I'll tell you what's wrong with Charlie Williams!!!

Look, instead of being mediocre and biased, why not open it up and have greatness? There just isn't any excuse for hand picking players. I'd like to get a look at the player's list, too. I bet Charlie isn't the only unqualified one.
Kevin is different because he's putting up millions.
I'm proud of my straight pool background and of Mike Zuglan's. Why should we have to sit at home while the discipline we love is being contested?
 
Keith McCready said:
I don't know what you mean by a good image for TVQUOTE]

Perhaps whoever said that is saying you just aren't pretty enough... Now if you just played, and they interviewed JAM and she was your stand in...

haha just joking with ya..

Kelly
Click to expand...
 
yeah gradys right!

it is only a disgrace if charlie trys to call it a world championship! because he handpicks the event.

instead why dont he be honest and call it the charlie williams straight pool challenge or the world 14.1 charlie williams& friends world championship and if your a friend and or charlie likes you your in it!So what does this mean,
well at least someone that charlie likes will win the damn thing!

or i know since there will only be a couple of people that really know how to play 14.1 well like holman and shmidt call it-- the cronies vs john shmidt and holman
 
johnrp2005 said:
yeah gradys right!

it is only a disgrace if charlie trys to call it a world championship! because he handpicks the event.

instead why dont he be honest and call it the charlie williams straight pool challenge or the world 14.1 charlie williams& friends world championship and if your a friend and or charlie likes you your in it!So what does this mean,
well at least someone that charlie likes will win the damn thing!

or i know since there will only be a couple of people that really know how to play 14.1 well like holman and shmidt call it-- the cronies vs john shmidt and holman
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Not a very informed post, sir. Just to scratch the surface, the invitees include:

Nick Varner - 1981 World 14.1 Champion
Allen Hopkins - 1977 World 14.1 Champion
Dallas West - 1995 WPA World 9-ball runnerup and 1992 US Open 14.1 runnerup
Tony Robles - won high run prize with 148 ball run in 2000 US Open 14.1 event.
George San Souci - 1999 National Straight Pool Champion
Jose Garcia - old master with a high run of over 300
Mika Immonen - plays tons of straight pool, and has run 267.
Niels Feijen - former European Straight Pool champion
Marlon Manalo - 2005 NJ Straight Pool Champion, 3rd place 2005 WPC
Dan Barouty - 2004 NJ 14.1 Champion and 2005 NJ 14.1 runnerup

......and I could go on, but choose not to. These are very accomplished straight pool players.
 
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I would say that for someone to call something a world championship it does need to be open to all or have a title added to it. We could have a BCA World 14.1 Championship that was only open to BCA members or a Moose Lodge World 14.1 Championship that is only open to Moose lodge members. If he hand picks those who play then he needs to call it the UPA World 14.1 Championship or add the name of whatever group it represents if it is truly not open. The IPT will need to follow the same rule as so many are excluded from their events also. On the other hand I must admit that after reading the promo piece for his 14.1 tournament he does have one leg to stand on for calling it a World Championship. And that is after the hand picked players he is allowing others to get in by winning a qualifier tournament. I do think it is sad not more can play but Grady or Mike could win their way into it. I know that is economically not always a good move to have to travel to a far away city to just try and win a free entry into a tournament when you would be much better off to pay full entry fee and only have to travel once.
Chris
www.cuesmith.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com
 
A very small percentage of World Championships held in the various sports around the world throughout history have ever been 'open'.

While there may be an argument why this should be the case, it should not be assumed that such 'openess' be a pre-requisite for a World Championship title without such an argument being provided.

btw: Has this title been sanctioned by the WPA ?
 
A very small percentage of World Championships held in the various sports around the world throughout history have ever been 'open'.

While there may be an argument why this should be the case, it should not be assumed that such 'openess' be a pre-requisite for a World Championship title without such an argument being provided.

btw: Has this title been sanctioned by the WPA ?
 
Correct me if I am wrong, but I think what Grady is saying is this:

Grady has been playing and promoting this sport longer than some of the young players on the list (for this so called 14.1 World Championship) have been alive.

