IPT Shoots for the Stars

Colin Colenso

Colin Colenso

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
An article from http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/index?news_item_id=158907&newslines_2005_11_23 on the IPT tour.

POOL SHOOTING FOR THE STARS
2005-Nov-23 09:41

A new International Pool Tour (IPT) founded by US billionaire Kevin Trudeau hopes to revolutionise the sport.

The 8-ball pool organisation plans to secure the services of the world’s best players, offering huge prize money amid the glitz of a Hollywood production.

A series of events for the world’s best pool and cue players will offer $5million in prize money in the tour’s first year in 2006.

IPT founder Trudeau is head of an estimated $2billion global business empire incorporating major interests in television, publishing and marketing. He is also founder and owner of the Golf Channel in the UK.

In all, 150 players from around the world have signed up to the tour. They include snooker's world number one Ronnie O'Sullivan and the ever-popular Jimmy White.

The Tour kicks off in Orlando, Florida in December, before travelling the world with a series of events at key resorts and casinos.

The IPT is also creating a TV platform for pool. Broadcast rights have been secured in the US and negotiations are underway with UK, European and Asian broadcasters.

Jon Denny, executive director IPT, said: "We’re showcasing the world’s greatest and most legendary players, with the top men and women competing against each other. And we’re also creating a TV platform for pool that will be full of drama, colourful characters and a compelling competitive edge.

"Hundreds of millions of people around the world already play the game of 8-Ball. Now we’re bringing the sport and game to a whole new level of awareness, relevance and excitement."

Pitch PR has been appointed to create and implement the UK and European PR campaign.

David Smith
--------------

Seems they got the prize-money wrong :o
 
Colin Colenso said:
And a couple of other press stories:
http://www.brandweek.com/bw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001479188
and
http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2005/11/14/daily26.html?jst=b_ln_hl
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I would say the brandweek artical is probably pretty accurate. He basically admits he has no interest in the sport beyond turning it into a dog and pony show to sell crap and he doesn't care how he does it. Thanks for finding and posting this it was enlightening but not, at least to me, surprising. What a spokesman pool now has. As a classy professional sport pool may be doomed as it's dragged through the dirt and milked for all it's worth by this guy. I didn't before, but I actually now root for the IPT's failure and fast, before it does too much damage, rather then see the sport turned into a clown show.
 
macguy said:
He basically admits he has no interest in the sport beyond turning it into a dog and pony show to sell crap and he doesn't care how he does it. .
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Which part of the article led you to this perception? I basically understood that he is building something, investing his own money in it, and expects it to be profitable. I've seen owners of major league sports franchises do a lot worse.

Steve
 
pooltchr said:
Which part of the article led you to this perception? I basically understood that he is building something, investing his own money in it, and expects it to be profitable. I've seen owners of major league sports franchises do a lot worse.

Steve
Click to expand...

The article was the catalyst for my comment but it is a result of many things he has said over the last few months. He cares nothing about pool just selling his crap and using pool to maybe get himself a new audience. If it doesn't draw and the crap doesn't sell he will bail quick but will still have all the tapes of the matches to sell as DVD sets. It's a no lose deal for him and the players will just be chasing their own tails in the delusion they are all going to become rich. I am really saddened this guy may become the front man and spokesman for the sport as it seems he wants to be. He will tell the public what pool game is good and what is wrong with the rest of the sport. The great thing about the sport is the versatility of the game. There are so many different games that can be played and appeal to so many different players. He sounds like he hates the game and it's players in general. Either way it is all just opinion at this point, although my opinion is based on the mans past record and the others are based on wishful thinking and a pipe dream.
 
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Here's my take on it. Whether the IPT succeeds or fails, really isn't going to impact very many pool players. They have 150 players for this year. Being generous, there may be another 150 equally as deserving of a spot. I don't pretend to be one of those 300. I'm not a professional player, and at my age, it's pretty unlikely that I ever will be. I am however a professional instructor. From a personal standpoint, the success of the IPT would generate more interest in the game, give more young people the motivation to consider a pro career, and possibly increase the demand for instruction. That would be good for me. But probably not an increase significant enough to make me rich. Money isn't the reason I teach, but let's face it, making money is a good thing, especially when you can make it doing something you enjoy.

So there are a couple of hundred players who have the opportunity to play the game they love and make some decent money doing it. There are people like me on the fringes who will see a possible benefit. More serious players will help sell some more quality pool cues, so the cue makers might see a benefit as well. League operators might see an increase in members.

