Is Alex the Best Player Alive?

[JAM]

Thank you JAM! I remember meeting you in 2004 (or 2003?) in NY, you gave me and Alex a ride to the tournament from the hotel. I also was there last year when Keith did so well at the US Open (I distinctly remember the match where Keith beat Alex )

That was a memorable Open for me!

I do remember giving you and Alex a ride. It was the first Big Apple tournament in New York City, and I remember seeing the two of you so happy together, thinking to myself: Ain't love GRAND!

Congratulations on the the birth of your new baby. Wow, tomorrow? Wishing you and Alex the very best years up ahead. Believe me when I tell you, they grow up FAST.

HMMMMMM, thanks also for the picture JAM.....now I definitely know he started smoking cigarettes....again! Hahaha

YIKES! Actually I do smoke Marlboro Lights, and I'm wondering if I may have given them to Alex to hold while I snapped the picture.

Alex must be on cloud nine winning that U.S. Open. What a great win. Hope to see both of you here in the States soon. AND again, welcome to the AzBilliards Discussion Forum. Keep on posting. It's great to hear from you!

JAM

 

[digitalcrack]

I've known Phoebe for a while, and both she and Alex are good people. People should look at themselves in the mirror before making judgemental comments about others. Alex is just Alex. Let him be himself. He's just trying to be the best pool player he can be--not some kid's role model. Parents should be their children's role models; not athletes or celebrities. Althletes are looked up to because they excel in one specific sport, however kids should instead be looking up to their parents as role models as far as forming themselves to become a good person. I have two kids of my own, and my wife and I always keep this in mind. Anyway, guys here in Hawaii love the guy; he blends right in. Like Phoebe, I don't post very often. But I had to put in my $0.02 on this one.

I totally agree with Lance. Alex is a genuine pro based on the three times I've seen him at Hawaiian Brians. He was always cracking jokes and having a good time like a kid. Very nice guy and hard worker too. I've seen some of the practice shots he has done. I'm not surprised where he is in his pool career. Alex is one of the best if not the best. But any of the best can be beaten at anytime. That is why we still have tournaments .

Anyways. Congratz Phoebe on your child.

 

[jay helfert]

All About Alex

I visit this forum almost daily to keep up with the "pool world" and I have MANY views and opinions on a lot of the issues posted....but I couldn't resist, and HAD to register to specifically to this one....

First of all, Alex has been beaten by Orcullo a few times, but he doesn't "OWN" him. Majority of the sets went to the hill and were decided by one game. Also, it wasn't 40 large, I know, who do you think had to send the money???? Huh? Lastly, Alex drilled him the last time they played, the stakes were higher, and Dennis and the backer apparently refused to play again after that.

Believe me, A LOT of "best player's" have lost. They ALL took their licks and have their highs and lows. But, they ALL have lost sometime or another.

Your last two sentences are really off-base. You make like he's some kind of devil or something?! All his bets, whether jumping, flipping beers, tossing coins, etc. are all legit. He does it - he gets paid - isn't that how it's supposed to work?

He never once asked to be a "hero type" to young kids either. But, since you had to go there.....so be it. First off, Alex loves kids. Of course a pool players life is not anyone really wishes their kids to pick up, but please don't use Alex as the example here. He's learning how to be in the "limelight" and as far as I know isn't all that different in his actions than most of the other players out there, except that he smiles and cracks jokes a lot more frequently. On his behalf I would like to end by saying that I think it's rather refreshing seeing the "kid" in him - that's Alex, forever a kid at heart.

