Earl vs. Shane

[CreeDo]

Willie, all due respect but I gotta disagree. I don't think earl hits balls more accurately than shane. I think earl just picks the right speed and gets the right angles. Shane was too straight on a bunch of balls and didn't account for having to move the CB 10-15 feet. He's used to having the stroke to just force his way across the table. The bad angles + the tough pocket cut = balls got spat out that shoulda dropped (if they were a a few mph slower). Shane also mentioned the bow in the slate forcing him to shoot harder than he wanted just to make sure the shot didn't roll off.

I think earl was just comfortable and adjusted to the equipment, give shane a month on that table + his own 70 inch harpoon, maybe the score is reversed.

 

[punter]

Willie, all due respect but I gotta disagree. I don't think earl hits balls more accurately than shane. I think earl just picks the right speed and gets the right angles. Shane was too straight on a bunch of balls and didn't account for having to move the CB 10-15 feet. He's used to having the stroke to just force his way across the table. The bad angles + the tough pocket cut = balls got spat out that shoulda dropped (if they were a a few mph slower). Shane also mentioned the bow in the slate forcing him to shoot harder than he wanted just to make sure the shot didn't roll off.

I think earl was just comfortable and adjusted to the equipment, give shane a month on that table + his own 70 inch harpoon, maybe the score is reversed.

Shane had several days to get used to the table. Sure Earl probably had more time on it. I like the idea of a tough 5x10, but I would rather see one where the pockets weren't so strangely cut. They made shooting a ball down a rail way too tough. If they play a match like this again on a 5x10, I hope it's an improved table. I think you have to give Earl credit for playing as well as he did on this tough table.

 

[spanky79]

Willie, all due respect but I gotta disagree. I don't think earl hits balls more accurately than shane. I think earl just picks the right speed and gets the right angles. Shane was too straight on a bunch of balls and didn't account for having to move the CB 10-15 feet. He's used to having the stroke to just force his way across the table. The bad angles + the tough pocket cut = balls got spat out that shoulda dropped (if they were a a few mph slower). Shane also mentioned the bow in the slate forcing him to shoot harder than he wanted just to make sure the shot didn't roll off.

I think earl was just comfortable and adjusted to the equipment, give shane a month on that table + his own 70 inch harpoon, maybe the score is reversed.

Shane was the one that said he could not beat Earl on that table.
Give him a month and nothing changes.
Earl is probably the best ball pocketing player of all time.

I thought Earl would get beat bad, I was so far off all I could do was laugh and be glad I did not bet on it.

I would like to see them play again just because of how entertaining it was.

 

[Jcat]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people say that Earl's bad behavior is good for pool. Yes, the hype for this match got a fair amount of people excited about it,
but tell me how many corporations called after the match and said "wow, let me give you 5 millions dollars to sponsor a men's professional tour"? Whats that you say? None?
Well, i find that hard to believe since Earl is so good for pool. And I hate to just pick on Earl, there are many many more that fall into the same category, its just that Earl
is certainly among the best and worst in mens pool. He could do a lot to promote mens pool but he chooses to think only of himself and how only he gets bad breaks and how a fly crapping on a leaf in the middle of a forest caused him to miss that shot. You guys can make all the excuses you want - the economy, the moon is out of phase, yada, yada, yada, but until the behavior is acceptable for all and there is a strong mens organization willing to take control and penalize unacceptable behavior across the board, mens pool will remain in the gutter. Take a kid to see that match? Why sure, I can see myself saying "OK, this is exactly how I want you to act when you grow up". Open your eyes people.

 

[rackrunner8ball]

If Earl is so good on a 5x10 table that has weird pockets, my question is why can't he play that way on a normal tournament table, whether its a Diamond or a Brunswick? Seems a little gaffy to me.