But whether or not KT succeeds isn't going to have any impact on the majority of pool players. Does the size of the pay-out or success of the PGA have any impact on the weekend golfer? Does the recent revival of the professional bowling tour have any impact on the weekly league bowlers? I don't really see it. Pool is largely a recreational activity. Whether or not there is a successful pro tour isn't going to change that. Walk into any pool room on league night and ask the players to name half of the top 10 players on the WPBA. They are most likely going to say "Allison Fisher, and that oriental woman with the long black hair." Ask them to name 5 top male professional players, and the majority are going to give you a blank stare. I guess I just fail to see how a professional tour can either hurt or help our sport. People are going to continue to play pool for recreation regardless of whether or not there is any professional pool tour anywhere. We have pro tours now, and a very small minority even know enough about it to know when or where the next event is going to be held. I don't believe KT or anyone else is going to change much of anything for the vast majority of the pool playing public.
JMHO
Steve
 
So whats the Agenda

Hello Steve,

Well written post. But what's the Agenda behind it's meaning? Why did you take all the time to write your personal feelings. If it's all true what you wrote then why did you feel so compelled to write? I see it a completely different way. KT is a man who has made a success of his life. Has nothing at all to do with pool and everything to do with attitude. Has everything to do with intelligence. KT is doing what he can to make himself more successful. I'm sure KT after reading all the negativity must shake his head and say to himself no wonder why pool has never made much of it's self. I see that many just don't get it. KT is going to make a success of his IPT Pool no matter what.. No matter how well or not his pool players play. KT purchased and is promoting his own TV Channel. KT is a marketing genius. Has NOTHING at all to do with Pool and especially anyone with a poor attitude. KT is going to make Celebrities out of his players like Danny Bastevich who is a good player with that likable personality that is capable of exciting the TV audience and that very good LIKABLE personally who only plays a fair game of pool but is an exciting casmatic personality that works so well in front of his TV cameras... I think most aren't getting it.. I can see that Steve definitely doesn't get it. This is not about pool,,, it's about BUSINESS and using pool as a TOOL making those good players with the right attitude a REAL SHOT at making that American Dream come true.. Keep on coming with any negativity because the way I see it it isn't going to matter how great that pool player plays. If that great pool player can't act and carry himself like a Professional then that great player is going to get left out and remain struggling the same way pool has always been. To me it's being ignorant and foolish to not see what KT is doing for POOL. If I were that great player and was foolish enough to have missed the boat the 1st time or wasn't chosen for maybe procrastinating and registering late or what ever the reason then if I were that great player I would be making positively sure that I had my 1000 chips saved up and all ready to bring my very best game to the 1st and every other qualifier KT is offering. All I have to say to all the great players and anyone who has been negative with nothing good to say,,, Just one word... Ignorant. There is a reason why pool has never gotten it's fair share. ATTITUDE.... Tell me,, if you were a top hollywood producer and the top CEO's of the advertising world,,,,, Would you be placing your 100 million dollar Advertising Bucks on a large group of Pool Players?? COME ON GUYS,,, use your heads, Open your eyes up and SMELL that Success... Its there for the taking.. BE COOL. Bring the game you love up to the respectability that has been eluding so many of us for so long. STOP the Negativity Now. I must say, some of things I read are just so moronic and foolishly stupid. Be Cool.. It takes a good attitude to become a champion. For every Champion there are 1000 others who could have and should have became a Champion ONLY IF they had that proper ATTITUDE... Winning is an Attitude.. Anyone who disagrees will never become a Champion.
 
@ Wonderlan:

you said: "KT is a man who has made a success of his life." and I think you only look at his bankroll....because some people might say that several convictions and a bs book that you can sell to desperate people who try to survive cancer.....

Then you say: "To me it's being ignorant and foolish to not see what KT is doing for POOL. "

Can you descripe POOL as 150 pro players? And KT is not doing anything for pool he is banned from commercial TV and found a way to advert his stuff. He told several times that he would stop with pool if his products would not sale or any other better oppurtunity came up. And he acts like it not respecting the WPA, ignoring the 8-ball rules and make his own, and most funny was hos World 8-Ball Championship with 2 people, making sure his friend would win and putting him in the final of the next tournament. :eek: :eek: :eek:

KT was even not willing to invest 1% of the money in the youth.

