KT declares was on the WPA

[Purdman]

And if a pool player did make the decision to play pool their entire life, scraping by on the money they can make in regional tours, gambling, or playing in weekly events, then they shouldn't be looked down upon if they made the decision to become a part of the IPT tour.

The players are caught in the middle of this pool world war, but aren't deserving of being stereotyped and categorized the way they are on this forum by those who don't like Kevin Trudeau or the IPT.

Everything may seem likes it's all out there in black and white for those on the outside looking in, but for those who are actually on the inside, the IPT players themselves who are hoping to change their lives for the better, it's a shame they are being criticized because they choose to ride the IPT train for as long as it remains on the tracks.

JAM

JAM, my post was not directed at you. No, I am not a KT supporter. No, I don't wish the tour to fail. Yes, I hope some pool players cash in. That's about it. I will tell ya one thing. The pool players nor the game itself are what KT is interested in. As soon as what he is looking for doesn't materialize, he will be gone.
My comment about "who made that decision ?" was serious. Baby, if you have children, a wife, mortgage, food, cars, etc, etc, to pay for, you better have a back-up plan or ya let everyone down. You know exactly what I am talking about.
Best Regards, Don

 

[TheOne]

Jimminy Crickets, TheOne! The first official tournament has not even begun yet. There will be a LEVEL playing field, with REAL pool, REAL RULES, which the IPT organization will adhere to, and REAL money. The King of the Hill Shootout was an "invitational" event.

The tour had to start somewhere. Some may not like the selection process for the first 150, but as the IPT tour progresses, the cream will rise to the top. The "players forking out 10K plus expenses to try and qualify" are doing so because they must like the vision of the IPT.

If you don't like the selection process because there are some Hall of Famers, veterans, and American champions on the player roster fore the first season, I'm going to put it out there and say MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY of these players paid their dues and then some.

The Billiard Congress of AMERICA has a Hall of Fame which doesn't put one penny in the pockets of its inductees. The IPT recognized these BCA awardees, which includes INTERNATIONAL players, and gave each one of them $30,000.

I, for one, applaud the IPT for "grandfathering" some of these players in. I can guarantee you one thing, TheOne, some of those veterans forked out a whole lot more than 10K plus expenses to keep themselves active on the American tournament trail. They not only paid their dues, but they devoted their entire life to this sport, before you even picked up your first cue stick. It's about damn time they get to enjoy a moment in time of fame.

JAM

I'm confused, why are you talking about the hall of famers? Who said they didn't deserve what they get?

Too many contradictions I don't know where to start!

Bottom line is the vast majority of pool players like the IPT and think its good for the sport. Look at the list of players trying to qualify, they are doing it because pool is their life and they have no choice. Sure the IPT must look nice from the inside, I understand that, but I don't understand how you could forget about all the players that didn't make it and what it felt like to be on the wrong end of a flawed selection process or politics like you stated? You seem to forget about the players that didn't make it, many of them more deserving than some of the chosen ones. This has been discussed to death and I only bring it up now because of what you just said about the IPT being a "level playing field" and "showing no favouritism", obviously not correct, but hopefully we will get there eventually, I just want it to be sooner rather than later. But then again its in every IPT players interest of course for there to be weak players on the tour isnt it, the more champions that excluded the easier it is to stay on the tour and reap the rewards, hmm I wonder?

PS
I picked up my first cue several years before my 9th birthday, approx 25 years ago

 

[jjinfla]

You are hung up on the 10K The One.

Think of all the people who "invest" a whole lot more money than that on an education just to earn the qualifications to get their foot in the door of their chosen profession.

How about a Nurse who gives 3-4 years of her/his life in school and then must pass a pretty hard test before she/he can get their license just to start at the bottom of the field.

Same thing with attorneys. Only it is a hell of a lot more classroom and a very tough test to pass the bar. Only to start at the bottom.

And you can look at any profession. Same thing.

