POOLLAND – a phenomenon or just a well delivered task ???

pooler

pooler

Europe - TD, TL & Ref
Silver Member
Some of you may be aware that the World Pool Masters 2012, one of the most prestigious World event, has just finished. No much input was put here, at the Forum, so I am mentioning it in such a particular way.

Please note: My intention is not to brag about things, just (in a different way) to address the everlasting, “moaning” topics of: Pool is dying, Rooms are closing, Pool has a “fatal flow”, “No hustle no more”, game has no appeal, etc.

First some data:

2011 WPA World Juniors Championships, Kielce, Poland (strong, international field)
Juniors Division:
Winner: Marek Kudlik – Poland
Runner up: Konrad Piekarski – Poland
Girls Division:
Winner: Oliwia Czuprynska – Poland
2012 World Pool Masters, Kielce, Poland (invitational ???, strong, international field)
Winner: Karol Skowerski – Poland
Runner up: Mateusz Sniegocki – Poland
One may say: playing on the home ground is an advantage – perhaps yes, or perhaps not quite, as it puts you under extra pressure due to mountain high expectations, nevertheless.
There is a bit more:
2012 World Cup of Pool, Manila, Philippines (team doubles format)
Runners up – Karol Skowerski, Wojciech Szewczyk – Poland
Here hats off to Winners:Team Finland

I have researched this forum, looking for some extra answers to my individual pursuit. Many wise opinions and experiences I was able to find – for which I thank you all.

However, I have been constantly confronted by the negativities regarding the subject of improvement to our sport.
Even if something started afresh (positive), in no time it goes to the usual: oh, it is somebody else’s fault; oh, that is a “no can do”; or “Mr such and such is to blame”.

I do fully understand that it is a public, internet forum – freedom of speech and so: no statement is really to stand up to any obligation. So, it may continue this way with most participants just moaning about a current, not so pleasant status quo.
But does this make anyone feeling better ???


Point to make:

There are many places in the World where Pool as a game/sport is developing relatively well. It is NOT exclusively due to great financial resources (i.e. government funding); in majority of cases it is purely a result of heaps of well defined, modern style, diligent activity of some (individuals, groups).
Yes, we do have our problems; yes, in some cases we do have trouble to work them out; yes, not everything is “pinky rosy” but we push forward, at all costs !!!

Charge:

The current apathy, lethargy, stagnation (or shall we call it: senile atrophy – no offence) of Pool in America (the home / cradle of Pool ???) is not helping the World. And that is put mildly !!! In fact, it is an ultimate damage !!! It has a crushing effect on the whole outcome Worlwide, it is also demotivating !!!
And China is working more harder than any of us!!! Look at Women’s Division; now, that is scary!!!

Challenge:

Remember the old song: “... Get up, Stand up... ???
Well, let me paraphrase it: “Get up, Stand up, Wake up, POOL UP...!!!


SUMMARY:

America was once a “pool land” in the eyes of the World. Well, is it still ???

We have a new Poolland rising; or perhaps even a few...

But we need your help for the sport to progress Worldwide... a bit quicker than now.
Without You it may not be fun anymore...

Someone does not deliver the goods ???
Shall we have, at last, a serious talk about this: conclusions and solutions oriented?
 
No work Ethic!

The American players dont want to work. They want it given to them. I hear all the time coming fromhigh level pool players that they cant make money at the game, so it aint worth playing.

I hear that itis impossible to work a job and play pool at a high level, but none of these guys play at a high level anyway, not compared to the rest of the world!

Our country still has far better conditions than most countries for the sport, so is just an excuse to say that its the money. I would love to see the prize money triple and it should. The field shuold have a far better pay out, no one should leave a tourny with $200 as a top 20 finisher.

Having said that, we have to put a product out there world wide that demands attention, players have to step up and to date only a couple of American players have.
 
I was told a story by a former WPBA player who was approached years ago by two up and coming top male players.

