Challenge Matches Good or Bad Pool?

[King Kong]

I am very upset to see a $150,000 challenge match like this Sigel VS. Jones thing!!! That is the equivalent of all the added prize money in 2005 for the US mens tours combined. One player has it locked up and has minimal competition or one individual in which to create a savor with. It sucks if you ask me.

Why not open it up to everyone tournament style with a womens side and mens side meeting in the finals. The lack of competition and challenge match format is killing the sport. Just think 150,000 winner take all would have them coming out of the wood work for the event and competition if available to them.

I remember Steve Mizerak had tons of oppertunity to support and promote the sport. But GREED set in and he got hooked on this CHALLENGE MATCH B.S. because it was a guarenteeed pay day for him.

You do not see Mc Enroy and Sampras doing this challenge match B.S. they are having the sponsors support the tournament format, not the Challenge Match "JOKE" thing. It just sucks!

Please add your thoughts about this? and Vote!!!

 

[Sweet Marissa]

I personally would prefer to see more players competing for the cash. Not really exciting to watch just these two people, though the payout is obviously better for them. I won't be watching it, but I don't like 8-Ball anyway. Maybe if it were a 9-Ball match or someone I knew was playing.

 

[macguy]

I am very upset to see a $150,000 challenge match like this Sigel VS. Jones thing!!! That is the equivalent of all the added prize money in 2005 for the US mens tours combined. One player has it locked up and has minimal competition or one individual in which to create a savor with. It sucks if you ask me.

Why not open it up to everyone tournament style with a womens side and mens side meeting in the finals. The lack of competition and challenge match format is killing the sport. Just think 150,000 winner take all would have them coming out of the wood work for the event and competition if available to them.

I remember Steve Mizerak had tons of oppertunity to support and promote the sport. But GREED set in and he got hooked on this CHALLENGE MATCH B.S. because it was a guarenteeed pay day for him.

You do not see Mc Enroy and Sampras doing this challenge match B.S. they are having the sponsors support the tournament format, not the Challenge Match "JOKE" thing. It just sucks!

Please add your thoughts about this? and Vote!!!

Because It's their money and the sponsor can do as they please. I like the challenge matches, they can be the equivalent of a championship fight. I hope more are done with legitimate players, this is a little contrived. Maybe have a king of the hill type of format where you have to earn the right to play, again like boxing. They don't owe anybody anything and good for them if they can promote themselves a payday, same with miz who by the way is one of the most benevolent pool players out there. Most pool players are too god damn laze to do anything for themselves, they sit around waiting for a handout. Life isn't like that.

 

[JAM]

First off, King Kong, I am surprised that you are not down at 19th Street, Northwest, RIGHT NOW, getting ready for the Ballbreakers show, between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. You gotta chance to make some dough if the TV people pick you out of the crowd!

About the challenge match, neither player has been active in quite some time, but they are both heralded as pool champions and have a strong following. If it brings notoriety to the game/sport, I'm all for it.

As far as the money, I agree with you, King Kong, but it's Kevin Trudeau's dough and I guess he can pick whoever he wants to be in the challenge match.

JAM

 

[cigardave]

I don't mind 'em... just don't care for this one.

I'd rather see a more current pairing... like Allison vs. Archer... or Corr vs. Double J.

I'm sorry, but Siegal and Jones are relative has-beens. Reminds me of King vs. Riggs in tennis. Blech.

 

[azhousepro]

But players like McEnroe and Sampras make enough money from tournaments and endorsments that they don't have to do challenge matches like this.

They do participate in challenge matches put on by their sponsors. The amount the winner gets is not mentioned, but you can bet that both players are getting paid to be part of the match.

I don't look at the Jones/Sigel match as anything but a sponsor paying them to appear in a challenge match. They are just paying one of them more.

Mike

 

[StevenPWaldon]

If all goes according to plan, this Challenge Match is just a single event.

Really they're trying to promote the IPT. What's $150,000 when they're trying to create an international tour worth millions of dollars?

I for one think it's great, because not only does it create a bit of sensationalism around pool, it's also trying to jumpstart a real cash-funded pool tour open to everyone. This challenge match is just hype to work up the IPT name, so simmah down!

 

[JPB]

Tennis players make a lot of money from exhibitions FWIW.


Mostly though it is none of our business since it isn't our money. Put up 150000 and have whatever format for whomever you want. Easy enough. IMO it really is bad form to criticize how somebody else wants to spend his money. It's not like the match could really do anything to hurt pool, particularly given its current state. That would be the only valid criticism, and I can't see any basis for that. I mean, putting money in the pocket of those 2 players takes nothing away from anybody else.