So don't talk about pool players having to spend money and time to have a decent future. The ones who do, and are successful, are the smart ones. They will be called "Professional Pool Players". And no one else will be able to claim that title. More and more very good players are starting to realize that.

As for the HOF'ers. They earned their right to be there. And KT is no dummy he got them there because of their achievement and is using it to promote the IPT. It is a two way street. They are being paid for helping the tournament, as much for rewarding them for being HOF'ers.

Jake

 

[Colin Colenso]

This sounds more like a faith than a pool tour. Rule by fear, that'll work. Next step player contracts, "well if you don't believe..."

BTW I didn't fudge anything I just don't live in the past like you, I just want pool to get better and bringing up old bun fights isn't going to resolve anything. But just to be clear I'll say it again:


1) IMO It would be in the interest of ALL players (mainly the IPT players) if the IPT avoided date clashes and didn't target the WPA.

2)I would also like to see the IPT make the qualifiers more accessible so we don't have to wait years to see the BEST players on the IPT.

I'm curious Jake which part of what I'm saying dont you agree with?

TheOne,
I think on point 1, there is a reasonable argument that the IPT strengthens their investment, and hence their likelihood of success, which would I believe would greatly enhance the world of pool at many levels, by making it as hard as possible for potential competitors to become rivals. Hence this may strenthen their chance of success in the long term.

I also think the natural extension of this will be player contracts, but I don't know the dynamics of this. The best place to look to find possibilities may be the PGA, WTA, Soccer Clubs/Leagues etc.

On qualifiers, it would be great to see the development of regional tours, or worldwide qualifying events that provide a good long term test to help sort out the truly best players out there.

But the IPT is young. Just a few months ago many were sitting on the fence. The applicants had no guarantees of any cash like they do now. Regional tours were sitting back and waiting to see what would happen, now they are increasingly looking for ways to become a part of the qualification system.

As the IPT puts more into place, more players, more tour organizers and more rooms and other industry players will be looking for ways to cooperate and help build the IPT into a comprehensive structure.

Those that jumped in behind the tour and supported it when it appeared little more than an unstructured dream are deserving of some rewards I believe. The applicants were willing to risk losing 8-10k just to play and try their luck. Something the current qualifiers who missed the first boat are having to do, but with a few more hurdles to jump through.

I feel for those having to go through the qualification system, but that is the price of sitting on the fence, not jumping onto the right boat in time, or simply not making an effort to keep abreast of developments in the game.

I started of a bit sceptical, but did my homework, and was confident that KT had something very promising on offer.

It had never been financially viable for me to move off to the US to try my luck on a tour. You had the guts / opportunity to try this and saw that it was very hard to pay the bills despite your impressive performances as a relative newbie on the 9-Ball tour.

The one time in my life I saw an event that promised decent returns, the 800k Japan IBC event, I got my 1st US cue, started learning some 9-ball and tried my luck. If there really was to be a pool tour that could provide a career opportunity, I wanted to give my long held dream a shot.

So much of this does come down to money. To be a real pro- full time - pool or snooker player, you need to pay the bills, have incentives, so you can dedicate yourself to being the best you can be.

So the idea that a tour could exist, where 100+ players can be real full time professionals, and there is a chance to play amongst amazing fields, all around the world at great locations and becoming widely appreciated for your efforts and achievements has to be the ultimate dream for any ambitious pool enthusiast.

Within reason, whatever it takes to make that possible is worth doing in my book. For that reason, I think it is more productive to look at the positives.

I don't want to silence those who want to split hairs, look in a gift horse in the mouth, or simply raise questions / concerns. I just want to show the gift horse as it is, and provide insights as to what that gift horse does and why it does it in order to become a champion. And barrack it along!

 

[JAM]

I know of some that occasionally read these posts, and just said "They don't have a clue". Perhaps Keith would know what that means, since he's on the IPT.