Phoebe,
Nice to see you on here. I'm sure you are a wonderful mother. It's a full time job I know. My daughter has two little ones (2 and 4) and I help out whenever I can. Just cleaned up a major mess last week, heehee.
About your hubby, I've been around this racket too long to remember and he is a breath of fresh air. Talented, exciting and personable all rolled into one neat little package. I'm sure that's why you married him. I always enjoy being around Alex, watching him play and listening to his rap. He enjoys life to the fullest and his spirit is infectious.
Pool is lucky to have him. We could use a few more interesting personalities like Alex to spice up the game.
And, by the way, I was picking you for big things when I first saw you play.
Right away you were finishing high on the WPBA tour. You played good and had a lot of heart. You will be a winner out there when you return. Of that I'm sure. If I ever put on a doubles tourney, I want you and Alex as a team. If pool gets big, you and Alex could make big bucks doing exhibitions together. Beauty, brains and talent is not a bad combination.
Take care and say Hi to your old man,
Jay

 

[yobagua]

Well Phoebe as a local boy born and bred at the Mindinao Pool room on Hotel street you were always my favorite. You and Rodney. I was looking for you to knock the gang of four on the top of the heap headed by Alison. You shoot straight and had a great stroke. And looked good doing it.

Alex has not always been my type. Im old and like the more quiet type like Efren and Jose. But saying that Alex is terrific and great for the game. I know with being a parent he will learn a lot more about human nature and become something to behold. Good luck to both of you.

A no ai kealoha. Ua mau ke ea oka aina ika pono.

 

[Fleece3]

Alex idolizes Bruce Lee so it's no surprise he is in top shape. Plus look at how hot Phoebe Choi is, she probably wouldn't want a wimp to father her child.

Really!!!!!!!

Then here is a story for him. Martial Arts used to be my life. At my best I was rated #5 in the state of Calif. (I am from Oakland). One day, a friend and I decided to check out a new dojo. We walked up and observed the instructor doing Tai Chi. We commented "he doesn't look that good" (I had only been into Martial Arts for about a month, and did not then understand Tai Chi). Years lately we discover that the instructor that we were watching was BRUCE LEE!!!

Oh what a difference a few years make. I actually attended Bruce's SF funeral (he had 3, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and the burial in Seattle). I have paid my respects at his gravesite many times, and will do so many more!!

Fleece3

 

[JDsprings]

wow, that was a lot of bragging and name dropping in one post. you're the man dude!

Really!!!!!!!

Then here is a story for him. Martial Arts used to be my life. At my best I was rated #5 in the state of Calif. (I am from Oakland). One day, a friend and I decided to check out a new dojo. We walked up and observed the instructor doing Tai Chi. We commented "he doesn't look that good" (I had only been into Martial Arts for about a month, and did not then understand Tai Chi). Years lately we discover that the instructor that we were watching was BRUCE LEE!!!

Oh what a difference a few years make. I actually attended Bruce's SF funeral (he had 3, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and the burial in Seattle). I have paid my respects at his gravesite many times, and will do so many more!!



Fleece3

 

[Nostroke]

Look Alex plays good but even he will admit he doesn't play near my level.

 

[Fleece3]

wow, that was a lot of bragging and name dropping in one post. you're the man dude!

????????????????

I didn't name drop or brag. The subject was Bruce Lee, so I was on topic. And IF I was number 1 THEN I would brag. 5th Place is the 4th loser

 

[Snapshot9]

My thoughts ..

I think Alex is a class act, talent and personality wise,
and a credit to the sport. His talent is often overlooked
when talking about the best Pool Players of today, but
he is very capable of beating the 'best' and surprising
everyone with 'tough' wins. The fact that he is short
speaks even more of him. Reaching those shots on a
big table is ackward and hard to do sometimes ... of course,
all you tall guys wouldn't know about that ... lol

All you guys talk about someone getting beat like they
should never lose if they are a 'champion' .... that's funny ...
Name 1 real good player that hasn't suffered a big loss
at sometime in their career ... in any sport .... Get a life ...

 

[FOXYCOXY]

Alex is a great shot maker, nothing more. If you watch him play you will see him turn the cue ball loose alot. He depends on his pocketing ability to rescue his poor position play.

 

[cuetechasaurus]

Alex is a great shot maker, nothing more. If you watch him play you will see him turn the cue ball loose alot. He depends on his pocketing ability to rescue his poor position play.

He could probably give you the 3-out, poor position play and all.

 

[FOXYCOXY]

He could probably give you the 3-out, poor position play and all.

