IPT Travel and lodging expenses

[onepocketchump]

The Carrot

For the first tournament - where 50 additional players will be playing. Just get out of your group and you will have $5000. Should be enough to pay the expenses. Lose in the first round and you get $2000. Ought to ease the pain a little bit. Get 17th out of 256 players in the US Open and you get something like $1200. 17th in the IPT's first event in 2007 pays $30,000. I'd say that's worth going for if you are any kind of a player and you are IN.

1st Place - $350,000
2nd Place - $99,000
3rd Place - $80,000
4th Place - $65,000
5th Place - $50,000
6th Place - $40,000
7th - 18th Place - $30,000 each
19th - 36th Place - $17,000 each
37th - 60th Place - $10,000 each
61st - 120th Place - $5,000 each
121st - 200th Place - $2,000 each

I have NEVER seen a pool tournament that pays LAST place.

Oh, total entry fee money - $80,000. So it's a $1,920,000, that's one million nine hundred and twenty thousand dollar, ADDED event.

First prize in the men's WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, you know the prestigious one that the WPA sold to Matchroom, the same Matchroom that gets multi-million dollar purses for snooker events and snooker players, is $75,000 vs. $350,000 first prize for this event. No one on this board ever complained about the player's expenses to attend that one.

I will tell you what - two sets for a quarter million sure ups the stakes in my book. The public will watch ANYTHING where $250,000 is on the line. Hell, they will watch things where a lot less is at stake.

John

 

[macguy]

I don't know if you have been following what's going on in the pool world but both Karen and Allison have beaten on male players, male players have commented on how strong they play and I have no doubt in my mind that Karen Corr, Allison Fisher and Kelly Fisher will all retain their tour cards for 2007 and beyond.

As for Keith, his bad game is still world class. You might as well say that Parica has no chance to keep his tour card. Keith McCready was playing world class pool for large $$$$ as a teenager. Recently he took third in the US Open, second at the Joss Tour finals and regularly finishes in the money against world beaters.

This thing will go off as planned, the competition will be fierce, the winner will be rewarded handsomely and the players will enjoy an average income that is far above what they can currently earn. With the splashing of pool on TV sets around America there will be a resurgence of popularity for pool which will spawn bigger and better tours and tournaments.

And it will all be put on by a guy who advocates drinking juice every day, not smoking, vaccuming out your colon and generally living healthy. What's wrong with that. Along the way some lucky pool players will get to be a part of history in the making for a year.

John

Just to keep the record straight, he's a phony (big surprise), he only quit smoking in the last year or so himself (or so he says he may still smoke, it's tough to quit) and was in such terrible condition from self abuse he had to spend extended stays at several spas to get in some kind of presentable shape before he ended up killing himself. But that is neither here nor there we should be talking about the tour not that jerk.

 

[JAM]

I don't know, with the possible future level of competition I doubt it. Certainly not for the girls, they will be history for sure and so will Keith unless he raises his game to today's level of competition. You have to be realistic I think, these will be tough tournaments, no freebees here, it will have to be earned every step of the way.

You know, Macguy, I've been reading your posts bashing the IPT ever since its inception. It's fine and dandy to have an opinion about the unknown because, in essence, the IPT is a new venture, and where it ends up, nobody knows.

Having said that, it is interesting that you pick Keith's name out of the 150 members to state he ain't going to make it "unless he raises his game to today's level of competition." I guess since I am his girlfriend and posting in the positive about the IPT, Keith sure was a good target for you.

I could get into a whole dissertation on pool politics and how it has affected Keith's opportunity to compete with his peers in the past 4 years, but it's a topic for another thread.

Keith defeated Kid Delicious, Mika Immonen, and Ralf Souquet less than a month ago at the Turning Stone. If you think he ain't got game, then you're sadly mistaken, my friend. I will defend him not only because he is my best friend in life, but because his level of play is probably beyond your conception of what natural and raw talent is all about.

You, Macguy, are nothing but a gloom-and-doom poster who seems to enjoy the limelight, sitting on your soap box, putting down at every juncture what many, if not most, on this forum are looking forward to. It's called "negativity," and you are, without a doubt, the most negative poster on this forum, bar none. You seem to thrive on it.