 

[KRJ]

Hmmm

It never ceases to amaze me how many people say that Earl's bad behavior is good for pool. Yes, the hype for this match got a fair amount of people excited about it,
but tell me how many corporations called after the match and said "wow, let me give you 5 millions dollars to sponsor a men's professional tour"? Whats that you say? None?
Well, i find that hard to believe since Earl is so good for pool. And I hate to just pick on Earl, there are many many more that fall into the same category, its just that Earl
is certainly among the best and worst in mens pool. He could do a lot to promote mens pool but he chooses to think only of himself and how only he gets bad breaks and how a fly crapping on a leaf in the middle of a forest caused him to miss that shot. You guys can make all the excuses you want - the economy, the moon is out of phase, yada, yada, yada, but until the behavior is acceptable for all and there is a strong mens organization willing to take control and penalize unacceptable behavior across the board, mens pool will remain in the gutter. Take a kid to see that match? Why sure, I can see myself saying "OK, this is exactly how I want you to act when you grow up". Open your eyes people.

You mean like what they do in the NBA and NFL......yikes. Again, mainstream sports and criminal players and they are throwing millions into it. Michael Vick has a big ole contract and will be getting endorsements back soon.

Face facts, pool is not big and never will be again. But neither is badmitton or ping pong or bowling in the US..... We're playing and enjoying a fringe sport. It does not have to be the most popular for yourself to enjoy it. And one person is not standing in the way of Pool suddenly becoming popular.

I have a table in my basement and my wife and 11 y/o son could not care less. If I bribe my son (pizza or milk shakes) he will play a little...but between karate, band, and baseball, pool is lost in the shuffle and he has almost zero interest. Whadya gonna do ??

 

[paksat]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people say that Earl's bad behavior is good for pool. Yes, the hype for this match got a fair amount of people excited about it,
but tell me how many corporations called after the match and said "wow, let me give you 5 millions dollars to sponsor a men's professional tour"? Whats that you say? None?
Well, i find that hard to believe since Earl is so good for pool. And I hate to just pick on Earl, there are many many more that fall into the same category, its just that Earl
is certainly among the best and worst in mens pool. He could do a lot to promote mens pool but he chooses to think only of himself and how only he gets bad breaks and how a fly crapping on a leaf in the middle of a forest caused him to miss that shot. You guys can make all the excuses you want - the economy, the moon is out of phase, yada, yada, yada, but until the behavior is acceptable for all and there is a strong mens organization willing to take control and penalize unacceptable behavior across the board, mens pool will remain in the gutter. Take a kid to see that match? Why sure, I can see myself saying "OK, this is exactly how I want you to act when you grow up". Open your eyes people.

I was planning on having a few youths watch that match, my god that would have been an incredible mistake.

 

[richiebalto]

it never ceases to amaze me how many people say that earl's bad behavior is good for pool. Yes, the hype for this match got a fair amount of people excited about it,
but tell me how many corporations called after the match and said "wow, let me give you 5 millions dollars to sponsor a men's professional tour"? Whats that you say? None?
Well, i find that hard to believe since earl is so good for pool. And i hate to just pick on earl, there are many many more that fall into the same category, its just that earl
is certainly among the best and worst in mens pool. He could do a lot to promote mens pool but he chooses to think only of himself and how only he gets bad breaks and how a fly crapping on a leaf in the middle of a forest caused him to miss that shot. You guys can make all the excuses you want - the economy, the moon is out of phase, yada, yada, yada, but until the behavior is acceptable for all and there is a strong mens organization willing to take control and penalize unacceptable behavior across the board, mens pool will remain in the gutter. Take a kid to see that match? Why sure, i can see myself saying "ok, this is exactly how i want you to act when you grow up". Open your eyes people.

great post cat!

 

[CreeDo]

Shane was the one that said he could not beat Earl on that table.
Give him a month and nothing changes.
Earl is probably the best ball pocketing player of all time.

I thought Earl would get beat bad, I was so far off all I could do was laugh and be glad I did not bet on it.

I would like to see them play again just because of how entertaining it was.

I would too.

A lot has been made of that comment, but I think shane's being humble, or is kind of dogging on himself. They asked him that while the loss is still fresh. Privately, I think shane has the mentality of all champions... he never REALLY believes the other guy is just-plain-better than he is. Or shoots straighter or whatever. I second the vote that we see another 5x10 match (this time with correctly cut pockets). Shane won't underestimate him again.

