The only guy to be allowe free entry into the world pool championships

[Blackjack]

In each instance, the promoter brings in players via what are called "wild cards." There were some 14.1 competitors in that WPA-sanctioned 14.1 pool tournament in New Jersey that may not have been as worthy as some other 14.1 players in the world. Yet, this event was WPA-sanctioned, and the promoter basically had control of the player roster.



JAM

JAM< not picking a fight, just clarifying some things due to a few PM's I received about this post... so... for the 100th time - as one of the people that was offered a wild card spot in that tournament, I know that the promoter was not out there just picking and choosing his friends.

I've played 14.1 for over 30 years and to this day I am a threat to throw triple digit runs at anybody at any time if the balls open up for me. I have earned the respect of many of the best players in the world by sparring with them and assisting them coaching - and providing them with guidance on strengthening their games and preparing for this particular event.

I was unable to attend the event the past 2 years for personal reasons (family related), and last year I suggested that Randy give that spot to Grady. I didn't mince words about that - ask Randy. I have never kept this a secret. The rest of what happened was between Grady and Randy. I have no control over that relationship. I have no control over the other picks.

For the record, I'm not part of a clique or anything like that - I don't have any position of power or affiliation with the UPA - havent paid my tour dues since 2005 - havent spoke to Frank Alvarez in over a year and half. I have had 2 phone conversations with Randy Goldwater in the past 3 years.

Charlie Williams and I live about 5 minutes from each other and I haven't seen him since the Seminole Tour event at Hammerheads back in early October - I think when we saw each other we talked for about 10 minutes and that was about it. I was clean shaved that day and Charlie didn't even recognize me at first. lol I don't even think the conversation was pool related. I haven't seen him since - we've exchanged an e-mail or two - Christmas greetings - stuff like that - other than that we are both too busy doing what we do - and believe it or not we are going in two completely different directions most of the time. Charlie, if by chance you read this, back me up on this...please! lol

Like I said Jennie, this is just to answer a few inquiring PM's I received about your post - I'm not addressing you -just that issue - & I respect your position on this matter. FWIW, if I was not invited to that event, I would have been happy for those that were. That's just how I am about this game. I hope this tournament continues as it is a great thing for the game of 14.1 continuous.

 

[JAM]

JAM< not picking a fight, just clarifying some things due to a few PM's I received about this post... so... for the 100th time - as one of the people that was offered a wild card spot in that tournament, I know that the promoter was not out there just picking and choosing his friends.

I've played 14.1 for over 30 years and to this day I am a threat to throw triple digit runs at anybody at any time if the balls open up for me. I have earned the respect of many of the best players in the world by sparring with them and assisting them coaching - and providing them with guidance on strengthening their games and preparing for this particular event.

I was unable to attend the event the past 2 years for personal reasons (family related), and last year I suggested that Randy give that spot to Grady. I didn't mince words about that - ask Randy. I have never kept this a secret. The rest of what happened was between Grady and Randy. I have no control over that relationship. I have no control over the other picks.

For the record, I'm not part of a clique or anything like that - I don't have any position of power or affiliation with the UPA - havent paid my tour dues since 2005 - havent spoke to Frank Alvarez in over a year and half. I have had 2 phone conversations with Randy Goldwater in the past 3 years.

Charlie Williams and I live about 5 minutes from each other and I haven't seen him since the Seminole Tour event at Hammerheads back in early October - I think when we saw each other we talked for about 10 minutes and that was about it. I was clean shaved that day and Charlie didn't even recognize me at first. lol I don't even think the conversation was pool related. I haven't seen him since - we've exchanged an e-mail or two - Christmas greetings - stuff like that - other than that we are both too busy doing what we do - and believe it or not we are going in two completely different directions most of the time. Charlie, if by chance you read this, back me up on this...please! lol

Like I said Jennie, this is just to answer a few inquiring PM's I received about your post - I'm not addressing you -just that issue - & I respect your position on this matter. FWIW, if I was not invited to that event, I would have been happy for those that were. That's just how I am about this game. I hope this tournament continues as it is a great thing for the game of 14.1 continuous.

When I wrote my post on this thread, your name never even entered my head. Sorry.

Actually, when I referenced the 14.1 pool tournament in this thread, I used it as an example of "wild cards."

There were MANY names on the player roster of the 14.1 tournament in New Jersey that, in my opinion, were not as worthy as other names, not just "wild card" choices by the sponsor/promoter of that event.

The fact that the 14.1 tournament in New Jersey received a so-called "WPA ranking" is why I have this opinion. I did wonder how some of those players got their names on the player roster, aside from the "wild card" choices of the sponsor/promoter.

It is difficult for me to believe that you received some "inquiring PMs" about my post, especially when your name never even entered my mind when I wrote it!