They asked how the ladies managed to line up exhibitions and clinics all over the country. The WPBA player listed the things that needed to be done...

Work up a routine that could be done at various exhibitions
Contact rooms all across the US
Sell themselves to those rooms
etc
etc
etc

One of the male players replied something along the lines of "That sounds like a lot of work. Can't we just find someone who can do that for us?"

Mike
 
pooler said:
Some of you may be aware that the World Pool Masters 2012, one of the most prestigious World event, has just finished. No much input was put here, at the Forum, so I am mentioning it in such a particular way.
ns oriented?[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B]
Click to expand...


Pure luck, nothing more, good for them Polish kids. Had you have a stream set up, i bet you lots will watch, if not for Poland's players the other players at least. This was extremely disappointing.
 
pooler said:
Some of you may be aware that the World Pool Masters 2012, one of the most prestigious World event, has just finished. No much input was put here, at the Forum, so I am mentioning it in such a particular way.
Click to expand...

There was not much input on this forum...and we had a man on the ground.
Next time start a thread and keep us informed, pictures would be nice also.

I'm personally pleased that you're a member of this forum and the Lock
Society...stay in touch.

regards
double hemlock
 
AzHousePro said:
I was told a story by a former WPBA player who was approached years ago by two up and coming top male players.

They asked how the ladies managed to line up exhibitions and clinics all over the country. The WPBA player listed the things that needed to be done...

Work up a routine that could be done at various exhibitions
Contact rooms all across the US
Sell themselves to those rooms
etc
etc
etc

One of the male players replied something along the lines of "That sounds like a lot of work. Can't we just find someone who can do that for us?"

Mike
Click to expand...

Maybe this is something the ABP could start doing, lol.
 
naji said:
Pure luck, nothing more, good for them Polish kids.
Click to expand...

Well, one coudn't agree more :wink:; I heard that one of the most famous Hustlers had once said :
"The more I practice - the more lucky I get" :wink:

naji said:
Had you have a stream set up, i bet you lots will watch, if not for Poland's players the other players at least. This was extremely disappointing.
Click to expand...

Correct, it was disappointing having no stream; however, it was Matchroom's policy (as the main organizer) for this event. It was recorded only and will be made into one-hour broadcasts to be viewed later this year.
Unofficial, insider's info claims that it will be broadcasted in the USA, as well.

Will post info here as soon as I know more.

Regards
 
pt109 said:
There was not much input on this forum...and we had a man on the ground.
Next time start a thread and keep us informed, pictures would be nice also.
Click to expand...

Well, I had seen some thread already started about the World Pool Masters so I did not want to double the topic; later it turned out no one continued with it.

As a fairly new member here I am not sure what are the main circles of interest of this Forum but, from your suggestion, I understand it is OK to bring to everyone’ attention here what is happening in Europe ???

To continue with the topic, here are links to pictures from the event:

DAY ONE:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.469807956392969.104374.221166347923799&type=1
DAY TWO:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.470211293019302.104460.221166347923799&type=3
DAY THREE:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.470621572978274.104565.221166347923799&type=1


pt109 said:
I'm personally pleased that you're a member of this forum and the Lock
Society...stay in touch.
regards
double hemlock
Click to expand...

To >WO double hemLock<:
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, the pleasure is all mine. Also, congratulations on your recent promotion, Sir.

Regards to all
 
pooler said:
Well, one coudn't agree more :wink:; I heard that one of the most famous Hustlers had once said :
"The more I practice - the more lucky I get" :wink:



Correct, it was disappointing having no stream; however, it was Matchroom's policy (as the main organizer) for this event. It was recorded only and will be made into one-hour broadcasts to be viewed later this year.
Unofficial, insider's info claims that it will be broadcasted in the USA, as well.

Will post info here as soon as I know more.

Regards
Click to expand...

Thanks. I really hope they can make it to the US Open, will be great to watch them play.
 