That's exactly Keith's sentiments as well! He doesn't like to post on controversial issues, but if you were to ask him in person, he'd definitely give you an earful on his take, "the world according to Keith." He was absolutely flabbergasted in Orlando, the venue, the Green Room for the players, the pristine equipment, et cetera, et cetera. His eyes sparkled the whole time we were in Orlando. I've never seen him so upbeat and enthusiastic about playing pool.

This venue the IPT has created is state-of-the-art, only the BEST equipment, with a team of only the TOP professionals. I must say that IPT promo was quite well done. I loved it when Gabe, with his determined battle face on, commented to the camera, "Well, this isn't 1978 anymore."

One thing for sure, the BEST truly is yet to come!

JAM

 

[TheOne]

TheOne,
I think on point 1, there is a reasonable argument that the IPT strengthens their investment, and hence their likelihood of success, which would I believe would greatly enhance the world of pool at many levels, but making it as hard as possible for potential competitors to become rivals.

I also think the natural extension of this will be player contracts, but I don't know the dynamics of this. The best place to look to find possibilities may be the PGA, WTA, Soccer Clubs/Leagues etc.

On qualifiers, it would be great to see the development of regional tours, or worldwide qualifying events that provide a good long term test to help sort out the truly best players out there.

But the IPT is young. Just a few months ago many were sitting on the fence. The applicants had no guarantees of any cash like they do now. Regional tours were sitting back and waiting to see what was gonna happen.

As the IPT puts more into place, more players, more tour organizers and more rooms and other industry players will be looking for ways to cooperate and help build the IPT into a comprehensive structure.

Those that jumped in behind the tour and supported it when it appeared little more than an unstructured dream are deserving of some rewards I believe. The applicants were willing to risk losing 8-10k just to play and try their luck. Something the current qualifiers who missed the first boat are having to do.

I feel for those having to go through the qualification system, but that is the price of sitting on the fence, not jumping onto the right boat in time, or simply not making an effort to keep abreast of developments in the game.

I started of a bit sceptical, but did my homework, and was confident that KT had something very promising on offer.

It had never been financially advisable for me to move off to the US to try my luck on a tour. You had the guts / opportunity to try this and saw that it was very hard to pay the bills despite your impressive performances as a relative newbie on the 9-Ball tour.

The one time in my life I saw an event that promised decent returns, the 800k Japan IBC event, I got my 1st US cue, started learning some 9-ball and tried my luck. If there really was to be a pool tour that could provide a career opportunity, I wanted to give my long held dream a shot.

So much of this does come down to money. To be a real pro- full time - pool or snooker player, you need to pay the bills, have incentives, so you can dedicate yourself to being the best you can be.

So the idea that a tour could exist, where 100+ players can be real full time professionals, and there is a chance to play amongst amazing fields, all around the world at great locations and becoming widely appreciated for your efforts and achievements has to be the ultimate dream for any ambitious pool enthusiast.

Within reason, whatever it takes to make that possible is worth doing in my book. For that reason, I think it is more productive to look at the positives.

I don't want to silence those who want to split hairs, look in a gift horse in the mouth, or simply raise questions / concerns. I just want to show the gift horse as it is, and provide insights as to what that gift horse does and why it does it in order to become a champion. And barrack it along!

Jake,
Youre a sly one, but that analogy doesnt quite work now does it. Nothing wrong with paying 10k if thats what everyone had to do, how would you feel if you studied your ass off for tens years to become a doctor, and then you found out some other guy got handed his degree for free and didn't have to study at all! Equality is what Im upset at nothing more.

Colin,
You are assuming that the players didn't apply, this is not what Im talking about. Im talking about the players that DID apply, and not at the last second and didn't get selected. People ranked highly that deserved their chance much more than, dare I say it yourself. I don't believe that submiting a nicely worded application or submitting it a few weeks before a player who has dedicated his life to pool for the last ten years makes anyone more deserving. There was only one deadline on applications, it wasn't first in first served. If you missed the deadline tough titty, if you got it in on time he should have chosen the best end of story.