The UPA ranking system is primarily based on 9-Ball and 10-ball. There is no comparing rotation to 14.1. Some of the UPA players think they can play 14.1, but that is about as close as some of the IPT players thinking they can play 8-Ball.

Every other sport (of course they are organized) has an open field of qualifying opportunities for all players and a world title. Therefore until credibility is EARNED by those promoting our sport, they should be careful about throwing out words like World Championship and then have 54 of the 64 player field invited.

Regardless of indifferences amounst promoters and players, set that aside. I think this is a sham of an event, where politics IS playing a very active role.

At least let the general public, in this case the pool playing public, have a fair chance at the title. Not just a select few.

Respect your elders. Listen first, then think about it, and if you can bring help to the cause please voice your opinion.

In this case good luck. Grady is absolutely correct.
 
Kelly_Guy said:
...Perhaps whoever said that is saying you just aren't pretty enough... Now if you just played, and they interviewed JAM and she was your stand in...haha just joking with ya...
Click to expand...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. :p

If promoters are posting up their own dough, time, and efforts to produce a tournament, I would think they should be able to label it whatever they feel like. What is an injustice and discrimination in its worst form, IMHO, is when an organizer claims to have open events, but prohibits a player from participating because of a so-called "personal beef."

I do not believe this is the case with the straight pool tournament in New Jersey. As a matter of fact, the players listed by SJM are definitely worthy of inclusion, and for all those straight pool lovers out there, this will be one fine competition. I am kind of anxious to see how Jose Garcia fares in this one. He's got one of the PRETTIEST strokes in the business.

JAM
 
A man of your talent should sponser tornoments yourself. You have before and can again. I saw a tape of you beating Dallas West 150-7. Very impresive!
 
Donovan said:
Here's the spit from the BD forum:

koreandragon
newbie
Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 43

The World Straight Pool Championship
10/07/05 10:05 PM (67.8.141.151) Edit Reply Quote

The World Straight Pool Championship

Dragon Promotions is pleased to announce the revival of the World Straight Pool Championship. The event will take place in the New York City vicinity of the US on April 5-9, 2006.

There is already a buzz among some top players anticipating the event including committments from Legends of Straight Pool Champion John "Mr.400" Schmidt, European Straight Pool Champion Thorsten Hohmann, NYC legend Tony Robles, and former World Champion Bobby Hunter. "Straight pool is one of the most purest games ever, and the very first game that I learned. It's definitely one of my best games and I've dreamed of the day where I could compete with the world's best for the World Title ," says Schmidt. BCA Open Champion Hohmann says, "I am very excited about The World Straight Pool Championship! I feel straight pool is not only my favorite game, but my best game...and I finally can show the world my skills in it. Straight pool is finally back where it belongs."

The event has been in planning for several months now, but the primary reason of the event being brought to NYC has been the influence and support of one of straight pool's biggest philanthropist, Randy Goldwater NYC. Goldwater has been a consistent supporting icon of pool in New York City for years befriending such notables as George "Ginky" SanSouci and Tony "Silent Assasin" Robles. "When I heard that Dragon Promotions was planning the revival of the World 14.1 Championship, I knew right away that this event had to be in the New York City area. It's been too long since the last big one, and with the global diversity of players in the field that's being invited and going to attend, this may be the toughest and greatest straight pool event ever in history. I'm happy to be a part of the event and plan on supporting this for years to come."

The World Straight Pool Championship will be an elite field of 64 players including 10 qualifiers held throughout the US, Latin America, and Canada. Invitations are being sent now to players around the world and will also play host to former straight pool title holders and Hall of Famers.

For more information, please email worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com
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Hay i talked to a friend in NYC he was tell me the same thing ..Here some food for your mind ..Why is it the the top 5 upa pro's are already seeded for the event..???

also it has a cut off on the player who are got to attend.?

And i do feel that .Some of them Can beat a lot of Nyc players who play At Amsterdam on thursday nite..

Upa .
"U' Pulled Another".
 
deadstroke32 said:
Hay i talked to a friend in NYC he was tell me the same thing ..Here some food for your mind ..Why is it the the top 5 upa pro's are already seeded for the event..???

also it has a cut off on the player who are got to attend.?