Still I look foreward to the tournament en the result!
 
wonderlan said:
Hello Steve,

Well written post. But what's the Agenda behind it's meaning? .. I can see that Steve definitely doesn't get it. .
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I get it completely. I understand it's all about business. My comment is based on hearing over and over that the success of the IPT will be good for pool. That's what I don't get. In what way will it be good for pool? It will be good for Kevin, it could be good for pro players, room owners, league operators, and instructors....IF the success of the tour results in more people getting involved in the game. But the overall effect on the game of pool will be minimal in my opinion however well or poorly the tour does. A complete failure of the tour isn't going to change anything for 98% of the pool players. The original post said that KT is going to ruin the game...and that's the part I just don't see. One man, one tour, so what?? Pool survived the failure of more than one pro tour. Most of the people playing pool (Remember, we are probably a very small minority on this forum...there are a whole lot of players who can't even spell AZ or IPT and don't have a clue what it is.) are going to continue to play every Wednesday night no matter what happens on the pro level.

I fully support the efforts of the IPT and wish them the greatest success. At least some of the pro's who have struggled financially for so long would have some hope at making a living playing pool. But aside from that, what impact is the success or failure of the tour going to have on "the game of pool"?
Steve
 
pooltchr said:
I get it completely. I understand it's all about business. My comment is based on hearing over and over that the success of the IPT will be good for pool. That's what I don't get. In what way will it be good for pool? It will be good for Kevin, it could be good for pro players, room owners, league operators, and instructors....IF the success of the tour results in more people getting involved in the game. But the overall effect on the game of pool will be minimal in my opinion however well or poorly the tour does. A complete failure of the tour isn't going to change anything for 98% of the pool players. The original post said that KT is going to ruin the game...and that's the part I just don't see. One man, one tour, so what?? Pool survived the failure of more than one pro tour. Most of the people playing pool (Remember, we are probably a very small minority on this forum...there are a whole lot of players who can't even spell AZ or IPT and don't have a clue what it is.) are going to continue to play every Wednesday night no matter what happens on the pro level.

I fully support the efforts of the IPT and wish them the greatest success. At least some of the pro's who have struggled financially for so long would have some hope at making a living playing pool. But aside from that, what impact is the success or failure of the tour going to have on "the game of pool"?
Steve
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Would you say the Hustler or the Color of money had an impact, they were only movies? I feel the worst impact for the sport is his connection period. If he wants to do something good for the sport then stay out of the picture and just give the money. Guilty by association can be a real problem and pool is already perceived as a game surrounded by criminals and charlatans, he will just help to confirm the fact. He is a no good thief, we all know it even if some want to put on their own spin. His connection alone will put the kibosh on possible future sponsors. Even celebrities who play the game have been hesitant to add their names to pool in the past and many have been approached. I.E. something like say the "James Cann 9-ball open or the "Peter Falk straight pool championship" have not happened. Even Jackie Gleason turned down a request to lend his name to a tournament to be run along with his annual golf tournament some years back. Guilt by association already exists and his connection will only make it worse then it already is. The public in general knows who KT is and what he is.
 
macguy said:
pool is already perceived as a game surrounded by criminals and charlatans, he will just help to confirm the fact. .
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But how specifically does this hurt the game of pool. If that perception already exists, why do more people continue to join leagues and play pool, or buy pool tables for their homes? My only point is I keep hearing that this tour is going to be good for pool, or bad for pool depending on your viewpoint. I just don't see what impact it is going to have on the game either way. People who want to play pool are going to do so regardless of what happens with the IPT. Our weekly league will continue...my local room is still going to hold tournaments, and the same players will continue to be there. There are still going to be regional tours, and there is still going to be "action" on the back tables. What difference is the IPT really going to make?????
Steve
 
That seems like a hope for failure more than....

pooltchr said:
I get it completely. I understand it's all about business. My comment is based on hearing over and over that the success of the IPT will be good for pool. That's what I don't get. In what way will it be good for pool? It will be good for Kevin, it could be good for pro players, room owners, league operators, and instructors....IF the success of the tour results in more people getting involved in the game. But the overall effect on the game of pool will be minimal in my opinion however well or poorly the tour does. A complete failure of the tour isn't going to change anything for 98% of the pool players. The original post said that KT is going to ruin the game...and that's the part I just don't see. One man, one tour, so what?? Pool survived the failure of more than one pro tour. Most of the people playing pool (Remember, we are probably a very small minority on this forum...there are a whole lot of players who can't even spell AZ or IPT and don't have a clue what it is.) are going to continue to play every Wednesday night no matter what happens on the pro level.