Mike...ROTFLMAO! As somebody who does exhibitions for a living (and has for almost 20 straight years), I can say that whoever that WPBA player was, was right on the mark. You have to be much more than just a good player (in fact that's probably the least important element) to keep people entertained. Several years ago I seriously enterained the idea of creating a "team" of pros who would tour the country, doing exhibitions (individually and in groups). I would have acted as a 'booking agency', and the 'team' would have been marketed to corporate America and all the different trade shows, as well as the college and military market. At the time I was willing to accept prospective players who were: tournament players, gamblers/hustlers, trick shot artists or professional instructors (really just about anybody who was serious about wanting to make a living playing pool). There would have been "rules" somewhat similar to what KT made the players do for the IPT (only everybody would get paid). The 'team' concept was what the whole idea was based on, and required a "buy-in" of $5000, which was guaranteed to be a net return within one year (obviously my idea was to book far more business for the players, but the net return on their investment was guaranteed). At the time, I pitched the idea to several top pro players. JA couldn't "see" the benefit of paying upfront to be part of a team concept; Hillbilly was interested, but wanted to make payments on the initial fee (go to a bank and get a loan Charlie). There were others, male and female, but suffice it to say that nobody wanted to, or could afford to step up to the plate (which included being able to "see" the benefit for the future of the sport, as well as themselves, individually and as a sort of Team America). I still believe in the concept, but have been soured by the negative attitudes of so many of the pros ("what's in it for ME").

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

AzHousePro said:
I was told a story by a former WPBA player who was approached years ago by two up and coming top male players.

They asked how the ladies managed to line up exhibitions and clinics all over the country. The WPBA player listed the things that needed to be done...

Work up a routine that could be done at various exhibitions
Contact rooms all across the US
Sell themselves to those rooms
etc
etc
etc

One of the male players replied something along the lines of "That sounds like a lot of work. Can't we just find someone who can do that for us?"

Mike
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
The fine showing of Poland at the World Pool Masters is something to celebrate, in my view.

Emerging excellence is always worth celebrating, whether it is American, Asian, or European. Seems European pool was once the domain of Germany and the Netherlands alone. As we've seen, a Finn (Mika Immonen) and an Englishman (Darren Appleton) have combined to win the last four US Open 9-ball events, a Frenchman has won the World 14.1 event (Stefan Cohen), a Spaniard (David Alcaide) reached the final of the US Open 10-ball, and many other Europeans have made their presence known in events having the toughest fields.

The recent emergence of Greece (Ekonomopolous) and the two Polish players who reached the final at the World Pool Masters is impressive indeed. Europe marches on.
 
sjm said:
The fine showing of Poland at the World Pool Masters is something to celebrate, in my view.

Emerging excellence is always worth celebrating, whether it is American, Asian, or European. Seems European pool was once the domain of Germany and the Netherlands alone. As we've seen, a Finn (Mika Immonen) and an Englishman (Darren Appleton) have combined to win the last four US Open 9-ball events, a Frenchman has won the World 14.1 event (Stefan Cohen), a Spaniard (David Alcaide) reached the final of the US Open 10-ball, and many other Europeans have made their presence known in events having the toughest fields.

The recent emergence of Greece (Ekonomopolous) and the two Polish players who reached the final at the World Pool Masters is impressive indeed. Europe marches on.
Click to expand...

Europe have better chance of winning, lots of the players adapts snooker style play. stance, chin touching shaft, which tends to give much more pocketing accuracy, which results on repeat wins.
 
to keep you entertained

pt109 said:
Here's a little view of Karol Skowerski....
...we're going to be seeing more of this player.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6_QFEpcGJI&feature=relmfu
Click to expand...

Just to freshen up the thread and keep you focus on the “Poolland”:

There is no news from Matchroom yet, as to any broadcasts’ plans. To be honest, something is not quite OK this year: the WPM Website was updated really late before the event; it still looks neglected in some parts, etc.

