how about Mike Sigel.....wouldn't you take a free chance to swing the cue stick for a couple of sets?? especially if it's free? and to hear your name announced as a legend and the first US Open champion ever? and....i think he was there anyway promoting cues.
A couple of players I think could have finished pretty high are Darren Appleton (great player from England) and Ignacio Chavez (terrrific road player - wish I could have sponsored him, best 100 to 1 shot at the money I would ever have). I thought the field was terrific, and considering the cost involved in playing the open and the current pool economy, kind of amazing.
darren appleton wasn't there because he played a race to thirty money match with tommy donlon for eight grand. he won comfortably.
accdealer bring up an interesting name as well - another living legend. he's like earl though, struggling with the mental game. i think mike's battle scarred and is scared to enter. i mean this respectfully, he's scared he's not gonna finish high enough by his standards. in other words win! the IPT maybe kicked him while he was down as well.