Random thoughts from Peoria

[Williebetmore]

Just got back from WPBA Peoria-style. Extremely entertaining, here were the highlights (?lowlights?).

The Jeanette Lee/Viv Villareal match was great. Excellent pool, lots of emotion and humor. If they played very often on television its possible someone might actually watch.

Steve Tipton's introductions of the players was usually entertaining, but occasionally somewhat uncomfortable. He frequently recommended that the "foreigners" just go home. If my ears didn't deceive me, he asked if any of the fans also had fantasies about Ewa Laurance (Mitch was sitting in the audience). I wonder what the players think about that sort of thing? I know he means well, but it didn't seem very refined.

Melissa Herndon had a great run, and came very close to making it to Sunday. She doesn't seem to give up very easily.

Sarah Ellerby also had a good tournament and exhibited some really excellent play (I'll bet Gremlin was happy).

Hsin Huang sure didn't seem to be the next big thing (though I only saw 2 of her matches) - she sure seems to miss a fair number of makeable shots.

Jeanette Lee and George Breedlove are the proud new parents of a baby girl, born Friday during the tournament (adopted I think since Jeanette was already kicking rear by 2:30 PM that afternoon).

Very nice AZbilliards turn out. I really enjoyed meeting Dr.CuesProtege, Wally, and Sarah.

Awesome final match with #1 ranking on the line (winner takes #1). Allison totally dominated and we were treated to her top form. I was lucky enough to get some expert commentary on her brilliant offense vs. Karen's brilliant defensive skills from one of the pool guru's who unbeknownst to us all posts occasionally (and anonymously) on AZbilliards forums.

Oh, I almost forgot; Bob Byrne was there. After getting his autograph I was treated to a 20 minute reminiscence of the great billiards players of the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's.

Jeff Carter was there. His very dry Accu-Stats commentary did not prepare me for his hilarious jokes (ROTFLMAO).

Mark Wilson was there. Anyone who can't run 200 and lives within a days drive of St. Louis should be looking him up and taking some lessons (unpaid plug).

 

[Williebetmore]

Gremlin,
Monica's play was lights out against Jeanette and Kim. Most of the fans didn't even notice the 6-ball incident - it really was no big deal (but Steve Tipton may have made a mistake in spotting the ball, I don't know, but it sure didn't help Kim). Against Karen, Monica's game disappeared (though Karen's defense, as pointed out by our mystery guru, is without peer). It was amazing to see all weekend the inconsistencies in most of the players (excluding Karen and Allison). Their games would be amazing against one opponent, then fall apart against another (I think intimidation has some part in it, but also I think they just are not as good as the men players I observed at DCC).

I will say that the majority of players exhibited extreme professionalism whatever the state of their game (they put the men to shame). I definitely find this tournament to be a "must-see" for any midwestern pool fanatic.

P.S. - Monica seemed very well behaved, though plays slow as molasses - she seemed to play better with the shot clock. Over all, the play was distressingly slow without the shot clock (much, much slower than the men; at times difficult to watch). Some of the players (ie. Karen) seemed to use endless racking and rack inspections as a stalling tool (not subject to the shot clock). In one of Karen's matches (I think it might have been against Sarah Ellerby), the racking of the balls was taking 5 to 10 minutes every time - there were lots of pointed comments made by the spectators). Most of us thought she was trying a little psychological warfare, but who really knows?? Karen did not make any new fans with her behavior that match (though I still like her).

 

[sjm]

Tell me if you happened to notice how Monica "The Weasel" Webb sneaked into third place.

Gremlin

Gremlin, Monica Webb's play was brilliant all week long in Peoria. First, in the winner's brtacket quarterfinal, she played a nearly flawless match to beat Jeanette Lee convincingly, just as she had done at the BCA Open a few weeks ago. She then played absolutely superbly and had an 8 - 6 lead on Karen in the winner's bracket semifinal, but Karen narrowly prevailed. When the two met again in the televised semifinal with a spot in the final at stake, a tight match was expected, and despite the fact that Karen led 4 - 0, Monica battled back to 6 - 5 before succumbing 7 - 5.

Monica's in a good groove right now, and might be heading for the #4 ranking real soon. I respect your right to root against her, but her play has been most impressive of late, and she hardly sneaked into third place in Peoria.

