SJM Trip Report - 2016 US Open
- Thread starter sjm
- Start date
Have to agree with those of you who said I failed to give Jayson Shaw his due. Even though I noted that he had played beautifully all week, I failed to give mention of his remarkable comeback against Ko Pin Yi from a 10-4 deficit. Unfortunately, it was a match that began at 11:30 PM and I missed all but the first rack. I learned of what happened by reading AZB's writeup on the main page. He nearly pulled off a second comeback from 10-4 down in the hot seat match, but lost 11-10 to JL Chang.
Jayson must be counted among the game's most elite at this stage.
Jayson must be counted among the game's most elite at this stage.
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Headstring, not sidepocket
Just a couple memory fuzzes here:
In the semifinal match, Jayson led Shane 6-0, but Shane then won the next 5 games, so it was never 8-2. From 6-5, Jayson won 3 of the next 4 games, taking it to 9-6. Then Shane won the last 5 games for the match win.
Shaw's 7 winning games in a row to end that match included a 2-pack and a single B&R, but not a 5-pack.
In the semifinal match, Jayson led Shane 6-0, but Shane then won the next 5 games, so it was never 8-2. From 6-5, Jayson won 3 of the next 4 games, taking it to 9-6. Then Shane won the last 5 games for the match win.
Shaw's 7 winning games in a row to end that match included a 2-pack and a single B&R, but not a 5-pack.
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I have seen a lot of post about the 3 point break rule and thought I would point out some items. First this is a WPA sanctioned event and points event. My understand the WPA does standard rule changes every 5 years (Bob Jewett is that correct). The NEW WPA rules were posted in March of this year. The following is the bottom of 18 on page 6 of WPA New Rules (Version 15/03/2016 –The Regulations)
http://www.wpa-pool.com/web/the_regulations
"The three point rule must be present on all WPA ranking 9-ball events, together with tapping or ball rack. "
And for clarification tapping or ball rack means the use of Tapped marks on the table or a template not a Triangle.
I don't know if this played a part in why it is there but if the sanctioning rules are followed it does.
JUS some thoughts - Great reports on the tournament.
http://www.wpa-pool.com/web/the_regulations
"The three point rule must be present on all WPA ranking 9-ball events, together with tapping or ball rack. "
And for clarification tapping or ball rack means the use of Tapped marks on the table or a template not a Triangle.
I don't know if this played a part in why it is there but if the sanctioning rules are followed it does.
JUS some thoughts - Great reports on the tournament.
The WPA instituted a 5-year cycle in reaction to the previous situation which had some changes every year. In fact the 2016 changes were the first changes to the rules in 8 years. The WPA also has "regulations" which some would call rules, but are more geared to how tournaments are run and officiated. For example, the "no ref at the table" rules are in the regulations, not the rules.
Noticed you left Oscar out of your report regarding the Mosconi Cup team.
He went two and out, so there wasn't much to see, but he still is 5th in the points as of today.
Unfortunately for him, his is not at the top of his game right now during major tournaments, so his prospects are not good to be chosen.
He went two and out, so there wasn't much to see, but he still is 5th in the points as of today.
Unfortunately for him, his is not at the top of his game right now during major tournaments, so his prospects are not good to be chosen.
W
Actually, as tired as i was, maybe Shaw won 1 rack and swiped 7 beads over...
Eric >the more likely scenario
I won't dispute the 5 pack. Most likely, then, it was a runout, followed by a 2 pack, then a safety where Ko jumped and the rack open, then a b&r next rack?
Actually, as tired as i was, maybe Shaw won 1 rack and swiped 7 beads over...
Eric >the more likely scenario
On a note of futility, the player who beat Oscar in the first round failed to show up for his second match.
Thanks, Joey.
Games 16, 19, and 20 were B&R's. Shaw ran out the other 4 games after Ko fouled on a kick shot and left open shots after a kick shot and two jump shots.
Oops, I failed to mention the BCA Hall of Fame Banquet in which Rodney Morris and Belinda Calhoun were inducted.
For starters, my table included Niels Feijen, Nick Vandenberg, Freddie Agnir (Cornerman on AZB), and a few others, all of whom made delightful company. Though I've known Niels and Nick for a long time, I'd never socialized with them before, other than a little bit at Mosconi after-parties. They're warm and friendly, and funny too, and they are far less reserved at the dinner table than at the pool table. It made for an enjoyable evening.
Mike Panozzo, editor of Billiards Digest, did his usual great job as Master of Ceremonies.
Fittingly, the evening kicked off with a tribute to Barry Behrman, whose death this past year robbed the US Open of its founding father and greatest visionary. A video about Barry's 40 year ride at the US Open was shown, and it met with great applause as attendees paid tribute.
The first award presented was the Jay Helfert sponsored "Tony Robles Sportsmanship Award", fittingly named for the two time Sportsperson of the Year in the days of the PBT/Camel Tour. The winner was Niels Feijen, who, as I've noted was at my table, and while I thought this a very good choice, I couldn't help but think that Nick Vandenberg would have been equally deserving.
After a nice dinner, the evening proceeded to the two inductions.
After a video was shown about Belinda's past, Belinda was introduced by her sister, who spoke well about Belinda's character and determination and told Belinda's story. When Belinda spoke, she focused chiefly on those with whom she had shared her ride, mostly WPBA players and associates. She spoke well and was moved to tears more than once as she passionately related her story.