 

[JAM]

JAM, my post was not directed at you. No, I am not a KT supporter. No, I don't wish the tour to fail. Yes, I hope some pool players cash in. That's about it. I will tell ya one thing. The pool players nor the game itself are what KT is interested in. As soon as what he is looking for doesn't materialize, he will be gone.
My comment about "who made that decision ?" was serious. Baby, if you have children, a wife, mortgage, food, cars, etc, etc, to pay for, you better have a back-up plan or ya let everyone down. You know exactly what I am talking about.
Best Regards, Don

Donny Boy, of course, I know what you're talking about. I feel like a big alligater in a gerbil wheel, trying to keep my head above water. This pool lifestyle ain't cheap, and there is no way I could ever quit my day job and enjoy a lifestyle I am accustomed to, to include the spoiled daughter who always puts the bite on me, the house expenditures and rising property taxes, food (always got money for food ), dependable car, medical insurance, house insurance, car insurance, Federal taxes, State taxes, even though D.C. doesn't get to vote, and continue my journey in this wonderful world of pocket billiards. I cannot tell you how many tournaments I have been to where you MUST come in third or fourth place to break even. These week-long events are a drain on the pocketbook.

I am not going to judge Kevin Trudeau by what I have read in the media because the media is the worst of all evils, IMHO, and you know what I'm talking about!

I met the man. He shoots from the hip and follows through. He is sincere, and everything he has said, he's accomplished. The first official event has not occurred yet, but when it does, it is going to put pool on the map. Wu, Ronnie Alcano, Cliff Joyner, Frankie Hernandez, and every other pool-playing champion from around the world wants to take a ride on the IPT train. The more the merrier, I say! The more diversified, the better the tour, too.

Well, I've going to get back to banging a few more pages, so that I can leave town with a clean conscience. Best to you and yours, Don!

JAM

 

[JAM]

I'm confused, why are you talking about the hall of famers? Who said they didn't deserve what they get?

Too many contradictions I don't know where to start!...P.S. I picked up my first cue several years before my 9th birthday, approx 25 years ago

Same age as my daughter, and for some reason, we never do see eye to eye on some topics.

I celebrate the players who are fortunate enough to be on the first season of the IPT tour. I look forward to seeing many more new ones enter the fray. This tour is a huge undertaking, but one which has to reach a few milestones before it is deemed credible in the eyes of the world. I'm going to lay odds that the IPT gets there.

JAM

 

[jjinfla]

quote TheOne:

This sounds more like a faith than a pool tour. Rule by fear, that'll work. Next step player contracts, "well if you don't believe..."


How about calling it Loyalty.



1) IMO It would be in the interest of ALL players (mainly the IPT players) if the IPT avoided date clashes and didn't target the WPA.


I agree completely. But it really is not a reasonable request. There just are not enough days in the year to accomplish that. Surely you understand that. Did the IPT intentionally schedule a date to conflict with the US Open? I don't know. I hope not just because it has been around for so long and is a prestigious event and players really do like it.

There are two IPT qualifier in the next two weeks. Did anyone notice that the second qualifier conflicts with the upcoming WPBA event? No one seems to care about that.

As far as a war with the WPA. I believe that the WPA fired the first two rounds at the IPT.


2)I would also like to see the IPT make the qualifiers more accessible so we don't have to wait years to see the BEST players on the IPT.[/B]



It would be nice, but again, there just are so many days in a year.


Jake

 

[TheOne]

quote TheOne:

This sounds more like a faith than a pool tour. Rule by fear, that'll work. Next step player contracts, "well if you don't believe..."


How about calling it Loyalty.



1) IMO It would be in the interest of ALL players (mainly the IPT players) if the IPT avoided date clashes and didn't target the WPA.


