I love this girl

[sjm]

Jeanette Lee, on the other hand, outright said that she wouldn't even show up without a $5,000 appearance fee despite that several others (Karen Corr, Allison Fischer, Helena Thorfeldt, Monica Webb, Kim Shaw, Tiffany Nelson, Jennifer Baretta, etc.) all showed up......Anyway, thats just my opinion.

Pharaoh, I great respectly that opinion, and I do give high marks to all of the ladies that participated. Nonetheless, I'd suggest your post is, with due respect, uninformed.

I wonder whether anyone in the history of women's pool has given more freely of her time than Jeanette Lee. Jeanette regularly gives her time away for free when it comes to the Billiard Education Foundation, The National Scoliosis Foundation, the Women's Sports Foundation, and many other very worthy causes.

To isolate this one event and suggest it's indicative of Jeanette's arrogance is to miss the big picture. Jeanette is a very giving person, and has been for a very long time. If you haven't noticed it, then you haven't been paying close attention.

 

[pharaoh68]

sjm-
Please understand that my gripe is not with you and that my opinion is just that, an opinion. And i am basing this opinion on this one incident and based on the reactions of several individuals who know her rather well.

The way i see it is this: I'm sure she does give her time to various causes/benefits/charities. But there is a trade off to this as it is good publicity for her. What I am talking about was not a charity or a benefit. it was a small tournament organized by one man who shelled out a great deal of money out of his own pocket toi organize a fun weekend for a few of the top players AND organized it in such a fashion that everyone walked out with money, free drinks, etc. It had been done a few times before and all of the women who attended loved, thus the reason they returned. But as the story was told to me, Ms. Lee declined the invitation as there were no appearance fee. Now perhaps I misunderstood. Perhaps the individual who told me this misunderstood. It could all be a big mistake. But that is my understanding of it all and it appears that because there was no publicity or big money to be gained, there was no reason to attend.
Again, this is just my opinion and nothing personal, SJM.

 

[X Breaker]

When Jennifer first came over in 1996 she spoke better English than I spoke Chinese. She spent a brief period in Canada before spending time in the U.S. in Los Angeles. Jennifer worked harder than anybody I had ever seen in my life to get her game to the level it is at now. She is a very intense competitor and a very emotional competitor. If she was arrogant, it was possibly not intentional. I know what it is like for people to want your attention after a match, and sometimes if you came up on the wrong end of the match, there is some post match adrenaline still rushing through your veins - and unfortunate incidents occur. I have known Jen for almost 10 years and I consider myself blessed because of it. She has recently recommitted herself to making strides on the WPBATour after being slightly distracted by her commitments in Taipei. If she remains focused, I think she's going to have a wonderful year ahead of her in 2005.

The WPBA is tougher than it has ever been, and there are so many new unseeded players who can play just as well as the pros. A lot of people do not really understand how difficult it is to stay in the top 16 rankings. All the top 16 players on the tour, in my opinion, process a very mature all rounded game with a very tough mentality. Unlike the men, the women also try to look as nice as possible in front of their fans, and they have to observe a lot of regulations set out by WPBA when they compete.

The WPBA is an extremely competitive tour to play in. Sometimes, the players may not want to talk to their fans before their matches, and it is totally understandable. Having said that, Jennifer is in general very nice with her fans. I have never seen her turned down a fan even before an important match.

I am looking forward to seeing Jennifer win a WPBA event this year--may be this one coming up next week?

Regards,
Richard

 

[GeraldG]

When Jennifer first came over in 1996 she spoke better English than I spoke Chinese. She spent a brief period in Canada before spending time in the U.S. in Los Angeles. Jennifer worked harder than anybody I had ever seen in my life to get her game to the level it is at now. She is a very intense competitor and a very emotional competitor. If she was arrogant, it was possibly not intentional. I know what it is like for people to want your attention after a match, and sometimes if you came up on the wrong end of the match, there is some post match adrenaline still rushing through your veins - and unfortunate incidents occur. I have known Jen for almost 10 years and I consider myself blessed because of it. She has recently recommitted herself to making strides on the WPBATour after being slightly distracted by her commitments in Taipei. If she remains focused, I think she's going to have a wonderful year ahead of her in 2005.