Nevertheless:

Just to keep you entertained, here is the link to just "one off" past match of this years’ WPM Champion, Karol Skowerski; for a change: straight pool :):wink::); precisely: I hope some of you, connoisseurs, might like the concept.

http://www.tvsports.pl/retransmisja_mp14_2011.php?pojedynek=2 just click on the arrow to start
(unfortunately, there is something wrong with the settings, if you want to get it full screen, you must carefully look at the bottom of the small frame – there is just a trace of the frame controls – if you just are precise enough you will find the control to enlarge the picture to the full screen – sorry, for some reasons the admin of the page keeps it this way ???). And, sorry, the commentary is in Polish :boring2:

Once you are through with this, in some time, I will try to give you something much better.

Meanwhile, still wanting your opinions on the main topic of the thread :rolleyes:
 
Last edited:
I'm enjoying the match, thanx.
http://www.tvsports.pl/retransmisja_mp14_2011.php?pojedynek=2
I'll watch it in parts.

One thing I noted that most snooker players do that should be copied by
'full rack' pool players....
When you're shooting over the pack, sometimes the only way to hit the
ball without fouling is to stack a second rest. When the pack foul was made
in the first rack, his moosehead rest on top of the spider rest would have
done the job.


I don't know much Polish, but the play is 'dobre'
 
let's refresh the topic

I have promised that as soon as I found any info on the original topic I would post it; unfortunately, there is nothing about the World Pool Masters 2012 available yet.
However, I was able to find a match from the Matchroom World Cup of Pool 2012:
Poland vs Australia
Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ0UwkXVU80

Enjoy :)
 
news about some results at the European Championships 2013

Just to keep You up to date about the status quo of Pool in Poland:

During the European Championships that started few days ago (this time in Portoroz, Slovenia) two disciplines have already been played:
Straight Pool and 10-ball.

Players representing Poland took out 5 medals already, which is yet the best achievement ever. :cool:
What is also worth mentioning – yesterday (10-ball), they took "Golds" in both (men and women) divisions. :thumbup:

Winners:

Straight Pool

Women

1. Jasmin Ouschan – Austria
2. Katarzyna Wesolowska – POLAND
3. Olivia Czuprynska – POLAND
3. Tamara Peeters-Rademakers – the Netherlands

Men

1. Nick Van den Berg – the Netherlands
2. Tomasz Kaplan – POLAND
3. David Alcaide – Spain
3. Nikos Ekonomopoulos - Greece


10-ball

Women

1. Olivia Czuprynska – POLAND
2. Marika Poikkijoki – Finland
3. Jasmin Ouschan – Austria
3. Kamila Khodjaeva - Belgium

Men

1. Mateusz Sniegocki – POLAND
2. Konstantin Stepanov – Russia
3. Nikolaos Malai – Albania
3. Francisco Sanchez Ruiz – Spain

You can find all detailed information about the event and play (brackets, pictures, livescore, etc.) at the European Championships Website: http://www.epconline.eu
 
pt109 said:
Here's a little view of Karol Skowerski....
...we're going to be seeing more of this player.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6_QFEpcGJI&feature=relmfu
Click to expand...

It has been a while :boring2: since anything came up to refresh this topic ;)

But I just found something and I guess the timing is just perfect :)
With the Open just finished and World Pool Masters to start in a few days, here is a couple of matches featuring last year's two Best Players.

I hope you would be interested (just to kill the time till the 2013 WPM) to watch:

Last year's Winner Karol Skowerski vs. Shane Van Boening:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLkbcoHjWFs

and, another match:

Last years Runner Up: Mateusz Sniegocki vs. Alex Paguayan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asgdPNPYzr8

Have fun :wink:
 
The World Pool Masters 2013 starts tomorrow :smile:

For those that need some warm up, here is another match from last year.

SemiFinal:

Karol Skowerski (POL) vs. Nick Van Den Berg (NED)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLOpo5gMNJY

Enjoy ;)

Let's see how it goes this year, good luck to all Players :thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top