I fully support the efforts of the IPT and wish them the greatest success. At least some of the pro's who have struggled financially for so long would have some hope at making a living playing pool. But aside from that, what impact is the success or failure of the tour going to have on "the game of pool"?
Steve
Click to expand...

That seems like a hope for failure more than an astute observation. That would be like saying that good marketing for poker hasn;t done anything for the game. When you have twice as many people entering the WSOP every year? What has been a bigger motivator for young people to start truly learning and practicing a sport other than the possibility of getting rich and famous?

Imagine if they were able to justify and double or triple the number of people entering the US nineball open. Just the entry fees alone would make the purses substantially greater.

I personally know many top level players who haven't taken the game seriously for the sole reason that the money to make a decent living wasn't there. I can't even imagine how good they would be if they were truly dedicated to the sport. One person is Dan Wallace. I heard that he gave up playing pool altogether. THat's a real shame.

If there's even the smallest chance that the IPT can have a positive impact on the state of professional pool, all of the pool community should be willing to give it a chance, but I guess it's in human nature to detest change. That can be a good thing, but I think it's detrimental in this case.

I don't like eightball. Haven't played it in years, (with any seriousness), but you can guarantee I'm going to be practicing it now on ninefoots with slow nap cloth and getting ready for the qualifyer next year.

I'll still probably mainly play nineball, because that's my favorite game, but if we give the IPT a chance, I'm sure a nineball tour could possibly come out of it as well once it gets established, and I for one am going to give it that chance.
 
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Macguy, I don't understand why you and so many others are so negative and have such a bad attitude. What if everything you stated is completly true? So what? You have to admit that the first show was pretty good and that a lot of people benefited by it. Not only the players but all the workers who participated in the event. KT's employees, the employees at the Casino, the employees operating the cameras, and everyone else involved in it.

Now we have another event in Orlando. Look at all the people who are going to benefit from this one. I'm sure the convention center and its employees are happy. So what if KT will be selling his book and touting his Natural Cures website. Don't we all wish we could come up with a gimmick that people would pay us for the pleasure of using it?

Sure KT is a businessman. And as a businessman he has set up a business model. His first obligation is to himself and his board of directors and then to his stock holders. He really has no obligation to his workers (pool players). If they succeed through his efforts then so much the better. In fact the workers (pool players) should hope that Kevin has set up a good business model and will succeed because that will most likely mean more money for them.

And this is common practice in every business out there. GM is laying off 30,000 people because that is what is best for the stockholders.

As far as only 150 players being impacted by KT. Well how many golfers make the cut for their tournaments? 100? I don't know since I don't follow golf. But it is a limited amount and it seems to be working quite well.

I really have not heard anyone on the list complaining. They seem to all have the right attitude and are looking forward and are hoping for the best.

And I am looking forward to enjoying myself next week in Orlando.

And maybe a good New Year's resolution would be to have a good positive attitude in the future. After all, what do pool players really contribute to society? So they may as well enjoy the IPT while they can. The UPA seems to be dead in the water. I never heard much about the WPA and I can't even remember the letters of the other group let alone know, or care, what they do.

Jake
 
How will pool benefit?

If you get more people interested in and playing pool then more people have to buy materials, pool cues, tables, supporting gear, cases, and gues what that means? It means the companies that make those things have more liquid assets to spend on advertising and supporting bigger purses in pool tournaments. It means the advertising will draw more customers and more interest in pool.

In other words, the possibility exists for an explosion in pool that has never been seen before. Note I said possibility, that is the reason that many people are excited about the prospect of the IPT. The possibilty exisits to elevate pool to a new level, similar to what poker has seen in recent years. There definitely a proximity between pool and poker. The recent explosion in the popularity in poker is possibly the reason that KT decided to attempt the same thing in pool.

Regardless, at the least, it means more exposure for pool, and any additional exposure is good for pool.
 
pooltchr said:
But how specifically does this hurt the game of pool. If that perception already exists, why do more people continue to join leagues and play pool, or buy pool tables for their homes?
Click to expand...