So carry on, get on that soap box, and continue your ranting about the IPT, but truth be told, I think you're doing it just to get a little attention. I guess negative attention for some is better than none.

JAM

 

[macguy]

You know, Macguy, I've been reading your posts bashing the IPT ever since its inception. It's fine and dandy to have an opinion about the unknown because, in essence, the IPT is a new venture, and where it ends up, nobody knows.

Having said that, it is interesting that you pick Keith's name out of the 150 members to state he ain't going to make it "unless he raises his game to today's level of competition." I guess since I am his girlfriend and posting in the positive about the IPT, Keith sure was a good target for you.

I could get into a whole dissertation on pool politics and how it has affected Keith's opportunity to compete with his peers in the past 4 years, but it's a topic for another thread.

Keith defeated Kid Delicious, Mika Immonen, and Ralf Souquet less than a month ago at the Turning Stone. If you think he ain't got game, then you're sadly mistaken, my friend. I will defend him not only because he is my best friend in life, but because his level of play is probably beyond your conception of what natural and raw talent is all about.

You, Macguy, are nothing but a gloom-and-doom poster who seems to enjoy the limelight, sitting on your soap box, putting down at every juncture what many, if not most, on this forum are looking forward to. It's called "negativity," and you are, without a doubt, the most negative poster on this forum, bar none. You seem to thrive on it.

So carry on, get on that soap box, and continue your ranting about the IPT, but truth be told, I think you're doing it just to get a little attention. I guess negative attention for some is better than none.

JAM

Beyond the current crop of players on the tour the next year and beyond will be a tough row-to-hoe for any player. For a player like Keith who's best years are probably behind him it will be especially tough. I see players like Hall, Varner or a host of former top player struggling to do well, that's just the facts. There are a lot of super players out there today. Keith wouldn't be a favorite in the future to win an event and could even fall off the tour. There is a big difference between getting a good draw or winning a few key matches in a double elimination tournament and a round robin tournament. Discussing players on this board is common and I don't think what I said was out of line.

 

[Keith McCready]

Beyond the current crop of players on the tour the next year and beyond will be a tough row-to-hoe for any player. For a player like Keith who's best years are probably behind him it will be especially tough. I see players like Hall, Varner or a host of former top player struggling to do well, that's just the facts. There are a lot of super players out there today. Keith wouldn't be a favorite in the future to win an event and could even fall off the tour. There is a big difference between getting a good draw or winning a few key matches in a double elimination tournament and a round robin tournament. Discussing players on this board is common and I don't think what I said was out of line.

Okay, Macguy. I don't come on here very often, but for you to come on some damn forum and start fingering me, Nickie, and Buddy as has-beens who can't go the distance, you better look at 110 of them other players that can't win. I'm not quite in that category yet, and neither is Buddy and Nickie. Sorry to disappoint you. You can pick a lot better crop out of that 150-man board than us three.

I will bet you right now that I keep my card in 2006, 2007, and beyond, and maybe just win one. If you know anything about me at all, I'm a long-winded player. The longer I play, the better I get, and the more money on the line, the stronger I play.

I can't wait for that opportunity when we're playing for a half-a-million dollars and I'm against one of those so-called straight shooters that you think will be so dominating. And another thing, the so-called straight shooters are more worried about me than I'm worried about them. That's even if I only play 80 percent. If I play 100 percent, you can stick a fork in them. They can't win, and the tortoise will catch the hare.

See you in Vegas.

 

[bud green]

Christ, what more do the pros on this site need to do before the clowns of the world stop trying to harass people who could make them look like monkeys on the damn table?

Keith is one of the greatest natural talents the game has ever seen. Make whatever uninformed comments you want, its easy to label the guy with whatever rumours you've heard. Partied too much? Who F-ing cares. He live his life his way, and his way includes beating the best in the world. He's got his sh*t together a lot more than people think. How about a rule where anyone who wants to give him crap has to accomplish 10% of what he has in pool? That includes busting ring games at Hard Times when you're a 13 yr old kid, winning 375,00 bucks in a cash game, being one of the best parts in one of the best movies about pool,etc...

