As many know, I do not participate much on AZB anymore; I have concentrated on some other pool related projects. However, my recent week at the DCC required that I post some of my experiences.
I have attended the last 10 years, and can say without question that this was the greatest spectating event they have had. Unbelievably great.
I concentrated on the Ten Ball and Straight Pool Events on the 10 foot tables. These tables definitely separated the elite players from the journeymen - a result that is NOT seen on the nine footers anymore. The modern players are too good, and the nine footers do not offer enough challenge to truly separate and challenge.
It was fabulous to see how some of the elite rose to the challenge, and others of slightly less skill were bothered or embarrassed. Those spectators that prefer 7 packs and 200 ball runs will be better served to go watch the bar table events (more seating room for me).
The quality of play was stellar and I offer praise and thanks to Greg Sullivan and to Jay Helfert in particular who put in huge sums of their own money to make this the best Derby I have EVER been to. Thanks also to the others who contributed, I just don't know who and how much; but I love you ALL.
I hope the ten foot table trend continues, and I hope it gets into the Mosconi Cup. It is the equipment where the big boys play; and is a nice compromise for the European snooker players, and the American 9-foot players. The pressure of Mosconi Cup is INTENSE, and these big tables will provide drama GALORE in such a competition.
I know that Greg Sullivan is very interested in promoting play on this more demanding equipment, and I will do everything I can to help him. It was an awesome viewing experience. I don't care about the current scarcity of the tables, or their differences from the standard tables of the first half of the twentieth century - these tables test the pros; and are a very fair test of skill. And it was FUN, FUN, FUN (couldn't even play because I was so captivated by the spectacle...no small thing as those who know my level of fanatacism can attest:smile
.
It was great seeing Danny D., Mark Wilson, Bobby Hunter, Jerry Briesath, George Pawelski, Johnny Archer, sjm, Joe Tucker, elvicash, DMGWalsh, Marop, Jay Helfert, Greg Sullivan, Mark and Sunny Griffin, 1on1pooltournys, sandianakid, trustyrusty, Hal.....heck, too many to mention. Lots of great nightcaps and pool conversations.
Why the hell didn't you all attend???????????????? You missed out big time:smile:.
I have attended the last 10 years, and can say without question that this was the greatest spectating event they have had. Unbelievably great.
I concentrated on the Ten Ball and Straight Pool Events on the 10 foot tables. These tables definitely separated the elite players from the journeymen - a result that is NOT seen on the nine footers anymore. The modern players are too good, and the nine footers do not offer enough challenge to truly separate and challenge.
It was fabulous to see how some of the elite rose to the challenge, and others of slightly less skill were bothered or embarrassed. Those spectators that prefer 7 packs and 200 ball runs will be better served to go watch the bar table events (more seating room for me).
The quality of play was stellar and I offer praise and thanks to Greg Sullivan and to Jay Helfert in particular who put in huge sums of their own money to make this the best Derby I have EVER been to. Thanks also to the others who contributed, I just don't know who and how much; but I love you ALL.
I hope the ten foot table trend continues, and I hope it gets into the Mosconi Cup. It is the equipment where the big boys play; and is a nice compromise for the European snooker players, and the American 9-foot players. The pressure of Mosconi Cup is INTENSE, and these big tables will provide drama GALORE in such a competition.
I know that Greg Sullivan is very interested in promoting play on this more demanding equipment, and I will do everything I can to help him. It was an awesome viewing experience. I don't care about the current scarcity of the tables, or their differences from the standard tables of the first half of the twentieth century - these tables test the pros; and are a very fair test of skill. And it was FUN, FUN, FUN (couldn't even play because I was so captivated by the spectacle...no small thing as those who know my level of fanatacism can attest:smile
.It was great seeing Danny D., Mark Wilson, Bobby Hunter, Jerry Briesath, George Pawelski, Johnny Archer, sjm, Joe Tucker, elvicash, DMGWalsh, Marop, Jay Helfert, Greg Sullivan, Mark and Sunny Griffin, 1on1pooltournys, sandianakid, trustyrusty, Hal.....heck, too many to mention. Lots of great nightcaps and pool conversations.
Why the hell didn't you all attend???????????????? You missed out big time:smile:.