Holy Nightmare, Batman!

[merylane]

...and it's getting worse. The Americans are dropping like flies.

With the demise of Archer, Strickland, Bryant, Basavich, and Mike Davis in the Final 64, the United States' only hope lies with Rodney Morris, Gabe Owen, Corey Deuel, and Jeremy Jones!

Rodney Morris is in a good bracket, but all four of these gentlemen had better put it in turbo charge.

Picture of Rodney Morris, who has one of the best breaks in the business, a gentleman player and one of America's finest!

JAM

lets GO !!! RODNEY !!! ....... baby needs diapers !!!!!!!

 

[DoomCue]

Must be one hell of a tough field. Here are some usual suspects ousted unusually early.

Johnny Archer
Steve Davis
Thomas Engert
Neils Feijen
Francisco Bustamante
Tony Drago
Earl Strickland
Alex Lely
Chia-hsiung Lai

In addition to those guys, Mike Davis, Kid D, Hillbilly, Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcullo, Pei-wei Chang, and Che-wei Fu are all OUT.

Looks like Double J is in for a fight, as he's up 5-4 as I write this, and Yang is in trouble down 7-2.

-djb

 

[Celtic]

and Yang is in trouble down 7-2.

Holy smokes, that will shock some people if he loses

 

[gabesmom]

Must be one hell of a tough field. Here are some usual suspects ousted unusually early.

Johnny Archer
Steve Davis
Thomas Engert
Neils Feijen
Francisco Bustamante
Tony Drago
Earl Strickland
Alex Lely
Chia-hsiung Lai

In addition to those guys, Mike Davis, Kid D, Hillbilly, Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcullo, Pei-wei Chang, and Che-wei Fu are all OUT.

Looks like Double J is in for a fight, as he's up 5-4 as I write this, and Yang is in trouble down 7-2.

-djb

If Jones wins, then he plays Gabe tomorrow doesn't he? Which means one will be packing then. Bummer.

 

[Koop]

Holy smokes, that will shock some people if he loses

He lost. That is definitely a shocker.

 

[JAM]

Four Remaining Americans U.S. Open Champions

...Looks like Double J is in for a fight, as he's up 5-4 as I write this, and Yang is in trouble down 7-2.

Congratulations to Jeremy Jones for a strong comeback and finish!

All four of the remaining Americans are U.S. Open Champions:

Gabe Owen, 2004 U.S. Open Champion
Jeremy Jones, 2003 U.S. Open Champion
Corey Deuel, 2001 U.S. Open Champion
Rodney Morris, 1996 U.S. Open Champion

JAM's pictures of 2004 U.S. Open

Picture of Jeremy Jones and Keith at the TV table before their match at the 2003 U.S. Open!

JAM

 

[gabesmom]

Congratulations to Jeremy Jones for a strong comeback and finish!

All four of the remaining Americans are U.S. Open Champions:

Gabe Owen, 2004 U.S. Open Champion
Jeremy Jones, 2003 U.S. Open Champion
Corey Deuel, 2001 U.S. Open Champion
Rodney Morris, 1996 U.S. Open Champion

JAM's pictures of 2004 U.S. Open

Picture of Jeremy Jones and Keith at the TV table before their match at the 2003 U.S. Open!

JAM

Fabulous pictures!! And I join you with congrats to Jeremy! But (ouch!) I just have to root for Gabe tomorrow. Will be interesting I'm sure!

 

[Skess]

Not a happy guy...

It just goes to show that on any given day...

 

[MsDelish]

Hey JAM did you hear about the John Schmidt controversy?

How are you Jennie?

This is what I heard happened: John Schmidt was playing Marcus Chamat during the group stages and after he broke, he pushed out. Supposedly he said "push" and Marcus acknowledged somehow. The ref didn't hear and said it was a foul. When Marcus was asked if he had heard he said "no". John got so upset and disgusted by the situation that he broke down his stick and left mid-match. He didn't make it through the group stages but rumor has it he could have if he finished the match and gave it his all. One other player in his group was borderline to make it in and he could have beat this guy if he finished the match. It really sucks what happened to him but IMO he should have stuck it out. Kid D told me that almost all the refs don't speak english and they are especially brutal to the Americans. He feels like the refs are even rooting against him. They house rack everyone because they don't know any better. Thats why Danny took so long in his TV match. He would make them re-rack like 3-4 times. His back is killing him because the beds are as hard as the floor and only single beds, so his break is not on this tourney. Also the temp. is sooooo hot there he is drenched every waking moment and is very lethargic. The A/C runs terribly everywhere. There are no women to even look at in the venue only men and they basically all hate the Americans. Luckily this year they (Americans) are all rooting each other in. They all stick around till everyone is done playing and clap in the stands for each other. If you didn't know from last year you can hear a pin drop when we do well but its like a basketball game's roar when a Taiwanese does well. The Americans even have beers together afterward. (All of them, Can you believe it?). Danny is dying to come home but is having an okay time overall. He said to say "Hello" to you and Keith.
Take care.

