Hey, Colin, is the IPT qualifier in progress right now at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, here in the States? What is the time difference by hours?
I'm saddened to read that all five Americans have been knocked out, especially the way Rob Saez lost. As Timberly mentioned, it will be interesting to hear what actually happened upon Rob's return.
As an aside, Keith and I attended a Scruggs Tour event several years ago which had many players in attendance. There were no designated times for the matches, like there are at the IPT qualifier.
We had been on the road for a week or so and were staying right next door to Diamond Billiards in Lancaster, PA, the venue site. Keith completed his first match and won. We went up to the TD and asked him if he had any idea how long it would be until Keith's next match. I had some clothes in the washer right next door at the Fairfield Inn (within walking distance) and wanted to put them in the dryer. The TD stated to me and Keith that we had "at least an hour" before his next match.
We ventured on over to the Fairfield Inn and returned EXACTLY 45 minutes later. Believe me, I am always cognizant of match times and believed the TD when he stated we had "at least an hour" before Keith's next match.
Forty-five minutes later, we entered the front door of Diamond Billiards, and several folks came up to us and said, "What happened? Where were you? Keith has been forfeited because he wasn't here for his next match." We asked the TD about why he forfeited Keith when he said we had "at least an hour" before his next match, and he stated that he never said that to us, which was a blatant untruth. I was furious.
Because of this tragic occurrence, I always make sure we are present in the tournament room several hours in advance when an event has unscheduled match times. I think it is horrible what happened to Rob Saez, especially considering all of the monies and time he has expended to attend this IPT qualifier. JMHO, FWIW!
JAM