I am sorry that you have misinterpreted the intention of my post in this thread, but it had nothing whatsoever to do with you.

JAM

 

[Blackjack]

When I wrote my post on this thread, your name never even entered my head. Sorry.

Actually, when I referenced the 14.1 pool tournament in this thread, I used it as an example of "wild cards."

There were MANY names on the player roster of the 14.1 tournament in New Jersey that, in my opinion, were not as worthy as other names, not just "wild card" choices by the sponsor/promoter of that event.

The fact that the 14.1 tournament in New Jersey received a so-called "WPA ranking" is why I have this opinion. I did wonder how some of those players got their names on the player roster, aside from the "wild card" choices of the sponsor/promoter.

It is difficult for me to believe that you received some "inquiring PMs" about my post, especially when your name never even entered my mind when I wrote it!

I am sorry that you have misinterpreted the intention of my post in this thread, but it had nothing whatsoever to do with you.

JAM

No problem. I just received a few PM's about it - no harm no foul. Just thought I would clarify the nature of the PM's and the facts that answered the questions.

FWIW, I'll spot The Prince the wild 7 and the breaks - opposite handed. JMO on his playing ability.

 

[bfdlad]

I wrote something to BIllbongwater or whatever his name was here and since he got booted it is no longer relevant so I just deleted it. Anyway I'm sure we will all be talking in a different thread before long. Have a great day,

 

[augustine tan]

hello

hello people,

this is augustine tan. all the way from singapore. a pro pool player.

I have seen the crown prince pla before and I dont think his game is fit enough to be on the world stage.

however, He did contributed some money to pool.

i believed that the prize money of the yearly brunei 9-ball open comes from him.

http://www.infofoto.org.bn/main.php?g2_itemId=96527

http://www.infofoto.org.bn/main.php?g2_itemId=97168

this was quoted by manila standard today, before wpc 2008.

=" Another significant dimension of the World Pool Championships last year and again this year will be the competitive presence of Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah of Brunei, whom we refer to as ?The Crown Prince of Pool.?

The prince?s game has obviously improved because in the recent Brunei 9-Ball Invitational Cup, he upset Chinese Taipei?s Chang Jung Lin in the quarterfinals in a pulsating 9-8 finish. But based on the draw this year, the prince faces a formidable task in his opening-round match as he faces German ace Thomas Engert, the 2007 World Pool Masters champion. Also in the same group is Britain?s Imran Majid who is ranked no. 3 on the European Tour.

In many respects, it?s not the winning or the losing that matters. It?s the presence of the prince. As Riches remarked after the prince scored a nerve-wracking 8-7 win over Filipino Jherome Pe?a last year with an unbelievable shot on the 9-ball, ?he showed he knows the game and can play. It was great for the event.? =

http://globalsnookercentre.solupress.com/globalsnookercentre/news/articles/article124.asp

read on the tournament held in 2007

the prince finished at 3rd place

 

[JoeyA]

hello people,

this is augustine tan. all the way from singapore. a pro pool player.

I have seen the crown prince pla before and I dont think his game is fit enough to be on the world stage.

however, He did contributed some money to pool.

i believed that the prize money of the yearly brunei 9-ball open comes from him.

http://www.infofoto.org.bn/main.php?g2_itemId=96527

http://www.infofoto.org.bn/main.php?g2_itemId=97168

this was quoted by manila standard today, before wpc 2008.

=" Another significant dimension of the World Pool Championships last year and again this year will be the competitive presence of Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah of Brunei, whom we refer to as ?The Crown Prince of Pool.?

The prince?s game has obviously improved because in the recent Brunei 9-Ball Invitational Cup, he upset Chinese Taipei?s Chang Jung Lin in the quarterfinals in a pulsating 9-8 finish. But based on the draw this year, the prince faces a formidable task in his opening-round match as he faces German ace Thomas Engert, the 2007 World Pool Masters champion. Also in the same group is Britain?s Imran Majid who is ranked no. 3 on the European Tour.

In many respects, it?s not the winning or the losing that matters. It?s the presence of the prince. As Riches remarked after the prince scored a nerve-wracking 8-7 win over Filipino Jherome Pe?a last year with an unbelievable shot on the 9-ball, ?he showed he knows the game and can play. It was great for the event.? =

http://globalsnookercentre.solupress.com/globalsnookercentre/news/articles/article124.asp

read on the tournament held in 2007

the prince finished at 3rd place

Thanks for your perspective.

The Prince must be a pretty special guy to take the verbal abuse by those who would begrudge him his turn in the sun, however eclipsed it may be.

Apparently the Prince of Brunei can play relatively well and is improving. Anyone who thinks that the Prince's presence in our beloved game is not needed or wanted, should think some more.