Danielle

 

[JAM]

It just goes to show that on any given day...

Skess, I can imagine what's going on in Earl's mind as his broken-down stick lay alongside him. I've seen that look before, and the eyes say it all, kind of like the dull-witted look of a trapped animal. Imagine being a kazillion miles away from home and that's the end of it!

Man, you gotta admit, though, the Earlster does get around, always headline news. Whether media coverage or threads, his name seems to stay out there, front and center!

Here's a pic of a smiling Earl Strickland, definitely one of the most colorful pool characters of all times. And he'll be back.

JAM

 

[JAM]

How are you Jennie?...Kid D told me that almost all the refs don't speak english and they are especially brutal to the Americans. He feels like the refs are even rooting against him. They house rack everyone because they don't know any better. Thats why Danny took so long in his TV match. He would make them re-rack like 3-4 times. His back is killing him because the beds are as hard as the floor and only single beds, so his break is not on this tourney. Also the temp. is sooooo hot there he is drenched every waking moment and is very lethargic. The A/C runs terribly everywhere. There are no women to even look at in the venue only men and they basically all hate the Americans. Luckily this year they (Americans) are all rooting each other in. They all stick around till everyone is done playing and clap in the stands for each other. If you didn't know from last year you can hear a pin drop when we do well but its like a basketball game's roar when a Taiwanese does well... Danny is dying to come home but is having an okay time overall. He said to say "Hello" to you and Keith....

That really sucks a big egg, Danielle! You know, just this morning, Keith and I were talking about who we'd like to see win the WPC, and both of us were pulling for Danny.

On the one hand, it's great that there's a strong pool culture in Taiwan, but on the other, it seems downright pitiful thinking of our poor American players over there on foreign turf having to endure the somewhat unwelcoming attitude of the hometown crowd. I remember Earl telling Keith one time upon return from a WPC (can't remember which year) that the crowds were devastating towards the Americans, and that would make it hard to play.

It would be wonderful if the powers-that-be who choose the location of the upcoming WPCs to consider the U.S. as a venue site. I've been to quite a few tournaments here in the States where international players are competing, and the TDs, promoters, players, fans, and railbirds treat them with the utmost respect.

I don't know what to think about John Schmidt, but considering the atmosphere, the referee calling a foul seems just par for the course. He should have stuck it out, but I'm sure he's got strong feelings about it for him to unjoin his stick mid match.

We'll see you in Parsippany down the road! There's no place like home!

Here's one of my favorite pics of Keith and Danny. Danny's counting his cabbage, and it caught Keith's undivided attention through the front window.

JAM

 

[sliqueshot]

Yeah I think they should rotate the venue more often. Taiwanese dominating in home turf is expected, and I believe American would have too if the tourney is played in US though there would be still a considerable number of Filipinos who are in the thick of it no matter where is the tournament. I dunno why these Taiwanese peeps are not hospitable to Americans, but I understand Strickland, there's is not many people who like him either from what I heard.

 

[merylane]

That really sucks a big egg, Danielle! You know, just this morning, Keith and I were talking about who we'd like to see win the WPC, and both of us were pulling for Danny.

i love that pic jam is there any chance i could get an 8" or 10" signed?

thanks

 

[sjm]

Taiwanese dominating in home turf is expected, and I believe American would have too if the tourney is played in US though there would be still a considerable number of Filipinos who are in the thick of it no matter where is the tournament. I dunno why these Taiwanese peeps are not hospitable to Americans, but I understand Strickland, there's is not many people who like him either from what I heard.

Gimme a break.

Most of the Europeans traveled thousands of miles to the BCA Open in Las Vegas in May. How'd they do? Hohmann won, Immonen was third, and Roschkowsky finshed fourth. Most of the Europeans traveled over 10,000 miles to the WPC? How are they doing? Maybe I should just ask Uzzell, Hundal, Hybler, Foldes, Vandenberg, Chamat, Roschkowsky, Hohmann, Immonen, or Stolka, the ten Europeans still alive with thirty two left. Forget about this home court advantage nonsense. The great ones are able to win on the road. I love the American poolplayers, and will cheer and cheer and cheer some more for Owen, Jones, Morris, and Deuel, but I will not make excuses for the second consecutive lackluster performance of the American contingent at the WPC.

It's far better to give credit where credit is due. The Taiwanese are great players. Even at the WPC qualifiers with minimal fanfare, they dominated. Their fine play is no secret anymore, and they appear to be on a par with the Philippines as a world pool power. Europe is to be commended for the progress it's payers have made, which seems to be readily apparent wherever they compete.