Yeah, it was around that time that I first met her. She could speak pretty good English considering how long she had been in an English speaking country (not long), but she didn't seem real confident with it. Plus, she did seem pretty shy. Nevertheless, she was and is a sweetheart....and a fierce competitor. I agree with you 100%...she is one of the people that enriches anyone's life that she come in contact with. I wish her the best in the upcoming year...I know she has the talent and drive to do it. I don't know her on a personal level...we don't exchange Christmas cards or anything, and to be truthful I'd be surprised if she even remembered me....I'm quite sure she made a much bigger impression on me than I made on her. She just happened to be with a crowd of folks and I knew a couple of them...Archer, Coltrain, I think Davenport was there, JJ, maybe Mika...it's been a while so I can't really remember everyone that was there. It seems like maybe they were in town for the Camel tour or something and came into the PH where I was playing (Cherokee Billiards) to visit with Hal White (another old buddy of mine)..... anyway, I had the opportunity to talk to her for a minute of two. She was very gracious and friendly, but like I said...a little shy. I came away impressed with her.

 

[sjm]

sjm-
Please understand that my gripe is not with you and that my opinion is just that, an opinion. And i am basing this opinion on this one incident and based on the reactions of several individuals who know her rather well.

The way i see it is this: I'm sure she does give her time to various causes/benefits/charities. But there is a trade off to this as it is good publicity for her. What I am talking about was not a charity or a benefit. it was a small tournament organized by one man who shelled out a great deal of money out of his own pocket toi organize a fun weekend for a few of the top players AND organized it in such a fashion that everyone walked out with money, free drinks, etc. It had been done a few times before and all of the women who attended loved, thus the reason they returned. But as the story was told to me, Ms. Lee declined the invitation as there were no appearance fee. Now perhaps I misunderstood. Perhaps the individual who told me this misunderstood. It could all be a big mistake. But that is my understanding of it all and it appears that because there was no publicity or big money to be gained, there was no reason to attend.
Again, this is just my opinion and nothing personal, SJM.

Fully understood. This is a matter of opinion, and we're having what I consider a friendly and constructive debate conducted with mutual respect. That's what this forum is all about. You made your points well, and I gave another slant on the subject. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Pharaoh.

 

[sjm]

I am looking forward to seeing Jennifer win a WPBA event this year--may be this one coming up next week?Richard

Well, it would be quite a story, but I'm betting against Chen winning an event in 2005. Even when she was playing her very best in 1999-2000, she failed to win even one WPBA event, though she reached the hill in the final at San Diego once.

The fields today are much tougher than they were then. Ga Young Kim and Kelly Fisher have emerged as very dangerous players, both possible #1 ranked players a few years down the road. If WPBA North Carolina is any hint, it looks like former #3 Helena Thornfeldt may have returned to form. Throw in Alison Fisher, Karen Corr and Jeanette Lee and what it adds up to is a very tall order for any cinderella to win an event. I'll take it a step further, I'm betting against Chen reaching a WPBA final in 2005. To me, WPBA fields are looking awfully strong at the top these days.

 

[PaulAlex7000]

I've been in Jennifer's company a couple of different times. It wasn't a situation where she and I spent an evening together or anything like that, but we happened to be in the same group of people a couple of times. She was a very nice, respectful (and respectable), classy lady....maybe even a little shy. This has been several years ago and it seemed maybe she wasn't really all that confident speaking English at that time....could be wrong, maybe she was just quiet. Rude? Arrogant? No way. I thought she was very humble and friendly considering the level of skill she packs. Now, when she's on the other side of a pool table, it's a whole different story. She's out to win the game, then....just as one would expect.

I had the chance to dine out with her and NipponBilliards and some of the other players once. I can most assuredly say that she was one of the nicest and sweetest people around.