Ever stand in front of a city commission trying to get a variance to open a pool room? I have, some even have things like special parking requirements and coin op machine rules as well as closing hours that are specifically written in to block the opening of pool rooms that don't apply to any other business. I even had a place already rented through an agent and when the actual owner of the property found out it was to be a pool room they would not rent to me. Image, even if only perceived, means a lot.
 
berry said:
@ Wonderlan:

you said: "KT is a man who has made a success of his life." and I think you only look at his bankroll....because some people might say that several convictions and a bs book that you can sell to desperate people who try to survive cancer.....

Then you say: "To me it's being ignorant and foolish to not see what KT is doing for POOL. "

Can you descripe POOL as 150 pro players? And KT is not doing anything for pool he is banned from commercial TV and found a way to advert his stuff. He told several times that he would stop with pool if his products would not sale or any other better oppurtunity came up. And he acts like it not respecting the WPA, ignoring the 8-ball rules and make his own, and most funny was hos World 8-Ball Championship with 2 people, making sure his friend would win and putting him in the final of the next tournament. :eek: :eek: :eek:

KT was even not willing to invest 1% of the money in the youth.

Still I look foreward to the tournament en the result!
Click to expand...
Just one point I want to mention Berry.

Matchroom sports with the WPC and World Masters and Mosconi Cup has probably only bought decent finacial returns to a few dozen players, but what Barry Hearn has done has been enjoyed tremendously by millions of players/fans such as you and myself. It has helped drive the business of pool in Europe, Taiwan, Australia and many more places.

Not because a few grand might have filtered through the WPA into a few minor junior programs, but because we can get to see more of this great sport and competitions worthy of dreaming about seeing, let alone winning.

KT is putting such events together, and I hope some of his content that gets to air will have the same effect on millions of more of potential pool fans / players.

Just something to consider.
 
macguy said:
Ever stand in front of a city commission trying to get a variance to open a pool room? I have, some even have things like special parking requirements and coin op machine rules as well as closing hours that are specifically written in to block the opening of pool rooms that don't apply to any other business. I even had a place already rented through an agent and when the actual owner of the property found out it was to be a pool room they would not rent to me. Image, even if only perceived, means a lot.
Click to expand...

Then I would think making pool more mainstream can only make it easier. Exposure to nicely dressed pool players that are actually making money at the game, shown on primetime might change the perception of the landlords, judges, and people who only think it is a seedy sport. I know I for one am not seedy. The pits maybe, but not seedy. lol.
 
You obviously have no common sense or knowledge

pooltchr said:
Here's my take on it. Whether the IPT succeeds or fails, really isn't going to impact very many pool players. They have 150 players for this year. Being generous, there may be another 150 equally as deserving of a spot. I don't pretend to be one of those 300. I'm not a professional player, and at my age, it's pretty unlikely that I ever will be. I am however a professional instructor. From a personal standpoint, the success of the IPT would generate more interest in the game, give more young people the motivation to consider a pro career, and possibly increase the demand for instruction. That would be good for me. But probably not an increase significant enough to make me rich. Money isn't the reason I teach, but let's face it, making money is a good thing, especially when you can make it doing something you enjoy.

So there are a couple of hundred players who have the opportunity to play the game they love and make some decent money doing it. There are people like me on the fringes who will see a possible benefit. More serious players will help sell some more quality pool cues, so the cue makers might see a benefit as well. League operators might see an increase in members.