JoeyA

 

[Hail Mary Shot]

I would like to see him do that outside of Brunei. also looking forward to some video recording of him in action rather than reading all of these hype.

 

[memikey]

.....also looking forward to some video recording of him in action rather than reading all of these hype.

Absolutely priceless!!!!

He's rubbish. He's a retard. He couldn't beat a waxwords model. He can't run three balls. It's obvious he will never do anything good for pool. He's cheating players out of a place. He causes dumping. He pays players off etc etc etc..........

.....followed by the above gem which might as well say "ahem, I haven't actually ever seen him play so would like to see if I'm right".....

Brilliant!....Ever considered jury duty?

 

[poolplayer2093]

So tired that you're just making them up?

"Crude and unsophisticated"......where did you see that one with or without a smiley? You wouldn't be making it up would you?

it was implied.........

 

[Hail Mary Shot]

Absolutely priceless!!!!

He's rubbish. He's a retard. He couldn't beat a waxwords model. He can't run three balls. It's obvious he will never do anything good for pool. He's cheating players out of a place. He causes dumping. He pays players off etc etc etc..........

.....followed by the above gem which might as well say "ahem, I haven't actually ever seen him play so would like to see if I'm right".....

Brilliant!....Ever considered jury duty?

Yeah ! very much. but the point of having a trusted associate saw the entire thing has a bearing in my book. why would an associate lie to me regarding some news? why would someone who knows the ins and outs of pool would say such a thing? the person is not a mere spectator nor blind nor an idiot, thank you. as much as I want to be impartial, there is the so-called usual suspect. in a court case, it's only an ideology when you say that it's a 50-50 chance if the person is guilty or not. it's not like that. a lawyer and his client would try to swing their hopeless chance of winning the case. oh I'm sorry. I just know so much. Sorry Again.

so sad that you didn't get what my statement was trying to imply regarding a video. how bout this, "I love the prince so much that a video oh him showing that he sux won't convince me either", it's a hoax ! yeah right !


Yes, I'm brilliant. Thank You very much.

 

[Hail Mary Shot]

Absolutely priceless!!!!

He's rubbish. He's a retard. He couldn't beat a waxwords model. He can't run three balls. It's obvious he will never do anything good for pool. He's cheating players out of a place. He causes dumping. He pays players off etc etc etc..........

.....followed by the above gem which might as well say "ahem, I haven't actually ever seen him play so would like to see if I'm right".....

Brilliant!....Ever considered jury duty?

setting aside the sarcasm, the statement refers to the 3rd persona.

 

[memikey]

Yes Hail Mary Shot, I did know what you meant very well and of course I belong to the same "Dirty Harry" old school of thought as you.....how did it go?...something about "if I see a guy with a hard-on chasing a naked girl down an alley with a knife I assume there's a rape going on and I shoot the sonofa*****"........just wanted you to see what it might look like to a third party, for example one of his entourage, especially if English isn't their first language. You probably don't care about that and that's fine too, no big deal.

Can't speak for anyone else but I can't like him, love him or loathe him or comment on his play cos I've never met him or seen him play more than part of one frame.......but I will see him play more soon and if you're interested will then post some unbiased details, but I'm not shooting no video as I understand the bodyguards are bigger than me

 

[memikey]

it was implied.........

No it wasn't.......and isn't. If I've got something to say I'll say it. If I held that opinion in particular I'd simply say it. It's made up, possibly due to pre-conceived notions or spur of the moment anger, just like the other made up bit about 'superiority'. It's not a big deal, why do you want to pursue it, when neither me nor JCIN does?

 

[Hail Mary Shot]

Yes Hail Mary Shot, I did know what you meant very well and of course I belong to the same "Dirty Harry" old school of thought as you.....how did it go?...something about "if I see a guy with a hard-on chasing a naked girl down an alley with a knife I assume there's a rape going on and I shoot the sonofa*****"........just wanted you to see what it might look like to a third party, for example one of his entourage, especially if English isn't their first language. You probably don't care about that and that's fine too, no big deal.

Can't speak for anyone else but I can't like him, love him or loathe him or comment on his play cos I've never met him or seen him play more than part of one frame.......but I will see him play more soon and if you're interested will then post some unbiased details, but I'm not shooting no video as I understand the bodyguards are bigger than me

LOL ! well, better to conceal it then. the truth is I'm not really biased about it. the first time I heard about the Prince playing pool was in 99 or 2000. that really got me excited since it was nice to see someone like him, pay some attention to pool. however, I cannot hide my dissappointment once some news circulated about him paying-off some certain individuals. nor can I ignore such reports if something like that came from a particular associate of mine. my associate doesn't benefit from what he says nor does it benefit me for what I heard. only dissappointment and it's really disturbing. plus the idea that a certain publication was just released recently which obviously trying to build up the beloved prince. it's almost the same type of press release where the BSCP was trying to cover up something. as I had said, it is better for him to use his money which would benefit the sport rather than satisfy his personal ego. I would be more than happy if he behaved more appropriately (which I highly doubt would happen). he's a prince, and royalty doesn't give a dung to what mere peasants would say.