-- Paul

 

[SplicedPoints]

I've heard some rather mixed opinions about Jennifer Chen. She's NOT as "well respected" or "adored" in Taiwan as most people seem to think she is. There are a lot of people who like her, but there are just as many people who don't like her in Taiwan. I've a friend who went down to the BCA tournament a couple years ago and spent some time talking to both Jennifer Chen and Shin Mei Liu who were playing in the event. My friend told me he really liked Liu because she was very personable and quite easy to talk to. His impression of Jennifer Chen was quite a bit different, on the negative side. Chen occupies herself with a lot of non-pool related activities in Taiwan. Some pool fans and well respected pool personalities blame that for her, if not declining performance, stagnent performance of the last few years. She has been described as arrogant by many accounts I've read on the numerous posts regarding her. Not sure how much of it is actually true, but she's got an image problem right now amongst the pool fans in Taiwan.

 

[X Breaker]

I've heard some rather mixed opinions about Jennifer Chen. She's NOT as "well respected" or "adored" in Taiwan as most people seem to think she is. There are a lot of people who like her, but there are just as many people who don't like her in Taiwan. I've a friend who went down to the BCA tournament a couple years ago and spent some time talking to both Jennifer Chen and Shin Mei Liu who were playing in the event. My friend told me he really liked Liu because she was very personable and quite easy to talk to. His impression of Jennifer Chen was quite a bit different, on the negative side. Chen occupies herself with a lot of non-pool related activities in Taiwan. Some pool fans and well respected pool personalities blame that for her, if not declining performance, stagnent performance of the last few years. She has been described as arrogant by many accounts I've read on the numerous posts regarding her. Not sure how much of it is actually true, but she's got an image problem right now amongst the pool fans in Taiwan.

I see what you are saying my friend. There are always different opinions, just look at the diversion of opinion we have here regarding Jeanette Lee. I believe it is unfortunately inevitable when a person becomes a celebrity.

Richard

 

[Blackjack]

I'll take it a step further, I'm betting against Chen reaching a WPBA final in 2005. To me, WPBA fields are looking awfully strong at the top these days.

I don't think the top is as inpenetrable as you making it out to be. There are a at least a dozen or so ladies that can win any tournament. I believe that the days of the two horse race are soon to be over.

As far as saying Jennifer is 5 years past playing her very best is way off base. Jennifer is a threat to win any event she enters. She is consistently in the top 10, and believe me, she practices longer and harder than anyone I know. She's not somebody I would bet against no matter who she is playing. I kind of like what you said about Jennifer. Of course, I feel personally connected to your statement having worked closely with Jennifer over the years, but that's just the type of statement we like to prove wrong, and for that I thank you. This is the kind of motivation stuff that you tape to the bathroom mirror.

 

[turquoisecrazy]

I don't think the top is as inpenetrable as you making it out to be. There are a at least a dozen or so ladies that can win any tournament. I believe that the days of the two horse race are soon to be over.

As far as saying Jennifer is 5 years past playing her very best is way off base. Jennifer is a threat to win any event she enters. She is consistently in the top 10, and believe me, she practices longer and harder than anyone I know. She's not somebody I would bet against no matter who she is playing. I kind of like what you said about Jennifer. Of course, I feel personally connected to your statement having worked closely with Jennifer over the years, but that's just the type of statement we like to prove wrong, and for that I thank you. This is the kind of motivation stuff that you tape to the bathroom mirror.

Go go go go go go girl...go win them tourney.

 

[sjm]

I don't think the top is as inpenetrable as you making it out to be. There are a at least a dozen or so ladies that can win any tournament. I believe that the days of the two horse race are soon to be over.

As far as saying Jennifer is 5 years past playing her very best is way off base. Jennifer is a threat to win any event she enters. She is consistently in the top 10, and believe me, she practices longer and harder than anyone I know. She's not somebody I would bet against no matter who she is playing. I kind of like what you said about Jennifer. Of course, I feel personally connected to your statement having worked closely with Jennifer over the years, but that's just the type of statement we like to prove wrong, and for that I thank you. This is the kind of motivation stuff that you tape to the bathroom mirror.

Well, Dave, I've watched Jennifer's game for many years, and I'd have to say you taught her well. In suggesting her best years were in 1999-2000, I merely named the two year period in which she had her best results, including the two back to back second place finishes at WPBA Valley Forge (were she led Karen Corr 4-1 in the final before losing) and WPBA San Diego(were she got to the hill first against Allison Fisher in the final before losing). In those two years, her ranking probably averaged #4. She may have had the best break on tour back then, and ran the table with the best.

