IPT = chaos, or, Why did the IPT kill the UK Open?

[Gabber]

British 9-Ball Open Postponed
World Pool Management regret to announce that unfortunately it will be necessary to reschedule the British 9 Ball Open Championship which was originally set for 13th - 19th February at Haylng Island in Hampshire.

We (WPM) have been informed that a statement was recently made by the International Pool Tour (IPT) at their event in Orlando which suggests the next IPT event may be rescheduled for the middle of February.

As one can appreciate, date clashing of two of the worlds largest tournaments is not beneficial to the sport, the players, broadcasters and of course our sponsors. Despite the fact that all the logistics were in place for the British 9 Ball Open Championship we have no desire to disappoint our sponsors, broadcasters and most of all the aspirations of the participants for this event.

We have therefore made the decision to reschedule The British 9 Ball Open Championship for later in the year and we will consult with the WPA and all major tournament organisers to ensure the tournament goes ahead on a date suitable which does not clash with any other major event.

By Press Release - December 16, 2005

British 9-ball Open



The biggest ever 9Ball tourney in the UK [ with TV coverage] and they have to cancel because the IPT cant pick a date for the FIRST real tourney!

I,m sure I,m not the only one who thinks it strange that a tourney of this importance would be cancelled on the strength of a 'rumour'. I,m sure that if the IPT have given them a commitment NOT to have their [ still unplanned] tourney in the same week, then the UK Open would have gone ahead. Surely they must have been in contact with KT?
After six months of constant propoganda about how the IPT is 'SO' good for pool, a major tourney has to cancel because the the IPT changes dates without any consideration for other tourneys or players. Thats a fact.
Its almost as if the IPT wants to cause a split in the pool world.

How can this be good for pool?

Gabber

 

[bruin70]

you're jumping ahead of yourself. you don't know.....
1...if the ipt did this on purpose
2...if both parties got together on this
3...if the ipt was even aware of the british tourney
4...if the wpm voluntarily made its decision on its own accord

unless you have inside info

 

[MacGyver]

Wait wait wait... the BIGGEST 9ball tournament EVER in the UK, and they "had" to cancel on the chance that another tournament might be conflicting in dates?

they didn't "have" to cancel anything, if they had a date then they should have stuck with it.

This sounds like they had to cancel it for shady reasons and wanted to take a pot shot at IPT for no reason.

I'm no crazed IPT fan or KT fan, this story just sounds like complete BS.... it makes no sense.

 

[Colin Colenso]

It's common procedure, when an event is running behind schedule in its development, to blame a schedule clash.

Not saying that this is absolutely the case here, but it is the first thing that crosses my mind when I hear about postponements.

Anyway, they could have delayed a couple of months, but to the end of the year over a schedule clash seems strange.

I wish them luck and hope they get it off the ground.

 

[catscradle]

you're jumping ahead of yourself. you don't know.....
1...if the ipt did this on purpose

Highly unlikely. KT probably looked for a date that worked for the IPT.

2...if both parties got together on this

Highly unlikely. KT is concerned with KT and the UK Open people would have made it clear if that were the case.

3...if the ipt was even aware of the british tourney

Even more unlikely. However my bet is KT would not give a rat's behind if he was aware, too self-centered.

4...if the wpm voluntarily made its decision on its own accord

Probably did, but, like Colin suggested, not necessarily for the reason they stated.

unless you have inside info

 

[the scorpion]

Face it guys the british open has been postponed all I want to now know is whether it will be rescheduled for later in 2006.

 

[Snapshot9]

It is common sense ....

Basically, the train of thought would go:

IPt has big money, We don't, if ours is the same time as theirs,
many of our top possible entries might jump ship to go play in
the IPT since they would be guaranteed at least some money
in payback whether they win or not.

I can foresee other 'Pool' organizations having the same logic
down the road some also.

Its hell when someone disturbs the rank and file, isn't it:?

 

[ShootingArts]

I think you are right

Unless all I read is false, cue sports are a spectator sport over there. Lose your players that are the major draw, lose spectators. Another consequence of the IPT. No way for most of us to know if it was intended or not.

Hu

Basically, the train of thought would go:

IPt has big money, We don't, if ours is the same time as theirs,
many of our top possible entries might jump ship to go play in
the IPT since they would be guaranteed at least some money
in payback whether they win or not.

I can foresee other 'Pool' organizations having the same logic
down the road some also.

Its hell when someone disturbs the rank and file, isn't it:?

 

[Gabber]

Basically, the train of thought would go:

IPt has big money, We don't, Well its $100,000 first prize [. Thats not bad for $500 entry.]
if ours is the same time as theirs,
many of our top possible entries might jump ship to go play in
the IPT since they would be guaranteed at least some money
in payback whether they win or not. No, thats not it. The UK Open also wants to make sure the top players play their tourney. Thats why the prizemoney is high. I,m sure the top players will want to play both the UK and the IPT, but at the moment, we know less than we did a month ago about when and where the first tourney will be played.
The big problem is , the IPT says IPT members are free to play other tourneys but they have also shown that if they miss an IPT tourney-even one they arent playing in- they lose their spot for the whole season. Without a schedule, the players can enter other tourneys but they cant say for sure that they will be free to play. This could have a knock-on effect for other tours.

