Europe rocks

[sjm]

I think Europe's pedigree is very high and well-known and I was among many that wrote glowingly of the European efforts in 2008. It's just that the original post made light of the state of American pool at a time when America is off to its best start in years competitively.

The nice thing is that, ignoring the gimmick invitational event called the World Pool Masters, there is a major open 10-ball event being played from May 11-16 in which most of the elite from America, Asia, and Europe will square off. Europe will have every opportunity to make a statement.

We shall see.

 

[JAM]

yeeeahhh... about that Russia thing....it is in Europe ya know.

Ah, but then you get into Western European, Central European, and Eastern European entities. I wonder why Eastern and Central European countries need the Western European banks in order to survive. Standing on their own, they're a little weak.

It's the same with pool. If you want to say how great one country is fine, but don't compare Europe with the United States. If that is the case, then I think each American State should have two representatives present at all so-called "world championships." What's good for Europe, a collection of countries, should be good for the U.S., a collection of States.

 

[berry]

I wonder why Eastern and Central European countries need the Western European banks in order to survive. Standing on their own, they're a little weak.

Yeah, bring on the banking system to support your point :grin: MO HA HA!:grin-square:

 

[ShootingArts]

actually shows where the US is at

Ah, but then you get into Western European, Central European, and Eastern European entities. I wonder why Eastern and Central European countries need the Western European banks in order to survive. Standing on their own, they're a little weak.

It's the same with pool. If you want to say how great one country is fine, but don't compare Europe with the United States. If that is the case, then I think each American State should have two representatives present at all so-called "world championships." What's good for Europe, a collection of countries, should be good for the U.S., a collection of States.

JAM,

It actually shows where the US is at when we are commonly compared against the rest of the world or entire continents. Does anybody want to pick a country, any country, to come out ahead of the US in the big events with open fields?

Hu

PS: I get a chuckle out of England becoming part of Europe. They once proudly stood alone. Now they and Europe both need to lean on each other.

 

[Roy Steffensen]

If that is the case, then I think each American State should have two representatives present at all so-called "world championships."

Countries in Europe aren't granted spots. EPBF are granted spots, and all those spots needs to be qualified for, either through Eurotour or European Championships.

Europe could end up with only players from Germany and The Netherlands, if they won all the events, but they don't.

 

[JAM]

...PS: I get a chuckle out of England becoming part of Europe. They once proudly stood alone. Now they and Europe both need to lean on each other.

Here's England on the left, requesting to be a part of the EU. :grin-square:

 

[JAM]

Countries in Europe aren't granted spots. EPBF are granted spots, and all those spots needs to be qualified for, either through Eurotour or European Championships.

Europe could end up with only players from Germany and The Netherlands, if they won all the events, but they don't.

I think that's a great idea. They should do the same for all 50 of these United States. I mean, who cares if Florida, Texas, and California win the majority of events. At least each State would be represented, much like each country is of the European Union.

 

[JAM]

Yeah, bring on the banking system to support your point :grin: MO HA HA!:grin-square:

The European banking system and all their wonderful euros! LOL :grin-square:

 

[smokeandapancak]

Can somebody post a link for JAM that shows current currency values please....



Smoke<--- paid in dollars but spends euros..sucks

 

[mjantti]

I'd like to see the USA championships on 8-ball, 9-ball and 14.1 just like the European Championships and then choosing the international representatives partly on base of the results of this tournament. Or even better, a larger Mosconi Cup with all 3 disciplines, top 32 players from both continents on each discipline and a week and a half full of non-stop tournament action (and sidegames ofc). Now that would make a nice tournament?

 

[JAM]

I'd like to see the USA championships on 8-ball, 9-ball and 14.1 just like the European Championships and then choosing the international representatives partly on base of the results of this tournament. Or even better, a larger Mosconi Cup with all 3 disciplines, top 32 players from both continents on each discipline and a week and a half full of non-stop tournament action (and sidegames ofc). Now that would make a nice tournament?

I like the way you think. That's a great idea!

I'd rather, though, see USA versus, say, Germany or USA versus Norway, as opposed to one country, the United States, versus the entire European Union consisting of 27 member states.

 

[smokeandapancak]

It's the same with pool. If you want to say how great one country is fine, but don't compare Europe with the United States. If that is the case, then I think each American State should have two representatives present at all so-called "world championships." What's good for Europe, a collection of countries, should be good for the U.S., a collection of States.

You do realize that there are States "inside" :embarrassed2f the countries over here .... dont you?

 

[cuesport]

There is a two systems here, economical and political. I think pool might be more on the political boundaries as far as determining where the players are coming from.

Depending on how you look at it.

In economical sense, the European Union represent the collective. And the EU wants to be treated as a big player it is. Then, US could ask the European countries to close all embassies and have one European Union Embassy in Washington DC. They won't do that b/c they want to be treated differently politically.

For example, previously Spain and Portugal received some economical help for being in the EU.

In the US, all states are eligible for federal help. AND also, God forbid any country should invade or attack any of our states, you better believe our military will act on behalf of the whole nation. Remember Pearl Harbor?