The match you'd probably have enjoyed the most was Ellerby vs Shaw. After a double-hill nailbiter of a win over Jeanette, Sarah played really well, but her scratch on the five ball at 7 - 7 probably cost her a trip to the TV round. I know you root for both of them, and they did themselves proud in Peoria.

 

[Wally in Cincy]

.....Tell me if you happened to notice how Monica "The Weasel" Webb sneaked into third place......

I watched her match against Melissa Herndon and she played flawlessly as sjm stated. She played as good as any male outside of Efren, Ralf, or Archer.

...Was Monica using the chalk for aim, receiving coaching from Helena in the stands, was she jumping out of her chair. I guess you can tell I have no use for Monica.....

She was very professional actually, and Helena was sitting way up in the stands.

Now Helena's demeanor was a different story. williebetmore had the misfortune of being the timekeeper in the Thornfelt/Herndon match. He must have been uncormfortable with Helena griping and huffing and abusing the equipment

 

[Wally in Cincy]

.... In Lisa Marr's case she drew China Chien and I am sure Lisa was not intimidated at all. .....

Grem, I get the feeling that Lisa is intimidated by no one

 

[Wally in Cincy]

The slow play is the worst thing in pool. Dear Sarah and Karen play that game aginst each other all the time. LOL Sarah is used to it now and gives it right back to Karen. They do make me angery but I understand the games they are playing.

You may be the only person on the planet that finds it amusing . I certainly hope you are not defending Corr.

Personally I find it to be bush league. It reminds me of something I would see on ladies APA night at the Dew Drop Inn

I posted some random thoughts at CCB if anybody is interested. I don't feel like retyping them

http://www.billiardsdigest.com/ccbo...ber=141351&page=2&view=expanded&sb=6&o=1&vc=1

 

[sjm]

{QUOTE}

The slow play is the worst thing in pool. Dear Sarah and Karen play that game aginst each other all the time. LOL Sarah is used to it now and gives it right back to Karen. They do make me angery but I understand the games they are playing. Sarah taught me to keep several Starbuck's Big Blasts handy in my back pack.

Gremlin

Gremlin, while I can't comment on what you've seen first hand, I'd have to contest the notion that Ellerby exhibits any gamesmanship of any kind. In spite of Karen's behavior in Peoria, Sarah was calm and professional.

The once-excitable Sarah has matured greatly as a player and demonstrated maximum poise in Peoria. You'd have been proud of the girl from Yorkshire.

As others have contended, Karen probably didn't win any new fans in Peoria. Her constant complaining about the racks even drew occasional boos from the crowd, and her tactics in the match with Ellerby caused the match to last nearly three hours. It caused the Saturday afternoon session to run nearly an hour over despite a punctual start (of the Ellerby/Corr match) and it shortened the between session "dinner break" to just over half an hour.

 

[DrCue'sProtege]

i too wonder about some of Mr. Tipton's comments to the crowds. i guess nobody has a problem with what he says, at least not to my knowledge.

however, the joke he told with sex involved didnt really seem appropriate. i dunno, maybe it was just me. seems like the WPBA wants to be good family entertainment, but there were young folks in the audience.

plus it seems like he encourages people to be loud and enthusiastic, but then tells the crowd to watch some of the comments they make. the one example was when one of the players heard someone in the crowd say something like "$20 says she dont get out here" which i guess the player didnt like and Mr. Tipton asked the crowd to watch comments like that.

however, all in all Steve Tipton is a great guy, is very tolerant of the fans, is very knowledgeable, does a fantastic job, and i sure hope and pray he stays with the WPBA.

DCP

 

[sniper]

Gremlin,
Some of the players (ie. Karen) seemed to use endless racking and rack inspections as a stalling tool (not subject to the shot clock). In one of Karen's matches (I think it might have been against Sarah Ellerby), the racking of the balls was taking 5 to 10 minutes every time - there were lots of pointed comments made by the spectators). Most of us thought she was trying a little psychological warfare, but who really knows?? Karen did not make any new fans with her behavior that match (though I still like her).

First off I never thought Karen would do something like this...I guess I was wrong. Secondly, this should not be allowed to happen in any tournament, I mean 5 to 10 minutes to rack just seems unreasonable to me. If my opponent ever did this to me I would confront them, the WPBA should look into having a limit on how long you can take to rack. This is just my opinion but there's nothing more annoying to me than a player who uses stall tactics to try and win.