I can foresee other 'Pool' organizations having the same logic
down the road some also.

Its hell when someone disturbs the rank and file, isn't it:?

If the IPT would just make a schedule and keep to it, there would be no problem. Instead of telling us how much money everyone will be making in 2007, let them just make a schedule for 2006- all the tourneys- and then players and OTHER tourneys can make their plans. Is that so hard?

Gabber

 

[macguy]

Wait wait wait... the BIGGEST 9ball tournament EVER in the UK, and they "had" to cancel on the chance that another tournament might be conflicting in dates?

they didn't "have" to cancel anything, if they had a date then they should have stuck with it.

This sounds like they had to cancel it for shady reasons and wanted to take a pot shot at IPT for no reason.

I'm no crazed IPT fan or KT fan, this story just sounds like complete BS.... it makes no sense.

I don't know if I buy it, how many players would we be talking about that would be no shows due to the IPT tournament? Even if a few of the stars were not there they would still have a full field and it would be a success regardless. It even may allow some of the slightly lesser players have a little better chance and new stars may emerge. If I remember right when Steve Cook won the Stardust open tournament years ago it was the biggest thing in his life. There was a delay in the tournament due to a hotel strike of something and some of the star players left town and missed the tournament when it finally got underway. Well the tournament was a success and all anybody really remembers about he tournament is that Steve won the tournament.

 

[sniper]

Wait wait wait... the BIGGEST 9ball tournament EVER in the UK, and they "had" to cancel on the chance that another tournament might be conflicting in dates?

they didn't "have" to cancel anything, if they had a date then they should have stuck with it.

They had a choice of

A) canceling it or

B) pushing through with the tournament and running the risk of clashing with
the IPT event which would eliminate the following list of players from the
field http://www.internationalpooltour.com/ipt_content/ipt_players/default.asp

What option would you pick buddy?

 

[Gabber]

It's common procedure, when an event is running behind schedule in its development, to blame a schedule clash.

Not saying that this is absolutely the case here, but it is the first thing that crosses my mind when I hear about postponements.

Anyway, they could have delayed a couple of months, but to the end of the year over a schedule clash seems strange. What if in 2 months they dont know anymore than they do now- another postponment?
Must the whole pool world now adust all their schedules to suit KT's whims? Is this good for pool ?
I dont think this helps attracting new sponsers to the sport, do you?


I wish them luck and hope they get it off the ground.

Gabber.........................

 

[macguy]

They had a choice of

A) canceling it or

B) pushing through with the tournament and running the risk of clashing with
the IPT event which would eliminate the following list of players from the
field http://www.internationalpooltour.com/ipt_content/ipt_players/default.asp

What option would you pick buddy?

You linked to the entire list of IPT players. How many from that list would actually be playing in the tournament, or for that matter missed from any tournament? Many are just amateur or at best good regional, players. There are only a few who you would really call stars and how many of them would have played anyway? I think you are exaggerating the importance of most of those players. You have some stars and some players who would not be missed at all from any tournament and the rest no one knows who they are anyway.

 

[Colin Colenso]

Gabber.........................

It is certainly not convenient for other organizers who have to worry about scheduling problems. No argument there.

Whenever a new big buyer comes into the market and increases demand...in this case the IPT, the cost of the goods increases.

Hence, if guys are making 100+k a year on the IPT, there not going to be as hungry to travel around for many other comps.

That may make it tough for other organizers.

However, a bright side may be that the IPT produces a lot more interest in the sport from players and sponsors and that may help other organizers in the long run.

I think we all hope a schedule can be decided soon so that other organizers achieve their goals after a lot of hard preliminary work.

 

[Blackjack]

IMO, I don't see the people at the IPT sitting around a table plotting to force the cancellation of every tournament the world has to offer. I'm pretty sure this event will be rescheduled and it will be a great success despite the scheduling conflicts with the IPT.

With only 52 weeks in a year, tournaments are going to conflict with each other. As any TD and they will tell you that it is a constant battle to keep up with everything that is going on, and eventually you will step on some toes. This week, The UPA Event was originally scheduled in Los Angeles, The Windy City Open was being held by Eydie Romano in Illinois, and The Derby City Classic was scheduled in the same time frame. Players have always had to pick and choose, and I remember that less than a year ago people were outraged when the UPA event and Derby City were scheduled at the same time. Now they aren't. The UPA Atlanta Open and the WPBA US Open were going on at the same time. Sponsors also have to make a decision just like the players. (This is not the case with the IPT as KT is the sponsor, so what does he have to gain by that? Probably nothing.)

Wait a while for everything to fall into place and hopefully a solid schedule will be released by the IPT so that other event organizers can plan accordingly. When that happens, the players will choose where they want to go and balls will keep dropping in the pockets (for some of us.)

 

[Gabber]

IMO, I don't see the people at the IPT sitting around a table plotting to force the cancellation of every tournament the world has to offer.

