I've yet to see the match between Ralf and Earl but the match with Efren and Gabe was top-notch, to say the least. Those 2 played flawless, both well over 900 on accustats, but, there always has to be a winner and a loser. Gabe and Efren are both great players and even finer gentlemen on and off the table. Ralf also has these same qualities. I really wish I could say the same about Earl's behavior while on the table. Off the table, he's a nice guy, as many would agree, but from what I have read of this match with Ralf, and his blasting of Ralf afterward, it wouldn't bother me at all if he never won another match the rest of his career. Peace, John.efirkey said:
Earl
- Thread starter Buckster_uk
- Start date
Well I just finished watching a hill-hill second set match between Ralf and Earl. Don't know what year it was, but it was the finals of The Challenge of Champions. Ralf won by making an extreme cut on the 9 into the corner pocket. The 9 rattled and Earl jumped out of his and said something, but then the 9 fell.
Earl refused to shake Ralf's hand after the match.
Mayber this is where it all started between the two of them?
Barbara
Earl refused to shake Ralf's hand after the match.
Mayber this is where it all started between the two of them?
Barbara
efirkey said:
Well said, I too am a big fan of Earl.
His natural flowing shot making is something to see. But last night, I was sitting in the second row right behind Ralf and in PERFECT view of Earl. My ears were hearing comments from people sitting all around me, and they voiced what you have said here. Earl had many changes to "come out shooting" but decided to dog the ONE and sit down like a little angry boy.
He also was just looking for excuses from anyone that spoke in the audience. He would jump up and stare at them like he missed because someone was cheering and encouraging him on. He would snap at people walking back to his chair.
Oh my gosh, when he poo-pooed Ralf's performace during the post interview, I was was one of the many that booed him. Scratch my name off the fan list, I agree with your comments, there is so much talent out there that is professional in their actions. I wished and was expecting Earl to come back with all he had, but instead saw a crumbling legend that can't keep up anymore and wants us to feel sorry for him.
You want pressure, how about the Efrin Reyes and Gabe Owen match after that. You didn't see Efrin act up while he was well behind Gabe. He came out "shooting"
Now that was a match to see, two great pros battling it out. AND they shook hands afterwards, like great professional do now a days.
Just my Opinion, I may be wrong
rwomel
Buckster_uk said:
Thanks for the post. I respect that very much in a player.
Constructive - Destructive personality types
Everyone gets upset playing Pool sometimes, either
because they made a stupid shot or because of
someone else. Constructive type people try to
smooth things over, or resolve the problem is a nice
way. Destructive people try to make more out of it
than what it really is. Earl, to me, is angry, and it
doesn't matter what the source is, but to maintain
his self-esteem and ego, he turns his anger outwardly
now, instead of channeling that anger where it can
turn into something positive.
Ever notice, that although you may really like someone,
if they are a destructive type person, you always have
to make excuses for them and their behavior. And when
they win, it's because they are so great, but when they
lose, it is someone or something's fault, not theirs.
Everyone gets upset playing Pool sometimes, either
because they made a stupid shot or because of
someone else. Constructive type people try to
smooth things over, or resolve the problem is a nice
way. Destructive people try to make more out of it
than what it really is. Earl, to me, is angry, and it
doesn't matter what the source is, but to maintain
his self-esteem and ego, he turns his anger outwardly
now, instead of channeling that anger where it can
turn into something positive.
Ever notice, that although you may really like someone,
if they are a destructive type person, you always have
to make excuses for them and their behavior. And when
they win, it's because they are so great, but when they
lose, it is someone or something's fault, not theirs.
Earl the Squirrel
Rwomel - thanks for the first hand perspective. I was wondering what he could have been saying to the fans during Ralf's innings. And you're right about his interview comments...unacceptable!
Complaining about the equipment is the easiest way to pass the buck. I hope in his head he really doesn't believe that why he lost or he has some serious denial issues.
It seemed that he started playing especially fast (even for him) just to spite Ralf and his cautious approach. But even in his haste we saw what an incredible talent Earl is, running out effortlessly a few times. However it got the best of him eventually.
After Ralf reached the hill (or maybe earlier) Earl stopped taking his chances at the table seriously. His rushed, careless attempt at the 1-ball with ball-in-hand was the epitome of this; I don't know why he didn't just throw in the towel and concede. I was glad to hear the crowd boo at that attempt - they were sold short to say the least.
What's amazing is that he only lost 11-7! He could've ran out in his last visit to the table but played poor position and had to kick (wildly of course) at the 3-ball. He would've breaking at 10-8 and could have easily made a match of it - if not won! This seems unbelievable considering his erratic play, but he did show flashes of the brilliance that he's capable of.
With the emergence of so many top-notch players, having control of the mental game is an absolute MUST. Look at players like Souquet, Hohmann, Feijen and Reyes who are stoic and calculated on the table and off. I don't think it's a coincidence why these players are so successful. The competition is stiffening every year, and unless Earl harnesses his emotions he may continue to fall victim to his worst enemy: himself, and fall to the wayside.
rwomel said:
Rwomel - thanks for the first hand perspective. I was wondering what he could have been saying to the fans during Ralf's innings. And you're right about his interview comments...unacceptable!
