How was Chao Fong-Pang in his prime?

S

Somehustler

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How would you compare Chao Fong-Pang in his prime against Yang right now? or I guess with any other of the top asians right now? On all the youtube videos I have seen him play on he shoots really sporty and seems to make very little mistakes.
 
Chao, in his prime, didn't compete against strong international fields very often, but when he did, he usually delivered. He has won two World 9-ball Championships and, I believe, three International Challege of Champions events. Yang simply doesn't have the credentials to be compared to Chao in his prime. Greatness is measured in titles won over strong international fields.
 
He was as good as anyone who has played 9ball. I have no reason to believe anything has changed. If the money was right he would be a threat to beat anyone.

I don't recall him playing in the IPT. I wonder why.
 
SJM, were you there when he played Ginky when both were on the top of their game?

"My last name is Chao too..."

In a Chinese saying, it means we are from the same family 500 years ago ;)
 
mnorwood said:
He was as good as anyone who has played 9ball. I have no reason to believe anything has changed. If the money was right he would be a threat to beat anyone.

I don't recall him playing in the IPT. I wonder why.
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He is too lazy to take a long-distance trip to USA and Europe. He can earned over US$100,000 by winning big tours in taiwan and asia every year (except the challenges from the pinoys, I hardly heard him playing the money games), and it is enough to him. His only goal is to be the 9-ball world champion, but if you have ever watched Yang's games in WPC and asian tours, you will know he indeed had no luck these years.

Yang has won the most asian titles, including Japan Open, Asian 9-ball tours (Ranked No.1 in 2005), 1998&2002 asian games, 2001 world game, asian championships, 2005&2006 Super Cups, 2005 Philippines Open (attendants including all best USA, European and Asian players), The Money Game King etc.
 
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liekdi2588 said:
Yang has won the most asian titles, including Japan Open, Asian 9-ball tours (Ranked No.1 in 2005), 1998&2002 asian games, 2001 world game, asian championships, 2005&2006 Super Cups, 2005 Philippines Open (attendants including all best USA, European and Asian players), The Money Game King etc.
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This is in comparison with CHAO right?
 
liekdi2588 said:
He is too lazy to take a long-distance trip to USA and Europe. He can earned over US$100,000 by winning big tours in taiwan and asia every year (except the challenges from the pinoys, I hardly heard him playing the money games), and it is enough to him. His only goal is to be the 9-ball world champion, but if you have ever watched Yang's games in WPC and asian tours, you will know he indeed had no luck these years.
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Are you referring to CHAO or YANG? coz CHAO tried his luck in the U.S. in the late 80s. didn't got much luck in the U.S. pro tour I suppose, so he abandoned the idea and just concentrated more in Asia.
 
mnorwood said:
I don't recall him playing in the IPT. I wonder why.
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Maybe he was one of the few that figured out that "if something seems to be too good to be true, it probably is."

Chao is based in Shanghai and I hear he is concentrating a lot on business interests here.

He would probably take exception to the description " past his prime."
 
cuetable said:
SJM, were you there when he played Ginky when both were on the top of their game?

"My last name is Chao too..."

In a Chinese saying, it means we are from the same family 500 years ago ;)
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Yes, I was there at Corner Biliards (1996, I think), and had a piece of Ginky's action. Fong Pang Chao won the first set 15 - 3. As Chao was pressed for time, Ginky won the shortened second set 9 - 5, and then Chao left for the airport to fly back to Asia.
 
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Somehustler said:
How would you compare Chao Fong-Pang in his prime against Yang right now? or I guess with any other of the top asians right now? On all the youtube videos I have seen him play on he shoots really sporty and seems to make very little mistakes.
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Chao was Yang's "mentor" & teacher. And your question would really involve 2 parts, tournaments & "money play". As for tournament play, Chao's credentials have already been enumerated on some previous posts in this thread. Yang has so far "under achieved" as far as titles he has won based on his apparent talent level. So far, he has always fallen short in WPC play. He does well on the Asian tour but he can't be compared with Chao at this point in his career.
As for money play, keep in mind that Chao does not gamble like Yang does. Like Ralf Souquet & Hohmann, he prefers to concentrate on winning tournaments. Yang would have to be considered the better gambler, but that really means that in a one on one match up, Yang does well. I'm not convinced that Yang could beat Chao in a money game because Chao has no fear of Yang. That would be like Reyes being "afraid" of Bustamonte. They respect each other and their respective games, but Yang would lose any edge he has over people who fear him. Chao doesn't fear Yang.
I believe that Chao was a far better player than he is given credit for. Remember, he has had severe health problems with his thyroid gland. This actually cut into his pool playing prime. World travel was even more difficult for him. To wrap up this long winded reply, I have immense respect and appreciation for Chao and his sterling credentials.
 
A player like Chao gives me hope; someone with apparently little talent at the top of the world through sheer blood and sweat on the table...

-Roger
 
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