 

[Eric.]

Tell me if you happened to notice how Monica "The Weasel" Webb sneaked into third place. Gremlin

That's a little harsh, ain't it? I mean, if someone said something like that about one of the WPBA players you worship, I seem to remember you going off on them. You wouldn't want to be known as a Hypocrite, right?

For the record, I'm not friends with Monica but I think she deserves a little courtesy.


Eric

 

[Wally in Cincy]

Wally,

Your star struck behavior leads me to believe you were watching something beside the table? LOL Monica???? (Efren, Ralf, or Archer) Monica didn't play better than Karen the scores reflect that. .....

Gremlin, perhaps I exagerrated a bit but I was referring strictly to her match against Jeanette. I believe that is the only Monica match I saw in total. In that particular match she did play flawlessly.

Was anyone eating patatoe chips during the match? LOL

I recall the potato chip story you told previously.

If anyone had been eating potato chips during the Saturday afternoon matches I believe there would have been 16 players all take a break at once and slap the offender up side the head

 

[ajrack]

Racking

Just have a neutral person rack the balls...and have a 40 second clock at all times...

 

[Eric.]

Eric,

Your kind and thoughtful opinions are always welcome? We agree to disagree?

Gremlin

Shortpot147 ,

I agree. I guess we will agree to disagree, agreed?


Eric >agreeable

 

[Voodoo Daddy]

Tell me if you happened to notice how Monica "The Weasel" Webb sneaked into third place. She spoiled a snooker sweep of the first four positions.
Was Monica using the chalk for aim, receiving coaching from Helena in the stands, was she jumping out of her chair. I guess you can tell I have no use for Monica. The only thing good about her third place finish was she prevented a snooker sweep and saved American dignity.

I know and respect your love for pool, ecspecially WPBA pool but your comments about Monica are pretty brutal. Why would you wanna make yourself out to be a douche-bag when you promote the ladies so well? Or is it a need to bash those who do what you dont/wont/cant? Playing world class pool is hard enough without armchair critics hiding behind computer screens casting their opinion which your intitled to, to me its kinda sad.

I gave Monica credit for saving American dignity.

Yeah, with a sarcastic bubblehead ...classy, NOT!!


Gremlin

Voodoo~~~has watched enough, just hadda put my 2 pennies in the pot

 

[Lmarr9]

Grem, I get the feeling that Lisa is intimidated by no one

Thanks for the nice comment Wally. You are right and wrong. There is one person whom intimidates me - drum roll please - myself. I am my best enemy. But as usual, I am spoiled and eventually get what I want, so the best is yet to come.....

Thanks again.

Lisa

 

[sjm]

Voodoo Daddy,

Have you ever sponsored a player to play in a tournament and paid for all her expenses and yours to fly 800 miles to Texas for a two day tournament? Have you ever had your sponsored player in the Calcutta for $350.00? Have you ever had your player sharked by her opponent in the hot seat match, by jumping out of the chair and screaming at your player? Have you ever lost $450.00 extra Calcutta money (the difference between my player finishing first and second) because her opponent cheated? Well, I have!

If your answer to any of the above is no? Then I will conclude you don't have any idea what you are talking about. I have concluded Eric doesn't know what he is talking about and put him on my ignore list.

What do you know about the way Monica Webb plays? Have you read about her in billiard publications, seen her on TV played her. I have had the chance to see her real close and personal and when the cash was on the line she crossed the line from good sportsmanship to cheat in a heart beat. That's the way I have seen her.

Hell, if a fine lady by the name of Helen Gaughran had not been holding my arms the Hunter Tour Ladies would really have had a story, to put in the Tales of Texas at the University of Texas Library.

Gremlin

Gremlin, SJM here. The incident between Ellerby and Webb in San Antonio is well-known and well-documented, and there’s no questioning that Monica crossed the line that day. There’s a certain irony in the fact that the incident took place in the home town of a renowned player whose sharking tactics have drawn considerable attention over the years in this forum.