Complaining about the equipment is the easiest way to pass the buck. I hope in his head he really doesn't believe that why he lost or he has some serious denial issues.
It seemed that he started playing especially fast (even for him) just to spite Ralf and his cautious approach. But even in his haste we saw what an incredible talent Earl is, running out effortlessly a few times. However it got the best of him eventually.
After Ralf reached the hill (or maybe earlier) Earl stopped taking his chances at the table seriously. His rushed, careless attempt at the 1-ball with ball-in-hand was the epitome of this; I don't know why he didn't just throw in the towel and concede. I was glad to hear the crowd boo at that attempt - they were sold short to say the least.
What's amazing is that he only lost 11-7! He could've ran out in his last visit to the table but played poor position and had to kick (wildly of course) at the 3-ball. He would've breaking at 10-8 and could have easily made a match of it - if not won! This seems unbelievable considering his erratic play, but he did show flashes of the brilliance that he's capable of.
With the emergence of so many top-notch players, having control of the mental game is an absolute MUST. Look at players like Souquet, Hohmann, Feijen and Reyes who are stoic and calculated on the table and off. I don't think it's a coincidence why these players are so successful. The competition is stiffening every year, and unless Earl harnesses his emotions he may continue to fall victim to his worst enemy: himself, and fall to the wayside.
MarkJS said:
Apples and oranges. There aren't referees at every table in a professional pool event, therefore, when players take timeouts and leave the arena, they are putting their trust in the honor, dignity, and professionalism of the other player not to break the rules. If somebody chooses to break that trust, HE is the one showing a lack of class, not the person who points out the fact that a rule is being broken.
Anyway, Earl is a "jerk" for not calling that Skins game foul because men's pool is in a precarious state right now. He could have been an ambassador and a shining example for men's pool, and instead, all he did was confirm the myths non-players hold: pool is a game for cheats, hustlers, and anybody willing to do anything for the almighty dollar. Pool is nothing more than a sideshow on ESPN due to that type of mentality, and as long as attitudes like Earl's prevail, it always will be.
-djb <-- Thinks self-respect is far more important than any damn game
calling foul on yourself
First time poster, new member.
Golfers also call fouls on themselves all the time, sometimes at the expense of many thousands of dollars. Wouldn't we all love for the game we have a passion for to have the reputation, sponsor dollars!!!, multiple tours, and following golf does...
Kelly
First time poster, new member.
Golfers also call fouls on themselves all the time, sometimes at the expense of many thousands of dollars. Wouldn't we all love for the game we have a passion for to have the reputation, sponsor dollars!!!, multiple tours, and following golf does...
Kelly
O
onepocketchump
Guest
I have never heard that anyone BUT Earl doesn't like Ralf. Ralf Souquet is one of the most courteous and professional players in the world. He sits quietly when he is not at the table. Off the table he is very nice and gracious in his demeanor and his assessment of his fellow players. The players are NOT allowed to practice during a match, Ralf was absolutely correct to tell Earl he couldn't practice and would have been right to call him an ass, but that's not Ralf's way.
Good job Ralf - nehm dir noch einer - du bist dran!
John
Good job Ralf - nehm dir noch einer - du bist dran!
John
Where's Earl....?
I've been a Strickland fan for a while and one of the recent posters mentioned a match between Ralf and Earl in the 96 Challange that i saw and Ralf at the end of that match went up to Earl and said something(good match?) and Earl just shook his head and didnt shake Ralf's hand. I thought it was odd but didnt think anything of it. From hearing what happened in this match i have one question....."is this have anything to do with the fact that on AZ's brackets....i dont see Earl Strickland on the losers side?????
I've been a Strickland fan for a while and one of the recent posters mentioned a match between Ralf and Earl in the 96 Challange that i saw and Ralf at the end of that match went up to Earl and said something(good match?) and Earl just shook his head and didnt shake Ralf's hand. I thought it was odd but didnt think anything of it. From hearing what happened in this match i have one question....."is this have anything to do with the fact that on AZ's brackets....i dont see Earl Strickland on the losers side?????
I have that match on tape. Ralf had a really tough shot on the 9 and he hung it up, and after a second or so, it fell. Earl *did* shake Ralf's hand. Later on, Ralf said something like 'good match, Earl', and that's when Earl shook his head. It was a 50,000 dollar winner-take-all match.. I'd be upset, too.. But, they did shake hands immediately after the match was over.
adammcnatt
Banned
Strickland is a disgrace with girlish voice. A liar and a cheat. He should be fined, banned from the tournament and forced to apologize. Further, Ralf must slap Earl "the girl" the very next time he sees him and take over the contract with Cuetech Cues. "The girl" gets his ass handed to him in every tournament he enters and nobody wants to see him.
Hey Sweet Marissa,
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Please review all post's in this thread.
"Have a nice day"
Lamar
SM,Sweet Marissa said:That's fine, but I do look forward to meeting you in Atlanta regardless
What was your last post? (PM it to me.)
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Please review all post's in this thread.
"Have a nice day"
Lamar