 

[Williebetmore]

Willie, all due respect but I gotta disagree. I don't think earl hits balls more accurately than shane. I think earl just picks the right speed and gets the right angles. Shane was too straight on a bunch of balls and didn't account for having to move the CB 10-15 feet. He's used to having the stroke to just force his way across the table. The bad angles + the tough pocket cut = balls got spat out that shoulda dropped (if they were a a few mph slower). Shane also mentioned the bow in the slate forcing him to shoot harder than he wanted just to make sure the shot didn't roll off.

I think earl was just comfortable and adjusted to the equipment, give shane a month on that table + his own 70 inch harpoon, maybe the score is reversed.

We certainly will have to disagree. I think the match showed that Earl's stroke is more solid (WAY less body and head movement); and that he has WAY more understanding of contact induced throw variables (a huge factor in big table play).

I did not think the pockets were bad at all - jawed balls are much more common the bigger the table, and Earl did not seem to have that problem as much.

I definitely will agree that Shane could improve his play (and probably will); but it would need to involve his stroke and physics fundamentals; not something as simple as "getting used to the table."

P.S. - Earl told us at a lesson that he used to shoot 8 hours at a time down the long rail at all speeds and spins - any shot that even touched the long rail going in was a complete failure for him. Such training gives him a huge advantage over most mortals in understanding the contact induced throw that is so different at different speeds and spins and cut angles; and such a big factor in proper play on a 5 x 10 table (MANY more shots are affected than on a 9 footer because of the longer distances involved). Most players have never studied the exact amounts of throw involved, and approach it intuitively - Earl's long experience in this area gives him a huge advantage over almost everyone.

 

[bobroberts]

I was planning on having a few youths watch that match, my god that would have been an incredible mistake.

Funny but i was thinking more like survivor or jersey shore,or the apprentice.
People like to watch train wrecks.Not sure why but most people slow by when they see a car accident.
Watching Earl go off is akin to these shows.
A lot of people are really hard on him but i think they fail to understand that there probably is a mental medical problem.

 

[Zbotiman]

Golf?

I find Earls rants more like a person crying out for attention for himself and the sport and how things should be but arn't. If Earl were this great at another sport, such as golf, he would either be nice or be gone, the money would speak loudly and most likely mold his character, if not the sporting body would deal with it quickly. We all need parameters in life for ourselves and for others that interact with us, if not.........
We all have relatives or co workers that fall into this catagory. We still like em, but....................

Excuse me, do you know who Walter Hagen was? He was considered the "ultimate gentleman" in the early years of golf. When money and regulating organizations were in short supply in that sport. "Gentleman," Hmm, you gotta play a guy, that shows up in a tuxedo, after being out all night, with a hangover, and correcting the officials on matters at hand, and reasons for being a half hour late for his pairings "start time, NO SHARKING THERE, RIGHT!!!"

On that level, everybody picks a gaff, and exploits it for all it's worth. Some peoples B.S. is just "socially more acceptable, breeding and all you see!"

Most sports organizations are parasitical in their natural dealings with athletes. That's where all the management and lawyers gets tangled up in these things. I keep it simple, give the sport it's due and let 'em play as they see fit! Most of the commentators on here, it seems to me, by what they say and think, haven't ever even won a bar tournament in this game!
But it does look like their model citizens.

 

[justadub]

I hate to keep flogging this deceased equine... but based on what I saw (the last night, when the PPV opened up for everyone, THANKS TAR) the way Earl behaved wasn't anything that would have made anyone unfamiliar with pool blink twice.

The worst thing that he did on the last evening was to throw his cue (and earmuffs). The bantering and bad-mouthing that I saw was significantly less than what I see during any regular season NBA game. Or NFL game. Or even some baseball games. You know, the really popular televised sports. The sports that television pays HUGE contracts for the rights to air. The ones where the beer companies and the car companies line up for the privilege of buying sponsorships for advertising.

I realize that many folks are disappointed in the way Earl acted in this match. But to state how awful it would be to for the general public to have seen this match is completely missing the mark.

Again, I did not see the first two days, which were supposedly worse. Again, I understand the desire for "gentlemanly" play. I just don't see where this match is such a black eye for pool. It was exciting to me, and there was a LOT of great pool. I hear far worse bantering at the pool room every week, and if everyone is being honest, they do too.

