Pool and playing good pool is a very funny business and can look very funny at times. There are days when for many reasons, you just can't come with it. Out on the road it is the most aggrivating thing there is. Motels get old in a hurry, sleeping in the car and driving all night just ain't cutting it, greasy meals, a cold, a fight with the girl back home, or just plain burnout, whatever, it just ain't ahppening. So people assume he is stalling.
How many times I've seen guys in what should be soft action and he just can't get out and guess what, they all accuse him of dumping.
The road life whern going well can be great and great money but, one loss and all seems to change as the reality sets in. Then it isn't so glamarous as it may appear.
IMO, people take good players for granted way too much. Sometimes the engine just isn't tuned or hitting on all 8 as they say.It's frustrating and embarassing as well. This game requires some attitude and a gunslinger attitude and when it isn't there, a great player becomes just another player.
So the next time you see one struggling or look like he is stalling, take a good look at him and the body language before making such harsh judgements. Sometimes, it just don't work.
In todays pool world, stalling is a lost art and something few of todays pros even have a clue about.