And i do feel that .Some of them Can beat a lot of Nyc players who play At Amsterdam on thursday nite..

Upa .
"U' Pulled Another".
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Deadstroke, where are you seeing this info about UPA members being seeded in the World Straight Pool Championship held in New Jersey on April 5-9, 2006? I can't find it, and I had not read that this was a UPA-sanctioned event.

I am not a UPA fan, but with all due respect to independent promoters who post up their own monies, I had thought that this was a Dragon Promotion tournament.

Currently, subject to check, I believe that the UPA is used as the measuring stick for RANKING, the authority given to them by the industry members' organization known as the BCA.

The last three U.S. 9-Ball Opens ranked some of the players utilizing the UPA ranking system IN ADDITION to others, including seeds given to senior players who only competed in one senior event for the entire year.

As such, like Allen Hopkins and Matt Braun do with their Skins Billiards Championships, 7-Ball Challenges, and Trick Shot Championships, the promoters do invite players who, in their judgment, will complement the event. Just some food for thought, FWIW!

JAM
 
I lost respect for Charlie once I heard about how he treated the female staff members at the local pool hall during a big Dragon Promotions event. It was so bad that one girl was in tears and had to leave work early. Anyone that behaves like that isn't right in my book and especially someone who preaches a "code of conduct" to the players, guess it doesn't include him or how he treats women.
 
pillage6 said:
I lost respect for Charlie once I heard about how he treated the female staff members at the local pool hall during a big Dragon Promotions event. It was so bad that one girl was in tears and had to leave work early. Anyone that behaves like that isn't right in my book and especially someone who preaches a "code of conduct" to the players, guess it doesn't include him or how he treats women.
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Well, I don't want to appear to be piling on Charlie,BUT, he does "think his kaa-kaa hath no odor.".... imo
 
I'll bet it's kind of difficult for a pool player to read a thread with their name in the title such as this. I would not wish that on my worst enemy. It hurts, especially when it comes from your peer group. :(

I am not on Charlie Williams' birthday cake list, I can assure you, but I gotta give credit where credit is due. The Korean Dragon, as he is fondly called, is not only a champion-caliber pool player, but he has the capability to make things happen. He doesn't initiate fist fights, and when he's in the pit, he is nothing but a professional gentleman. :)

How about celebrating the fact that he is one of several folks who are responsible for producing this event coming up in April. That's kind of cool for the 14.1 enthusiasts out there. :p

My personal pick to win the event? Mika's been hitting 'em pretty strong in recent times.

JAM
 
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While I admit that bashing is wrong and very easy to do, I think people should also know who they are dealing with. I have known Charlie for a couple of years now and even though I know he is a womanizing person that won't stop me from playing in his events. The events are exactly that, events, and even though I don't condone his personal behavior I will still support his cause to promote men's professional pool.

We all have our flaws, but to given his position and stance on "professional behavior" I would have thought he would be someone that would act as a role model.
 
JAM said:
I'll bet it's kind of difficult for a pool player to read a thread with their name in the title such as this. I would not wish that on my worst enemy. It hurts, especially when it comes from your peer group. :(

I am not on Charlie Williams' birthday cake list, I can assure you, but I gotta give credit where credit is due. The Korean Dragon, as he is fondly called, is not only a champion-caliber pool player, but he has the capability to make things happen. He doesn't initiate fist fights, and when he's in the pit, he is nothing but a professional gentleman. :)

How about celebrating the fact that he is one of several folks who are responsible for producing this event coming up in April. That's kind of cool for the 14.1 enthusiasts out there. :p

My personal pick to win the event? Mika's been hitting 'em pretty strong in recent times.

JAM
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Agreed. Charlie has made a lot of mistakes but he has also done a great job keeping professional pool afloat for the past few years. He never stops promoting the game of pool. Cindy Lee is one of the hardest working people in pool, anyone that has seen her at events has witessed her dedication to the game of pool and the players. This will be an awesome event despite the fact that some great players will not be playing (no Zuglan?) Most of us are excited to see some 14.1 after so many years of seeing only 9 ball. Grady, I think there is a great interest in straight pool, and I would love to see you and other promoters take advantage of that put on some great events. My pick? Thorsten.
 