 

[gopi-1]

Interesting idea Gopi.....a large proportion of the IPT card holders would never have been allowed to compete

Our "friend" Bernie wouldn't like though!

 

[gopi-1]

I just read this thread and its well funny.

When i came across it reminded me of something that was brought up and talked about within the UK pooling establishment a couple of years ago when this prince was playing in a few of the UK touring events.

What i heard from a touring pro on the UK scene was that he saw him play a guy called "Morgan" don't remember his first name, anyway the prince lost 9-0 in the first round and was very upset as he had lost his other game and therefore was knocked out of the tournament (double elimination). He then asked the guy to play again for ?1000.

The guy said yes and he played the prince again and beat him 9-1. The prince got so angry that he snapped his jump cue in half!!!! my friend said it was the funniest thing he saw in his life.

The prince did'nt shake the guys hand at the end of the match and went off with his bodyguards. One of the aids of the prince payed the guy at the end.

I was'nt there myself though so could'nt confirm it but my friends not really the type to make things up, but i wish i had been there to see that!!!!

This prince has free entry into the 8 ball championships in the UAE and considering the qualifiers for this tournament are so strong and involve previous world champions like Alex P, i think its unfair for this prince to be allowed to compete.

Maybe the guy has changed his game and got better, but i doubt he is on the level of a professional pool player

I heard somebody caught it on cam but has to give it up as one of the Prince's posse dangled a 6 figure into his face in exchange for the tape!

Thnx for the second hand heads up though!

 

[alstl]

apparently money talks loud enough that you dont even need to pull it out of your wallet for folks to hear

cha-ching.

 

[pharaoh68]

First of all I'd like to say this forum is amazing and a great source of information for pool lovers around the world.

So you'll understand why I've written this thread for the love and protection of this game.

Ok i don't mean be rude to anyone, but i'm sure the pool community knows of Prince Billah (Crown Prince of Brunei) who thinks he is a professional pool player.

He is invited into all the top tournaments World 8, 9 ball championships and some of the top asian tournaments purely because of his name............ which i would not mind if he was financially contributing to the game of pool or doing it for charity........ but he is'nt.

I used to see him and his entarage of bodyguards come into London clubs and play a proper pro player for like $200....(the word cheap skate came to mind). He would pay the room owner for 3 hours worth of play, put some food out for his bodyguards and pay the pro player a lousy $200 to travel a hundred miles (i know this as i used to talk to the pro player after each match)......and this coming from a prince who is billionaire?

Anyway his play was terrible (compared to a pro), maybe pocketing 2 or 3 balls per visit, and he does the same in the big tournaments.

The guy can't run 1 rack. Its was really embarrasing. The sad thing is he really think he is a professional pool player.

I prevously thought that he was a financial contributor to the development of pool with Matchroom sport and other main promotors, but i've been told on good authority he contributes no sponsership or charitable aid via his "hobby" in pool.

Can somebody please explain to me how he is allowed to play in big time pool tournaments. Its just a waste of a player space that a proper pro player is denied.

Either he contributes financially to this sport or he should'nt play in the big tournaments.

I would like comments from all you cool pool players who love this game so much, especially from the pro's like John Schmidt (who I think is an amazing player and will wipe the floor with QH when they play straight pool!!!) and also Mike Templeton, i'm sure this has been going around the pro pool circuit community for years.

Pool has a fragile image as it is, by letting a person who cannot play pro pool into our best tournaments in the world damages it even more.

I agree with you 100%. And I truly do feel that the best method to combat this is to go on some online forum and rant about how much it chaps your ass that some guy you don't even know and will likely never meet is allowed to play in some tournament that you aren't playing in and likely never will. Because by *****ing and moaning to all of us about how much this bothers you, corrective action is sure to follow.

Hats off to ya.

 

[Celtic]

This is how i know the worlds geography.

That.... that is just awesome. Seriously that is something funny.

 

[Celtic]

If the guy pays his $$ to enter he should be able to play. I don't think saying he is not good enough to play should stop him. He I'm sure all the top pros hope they get him in the 1st round, like getting a little practice or a bye. If you pay you get in,.

You don't just show up and enter the World 9-ball Championships, this is why they run qualifiers before the event for people who want to enter but did not qualify from their country. You actually need to qualify to play in the WPC unless you happen to be the Prince, which is crap.

Being a dictator of a small country should not be a free pass into the WPC.

If the guy actually gave alot to the sport then all the power to him, but if he is nothing more then the leech that this thread seems to make him out to be then he should be ousted.