I have to say, I am rather disappointed in the forums response to TAR 25. Not just disappointed, but somewhat baffled by the responses to the match. I didn't get to watch the match, wish I could have. The updates on the match were next to non-existent. Wonder why that is??
Then, I read a lot of posts about the match. Strangely enough, all were about one of two things- a possible bad hit, or the two players acting unprofessional. What, are a number of people on here ticked off because they bet on the wrong guy to win?? I can't help but wonder just WHY some of you bothered to watch it in the first place?? For entertainment value?? Well, then why complain, sure seems like you were entertained. What is up with all this nonsense about them not acting like pros?? What, you want them to just sit there like Soquet does, and you find that entertaining??
First off, this wasn't even a pro match. It was a money matchup between two pros. Why are they pros? Because they are that blame good at the game. Seems like that is exactly why they were given this opportunity and a lot of others will never get the chance to play there. So, are you watching for the so called professional attitude, or are you watching for the professional caliber of play??
If you actually watched it for the caliber of play, then why hasn't there been a single comment that I can find about the actual games on here? Where there no great outs? No great safes? Nothing at all that surprised anyone in pattern play?? Nothing at all pool worthy of even mentioning on a pool forum??
Why all the talk about them not acting professional?? Really, who gives a rip how they acted?? Some are saying they couldn't watch anymore because one of the players actually was talking! Really? Do some of you even play out in the real world anymore? Guys talking is the least of the problems one has to face out there anymore.
Really, all you guys can talk about is how they dress and act?? You wonder why pool will never make it big, look no farther than yourselves, the fan base. You don't even care about how the game is played, just how the actors talk, act, and dress. What entertainment do you possibly find in a couple of guys wearing a tuxedo and being mute? What's next, at every players meeting the players have to sign a form verifying that they have read a manual on etiquette?? Apparently many of you have never seen the likes of Keith McCready at a table. Now, THAT is entertainment!
As to Dennis, and I really hope you are reading this- Shame on you! You were a road player for many years, you have a ton of experience. Yet you allowed yourself to fall for the oldest tricks in the book?? Come on man, you deserve to get slapped in the back of the head by your dad for what you did!
First off, you underestimated your opponent. Doing that, you lost day one. Day two, you used your experience to win. Day 3, head totally up your rear! You once again underestimated Mike because you won day two, and to top it off, you committed the cardinal sin of a road player...you actually let Mike get into your head! With all your experience, how on earth did you fall for that one???? You actually let him make you mad KNOWING it would affect your game.??? For THAT, yeah, you deserved to lose. You know better than that! Yeah, it stings like crazy, but now all you can do is learn from it and go back to your roots.
I imagine that if Mike were to take you up on your offer, he wouldn't like it. But....ONLY if you actually USE your experience and don't act like you are green at this stuff.
Back to the forum members... when I first started playing, it was in the room in Va. Beach where Lassiter would practice from time to time. Don't have a clue of the name of the place, but the counter guy was the ref at a number of Lassiters exhibitions. Ten foot tables, and if you talked above a whisper, you were asked to please leave. All you heard in the place was the click of the balls. Fast forward to today. Music so loud you have to shout to talk to the person next to you. Balls flying all over the place, people running into you, waitresses asking you if you want anything while you are down shooting the case 9 ball.
It's a different world out there today. I have had a tough time dealing with it. I like the quiet atmosphere myself. But, saying no talking allowed, have to wear a certain type of clothes because some snob doesn't happen to like the clothes I like to wear, can't smoke when I want to, ect, it's all things we have to adapt to. To say something or someone isn't professional, not because of their play, but because they have some trait you don't happen to like, is B.S. of the first order.
You guys say you don't like to watch Soguet because he's too boring. Then, when you get something a little different, you complain because they aren't boring enough. Sheesh. Make up your minds already! Some of you sound like a bunch of old hens at the fence chatting away saying nothing of substance.