For the record, I’m not new on the scene. I have been around the pro game for decades, and recall the formation of the WPBA in 1976. I have seen Monica Webb play in over 25 events live since 1997 and must dispute the notion that this kind of behavior is her norm. Still, there’s no denying she has some rough edges and crosses the line on occasion. From a disciplinary standpoint, though, there’s little that can be done about it when these incidents occur in independent events, but the onus is firmly on the WPBA to discipline players that cross the line in WPBA events. Still, I think you might find some solace in the fact that those whose sportsmanship falls short (e.g., Karen Corr in Peoria), by turning off both the fans and the sponsors, ultimately do pay a price because they make themselves less marketable.

FYI, I have sponsored the career of a pro player, whom I’m not willing to name. I sponsored this player for over three years and was at risk for close to $20,000. I admire you and all others who help provide opportunities to emerging professional players. I may not agree with everything you have to say about pro pool, but I enjoy your well-informed and well-presented posts. So what if you show a bias in favor of the players you admire the most --- that’s your right. I have my favorites, too, but I like to give credit where credit is due. Monica is a fine player, and she’s playing really well right now. She distinguished herself through her performances at the Amway Cup, the BCA Open and the WPBA Midwest Classic. It’s no fluke, so don’t act too surprised if this run of good play continues.

 

[Voodoo Daddy]

Voodoo Daddy,

Have you ever sponsored a player to play in a tournament and paid for all her expenses and yours to fly 800 miles to Texas for a two day tournament? Have you ever had your sponsored player in the Calcutta for $350.00? Have you ever had your player sharked by her opponent in the hot seat match, by jumping out of the chair and screaming at your player? Have you ever lost $450.00 extra Calcutta money (the difference between my player finishing first and second) because her opponent cheated? Well, I have!

If your answer to any of the above is no? Then I will conclude you don't have any idea what you are talking about. I have concluded Eric doesn't know what he is talking about and put him on my ignore list.

What do you know about the way Monica Webb plays? Have you read about her in billiard publications, seen her on TV played her. I have had the chance to see her real close and personal and when the cash was on the line she crossed the line from good sportsmanship to cheat in a heart beat. That's the way I have seen her.

Hell, if a fine lady by the name of Helen Gaughran had not been holding my arms the Hunter Tour Ladies would really have had a story, to put in the Tales of Texas at the University of Texas Library.

Gremlin

Well, not only have I staked players in MAJOR events, I've also promoted pool as a TD and player. Not that I have to tell you my life story but I have been involved in pool and billiards since 1979. Your ignorance is only outshined by your brash "know it all" attitude...which shows when you post replies like this. What I know about Monica is small, other than I watched her live in Miami 2003 at the tour finally and she showed nothing but class. I will be in Hollywood at the Seminole tournament come September, maybe we can sit and sweat a Monica match <yeah, right>

Voodoo~~~shakes head

 

[Voodoo Daddy]

Voodoo~~~Breaks wind (is more like it)

No one asked you for your life story? Every time something is posted in this forum it turns into a pool folk tale told by the over 55 crowd or personel recriminations against one or more of the posters or dull technical dribble..... I have learned to live with that.

I am not intimidated by your personel recriminations against me. In fact save it for your buddies at the CCB they seem to love it. I don't follow the politically correct line that everything is wine and roses. I like the truth. It is the best policy.

If I see you at the Hard Rock the first round is on me. Who else except Jeanette and Monica have the international experience to win gold for the U.S. at the World Games. Tiffany Nelson maybe? Oh, if I knew everything I wouldn't be in a billiard forum typing to you I would be playing Golf.

Gremlin

To end all this bullshit quick Harry...I'm not close to 55 let alone 45, I'm glad your not intimidated, I do have a few buddies on CCB and here, you got nothing but the truth from me, you will not miss me if your there...just look up!! In closing, your "A" list Euro players are the toughest on that tour and we will always be on opposite sides of the fence which suit's me fine. Oh, by the way...maybe golf isnt such a bad idea...HAHAHAHAHAH!!!

Voodoo~~~loves a good debate...is just waiting for one!!

 

[doublewideclyde]

Just Goes To Show You Gremlin I'm Not The Only One Who Thinks Your A A--hole.

 

[bluemarlin]

Mark Wilson was there. Anyone who can't run 200 and lives within a days drive of St. Louis should be looking him up and taking some lessons (unpaid plug).

I need more info. I live across the river and I will be attending Saint Louis University this fall. I'm DEFINITELY interested. drop me an e-mail @ bluemarlin@cuevolution.com