First off let me just state what a first class show Hopkins puts on yearly. I know there are hundreds of pool players that LIVE for this event as there is anything there a pool player can want.
I just want to say a few things about the Open Amateur event though. I just finished looking over the registered players list and realize there are always going to be a few players that shouldn't be playing but are you serious with some of them!! Now I realize that Hopkins cant keep track of every player on his radar himself but you need to have staff that is in the know and can help you out on a questionable player. Im not mentioning any names but there are at least 5 definite players that have no business playing in this event and am surprised they even attempted to enter. I mean these players compete and cash in the US Open, Turning Stone, World 14.1 Championships, and are regular winners in regional events. There are another dozen or so that are questionable but like previously stated always going to have that. Im not complaining because I don't think I can beat some of these players because I already have in the past. Will I win this event? No, cashing in it is more of a realistic goal but just don't advertise amateur and then allow these players to enter. I mean these players have enough of "their own" tournaments to play in. For instance, open the Pro Am field up to 128 players and knock down the entry fee a little and there you go problem solved. It would make it a more intruiging event as well.
I would also like to see the format change to double elimination. I enjoy the short races best of 3 sets format but at the end of the day it is still single elimination. You draw that monster player in the first round and your expo is over quick. It is always comforting knowing you have another match and can battle through the losers bracket. I realize there are approximately 800 players or so but think double elimination races to 7 or 9 could be done.
Again I know I complained a lot but still think this tournament is one of if not the best in the country but could even be better with some adjustments.
Curious to hear what other players who attend regularly think.
I just want to say a few things about the Open Amateur event though. I just finished looking over the registered players list and realize there are always going to be a few players that shouldn't be playing but are you serious with some of them!! Now I realize that Hopkins cant keep track of every player on his radar himself but you need to have staff that is in the know and can help you out on a questionable player. Im not mentioning any names but there are at least 5 definite players that have no business playing in this event and am surprised they even attempted to enter. I mean these players compete and cash in the US Open, Turning Stone, World 14.1 Championships, and are regular winners in regional events. There are another dozen or so that are questionable but like previously stated always going to have that. Im not complaining because I don't think I can beat some of these players because I already have in the past. Will I win this event? No, cashing in it is more of a realistic goal but just don't advertise amateur and then allow these players to enter. I mean these players have enough of "their own" tournaments to play in. For instance, open the Pro Am field up to 128 players and knock down the entry fee a little and there you go problem solved. It would make it a more intruiging event as well.
I would also like to see the format change to double elimination. I enjoy the short races best of 3 sets format but at the end of the day it is still single elimination. You draw that monster player in the first round and your expo is over quick. It is always comforting knowing you have another match and can battle through the losers bracket. I realize there are approximately 800 players or so but think double elimination races to 7 or 9 could be done.
Again I know I complained a lot but still think this tournament is one of if not the best in the country but could even be better with some adjustments.
Curious to hear what other players who attend regularly think.