 

[JAM]

You do realize that there are States "inside" :embarrassed2f the countries over here .... dont you?

But, of course. How big is the country of Germany compared to the State of Texas?

I wonder how many German players there are, compared to how many Texan players there are, as one example.

It seems a little unusual to me when I think about 27 member countries of the European Union versus one country of the United States.

 

[Roy Steffensen]

Ah, yes, where is the USA on the pool map in 2009?

The year is young, but there have been six events with an internationally diverse field.

Derby City Nine Ball
Shane Van Boening (USA) beat Lee Van Corteza (Asia) in the final

Derby City One Pocket
John Schmidt (USA) beat Scott Frost (USA) in the final

Derby City Bank Pool
John Brumback (USA) beat Rodolfo Luat (Asia) in the final

Derby City Straight Pool
Danny Harriman (USA) beat Darren Appleton (Europe) in the final

Derby City 10-Ball
Lee Van Corteza (Asia) beat Ralf Souquet (Europe) in the final

Valley Forge 10-Ball
John Schmidt (USA) beat Corey Deuel (USA) in the final

So, in the first six significant events having a diverse, international field, the USA has won five of them. Asia the other. USA, Asia and Europe have two second place finishes each.

That's where the USA is in 2009, fella.

Dear SJM, to include the 14-1 at DCC is not something I would do when doing a summary like this, even if Darren won it last year I don't look at it as a major event, and if that is included, so should The One Pocket Challenge, imo.

I would ATLEAST add Turning Stone, which Ralf Souquet won.

JAM,

It actually shows where the US is at when we are commonly compared against the rest of the world or entire continents. Does anybody want to pick a country, any country, to come out ahead of the US in the big events with open fields?

Hu

PS: I get a chuckle out of England becoming part of Europe. They once proudly stood alone. Now they and Europe both need to lean on each other.

First: I would bet on Germany top 5 against USA top 5.

Second: I would bet on Europe vs North America.

Third: England has never been a continent of it's own, but always been included in Europe.

To be in the European Union is something completely different, and many countries in Europe has chosen not being a member of the EU, including Norway. They are however still members of Europe, the continent, just like England has always been.

I think that's a great idea. They should do the same for all 50 of these United States. I mean, who cares if Florida, Texas, and California win the majority of events. At least each State would be represented, much like each country is of the European Union.

I forgot to add that most of the spots EPBF are granted can be taken by any country, including USA. The finalists of each Eurotour is given a spot in the World Championships, 7 tournaments, and these tournaments are open to everyone. When the season is finished they will pick the rest from the ranking of the Eurotour, open for anyone, then 8 players will be picked from the results in the European Championships. These 8 are locked for Europeans only because the EC is a competition between ALL countries in Europe.

I believe what USA (North America?) needs is a STRONG tour like the Eurotour, with a proper ranking, spots for World Championships etc.

I do think it is a bit early in the year to say what continent is better than another, but based on the last couple of years I do believe Europe has performed better in major tournaments than Asia and North America.

 

[smokeandapancak]

But, of course. How big is the country of Germany compared to the State of Texas?

I wonder how many German players there are, compared to how many Texan players there are, as one example.

It seems a little unusual to me when I think about 27 member countries of the European Union versus one country of the United States.

There is an easy fix for that confusion....

Look at the populations.....law of averages will fall to the larger pools side everytime...

Maybe this will help you out a bit....

The same reason that a 5A high school football program wont step on the field against a 2A school...

Does that mean that the 2A school cant have a better player that the top play at the 5A school?

 

[JAM]

There is an easy fix for that confusion....

Look at the populations.....law of averages will fall to the larger pools side everytime...

Maybe this will help you out a bit....

The same reason that a 5A high school football program wont step on the field against a 2A school...

Does that mean that the 2A school cant have a better player that the top play at the 5A school?

5A high school and 2A high school? I don't get the analogy.

I do know we got more Texan pool players than most any European country who could play in high-caliber events and do just fine!

 

[smokeandapancak]

To contradict my own post above about the little guy and his chances...

I would bet on a German top 5 vs. American top 5 in a second. esp. if the game is an all around and I would empty out on a 14.1 match..

I am sure most others here would agree with at least the straight pool wager.

 

[Brozif]

All this talk about Europeans, Asians and Americans being the best pool players. Why don't I hear any talk about the strong Colombian players? Players like...well I don't know of any, but I'm sure they are famous there. Only problem is that when they make an early 8 or scratch to loose a game, they get shot!! It's a stiff penalty, but it weeds out the bad players. Hopefully they're not counting on me to be their representative!!

 

[smokeandapancak]

5A high school and 2A high school? I don't get the analogy.

I do know we got more Texan pool players than most any European country who could play in high-caliber events and do just fine!

Really?
you dont ?

Ok...follow on here:

5a = USA... big, lotsa depth to select from when making a team... higher chance of good players

2a=Germany... smaller.. less talent on the whole... not impossible that there best player is better than the 5a's.


Get it ?

Now imagine that two 2A schools merge due to population growth.. they now have a deeper talent pool and play in the same divison and the 5A school....

that would be Europe pooling talent to play the USA b/c now it it would be even....






whew.......