I agree completely. But it really is not a reasonable request. There just are not enough days in the year to accomplish that. Surely you understand that. Did the IPT intentionally schedule a date to conflict with the US Open? I don't know. I hope not just because it has been around for so long and is a prestigious event and players really do like it.

There are two IPT qualifier in the next two weeks. Did anyone notice that the second qualifier conflicts with the upcoming WPBA event? No one seems to care about that.

As far as a war with the WPA. I believe that the WPA fired the first two rounds at the IPT.


2)I would also like to see the IPT make the qualifiers more accessible so we don't have to wait years to see the BEST players on the IPT.[/B]



It would be nice, but again, there just are so many days in a year.


Jake

Hi Jake,
I think the point that you and the IPT members choose to ignore and is probably what got me upset is that the IPT said "they had done everything they could to work with promoters". We now know this is a LIE I don't appreciate being made a fool of. I believed him when he said this and I was singing their praises for it as its about time we had a tour that didnt play politics at the expense of the players! I don't think anyone thats not wearing a 13k pair of blinkers can't see that the IPT wasn't just unlucky that all its events clash with the biggest events in WPC world pool! Especially since we know venues where not booked up and the UK event doesnt even have a venue yet and it clash with both WPC's!!! Yes the WPA fired the first shots but don't say one thing and do another, and if the IPT take on the WPA who gets hurt - ALL the players! YES, ALL, if the US Open gets bigger and better like Colin suggests then the IPT pplayers likes of Reyes, Immonen, Kieth have to make a horrible choice. If it goes bust and dissapears then the NON IPT players have nothing to play in. You can't have it both ways, IPT targetting the biggest events in pool is bad for the players not matter which way you spin it.

As for the qualifers, I doubt you will find many players complaining if he had $500 qualifiers every weekend from now until the first event. Probably about 25 weekends? Not enough time? Not enough will I think...

 

[pro9dg]

Something had to give! The Mosconi Cup will be played a week earlier which is probably a good thing any way as it distances itself from Christmas. Matchroom Sports Compromise.
In return, the IPT will reschedule their dates to avoid the Matchroom promoted WPA World 9 Ball Championship. IPT Compromise.
Finding a spot for the WPA World 8 Ball is still to be solved but where there is a will there is a way.
You didn't think that Kevin Trudeau would wage a war with Barry Hearn did you?

 

[TheOne]

Something had to give! The Mosconi Cup will be played a week earlier which is probably a good thing any way as it distances itself from Christmas. Matchroom Sports Compromise.
In return, the IPT will reschedule their dates to avoid the Matchroom promoted WPA World 9 Ball Championship. IPT Compromise.
Finding a spot for the WPA World 8 Ball is still to be solved but where there is a will there is a way.
You didn't think that Kevin Trudeau would wage a war with Barry Hearn did you?

Now that's brilliant news - who said forums don't make a difference!!!

(puts cheerleader skirt and pom poms on [any excuse ]) Give me a "K", give me a "T"



PS
Now just the qualiers to sort out

 

[Colin Colenso]

Colin,
You are assuming that the players didn't apply, this is not what Im talking about. Im talking about the players that DID apply, and not at the last second and didn't get selected. People ranked highly that deserved their chance much more than, dare I say it yourself. I don't believe that submiting a nicely worded application or submitting it a few weeks before a player who has dedicated his life to pool for the last ten years makes anyone more deserving. There was only one deadline on applications, it wasn't first in first served. If you missed the deadline tough titty, if you got it in on time he should have chosen the best end of story.

I'm not aware of any big name players who applied before the deadline who missed out. Danny Harriman has been mentioned but there seems to be some confusion about that.

If I am the boss of a company, I will certainly give preference to those who submit applications early and present them well.

It's true I don't know who applied, when and how and all the reasons for considerations. I expect 90% of applications came from within the US, and there was a concerted effort to try to ensure greater international representation. If I were a representative of the US, I most likely would have missed out. I don't think I'm fooling myself about that.