 

[Island Drive]

Excuse me, do you know who Walter Hagen was? He was considered the "ultimate gentleman" in the early years of golf. When money and regulating organizations were in short supply in that sport. "Gentleman," Hmm, you gotta play a guy, that shows up in a tuxedo, after being out all night, with a hangover, and correcting the officials on matters at hand, and reasons for being a half hour late for his pairings "start time, NO SHARKING THERE, RIGHT!!!"

On that level, everybody picks a gaff, and exploits it for all it's worth. Some peoples B.S. is just "socially more acceptable, breeding and all you see!"

Most sports organizations are parasitical in their natural dealings with athletes. That's where all the management and lawyers gets tangled up in these things. I keep it simple, give the sport it's due and let 'em play as they see fit! Most of the commentators on here, it seems to me, by what they say and think, haven't ever even won a bar tournament in this game!
But it does look like their model citizens.

Huh...................

 

[gulyassy]

Sorry, but I don't buy these excuses for Earl's abhorrent behavior. It isn't the "crowd" that makes him act this way! I've seen audience members get a little too loud and unruly at tournaments before, and the players didn't feel the need to respond anything like Earl did. The man (Earl) was out of line with Shane, PERIOD!

He and Mike both owe Shane an apology. Doubtful it will be coming anytime soon. Probably just more "poor me" from the Earl camp. By the way, Earl did not act like this in his first match. He went down like a mouse, and barely whimpered for three days.

You must not have been in the same room I was for 3 days.

 

[Island Drive]

I hate to keep flogging this deceased equine... but based on what I saw (the last night, when the PPV opened up for everyone, THANKS TAR) the way Earl behaved wasn't anything that would have made anyone unfamiliar with pool blink twice.

The worst thing that he did on the last evening was to throw his cue (and earmuffs). The bantering and bad-mouthing that I saw was significantly less than what I see during any regular season NBA game. Or NFL game. Or even some baseball games. You know, the really popular televised sports. The sports that television pays HUGE contracts for the rights to air. The ones where the beer companies and the car companies line up for the privilege of buying sponsorships for advertising.

I realize that many folks are disappointed in the way Earl acted in this match. But to state how awful it would be to for the general public to have seen this match is completely missing the mark.

Again, I did not see the first two days, which were supposedly worse. Again, I understand the desire for "gentlemanly" play. I just don't see where this match is such a black eye for pool. It was exciting to me, and there was a LOT of great pool. I hear far worse bantering at the pool room every week, and if everyone is being honest, they do too.

Sure glad Bob Hurley is still coaching, he doesn't allow tattos and the only jewelry allowed is a watch. Now mind you, in thirty plus years of mentoring basketball players only TWO have not gone on to college, I think that speaks for itself. Maybe Efren should act this way to become even more famous in the Phillipines...........................NOT

 

[gulyassy]

I would like to think that this type of match should be laid to rest like hustling pool for a living. Either one is very dangerous and not worth the pay out. I liked the match because it was the best pool match I had ever seen. It was the toughest match and most demanding match since the Friday to Sunday challenges I used to sometimes participate in when I was a gambling pool player. It took a lot more than skill and ability for Earl to win this match. Remember the loser got nothing, and Earl was kicked out at the Expo. His car was parked in Atlanta Airport for 30 days since Dubai. He was broke and lost the last Tar match to Shane decisively. Not only that but Shane beat Earl in the One Pocket in Derby City. This win for Earl was big. Earl had a 22 game lead Saturday and close to the end it was going to be within 5. Earl ended up 70 to 60. Shane has a heart of a Champion. I am getting the table redone by the best restorer in the country. New and exact pocket cuts, and the slate will be resurfaced to make it perfect. I did not have the time to do the table all the way but Shane played on it from Monday to Friday to decide if it was alright and he said he liked the table. Remember this also, Earl gave Shane his break back, a larger break box, and no shot clock which I thought might give the advantage to Shane. The only real advantage Earl had was stopping Shane's break, but the table did this without any help. If Shane's break is working it is curtains for any opponent. Earl played it like a table, not a 10 footer but just a pool table. I would like to see these 2 play again on this table because it is the most difficult conditions imaginable. By the way I have been contacted by sponsors that want to be a part the next match. May be the next match on the 5 by 10 will be even better.