I`m in for that, anytime

 

[jayz]

Alex is a great shot maker, nothing more. If you watch him play you will see him turn the cue ball loose alot. He depends on his pocketing ability to rescue his poor position play.

What an absurd statement (“poor position play”) by someone who obviously doesn’t fully grasp what it takes to be a champion. To play pool at a championship level in 9-ball you must be a good shot-maker and a good position player. His safety play is also superb which requires knowledge and control of the cueball hence “good position play”.

What some observers fail to take into account is the “Height Factor”. Alex is one of the shortest players on tour and many times will play a longer shot rather than try to get closer to the ball so as not to “stretch” or use the bridge to make the next shot. Depending upon how the balls lay and if a safety is a lower percentage choice, letting “Whitey” go might be the best percentage shot to pocket the ball. Using English or slow rolling the ball might lower the percentage in pocketing the ball, which is your number one priority.

I have watched Alex practice at Hawaiian Brian’s by throwing fifteen balls on the table and continually run racks in rotation. I have also watched him run racks in straight pool, playing good players "hundred no count".

You cannot be US Open champion and World champion and be a “poor position player”.

 

[onesocket]

Ill put him up against you if you want the spot..?

I`m in for that, anytime

You said anytime give him the break and ill put him up..?

 

[KSgirl]

is kind of one of the quiet ones that sneak up on you fast
if you aren't watching. Playing brillantly at times, and a
tough competitor.

Does anyone know for sure just how tall Alex is?
I have heard anywhere from 5'3" to 5'5".

I am 5'7", and I end up shooting with a crutch so much
on a big table, that I just find it amazing that someone
shorter can get along so well on the big table, knowing
that they also have difficulty reaching shots.

I met Alex a few years ago and he was about 5' 3, but he wasnt even 21 then. I would be willing to bet he's gotta be at least 5' 6 by now...

 

[LastTwo]

How can a hundred+ ball runner in straight pool have poor position play? Whoever said that is a complete moron.

 

[Wally in Cincy]

An Alex story from the 2004 US Open.

Gabe Owen was playing Thorsten Hohmann in the first game of the final and the tension was incredible. Hohmann dogged a 9-ball leaving Gabe a straight in shot which he made.

Everybody was in shock and deathly quiet, feeling sick for Hohman but happy for Owen. Suddenly from behind the boom camera Alex hollers "Nice out Gabe" and everybody cracked up.

Phoebe, I watched you playing scotch doubles with Mika at the 2005 Derby City Classic. You are a beautiful lady.

 

[phoebe choy]

An Alex story from the 2004 US Open.

Gabe Owen was playing Thorsten Hohmann in the first game of the final and the tension was incredible. Hohmann dogged a 9-ball leaving Gabe a straight in shot which he made.

Everybody was in shock and deathly quiet, feeling sick for Hohman but happy for Owen. Suddenly from behind the boom camera Alex hollers "Nice out Gabe" and everybody cracked up.

Phoebe, I watched you playing scotch doubles with Mika at the 2005 Derby City Classic. You are a beautiful lady.

Well thank you Wally!! I hope to meet you one day.....I'll be at the Derby again this year. I hope to make the Derby a yearly get-a-way for me and Alex, like a vacation - sort of - lol.

Just to correct you, my partner in that game was Scott Frost. Our opponents were Mika and Aaron (he's from Ohio, Cory Deuel's friend).

Please introduce yourself if your down there again....

 

[Wally in Cincy]

Just to correct you, my partner in that game was Scott Frost. Our opponents were Mika and Aaron (he's from Ohio, Cory Deuel's friend).

....

Aaron, the guy with the pink barber pole cue LOL

I sat with Sarah Rousey for a few minutes that Sunday morning and watched you guys play (I'm such a name-dropper )

Thaks Phoebe. Take care.

 

[jay helfert]

Alex's position play

Alex is a great shot maker, nothing more. If you watch him play you will see him turn the cue ball loose alot. He depends on his pocketing ability to rescue his poor position play.

Obviously, you've never seen him play One Pocket.
Alex P. is without doubt one of the best pool players on planet Earth today, definitely in anyones top ten or twenty.