We heard Pagulayan say that he was too lazy to get his application in on time and accepted the consequences. Those who wait or who aren't informed suffer costs for this everywhere in the market. That is what I meant by early applicants deserving, at least partly, the advantages that have accrued to them in some way.

I don't completely recall your own story, but didn't you say you were tardy getting your application in? Even though you knew about it way in advance?

How many of the guys who are playing in the qualifiers submitted applications on time and missed out? That's what I'd like to know. I haven't heard of any thus far. So I have to wonder about the commitment of those who applied and didn't get a call up.

I can tell you that if I had of not been selected, would have done whatever I could to get to qualifiers. Maybe that passion shone through in my application. This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, something far beyond what I consider the WPC or US Open could ever offer. It potentially provides adequate returns for efforts - investments put in.

 

[Mike Templeton]

The history of a sport is just that. History. Sports (and the players) have to follow the money.

This reminds me of what NASCAR has done the past couple of years. Most people don't realize that the France family owns NASCAR. And they have grown the sport many fold.

Some of my most fond memories are with my Dad when we went to Darlington Raceway in South Carolina every Labor Day. The stands were full, and it was always an awesome time. But the France family bought land and built multi-million dollar race tracks in Texas, Chicago, and all over America. They said it was to expose more people to the sport and to make it grow even more. Nothing is further from the truth (IMO). The France's didn't own Darlington, or Rockingham, or any of the other tracks (except Charlotte, I think) on the NASCAR circuit. Since the family runs the sport, and can do as they please, they took the Labor Day race away from Darlington. And they took races from many other tracks that made the sport what it is today, only to move them to the new race venues that the France family owns, bringing in millions more each year for the family, and allowing them to dominate the sport with any rules that they see fit. Because of my fond memories of my Dad and I being there, I was bitter at NASCAR for a long time, and wouldn't watch a race. NASCAR has no Union, or even driver representatives. They are on their own, much like pool players are. Drivers have no voice in the matters of race scheduling. Just like pool players have no scheduling power for the US Open, or any other major pool event. As disappointed as I was from a fan's view, I don't see how drivers can be blamed for going and racing at the new tracks. That's where the big bucks are paid. Not at the little weekend races at the older tracks. If the US Open pays $50,000 and the IPT pays $250,000, who can blame anyone for playing the IPT events. My post is not who is right or wrong, or if the IPT intentionally is trying to ruin the other big tournaments. It doesn't matter. KT has the money, and if the players want a chunk, they have to do what is required to get it.

The US Open is a great event. Hopefully it will be allowed to continue. If not, it was great for the history of the game and should be remembered as such.

Mike

 

[JAM]

Something had to give! The Mosconi Cup will be played a week earlier which is probably a good thing any way as it distances itself from Christmas. Matchroom Sports Compromise.
In return, the IPT will reschedule their dates to avoid the Matchroom promoted WPA World 9 Ball Championship. IPT Compromise.
Finding a spot for the WPA World 8 Ball is still to be solved but where there is a will there is a way.
You didn't think that Kevin Trudeau would wage a war with Barry Hearn did you?

A voice from afar! This is GREAT news, Doug.

I think I remember reading that Kevin Trudeau did chance a meeting with Barry Hearn when he was an audience member at a pool event in Vegas not so long ago. It's amazing what a little compromise and negotiation can do. Hopefully, the rest of the remaining scheduling clashes can be ironed out as well.

JAM

 

[TheOne]

I'm not aware of any big name players who applied before the deadline who missed out. Danny Harriman has been mentioned but there seems to be some confusion about that.

If I am the boss of a company, I will certainly give preference to those who submit applications early and present them well.

It's true I don't know who applied, when and how and all the reasons for considerations. I expect 90% of applications came from within the US, and there was a concerted effort to try to ensure greater international representation. If I were a representative of the US, I most likely would have missed out. I don't think I'm fooling myself about that.