Today, she seems much less solid. WPBA.COM shows her current ranking to be #16, so her results seem to corroborate my perception. Her break isn't nearly as effective as it was, and she doesn't control whitey on the break the way she used to. Her overall offensive execution is far less dependable than it was. Perhaps she can get back to where she was, and as I've noted, it would be a great story.

Dave, it's just one man's opinion. Having said that, however, I wish Jennifer all the best of luck, and I think it would be good for women's pool if Jennifer recaptured her past glory. Her elegance always looks good on a WPBA telecast.

 

[Blackjack]

Well, Dave, I've watched Jennifer's game for many years, and I'd have to say you taught her well. In suggesting her best years were in 1999-2000, I merely named the two year period in which she had her best results, including the two back to back second place finishes at WPBA Valley Forge (were she led Karen Corr 4-1 in the final before losing) and WPBA San Diego(were she got to the hill first against Allison Fisher in the final before losing). In those two years, her ranking probably averaged #4. She may have had the best break on tour back then, and ran the table with the best.

Today, she seems much less solid. WPBA.COM shows her current ranking to be #16, so her results seem to corroborate my perception. Her break isn't nearly as effective as it was, and she doesn't control whitey on the break the way she used to. Her overall offensive execution is far less dependable than it was. Perhaps she can get back to where she was, and as I've noted, it would be a great story.

Dave, it's just one man's opinion. Having said that, however, I wish Jennifer all the best of luck, and I think it would be good for women's pool if Jennifer recaptured her past glory. Her elegance always looks good on a WPBA telecast.

I didn't really have a problem with your post, mainly because I hope that many of the other ladies on tour feel the same as you do. Know what I mean? I understand completely what you are saying. There have been issues of whether or not the focus and dedication is still there. I know it is. Is it weaker/same /stronger than 2000? I ain't telling. If I didn't believe in her I wouldn't be typing this right now. She went off course and got distracted for a time. We all do that in our lives. She had a real good showing a few weeks ago in North Carolina. Can she win? Definitely. Will she? That's up to her.

Pictures of a bad day:

The Warrior Look!!!

 

[Rickw]

Gremlin

You have great taste Grem. Great picture!! I don't think I've seen this one before either. Thanks!

Hello,

Here is my favorite photo of Jennifer Chen playing straight pool.

Cheers,

"Gremlin"

 

[X Breaker]

I had the chance to dine out with her and NipponBilliards and some of the other players once. I can most assuredly say that she was one of the nicest and sweetest people around.

-- Paul

Paul:

Thank you. It was a great pleasure meeting you. We had a good time.

Richard

 

[X Breaker]

Pic of Jennifer Chen

Another picture for Jennifer's fans.

Enjoy!

Richard

 

[GeraldG]

I saw Jennifer tonight at The Pool Room (Viking Tour). She's still just as sweet as ever...she's dyed her hair red now, though......Earl S. was there, too...and playing jam-up....as well as Hillbilly...

 

[X Breaker]

I saw Jennifer tonight at The Pool Room (Viking Tour). She's still just as sweet as ever...she's dyed her hair red now, though......Earl S. was there, too...and playing jam-up....as well as Hillbilly...

Jennifer is using a new case made by Jack Justis made with white italian leather, did you see that? That is one of the nicest case I have ever seen.

How was her game?

Thank you.

Richard

 

[yobagua]

My vote goes to Shin Mei Liu as one of the greatest women players to come from Taiwan. Her focus at the table is amazing. Met her at the 14.1 tournament in NY city where I believe she came in 3rd. A very personable, gracious and humble person.

 

[sjm]

My vote goes to Shin Mei Liu as one of the greatest women players to come from Taiwan. Her focus at the table is amazing. Met her at the 14.1 tournament in NY city where I believe she came in 3rd. A very personable, gracious and humble person.

I've always believed that her record in the World Championships and at the Amway Cup firmly establish Shin Mei Liu as Asia's greatest ever woman nine baller. Ga Young Kim, the heir apparent of the moment, has some very big shoes to fill.