SVB v. Fedor Gorst

Maniac said:
Let's not leave Warren Kiamco off this list. Not a world beater, but well beyond middle-aged I'd stake him against damn near anyone commenting on an AZB post.
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Haven't seen Warren play for years now. I will take your word.
 
1sttbone said:
They changed the nineball break without a doubt because of shanes dominance.
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Actually, this isn't true.

The original changes in the break rule came from Eurotour, on which Shane does not play, and they came when Shane was a largely unknown teenager.

The modification of the break rule to that in use in Eurotour came from Matchroom, and it was before SVB's 2022 WPA World 9ball championship. FYI, Shane has never won a WNT major, despite five years of trying. When the break rule was changed, his results in Matchroom play, especially at the Mosconi, had been unremarkable, so Matchroom were not reacting to his results.

To be fair, however, Shane and many others had become so proficient with the 9ball break that Matchroom felt a change was needed. I've argued that they went too far when they went with tighter pockets, nine on the spot, and a narrow break box. Still, the evidence says that the changes have failed to slow down Shane, who remains in the conversation for the world's second best player.
 
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Rocket354 said:
Agreed with all of the above. However, people's physical skills decline past 40 (really, earlier than that). In pool it is just less severe.

All those listed were world class, all-tilme greats. They could lose a bit and still be better than most anyone How many were actually better at 45/50 than at 25/30? How many top players today are in their 40s vs in their 20s? How about 20 years ago? The scene was and is still dominated by the younger folks, even if more players are still strong into their 40s+ than at, say, basketball.

I feel like i am repeating myself. But SVB, as great as he is, could lose a bit and still do very well, and even win big tournaments. That does not mean he isn't losing a bit.
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Maybe Carlo Biado is as good as his younger self, he's the reigning 9 ball champion and beat Fedor Gorst
 
One takeaway for me was that I loved the pocket size, sure I am in the minority on that one.

Also, has anyone ordered the new series by Scott Frost, and how do you like it so far?
 
mnorwood said:
Shane was clearly struggling with the break. He has always been known for being the best at the break. Has he had other recent struggles with WNT break?
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His break was the best at 10 ball smashing them and sending the 2 corner balls 4 rails in, and often making 2-3 more balls, and popping the CB in the air so it missed the kiss, and then landing it mid table. 4-5 balls total sometimes. No one had a better 10 ball break than him in those days, imo.
 
SA96 said:
The pockets on these tables are too big.

No wonder Fedor looks great on these tables, but struggles in the Mosconi on 4 inch pockets.
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The mosconi isn’t 4 inch pockets and he he’s won many tournaments on 4 inch pockets.. he was going through a divorce last year during the mosconi. Do you think maybe .. just maybe mentally he wasn’t completely in pool at the time.
 
I agree with Frosty.
Shane's hunger and desire are waning a bit imo.
He really has nothing to prove to anyone at this stage of his life.
At times I think he's just filling obligations to his supporters.
The physical talent is still there.
He'd just rather be fishing, I'm sure.
 
SlopCounts said:
I agree with Frosty.
Shane's hunger and desire are waning a bit imo.
He really has nothing to prove to anyone at this stage of his life.
At times I think he's just filling obligations to his supporters.
The physical talent is still there.
He'd just rather be fishing, I'm sure.
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Shane has everything to prove in the Mosconi Cup.

At the moment, Shane is a bit like Josh Allen for the Buffalo Bills.

Will go down as a GOAT, but doesn't perform in the biggest event (NFL Play-offs / Mosconi Cup).
 
SA96 said:
Shane has everything to prove in the Mosconi Cup.

At the moment, Shane is a bit like Josh Allen for the Buffalo Bills.

Will go down as a GOAT, but doesn't perform in the biggest event (NFL Play-offs / Mosconi Cup).
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I disagree. The Mosconi Cup team event isn't a reflection of SVB what so ever.
It's similar to "WWE rassling" and a clown show at it's best. It's geared towards shock entertainment, and embarrassing tbh imo.
Shane is a world champion.
He is one of the most well-liked and respected pool players to ever play.
Frankly I actually felt sorry for him over the past 15 years or so having to play in the Mosconi Cup. He was the only elite player on the US side other than when Sky briefly played above his head. The pressure on SVB to perform in this circus, on a crappy team, and against a team of superior Euro players, was unfair. Mr. Gorst found this out last year too btw.
Shane has spent his whole pro career as the US's (born) only world elite player. And we all should be overly proud of the way he's carried himself and represented the US.
The guy is the ultimate class-act with nothing left to prove to anyone.
 
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bbb said:
one thing to consider
you get weaker as you get older
that would affect a 9 ball break more than a snooker break
if your break in 9 ball is not what it used to be i would expect the results to not be what they used to be
jmho
icbw
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BS

I was the strongest ive ever been at 47 and then stopped training.
 
trob said:
The mosconi isn’t 4 inch pockets ...
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Mosconi Cup corner pockets have been 4" the last 5 years.

Edit -- perhaps you knew that but were just saying that pocket size isn't what has been important in MC play.
 
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garczar said:
IMO SVB may be stroking the sponsors/MR on this. He's always been, and always will be, a 'lone wolf' type of player. Team play has never been his bag and his play often shows it pretty clearly. One's greatness is achieved in tournament play over time and in this regard SVB answers to no one. I'd love for someone to tell me just how the MC is such a 'greatness decider' when NO asian players compete in it. Seriously, its an exhibition made for tv by MR. If you dig it, great.
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The Mosconi Cup does not seem to me to be the biggest and greatest. The U.S. Open is much better. Hope to see you as a spectator in Frisco, Texas in a few weeks.
 
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