We heard Pagulayan say that he was too lazy to get his application in on time and accepted the consequences. Those who wait or who aren't informed suffer costs for this everywhere in the market. That is what I meant by early applicants deserving, at least partly, the advantages that have accrued to them in some way.

I don't completely recall your own story, but didn't you say you were tardy getting your application in? Even though you knew about it way in advance?

How many of the guys who are playing in the qualifiers submitted applications on time and missed out? That's what I'd like to know. I haven't heard of any thus far. So I have to wonder about the commitment of those who applied and didn't get a call up.

I can tell you that if I had of not been selected, would have done whatever I could to get to qualifiers. Maybe that passion shone through in my application. This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, something far beyond what I consider the WPC or US Open could ever offer. It potentially provides adequate returns for efforts - investments put in.

Quite a few deserving (IMO) submitted applications and didnt get selected. We've discussed this I think we agree on what happened with the IPT and how they probably ran out of spots. HOWEVER this doesnt forgive him for then charging 2k to the players that where unfortunate! He's basically kicked them in the teeth and then turned them round and b***ered them!

But like I said, I think he reads the forums and I reckon I don't think he totally disagree's, hence the 6 rack bonus and kick backs for beating the MOUTH.

Come on KT, it doesn't have to be 2k to limit the field, the US Open and WPC proves this.

 

[Colin Colenso]

Something had to give! The Mosconi Cup will be played a week earlier which is probably a good thing any way as it distances itself from Christmas. Matchroom Sports Compromise.
In return, the IPT will reschedule their dates to avoid the Matchroom promoted WPA World 9 Ball Championship. IPT Compromise.
Finding a spot for the WPA World 8 Ball is still to be solved but where there is a will there is a way.
You didn't think that Kevin Trudeau would wage a war with Barry Hearn did you?

Thanks for the update pro9dg!

I was suprised that KT seemed to be waging war with Barry Hearn and pleased to hear a report that things are being sorted out.

 

[Colin Colenso]

Quite a few deserving (IMO) submitted applications and didnt get selected. We've discussed this I think we agree on what happened with the IPT and how they probably ran out of spots. HOWEVER this doesnt forgive him for then charging 2k to the players that where unfortunate! He's basically kicked them in the teeth and then turned them round and b***ered them!

But like I said, I think he reads the forums and I reckon I don't think he totally disagree's, hence the 6 rack bonus and kick backs for beating the MOUTH.

Come on KT, it doesn't have to be 2k to limit the field, the US Open and WPC proves this.

Maybe I missed some info about deserving payers who applied and didn't get selected.

I've also never said the 2k was the best way to go, but explained my ideas on why that number may have been chosen. I would like to see maybe $500 entries and think that that could have increased the size of the fields 4 fold or more. I suspect it was a logistical issue rather than a revenue issue.

For the foreigners who travel to try to qualify, a high entry would increase their investment - return ratio as they're up for nearly 2k just on travel - accomodation expenses.

But yeah, I would like to see lower entry costs, but figure the qualifiers for qualifiers can provide a market solution for that. Anyone's free to run their own local event and get 10 players putting up a few hundred each to send the winner to a qualifier.

Perhaps what you'd really like to see is for less of the current IPT members win automatic qualifying for 2007, say the top 50 instead of top 100? Or more new players coming in sooner rather than at the end of 2006? As a way to bridge the divide between those chosen and those who missed out.

I certainly don't think such ideas are silly. But then again, I'd likely oppose them on the grounds that I and many others have reorganized their lives based on the incentives that have been promised to us.

I do think things will probably change with future developments and lessons learned. Some of these changes may be along the lines you are hoping for.

 

[NaClBandit]

Something had to give! The Mosconi Cup will be played a week earlier which is probably a good thing any way as it distances itself from Christmas. Matchroom Sports Compromise...