 

[Timberly]

This is what I heard happened: John Schmidt was playing Marcus Chamat during the group stages and after he broke, he pushed out. Supposedly he said "push" and Marcus acknowledged somehow. The ref didn't hear and said it was a foul. When Marcus was asked if he had heard he said "no". John got so upset and disgusted by the situation that he broke down his stick and left mid-match.
Danielle

I too heard about the push being called, acknowledged by Marcus, and then Marcus refuting the call when the ref called a foul. I didn't know that John broke down his cue right then though. However, I can imagine something like that is tough to fade, esp under the conditions they're in.... the a/c, if it even works, is not running very well which can certainly flare a temper up quickly. (I have zero patience or tolerence when I'm hot & it's humid) Some of the guys also had their luggage ransacked during the flight and had some valuables stolen which just adds to the frustration. Because many eyes all over the world can see these posts and the names are familiar, I won't mention names or what was or wasn't taken but lets just say that some got lucky in what was left behind and others weren't so lucky. I'm ready for our guys to just come back home but while there's still an American in the knockout stages, they need to all be there supporting him.

 

[sliqueshot]

I know how good some of the Europeans but I am referring here to a country not the whole continent. BCA was big but if the top Filipinos and Taiwanese pool players are missing I think it's just another big tournament. Look at the stats since the WPC are held in Taiwan, the Taiwanese are everywhere. If you don't consider that homecourt advantage then you're looking at different angle. Sure great players win on the road but it's undeniable, those Taiwanese have more players in every stage since WPC was played in Taiwan. The stats can't lie.

 

[Celtic]

Gimme a break.

Most of the Europeans traveled thousands of miles to the BCA Open in Las Vegas in May. How'd they do? Hohmann won, Immonen was third, and Roschkowsky finshed fourth. Most of the Europeans traveled over 10,000 miles to the WPC? How are they doing? Maybe I should just ask <snip> Chamat <snip> the ten Europeans still alive with thirty two left.

Well if Chamat truely acknowledged a push shot from John Schmidt and then feigned ignorance when a ref calls a foul due to not doing his job right in order to get ball in hand I see Marcus as little more then a cheater and anything from that point on is stained by his action. And if the refs are being that ignorant taking a sip of water while the player calls his push or whatever other action caused the ref to miss the call and not do his job correctly and THEN blame the player by calling a foul when it is the refs own fault for not watching the match closely.

I am not giving the American's any excuses, you know me SJM, but what Marcus did was ignorant as hell if that claim turns out to be true. That is worse then Earl would EVER do, for all the antics he has he still respects the rules and fair play of the sport too much to disrepect it by outright cheating such as Marcus did. If the claim is true Little Napolean is nothing more then a little weasle.

 

[sjm]

Well if Chamat truely acknowledged a push shot from John Schmidt and then feigned ignorance when a ref calls a foul due to not doing his job right in order to get ball in hand I see Marcus as little more then a cheater and anything from that point on is stained by his action.

Chamat's behavior would appear to be highly unacceptable here, but I'm every bit as unimpressed by Schmidt's behavior. If Chamat committed the alleged unsportsmanlike act and got away with it (highly probable but by no means certain), why would Schmidt unscrew? True champions learn to overcome adversity. The answer to why Schmidt unscrewed is that Schmidt has unscrewing in mid-match in his nature. He did the exact same thing at the UPA Big Apple Nine Ball Challenge in NYC last August, unscrewing in mid-match. Once again, the interests of the paying fans meant nothing to Schmidt, which is why he really is completely undeserving of playing on the greatest stage in our sport.

 

[SplicedPoints]

Yeah I think they should rotate the venue more often. Taiwanese dominating in home turf is expected, and I believe American would have too if the tourney is played in US though there would be still a considerable number of Filipinos who are in the thick of it no matter where is the tournament. I dunno why these Taiwanese peeps are not hospitable to Americans, but I understand Strickland, there's is not many people who like him either from what I heard.

From what i've heard, not every american is finding the Taiwanese unhospitable. The home crowd chearing for the home player's quite understandable. I am sure that's not targetted solely for the american opponents. What do they expect to go play in the different country? The fans are very knowledgable about pool and will cheer and applaud good players and good shots, you can't ask for more than that.

It would be great if the WPC comes back to the US. But be thankful that the Taiwanese are putting up the MONEY to host such an event. Don't knock them for hosting the event when the organizations in the US can't muster up the same kind of effort.

 

[Celtic]

I would rather John still played and drilled Marcus (and then bitch slapped the little dink after the match away from the table). Unscrewing may not be the best thing to do but if the ref is being a useless biased tit and your opponent being a cheating little weasel you are screwed, you are just a pawn in between their antics and have very little control over the situation. If the ref decides he is going to be biased and partial to your opponent and your opponent plays along that is not pool, and I am not sure I would want to play in such a cheating and dishonest arena either. To me this game is a sport and honor and fair play should stand for something, and when that is gone due to a biased ignorant and dishonest ref and a dishonset and cheating opponent the sport in the game is lost and as a fan I dont want to watch it and as a player I would not want to play it.