 

[poke&hope]

Shane was Hustled

I hate to keep flogging this deceased equine... but based on what I saw (the last night, when the PPV opened up for everyone, THANKS TAR) the way Earl behaved wasn't anything that would have made anyone unfamiliar with pool blink twice.

The worst thing that he did on the last evening was to throw his cue (and earmuffs). The bantering and bad-mouthing that I saw was significantly less than what I see during any regular season NBA game. Or NFL game. Or even some baseball games. You know, the really popular televised sports. The sports that television pays HUGE contracts for the rights to air. The ones where the beer companies and the car companies line up for the privilege of buying sponsorships for advertising.

I realize that many folks are disappointed in the way Earl acted in this match. But to state how awful it would be to for the general public to have seen this match is completely missing the mark.

Again, I did not see the first two days, which were supposedly worse. Again, I understand the desire for "gentlemanly" play. I just don't see where this match is such a black eye for pool. It was exciting to me, and there was a LOT of great pool. I hear far worse bantering at the pool room every week, and if everyone is being honest, they do too.

You missed the first day.It was bad!!! This was an Hustle by old time players who have been around IMOP. It was not just the 5x10 but the funny cut pockets set up by Earl and MIke. John Schimdt mentioned this and I consider him an expert. Someone told me once that most gambling matches are won or lost during the negotiations before the match. It would have taken Shane longer IMO to become familar with this setup plus sharking and not get in his head and hurt his confidence on that table. Earl totally sharked the first day and ended up by 11. Thats pretty much how it stayed until the end. Earl played like a champion and shane was amazing under the circumstances. Shane and company got hustled. I agree with Jay. Isn't it funny people were complaining about Earl bashing just a few months ago. Now since he won its a medical condition,Earl is Earl,yada yada. Once he sharks a shark and loses the lovefest will end. I don't like it, but I still say it will sell today in a one on one contest for th $. I know many disagree but its an opinion of what I saw or thought I saw.

 

[gulyassy]

You missed the first day.It was bad!!! This was an Hustle by old time players who have been around IMOP. It was not just the 5x10 but the funny cut pockets set up by Earl and MIke. John Schimdt mentioned this and I consider him an expert. Someone told me once that most gambling matches are won or lost during the negotiations before the match. It would have taken Shane longer IMO to become familar with this setup plus sharking and not get in his head and hurt his confidence on that table. Earl totally sharked the first day and ended up by 11. Thats pretty much how it stayed until the end. Earl played like a champion and shane was amazing under the circumstances. Shane and company got hustled. I agree with Jay. Isn't it funny people were complaining about Earl bashing just a few months ago. Now since he won its a medical condition,Earl is Earl,yada yada. Once he sharks a shark and loses the lovefest will end. I don't like it, but I still say it will sell today in a one on one contest for th $. I know many disagree but its an opinion of what I saw or thought I saw.

Shane and most of the pool world thought he was going to steal the money but found out that without his break working he had to out shoot the older man. Shane did not think he was going to loose until Sunday when Earl got to 90, then Earl put on a clinic and took the prize.

 

[KRJ]

Hmmmm

You missed the first day.It was bad!!! This was an Hustle by old time players who have been around IMOP. It was not just the 5x10 but the funny cut pockets set up by Earl and MIke. John Schimdt mentioned this and I consider him an expert. Someone told me once that most gambling matches are won or lost during the negotiations before the match. It would have taken Shane longer IMO to become familar with this setup plus sharking and not get in his head and hurt his confidence on that table. Earl totally sharked the first day and ended up by 11. Thats pretty much how it stayed until the end. Earl played like a champion and shane was amazing under the circumstances. Shane and company got hustled. I agree with Jay. Isn't it funny people were complaining about Earl bashing just a few months ago. Now since he won its a medical condition,Earl is Earl,yada yada. Once he sharks a shark and loses the lovefest will end. I don't like it, but I still say it will sell today in a one on one contest for th $. I know many disagree but its an opinion of what I saw or thought I saw.

Very considerate that you leave the pertinent information about the ruly fans who were intentionally sharking Earl on Friday night. But, heck, who needs facts when you are trying to win your point with half truths. Well done. You are half way home. Now tell the complete story regardless if it hurts your argument, just the facts please.