But whether or not KT succeeds isn't going to have any impact on the majority of pool players. Does the size of the pay-out or success of the PGA have any impact on the weekend golfer? Does the recent revival of the professional bowling tour have any impact on the weekly league bowlers? I don't really see it. Pool is largely a recreational activity. Whether or not there is a successful pro tour isn't going to change that. Walk into any pool room on league night and ask the players to name half of the top 10 players on the WPBA. They are most likely going to say "Allison Fisher, and that oriental woman with the long black hair." Ask them to name 5 top male professional players, and the majority are going to give you a blank stare. I guess I just fail to see how a professional tour can either hurt or help our sport. People are going to continue to play pool for recreation regardless of whether or not there is any professional pool tour anywhere. We have pro tours now, and a very small minority even know enough about it to know when or where the next event is going to be held. I don't believe KT or anyone else is going to change much of anything for the vast majority of the pool playing public.
JMHO
Steve
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That was meant to be insulting. Your post is so ignorant and full of negativity based on no common sense whatsoever. You are not basing your so called opinion on fact. You seem to be just practicing typing and being negative for no good reason.
First, yes people are going to play pool regardless. The idea is to get "more people" to play pool. Just answer the question, "Did The Hustler and The Color Of Money" get more people playing pool"? They were just movies. No one knew who Fast Eddy or Minnesota Fats were before that either. When the hell was a pool tour shown on prime time? You have no idea the power of television on the public just like you did not relate to the power of movies on the game of pool. TV can be even greater. So how can you say a pro tour is not going to help pool. You are one can short of a sixpack. You should delete your post. You say the PGA did nothing for weekend golfers. Are you nuts? In 1965 how many people were playing golf. Then came Arnold Palmer and big money and golf on t.v. Then came Jack Nickalaus, more money, more t.v. and more players. Then came Tiger Woods. In 1965 I could walk on any golf course and get a tee time. Now it takes calling a week to a month ahead. Gee how did that happen? You are telling me money, t.v. and people had no impact? You are right , most people now do not know the top pros but get them on prime time and like golfers, the public will know. How about poker 5 yeas ago? Someone came up with a gimmick, put poker on prime time and now look at it. Why are so many people playing now, I will tell you. Money, T.v. and a gimick. So you think none of those things can have an impact on pool. Everyone who watches and plays poker now know the top players much to the pro's dismay. Would you have said the same about poker 5 years ago. Well considering your reasoning for your stupid post I guess so. You have no argument.
Here is the logic and if anyone disagrees go ahead and lambast me but it is simple to understand.
MONEY PLUS GOLF PLUS T.V. EQUALS MORE BUSINESS FOR EVERYONE

MONEY PLUS POKER PLUS T.V. EQUALS MORE BUSINESS FOR EVERYONE

MONEY PLUS POOL PLUS T.V. EQUALS MORE BUSINESS FOR EVERYONE

I don't know if it is going to be successful for pool but it is a start and it is obvious K.T. is trying a way to make it successful like poker. I am sure a lot of other people thought of it before but only K.T. has the money to try it.
Good Luck
If it is successful I can just imagine my pool room being packed every night like it was after The Color of Money came out.
 
Colin Colenso said:
Just one point I want to mention Berry.

Matchroom sports with the WPC and World Masters and Mosconi Cup has probably only bought decent finacial returns to a few dozen players, but what Barry Hearn has done has been enjoyed tremendously by millions of players/fans such as you and myself. It has helped drive the business of pool in Europe, Taiwan, Australia and many more places.

Not because a few grand might have filtered through the WPA into a few minor junior programs, but because we can get to see more of this great sport and competitions worthy of dreaming about seeing, let alone winning.

KT is putting such events together, and I hope some of his content that gets to air will have the same effect on millions of more of potential pool fans / players.

Just something to consider.
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Dear Colin,

First let me tell you that I am the coach of the Dutch national youth team pool. So every cent that big tournaments give to the WPA is apriciated. Second; I play at the poolroom were Niels Feijen and Alex Lely play. So I am very happy for them and I am even happy for pool that KT is putting in some of his bankroll, BUT...

I don't like the fact that some people look at KT as the Jesus of pool. He is putting in his money because he wants to sell his book (nothing wrong with that) but people should understand that. I hope that in the future he will talk again with the WPA and put down the 1% as a supporter of pool, then we can look at him not only as a marketing person but also a person that cares for the sport and his future.

Just my 2 cents...

And again, I am looking foreward to the tournaments and the results!!

Berry
 
macguy said:
As a classy professional sport pool may be doomed as it's dragged through the dirt and milked for all it's worth by this guy. I didn't before, but I actually now root for the IPT's failure and fast, before it does too much damage, rather then see the sport turned into a clown show.
Click to expand...


The above comment was the comment that I was responding to. For the record, I do support the IPT. I don't believe that one man with one tour can cause the sport to be "doomed". as stated above. This is the point I am trying to make. In my opinion, the above statement is negative. I am fairly positive that even if the IPT fails miserably (which I hope does not happen) the game of pool will continue to thrive. The success of the tour would mean a boost for the businesses involved in the sport. But considering the present state of pool, how much damage could he really do???
If that came across as negative, I may not have made myself clear.
Pool will survive with or without KT and the IPT. His success could be a good thing, but his failure would not necessarily be a bad thing "for the game".
I don't see him turning it into a "clown show". I think production needs some improvement, and replacing KT in the booth with someone more knowlegable of the game would certainly help.
 
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