First let me I say I was pulling for Shane or any American to win, I root for my country, most people do.
To me Shane looked the strongest mentally through the entire event. At this level skill it's pretty much an even playing field, ITS ABOUT THE BRAIN.
Shane fading or being a pro because KO was getting more rolls or luck is ridiculous. Shane had his chances and fell off mentally, it wasn’t luck that cost him, he cost himself, and he admits it. Shane was plenty lucky when he blew position and this dumb game let him play safe.
My stream cut in and out so I may be off a little.
I think at 9-8 Shane made a large error and cost him the game. He then went on to make more errors that cost him the match. He came up very short on the 3 ball and played safe; and not a very good safe. KO jumped for the 3 and caught a roll.
The only reason KO caught a roll was because Shane did not perform on his position for the 3….period, mentally falling off, collapsing
Off the break he pushed out on the 2 ball, KO gave it back…Shane took about 2 seconds and took a poke at probably a safety that he sold out. He took more time in a less critical situation, but blinked his eye and shot that 2 ball, mentally falling off, collapsing
9 ball is a dumbass game. You can reward yourself for screwing up fairly easy shots or position, and then play your opponent a lock up safe, as Shane did. Now your opponent takes a swing and gets lucky and the world is saying how lucky he was because he caught a roll, meanwhile you dogged a rack your are suppose to win, bring back push out.
If you dog easy shots, make poor decisions, don't execute solid position, etc, you deserve to lose. That goes for me, you Shane and anyone.
Shane had this match to close out and be the Champion; he went brain dead on a few shots. Shane is all class and doesn’t make excuses. He wins humble and loses humble, he is a fantastic player and champion and will be back for more tomorrow, win or lose.
In the end KO was an eyelash stronger mentally and closed the deal, another fantastic player.
Maybe Shane will get the rolls and win another U.S. Open
Sincerely:SS
off to London tonight and will keep you all posted for World Cup of pool in few days.