Personally, I don't give a F**K what Keith has done in his personal time, he's one of the greatest players in pool history, he's one of the greatest pool entertainers in pool history, and if he can STILL beat some of the greatest players on the planet, maybe , just maybe, nobodies who haven't won a single freakin thing in their life should stop dogging him as a has-been and try and ruin his confidence. Pool has its "tigers" running around, witness the new invasion of Orcollo, Manalo,etc... but every now and then a O'Meara, that is a old timer with true talent like Keith, comes along and snaps off two major tourneys. Don't write off The Ether quite yet, there is still plenty of game and heart in the man.

Anyone else here played in a tourney where you beat Kid D, Souqet, and Mika recently and took second in a PRO tourney?

 

[macguy]

Okay, Macguy. I don't come on here very often, but for you to come on some damn forum and start fingering me, Nickie, and Buddy as has-beens who can't go the distance, you better look at 110 of them other players that can't win. I'm not quite in that category yet, and neither is Buddy and Nickie. Sorry to disappoint you. You can pick a lot better crop out of that 150-man board than us three.

I will bet you right now that I keep my card in 2006, 2007, and beyond, and maybe just win one. If you know anything about me at all, I'm a long-winded player. The longer I play, the better I get, and the more money on the line, the stronger I play.

I can't wait for that opportunity when we're playing for a half-a-million dollars and I'm against one of those so-called straight shooters that you think will be so dominating. And another thing, the so-called straight shooters are more worried about me than I'm worried about them. That's even if I only play 80 percent. If I play 100 percent, you can stick a fork in them. They can't win, and the tortoise will catch the hare.

See you in Vegas.

I was referring to a year or two down the road, not the current list of players, the future. I'm glad to hear you say that though and I know you know you can't get it done showing up at tournaments out of practice or staying up all night playing and showing up to your match a mess. It will take more commitment then you may have ever had to make. I have no doubt you and some of the others have a few last ha ra's in you. It will be tough though and a lot of work.

 

[macguy]

Christ, what more do the pros on this site need to do before the clowns of the world stop trying to harass people who could make them look like monkeys on the damn table?

Keith is one of the greatest natural talents the game has ever seen. Make whatever uninformed comments you want, its easy to label the guy with whatever rumours you've heard. Partied too much? Who F-ing cares. He live his life his way, and his way includes beating the best in the world. He's got his sh*t together a lot more than people think. How about a rule where anyone who wants to give him crap has to accomplish 10% of what he has in pool? That includes busting ring games at Hard Times when you're a 13 yr old kid, winning 375,00 bucks in a cash game, being one of the best parts in one of the best movies about pool,etc...

Personally, I don't give a F**K what Keith has done in his personal time, he's one of the greatest players in pool history, he's one of the greatest pool entertainers in pool history, and if he can STILL beat some of the greatest players on the planet, maybe , just maybe, nobodies who haven't won a single freakin thing in their life should stop dogging him as a has-been and try and ruin his confidence. Pool has its "tigers" running around, witness the new invasion of Orcollo, Manalo,etc... but every now and then a O'Meara, that is a old timer with true talent like Keith, comes along and snaps off two major tourneys. Don't write off The Ether quite yet, there is still plenty of game and heart in the man.

Anyone else here played in a tourney where you beat Kid D, Souqet, and Mika recently and took second in a PRO tourney?

What does any of that have to do with my opinion that it's going to be tough for some of the older players playing today's worlds best at round robin? It is off limits now to discuss players?

 

[JAM]

I was referring to a year or two down the road, not the current list of players, the future. I'm glad to hear you say that though and I know you know you can't get it done showing up at tournaments out of practice or staying up all night playing and showing up to your match a mess. It will take more commitment then you may have ever had to make. I have no doubt you and some of the others have a few last ha ra's in you. It will be tough though and a lot of work.

Your comments are nothing more than a smear campaign on Keith McCready. It's not about discussing your opinions about a player's capabilities. It is because I am an IPT proponent. Out of all 150 players on the roster, you chose Keith to demean because of me.

You're a disgrace to this forum every single time you post your negative opinions not only about Keith McCready, but about the IPT. For someone who is opposed to the IPT, you sure as hell waste a whole bunch of time on the IPT forum.

