That break and run number tells you all you need to know.
Shane broke and ran 38 games vesus Alex's 13. So that right there is a 25 game swing.
But here's the stat I think stands out:
- Shane made a ball 87 times in his 99 attempts. So he ran out 43% of the times he made a ball.
- Alex made a ball 63 times on his 85 attempts, but only ran out 20% of those times.
Between them, the number of balls made on the break is pretty close per break - 1.79 for Shane and 1. 66 for Alex.
My opinion is that Shane's
control of the break with the Magic Rack is what separates him from Alex.
By control of the break, I mean:
- he can pretty much count on pocketing a specific ball (2nd row ball in the side) , so power is less important
- he can control the direction and speed of the one ball, to optimize the possibility of having an opening shot.
- he can control the cue ball to optimize a shot on the one and minimize scratches.
- he can pop the rack cleanly open, minimizing tied up balls.
No doubt, other people might be able to play as good and out move him, but outrunning a 38% B and R on that monster table is highly unlikely.
Right now he's the best break and run momentum dude on the planet. 38% in 10 ball on that tight table is phenomenal. I can imagine him getting 50% or better on a standard Diamond Pro with a Magic Rack. However, I don't think this would be likely without the Magic Rack or some other perfect rack and I don't think we'll be seeing Magic Rack 10 ball TAR matches for Shane again anytime soon.
Alex's superior kicking and safety game kept the match close for the first two days, but at one point he was in his chair for a full 40 minutes. Ouch!
Chris
Ps. Thanks for keeping track of this - great information.