Got a link?

 

[trizzat]

my views on the ipt

I have developed many opinions on the ipt. For the most part I exclusively lurk and have made very few posts, because people are so quick to jump on others about their OPINIONS. I feel very strongly about this subject, so I have forced myself out of lurk mode and decided to voice my OPINION of what is happening. The issue of the IPT is extremely critcal for the advancement of the game we all love.

First, I would like to state that I was very skeptical at first about KT's intentions, as were most. I thought it was most likely a scam and he was going to take all the $899 tour memberships and run, would have been a quick little score. Now that he has invested millions of his own dollars in the tour I can see that is not the case.

This is pool's pivotal moment in history. No one has ever provided such a great opportunity for the game to be boosted to the level of golf, poker, or tennis. Although I know the IPT doesn't offer quite that level of payout or exposure yet he is heading in that direction. We as the pool playing public must support the tour cause if we don't believe in it why would the non pool players, that he is trying to reach, believe in it.

For years people have complained that we need unity in the pool world to further the game. Players and/or promoters would complain about the existing tours and decide the best way to fix it was to start their own tour, which would compete with these flawed tours already in existence. This is what KT is doing, however it is a much bigger deal because he has the money to run right over the existing tours. Running a pool tour is a BUSINESS and KT is treating it as such. One of the objectives in business is to take business away from your competitors.

Up until now most promoters were players themselves who loved the game and wanted to do their part to help further the game, they were insiders. KT is viewed as an outsider and he is coming in to our world with his big business background and making major changes to pool as we know it. It is normal for people to fear change.

As for the existing promoters, such as Barry and Eydie, I feel for you, you have done everything you can for the game we love. The avenues just haven't become available for you to take pool to the level that KT will be able to take it. I don't believe any of us have nearly the money he has to work with. I also ask you not to close up shop or cancel any events just because it clashes with one of the IPT's events. As some have pointed out the IPT will only comprise the top 150 players in the world. I know there are literally thousands of other top players out there, not on the IPT tour that are capable of playing at a world champion level, just look at the brackets for the qualifiers. These players will fill your events and they are capable of showing world class pool to the fans. Your events will not suffer, but prosper. The IPT will with the TV exposure draw many more fans and amatuer players into the game. This will increase the turnout for all of the smaller tournaments.

As for the US Open, it would be a real shame if he cancels due to the schedule clash. Yes, the big names, who are IPT members will be playing the IPT event but this will be an opportunity for many non IPT members to showcase their skills. The US Open title will lose some of its allure without merging with the IPT but it can still be the creme de la creme of amateur tournaments. It could showcase the top non IPT talent in the world and be the who's who of who will be going for their tour card next year. This brings me to my next point.

All existing tours will have to eventually concede that the IPT is the only pro tour. Yes, there will be pro players who fell off the bottom 50 of the tour but until next year they will have to work on their games in the amateur tours and try for another shot in the qualifiers.

Eventually I would hope that they would expand the number of tour members, since there are many more worthy players out there. It would be a shame for only a small percentage of world class players to be able to make a living in one given year.

As for this years selection process of players, I believe KT did what he felt was his best. Prior to the player list release I was a little skeptical due to his friendship with Sigel. I thought he might select a bunch of second rate players and make it the Mike Sigel tour, but he didn't. He selected for the most part world class players and we can argue others are better till were blue in the face. My list would have been different than his but hey he's running the tour not me. Within the next two years only the best will be on tour.

Let me just say that I am not an IPT member and am on the outside looking in, so to speak. I do believe that the future of pool lies in KT's hands and I can only hope he treats it good, pool is in a way all of our's collective baby. Everyone is so nervous that he's going to hurt it.

Anyone who has a problem with what I've said, or my literary skills, can take it up with me at the SBE on the table.

Trizzat (sorry so long, a lot to say as I don't post much)