It seems to me that by Macguy posting his ignorant thoughts, it gives him some sort of cheap thrill to demean the IPT, Kevin Trudeau, and then, if all else fails, he goes after the IPT members, a few of which who are not deserving of unwarranted attacks not only on their character, but their game, a game he obviously doesn't know very well. It is a personal attack on Macguy's part, and it is intentional. Macguy is the AzBilliards' pariah, and what's disgusting is that he seems to enjoy it.

In closing, Macguy, you can take your blessed opinions and stick 'em where the sun don't shine; that is, if there's any room. Just from reading your posts on this forum, it is quite obvious that you are pretty full of it.

JAM

 

[Eieio59]

Your comments are nothing more than a smear campaign on Keith McCready. It's not about discussing your opinions about a player's capabilities. It is because I am an IPT proponent. Out of all 150 players on the roster, you chose Keith to demean because of me.

You're a disgrace to this forum every single time you post your negative opinions not only about Keith McCready, but about the IPT. For someone who is opposed to the IPT, you sure as hell waste a whole bunch of time on the IPT forum.

It seems to me that by Macguy posting his ignorant thoughts, it gives him some sort of cheap thrill to demean the IPT, Kevin Trudeau, and then, if all else fails, he goes after the IPT members, a few of which who are not deserving of unwarranted attacks not only on their character, but their game, a game he obviously doesn't know very well. It is a personal attack on Macguy's part, and it is intentional. Macguy is the AzBilliards' pariah, and what's disgusting is that he seems to enjoy it.

In closing, Macguy, you can take your blessed opinions and stick 'em where the sun don't shine; that is, if there's any room. Just from reading your posts on this forum, it is quite obvious that you are pretty full of it.

JAM

YOU ROCK, JAM!

 

[jjinfla]

Your comments are nothing more than a smear campaign on Keith McCready. It's not about discussing your opinions about a player's capabilities. It is because I am an IPT proponent. Out of all 150 players on the roster, you chose Keith to demean because of me.

You're a disgrace to this forum every single time you post your negative opinions not only about Keith McCready, but about the IPT. For someone who is opposed to the IPT, you sure as hell waste a whole bunch of time on the IPT forum.

It seems to me that by Macguy posting his ignorant thoughts, it gives him some sort of cheap thrill to demean the IPT, Kevin Trudeau, and then, if all else fails, he goes after the IPT members, a few of which who are not deserving of unwarranted attacks not only on their character, but their game, a game he obviously doesn't know very well. It is a personal attack on Macguy's part, and it is intentional. Macguy is the AzBilliards' pariah, and what's disgusting is that he seems to enjoy it.

In closing, Macguy, you can take your blessed opinions and stick 'em where the sun don't shine; that is, if there's any room. Just from reading your posts on this forum, it is quite obvious that you are pretty full of it.

JAM

Oh Jam, you ruined my day. I was happy. I had macGuy on my ignore list. But, after reading Keith's and your posts I just had to see what he said to rile everybody up. Now I wish I didn't and remember why I had him on my ignore list. Back he goes. What I don't understand is why he is still here since it is obvious that his only intention is to be negative and to attack you and Keith personally. Says a lot about his character.

As for Keith I figure he will stay in the top 50. On his best days he will be at the top of the list. On his worst days he will be near the bottom of the top 50.

And Bernie is right about the film crew wanting excitement. Not literally throwing a chair at the ref but having Earl explode is what they want. I watched them chase Earl around and bait him trying to get him to say something provacative. Then they went to Archer and told him what Earl said and tried to bait Archer into saying something obnoxious.

It's all about playing to the cameras. It is what sells. It is what attracts
the sponsors and viewing public.

Jake

 

[onepocketchump]

Just to keep the record straight, he's a phony (big surprise), he only quit smoking in the last year or so himself (or so he says he may still smoke, it's tough to quit) and was in such terrible condition from self abuse he had to spend extended stays at several spas to get in some kind of presentable shape before he ended up killing himself. But that is neither here nor there we should be talking about the tour not that jerk.

Just to keep the record straight - you bible thumping moral nits need to stop sitting on your bibles and open them.