Did anyone imply that was the case?

I'm pretty sure this event will be rescheduled and it will be a great success despite the scheduling conflicts with the IPT.

Does the IPT have a schedule?

Wait a while for everything to fall into place and hopefully a solid schedule will be released by the IPT so that other event organizers can plan accordingly.

I,m sure the organizers of the FIRST British 9Ball Open will take great comfort in that. I,m sure they will wait, hopefully, that the IPT produces a schedule that they will keep to- and lets face it- there is no garantee of that.

The first IPT tourney has been changed- ie date , place and number of entrants. There are 50 spots now open- when are they going to be played for?
We have more info on the 2007 tour and how much [ potentially] every player will make but we havent even had one REAL tourney yet and they cant even say when or where it will be held!!!!!!!!!!

How do you know that this isnt the way the way its going to be for the next 2 years?
KT can change dates on a whim and the players, no matter how inconvenienced, will not complain. They are all too scared of being percieved as negative.



Gabber.............Typical MLM psychology is being used...

 

[Blackjack]

Did anyone imply that was the case?

Does the IPT have a schedule?

I,m sure the organizers of the FIRST British 9Ball Open will take great comfort in that. I,m sure they will wait, hopefully, that the IPT produces a schedule that they will keep to- and lets face it- there is no garantee of that.

The first IPT tourney has been changed- ie date , place and number of entrants. There are 50 spots now open- when are they going to be played for?
We have more info on the 2007 tour and how much [ potentially] every player will make but we havent even had one REAL tourney yet and they cant even say when or where it will be held!!!!!!!!!!

How do you know that this isnt the way the way its going to be for the next 2 years?
KT can change dates on a whim and the players, no matter how inconvenienced, will not complain. They are all too scared of being percieved as negative.



Gabber.............Typical MLM psychology is being used...

What is your principle argument that attributes this to the IPT? The only reason that I responded the way I did to this thread is because some of your statements and arguments have erroneously been linked back to me, and frankly I don't think you understand my point of view. I understand that you are unhappy with the IPT and the way they are conducting their tour, yet the arguments you make do not fall in line with my views at all. My view is that everybody is concentrating on the money and the hype, not the game of pool. Pool is secondary to Natural Cures (and it shouldn't be), Pool is secondary to the payouts (and it shouldn't be), and the future is secondary to the now. That is my argument, and I have done my homework and talked to many people over the past several years about other problems that plague the industry and the professional tours collectively. I have also worked towards solutions and generating an atmosphere where we engage in proactive problem solving to lift our game to new heights. I'm not dumb enough to believe that somebody would cancel an event based solely on the fact that the IPT has not released their schedule. This same argument was made with the UPA. It's a lame excuse. The IPT is probably going about their business to ensure that the events that are coming up are more successful than the last two combined. By the IPT's own admission, they are not a part of any world organization like the WPA, so the IPT can and will call their own shots and there is very little that anybody can do about that - because its KT's baby. If the IPT succeeds, it will not be because of him or his money, it will be because of the great players, personalities, and excitement that draws people to the game of pool. If it fails, it will be attributed to the same thing. That's just how it goes with pool.

 

[JAM]

...If the IPT succeeds, it will not be because of him or his money, it will be because of the great players, personalities, and excitement that draws people to the game of pool. If it fails, it will be attributed to the same thing. That's just how it goes with pool.

I'd liken it more to: "Build it, and they will come."

Kevin Trudeau has the resources to build it, a platform where great players will be afforded an opportunity to display their personalities and create excitement.

Kevin Trudeau is willing to make his vision a reality by: A, creating the platform; B, obtaining the necessary expertise to make it work; and C, investing the monies to make it happen.

Without Kevin Trudeau's creation of the IPT tour, the players are much like a small herd of buffalo wandering around in a sports wilderness with very few opportunities for survival.

JAM

 

[Gabber]

The only reason that I responded the way I did to this thread is because some of your statements and arguments have erroneously been linked back to me, SO? Whats that got to do with me?and frankly I don't think you understand my point of view. I cant ever remember saying that I did? If fact, I cant ever remember posting to you or ever having quoted you on anything.I understand that you are unhappy with the IPT and the way they are conducting their tour, yet the arguments you make do not fall in line with my views at all.

Again, I havent a clue what you are talking about. Why should MY arguments fall in with yours?



Gabber......thinks that the FIRST British Ball Open [ with TV coverage and $100,000 first prize] is a big boost for pool in the UK? Sorry, would have been.....

 

[Heckler]

Pool in the UK needs an event of that size and calibre....

American pool is growing all the time however it does have to compete with 2 other "currently" more popular cue sports English Pool and Snooker....

Any event of this size needs all the players from all 3 cue sports in the UK to make it a success. As players already have devided loyalities... on top of that I believe the organisers want to attract as many of the top stars in the world as possible to boost the popularity of the sport in the UK.

If it doesnt come off for whatever reason that will be ashame, however for it to come off properly and give the game in the UK the boost it deserves it needs support from ALL the best players.