Belinda shared that she had played pool behind her parents' back at first, but that when she was finally caught, her parents were OK with it. Funny how some of us get into pool. Belinda's induction was long overdue, but now she's a deserving hall of famer.
Next up was Rodney, who, to nobody's surprise, was introduced by Hawaiian Brian. Brian told amusing stories about Rodney's past and related that Rodney had been a superb dancer growing up. Rodney's speech was one for the ages, for both its introspection and its frankness. Rodney had a bumpy road at times in life and seemed to enjoy sharing both the good and the bad.
How he found pool was remarkable in itself. As he related, he had been detained in a detention hall for some infraction and when he was released, he noticed that across the street from the detention hall was a poolroom, the one owned by Hawaiian Brian. Rodney came to like and frequent the place, but for months, Rodney related, all he did there was play video games. One day, though, he tried playing on one of the pool tables, and the rest is history. Rodney even spoke of his jail time, which cost him a few years of his pool career in the late 1990's, and how the experience strengthened and cleansed him. Then came the bombshell. Rodney announced that this will be his final year as a pool professional.
I don't think anyone expected such a soul-searching speech from Rodney, but he managed to keep it light and amusing. Rodney is a unique, but deserving inductee into the hall of fame, and his rebound from some tough times should inspire all who have had a major setback on the road of life.
Great BCA Hall of Fame induction ceremony for sure!
For starters, my table included Niels Feijen, Nick Vandenberg, Freddie Agnir (Cornerman on AZB), and a few others, all of whom made delightful company. Though I've known Niels and Nick for a long time, I'd never socialized with them before, other than a little bit at Mosconi after-parties. They're warm and friendly, and funny too, and they are far less reserved at the dinner table than at the pool table. It made for an enjoyable evening.
Mike Panozzo, editor of Billiards Digest, did his usual great job as Master of Ceremonies.
Fittingly, the evening kicked off with a tribute to Barry Behrman, whose death this past year robbed the US Open of its founding father and greatest visionary. A video about Barry's 40 year ride at the US Open was shown, and it met with great applause as attendees paid tribute.
The first award presented was the Jay Helfert sponsored "Tony Robles Sportsmanship Award", fittingly named for the two time Sportsperson of the Year in the days of the PBT/Camel Tour. The winner was Niels Feijen, who, as I've noted was at my table, and while I thought this a very good choice, I couldn't help but think that Nick Vandenberg would have been equally deserving.
After a nice dinner, the evening proceeded to the two inductions.
After a video was shown about Belinda's past, Belinda was introduced by her sister, who spoke well about Belinda's character and determination and told Belinda's story. When Belinda spoke, she focused chiefly on those with whom she had shared her ride, mostly WPBA players and associates. She spoke well and was moved to tears more than once as she passionately related her story.
Belinda shared that she had played pool behind her parents' back at first, but that when she was finally caught, her parents were OK with it. Funny how some of us get into pool. Belinda's induction was long overdue, but now she's a deserving hall of famer.
Next up was Rodney, who, to nobody's surprise, was introduced by Hawaiian Brian. Brian told amusing stories about Rodney's past and related that Rodney had been a superb dancer growing up. Rodney's speech was one for the ages, for both its introspection and its frankness. Rodney had a bumpy road at times in life and seemed to enjoy sharing both the good and the bad.
How he found pool was remarkable in itself. As he related, he had been detained in a detention hall for some infraction and when he was released, he noticed that across the street from the detention hall was a poolroom, the one owned by Hawaiian Brian. Rodney came to like and frequent the place, but for months, Rodney related, all he did there was play video games. One day, though, he tried playing on one of the pool tables, and the rest is history. Rodney even spoke of his jail time, which cost him a few years of his pool career in the late 1990's, and how the experience strengthened and cleansed him. Then came the bombshell. Rodney announced that this will be his final year as a pool professional.
I don't think anyone expected such a soul-searching speech from Rodney, but he managed to keep it light and amusing. Rodney is a unique, but deserving inductee into the hall of fame, and his rebound from some tough times should inspire all who have had a major setback on the road of life.
Great BCA Hall of Fame induction ceremony for sure!
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So have those new "rules" been updated to remove the stipulation that ultimately the promoter can make up whatever rules they want? The Qatar event has had that dumb 3 point rule in the past even though it wasn't in the WPA standardized rules. Is the break box in the "standardized" rules?
No, it's not. And on the Eurotour, with the 3-point rule, I think they have been breaking from anywhere behind the line.
My analysis may not be fully accurate for the simple reason that it is based on the play I saw, and may not encapsulate a player's effort from the beginning of the event to the end of the event. My assessment of Shuff is based on what I saw. I did, however, note that any top ten in the US Open is a big deal.
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Thanks for the great trip report! Sounds like things under the "new" management have taken a turn for the better. That is great to read!
Pat Fleming got off to a great start for sure. Though it's surely none of my business, I hope he made all the financial ends meet, too. Pat was a top pro once and is very sensitive to the needs of the players. He runs the "make it happen" events so he is skilled in setting up an arena and is sensitive to the needs of his paying fans.
Barry Behrman's legacy is very secure, but Pat has hit the ground running. Barry would be proud of him.