Personally-------

Grady said:
Under no circumstances can this be a World Championship!!! I call on others to help me in this matter. It's a disgrace to have Charlie Williams playing instead of men like me and Mike Zuglan.
If, say, John Schmidt wins this thing, he's not the world champ.I was told by the UPA president, that they had no interest in 14.1 and certainly wouldn't stage any tournaments, this after all I asked for to sanction my straight pool with them was to have Bank Pool, One Pocket and 14.1 receive equal rankings points.
People like Charlie have no business in any position of authority in our great sport.
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I have never met Mike Zuglan. I have been reading about him since I first found out about Billiards publications in the late 70's. He is an accomlished 14.1 player and I totally agree if this is a "WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP", it should be an "OPEN" event. What could be better for pool than to have all of the worlds best playing in this event. Past champions have earned the right to play in any event using this term. How can it be a WORLD TITLE.


It's crazy the things that happen in the pool world.
 
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World Straight Pool Championships

Firstly, I'd like to introduce myself to those that don't know me. My name is Randy Goldwater and I am from New York City. I am an avid fan of straight pool, and I am well known in the pool community worldwide.

Over the years I consider myself fortunate to have created some very close bonds with players such as my dear friends Johhny Archer, Tony Robles, Ginky, Charlie Williams etc etc etc........... The point is, I am very involved in both playing and admiring those that play better than I.

Before I adddress this latest controversy, I must say I am not one to EVER explain myself. My actions speak for themselves and I have lived my life by that creed. I have very few regrets in my life and attribute my enormous successes to that.

I offer this recounting of the facts only for my self satisfaction and for no other reason.

Some months ago, I was having discussions about the resurection of straight pool in general with Tony Robles. As a matter of coincidence he told me that Charlie was looking for a sponsor to host the World Straight Pool Championships. Up to that point I had NEVER sponsored any pool events, other than exhibitions in NYC.

I soon spoke to Charlie and I agreed to put up ALL the money ($20,000.00) so this event could happen.

I was not involved with any real specifics of the planning other than submitting requests for locations for the event.

After the formal announcement broke to the public I received a call from Grady. I had never spoke to Grady before or after this, and I take GREAT OFFENSE to his characterization of our discussion ("fat chance") How dare you Grady Mathews, SHAME on YOU!!!!!!!!! I said no such thing to you. In fact when you asked me straight out for an ivitation I told you about my specific involvement in the project (sponsor only) and that I was in NO WAY INVOLVED IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS with regards to invitations. Furthermore, I told you that I wasn't getting involved with the politics of pool, as I had no prior knowledge to any problems you may have had with ranking bodies or thier officers until you informed me. I told you what I have told many a great player, speak to Charlie because you were speaking to the wrong man. I gave you UNCONDITIONAL RESPECT the entire time we spoke, even adressing you as sir. (NO it wasn't said sarcasticly for those cynics out there).

There were only 64 spots available and I believe 56 invitations (I could be off by 2, I am not quite sure). The remaining spots would be decided at qualifiers which are OPEN EVENTS. So in essence by virtue of having open qualifiers, the entire general public has a chance to win their way into this tournament, much like the IPT.

For further edification, it is my understanding that YES MIKE ZUGLAN WAS INVITED. In fact, I recall him being the 27th invitation. (And no I don't have a complete list of invitees!!!!!!!!)

Funny how Grady isn't *****ing about having to qualify for the IPT. Perhaps next year (of course I wish no ill will towards anyone) we will be reading threads on how Grady didn't requalify in the top 100 for the IPT and because of that thier system is flawed.

There is no way to please everyone all the time, but it doesn't seem to me that towards that end, a final product should suffer because of it. Sure the old greats are just that. Legends have a place in history, but by including names that were once great but sadly through age are no longer great, their inclusion comes at a price.

My only interest is in seeing great pool. Period. I want to see the best compete for this title and I can prove it. I am not in this for the money. In fact it is a TOTAL LOSS for me. In other words, I have a contractual agreement that there is NO RETURN on my money, even the principal invested.

Call this tournament what you will. I can assure you that the players will consider this tournament the World Championships.

Best regards,

Randy
 
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