sjm]

SJM,

Didn't see you there ... I hope my gripes didn't have any effect. No doubt your information sources were better than mine.

Anyway, I said what the hell and went, and I can't complain now after seeing those two fantastic matches, though the first one gave a new definition to torture on the rack, with endless disputes between Ralf and Niels. In fact, you could see it coming at hill-hill. You KNEW there was no way Ralf would let Niels get away without reracking. I believe he made him do it twice, just to maybe get his blood pressure up. It was beautiful seeing Niels' break and run under those circumstances. And a great relief knowing you wouldn't have to sit through that again in the final!

Talk about heart ... Niels' coming back from 4-0 in the first, then 6-0, 8-4 and 11-8 in the final was inspiring. Engert looked untouchable ... for some reason he reminded me of Federer at Wimbledon ... but there were a couple of hiccups when he had chances to really bury Niels. All it took was maybe 2 misses. I think he let games get away at 6-0 and at 8-4. And then he jumped up on a somewhat challenging 1 ball shot that should have gotten him the runout (based on his previous standard) that would've put it hill-hill.

I think it was in the 8-4 game that Engert made the crucial slipup. He fell into that classic syndrome of getting just a hair further out of line with each shot. He had gotten about perfect on the 5 to get back up table for the 6 and 7, which were lying one above the other by the head rail. But in drawing off long rail he didn't quite get into the ball and caught the point of the side pocket. This forced him to slice in the 6 and go up and down some 24 feet, which was maybe 6 inches too many and left him leaning over the table for another awkward cut on the 7. He pocketed that, too, but left himself a slight backcut all the way uptable on the 8, which he hung up.

Even if it was only 2 matches ... all in all, not the worst $30 I ever spent.

Sounds like it went pretty well and I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed what you saw. Nobody could deny that Sunday featured three superb players.

FYI, the only session I made it to was the Friday night one.

For the fans, this event was surely one of the poorer values in pool. Premier events played in premier venues like the US Open, BCA Open, US Open or WPBA Nationals don't charge any more for admission that this event did. This was a $15,000 added non-rankings event played in a poolroom that should not have been priced as a premium event.

 

[Black-Balled]

Also, Niels really impressed me. He would not miss a shot! His fundamentals are impeccable, so I must say, Niels, you've got a new faN!

~trane

Yeah, that guy is the real deal, for sure.