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Remember who this is attributed to?

We live in a society that has seen most it's icons revealed to have the same personal struggles that each of us deals with throughout our lives. The NITOCRITES (my word) are the ones who have never accomplished anything of note and love to criticize everything and especially everyone's personal life.

Abraham Lincoln did a lot to harm the freedoms we take for granted. Still, the net good of the slaves being freed was probably worth it in the end. If being ethically bankrupt were a crime then George Bush would be in jail serving mulltiple life sentences right now. Perhaps Kevin is still ethically challenged or perhaps he has truly found good morals. I don't really care as long as he does what he promises. So far, he has done that and more.

John

 

[Williebetmore]

Keith defeated Kid Delicious, Mika Immonen, and Ralf Souquet less than a month ago at the Turning Stone. If you think he ain't got game, then you're sadly mistaken, my friend. JAM

JAM,
I couldn't agree with you more regarding the negative posters. Thanks for returning to the forum.

I'm not so sure though, that beating Kid D., Mika Immonen, and Ralf S. is an assurance of great talent. Why, I beat them just last night - I remember just before I woke up I shut out Mika 54-0. Oh wait, you mean Keith beat them while awake....please ignore this post.

P.S. - If I was being honest I would report that Ralf Souquet beat me last night (though it was close) - even IN MY DREAMS I can't beat those guys.

 

[macguy]

Your comments are nothing more than a smear campaign on Keith McCready. It's not about discussing your opinions about a player's capabilities. It is because I am an IPT proponent. Out of all 150 players on the roster, you chose Keith to demean because of me.

You're a disgrace to this forum every single time you post your negative opinions not only about Keith McCready, but about the IPT. For someone who is opposed to the IPT, you sure as hell waste a whole bunch of time on the IPT forum.

It seems to me that by Macguy posting his ignorant thoughts, it gives him some sort of cheap thrill to demean the IPT, Kevin Trudeau, and then, if all else fails, he goes after the IPT members, a few of which who are not deserving of unwarranted attacks not only on their character, but their game, a game he obviously doesn't know very well. It is a personal attack on Macguy's part, and it is intentional. Macguy is the AzBilliards' pariah, and what's disgusting is that he seems to enjoy it.

In closing, Macguy, you can take your blessed opinions and stick 'em where the sun don't shine; that is, if there's any room. Just from reading your posts on this forum, it is quite obvious that you are pretty full of it.

JAM

I guess what I was saying is for many of these players to have a chance they will require a recommitment to the game. Puffing and boasting won't get it, not against the new crop of players from around the world who are young fanatics. A quick look at the KOTH statistics if they are any barometer will bare this out.
Dallas West wins --0
Robin Dodson wins --0
Ed Kelly wins --0
Mathews wins --1
Hopkins wins --0
Incardona wins --1
Thornfeldt wins --0
Davenport wins --1
I could list more and many have up to 40% winning averages but it still kept them at the bottom and there is a pattern to the list.. These will tough tournaments and will only get tougher. That money being offered is no lottery and will hard won by the players capable of doing so.

 

[sixpack]

I guess what I was saying is for many of these players to have a chance they will require a recommitment to the game. Puffing and boasting won't get it, not against the new crop of players from around the world who are young fanatics. A quick look at the KOTH statistics if they are any barometer will bare this out.
Dallas West wins --0
Robin Dodson wins --0
Ed Kelly wins --0
Mathews wins --1
Hopkins wins --0
Incardona wins --1
Thornfeldt wins --0
Davenport wins --1
I could list more and many have up to 40% winning averages but it still kept them at the bottom and there is a pattern to the list.. These will tough tournaments and will only get tougher. That money being offered is no lottery and will hard won by the players capable of doing so.

So why did you choose to call Keith out then? Seems like calling out one of the above would make your case better and would have been a better tactical move.

Cheers,
RC

 

[jsp]

Although I have disagreed with macguy on just about everything, I do not feel his comments on Keith were out of line. Just a fellow poster expressing his opinions on a professional pool player's playing ability. Nothing wrong with that, and I don't think his comments were meant to be personal at all.

