There aren't THAT many B-n-R's in 10ball. Wouldn't think they'd need to go this route.
I tend to agree with you, but there is a different reality in the Philippines. For them Ten Ball is a relatively easy game to play, after growing up playing Rotation. The “break and run” is a big part of their game and the top players (maybe 40-50 players) are all good at doing exactly that.
In another thread there is a long lament about the sad state of the game for pro players who are trying to make a living. You won’t hear that conversation in the Philippines! They see their countrymen making five figure scores and that looks like a big payday to them.
A good job there (which is hard to get) might pay anywhere from $10 to $20 a day, and you will be working ten hour days, six days a week! A typical annual salary is in the five to six thousand range. So having a chance to make ten or twenty thousand in one pool tournament is very appealing. It’s no accident the Pinoys have dominated the American pool scene for many years now.
By the same token we are now seeing the influx of European players everywhere pro pool is played, most of who also come from humble surroundings. Say what you want about the state of professional pool, but when young players see the pros making 30K, 40K and 50K scores, that looks attractive to them and they want a piece.
The very best players are earning six figure incomes today from combined tournament winnings and sponsorship money. That is the pot of gold these young guys are going after!
But then again maybe Orcollo was willing to take bigger risk cos this was not major event.
