Jay is saying that the best women players are coming out of China. I don't dispute this notion. What I will say, is it an even playing field?
My understanding is the Nationalist Chinese in Taiwan subsidize pool. I don't know if the People's Republic does but I'm inclined to think they do.
Many of the men in the second tier of pool players in the US are amateur players in reality. They may be defined pro players but they can't support themselves playing pool.
Its like when the Soviet Union in days gone past called their athletes amateurs when in point of fact they were not.
If Karen Kor defeated Ko in a single race what is relevant is where she finished in the over all tournament. How did Karen finish in that US Open? I frankly don't know.
For those folks that play Nine Ball, a single set means nothing.
I don't know anything about Fargo ratings. I've heard from folks that I respect for over 25 years that women would play on par with men in pool.
I've often disagreed with this notion. The fact is, the simple notion there's a women's tour defines the need for it.
If you can't finish in the top money pool does not pencil at all in the US. On a uni-sex tour I would posit that the women would be locked out of the money.
In 2008 I was at Derby City, not playing in the tournament but just hanging out having a blast.
I was having some beers with some friends from Los Angeles that I play pool with and know very well.
One of these cats was telling me that women were the equal of men in the pool world, end of story.
I paused for a moment and said to him that if you give them testosterone injections your theory may become more of a reality.
My buddy got very upset with my answer it violated all his notions of political correctness.
I have taken a lesson with a world champion male player and frankly he hit balls unlike any female I've ever seen play the game.
I know what I am manifesting is not fashionable but it's just my humble opinion.