For the record, I personally think Keith will do well. Although I have my doubts he'll win any tournaments, I'm sure he'll be keeping his tour card for a long time.

 

[macguy]

So why did you choose to call Keith out then? Seems like calling out one of the above would make your case better and would have been a better tactical move.

Cheers,
RC

I think you are right but I don't think I said anything bad about Keith other then it will be tough, and it will, for everybody. I guess I mentioned him because he epitomizes the older kind of player and is someone people can identify with, who you often would see at the tournaments. Gambling all night then playing matches the next day in not the best of condition. The money was small and for the most part the tournaments were little more the a place for players to get together and match up. This is different and offers an opportunity for players to win decent money and old habits would have to change for them to have any chance at all. For most of the older players and certainly the girls I don't think they will do very well and will be gone by the second year. They may eek out a few good paydays but the big carrot I believe is out of reach, it is just going to be too tough.

 

[onepocketchump]

I guess what I was saying is for many of these players to have a chance they will require a recommitment to the game. Puffing and boasting won't get it, not against the new crop of players from around the world who are young fanatics. A quick look at the KOTH statistics if they are any barometer will bare this out.
Dallas West wins --0
Robin Dodson wins --0
Ed Kelly wins --0
Mathews wins --1
Hopkins wins --0
Incardona wins --1
Thornfeldt wins --0
Davenport wins --1
I could list more and many have up to 40% winning averages but it still kept them at the bottom and there is a pattern to the list.. These will tough tournaments and will only get tougher. That money being offered is no lottery and will hard won by the players capable of doing so.

Would you care to point out where anyone has done any "puffing and boasting" other than good natured ribbing.

I am still hard pressed to see any viable discussion point in your posts so far. We all agree that the tournament format is tough and that the best players will prevail. You could have made your point without singling out any particular player or gender.

A lot of these players you mentioned above have put in most of their lives playing world class pool and just came out of retirement to appear in a a tournament that honored their commitment to the game. I predict you'll see more than a few of them return to form if they do decide to get serious about it. Reyes, Parica, Hall, LeBron, Strickland, Fisher, Corr and Rempe are all examples of world championship caliber players who are more than capable of beating anyone on any given day.

If I were you MacGuy I wouldn't be betting any money on your predictions.

John

 

[sixpack]

I think you are right but I don't think I said anything bad about Keith other then it will be tough, and it will, for everybody. I guess I mentioned him because he epitomizes the older kind of player and is someone people can identify with, who you often would see at the tournaments. Gambling all night then playing matches the next day in not the best of condition. The money was small and for the most part the tournaments were little more the a place for players to get together and match up. This is different and offers an opportunity for players to win decent money and old habits would have to change for them to have any chance at all. For most of the older players and certainly the girls I don't think they will do very well and will be gone by the second year. They may eek out a few good paydays but the big carrot I believe is out of reach, it is just going to be too tough.

That may have been how you intended it, but it came out quite differently. I respect your opinion, but to me it does seem like you picked Keith out of a hat because of JAM. I think it will be tough for all players. Some people will thrive and some people will not be up to the challenge. You're right in that it will require a different mindset and another level of preparation and planning. The great thing is that we don't have to speculate anymore, we will find out directly who will fall into which category. Personally I think the road dogs that have faced every kind of adversity and already beat their personal demons will do better than the youngsters who will be tempted into theirs with a few good paychecks.

Cheers,
RC

 

[macguy]

Would you care to point out where anyone has done any "puffing and boasting" other than good natured ribbing.

I am still hard pressed to see any viable discussion point in your posts so far. We all agree that the tournament format is tough and that the best players will prevail. You could have made your point without singling out any particular player or gender.

A lot of these players you mentioned above have put in most of their lives playing world class pool and just came out of retirement to appear in a a tournament that honored their commitment to the game. I predict you'll see more than a few of them return to form if they do decide to get serious about it. Reyes, Parica, Hall, LeBron, Strickland, Fisher, Corr and Rempe are all examples of world championship caliber players who are more than capable of beating anyone on any given day.

If I were you MacGuy I wouldn't be betting any money on your predictions.

John

I hope you are right that would be the story of the tournaments, to see some of these players get back in stroke. It's the story the public loves most.