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

[Roy Steffensen]

If the woman's world champion of last can't even get a spot in this year championship and this retard prince gets a free spot on the male side...........its a disgrace.

Where is Roy Steffeson reply?, that idiot must be licking both Pena's and Prince Billah's arses. Does it taste good??

You've spelled my name wrong twice. Perhaps you shouldn't have dropped out of school so early?

Their arses doesn't taste that bad, actually, but they could both need some spice.

You are taking this Prince-issue really personal. My guess is that you were one of the players that lost a gambling-match to him, and just can't accept the fact that he is a better player than you

Anyway, I would like to say welcome to the forum, before you suddenly disappear, just like you did on www.pro9.co.uk...

 

[memikey]

Good points JAM. Right on the money.

Even moreso than normal in this particular case as the main local UAE patron of this event is not a company seeking to promote or sell products or services. It may be hard for the apparently excessively bitter bongobill to understand but there are still some people in this world prepared to support pool for no personal return whatsoever and only for their love of the game. He asks for very little in return. Showing a bit of respect for the patron and promoter and displaying some common sense, decency and maturity of attitude in discussion of this shouldn't be too hard for all of us pool enthusiasts to muster.

In respect of bongobill's concerns for the sport, which I have to agree with JAM do appear to ring a little hollow and to be somewhat personal, the unfortunate and ironic reality is that it is much more likely it will be the the bongobills of the game who would harm it than patrons of tournaments or the occasional participation of someone like Prince Billah.

If the bongobill's had their way the world would never have seen Eddie The Eagle's spectacular performances in the Olympic Ski Jumping. Could you live with that bongobill?

 

[JAM]

Good points JAM. Right on the money.

Even moreso than normal in this particular case as the main local UAE patron of this event is not a company seeking to promote or sell products or services. It may be hard for the apparently excessively bitter bongobill to understand but there are still some people in this world prepared to support pool for no personal return whatsoever and only for their love of the game. He asks for very little in return. Showing a bit of respect for the patron and promoter and displaying some common sense, decency and maturity of attitude in discussion of this shouldn't be too hard for all of us pool enthusiasts to muster.

In respect of bongobill's concerns for the sport, which I have to agree with JAM do appear to ring a little hollow and to be somewhat personal, the unfortunate and ironic reality is that it is much more likely it will be the the bongobills of the game who would harm it than patrons of tournaments or the occasional participation of someone like Prince Billah.

If the bongobill's had their way the world would never have seen Eddie The Eagle's spectacular performances in the Olympic Ski Jumping. Could you live with that bongobill?

I agree with many of your well-written thoughts above, Memikey!

I remember there was a time when the promoter(s) had difficulties getting people to come to UAE and compete in this event. The UPA's World Summit of Pool in NYC was occurring at the exact same time.

A few years ago, one of the promoters of this event called the United States from overseas and specifically invited a high-profile American pool player. I was sitting right there when he spoke to the pool player and could hear the conversation. The American pro stated he had to decline because he was hoping to do well in NYC at the UPA event and get himself on TV.

At that time, TV coverage seemed to be the most important thing to some players. Fast-forward to today, and many of them now realize that being on TV doesn't fill the pro players' pockets up with financial gain.

Today, this very same American pro player is grateful that he has been and/or was chosen to compete in UAE 8-ball tournament.

This tournament sure has grown in size from what it was several years ago. That's a fact. So somebody is doing something right.

Gold Star goes out to the promoter(s) for making this an annual event for pro players to look forward to.

JAM

 

[bongobill]

Good points JAM. Right on the money.

Even moreso than normal in this particular case as the main local UAE patron of this event is not a company seeking to promote or sell products or services. It may be hard for the apparently excessively bitter bongobill to understand but there are still some people in this world prepared to support pool for no personal return whatsoever and only for their love of the game. He asks for very little in return. Showing a bit of respect for the patron and promoter and displaying some common sense, decency and maturity of attitude in discussion of this shouldn't be too hard for all of us pool enthusiasts to muster.

In respect of bongobill's concerns for the sport, which I have to agree with JAM do appear to ring a little hollow and to be somewhat personal, the unfortunate and ironic reality is that it is much more likely it will be the the bongobills of the game who would harm it than patrons of tournaments or the occasional participation of someone like Prince Billah.

If the bongobill's had their way the world would never have seen Eddie The Eagle's spectacular performances in the Olympic Ski Jumping. Could you live with that bongobill?

You should go into politics with the stuff you come up with............

The reason pool is in the situation it is today is because of side shows such as this prince..........

and no you're wrong the promoters need to fine better ways to promote the game........and its not all to do with finding more money.

It's not a personal thing against the prince.......


Eddie the eagle did rock, but he was "a professional" in his sport and won medals..............this prince is never going to win a tournament or win a game against a proper pro player..............thats fact

 

[Fast Lenny]

You should go into politics with the stuff you come up with............

The reason pool is in the situation it is today is because of side shows such as this prince..........

and no you're wrong the promoters need to fine better ways to promote the game........and its not all to do with finding more money.

It's not a personal thing against the prince.......


Eddie the eagle did rock, but he was "a professional" in his sport and won medals..............this prince is never going to win a tournament or win a game against a proper pro player..............thats fact

The prince has nothing to do with pool being the way it is,if anything its good press,so perhaps thats why,any pool news and attention to our sport is good.

 

[jay helfert]

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'm with you all the way on this one kid. The Prince would be a C player at best over here. I can understand him buying his way into an event like the U.S. Open which is, after all, open to everyone. But he does not belong in any Invitational event. He may well be juicing some palms under the table to get in. I do not know this for a fact, just wondering how he "qualifies" myself.

He has his own private "dressing room", comes into the arena surrounded by bodyguards, plays like a total goof, and leaves immediately after his match ends. Like you, how this benefits pool I don't know.

This is a guy who, unlike Trudo, could change professional pool in the blink of an eye. But I see no such inclination on his part, just a desire to have some fun and go on his way. Which is what I fully expect to happen soon enough. A few people have tried to approach him, but have been rebuffed. From my point of view, I'm not impressed with him or his "act".

 

[JAM]

I'm with you all the way on this one kid. The Prince would be a C player at best over here. I can understand him buying his way into an event like the U.S. Open which is, after all, open to everyone. But he does not belong in any Invitational event. He may well be juicing some palms under the table to get in. I do not know this for a fact, just wondering how he "qualifies" myself.

I see no difference between this "invitational," as you put it, and the 14.1 straight pool "invitational" tournament that occurred in New Jersey.

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.

Each one of the above-referenced events had qualifiers for interested competitors. I remember Grady Mathews was upset at the player selection in the 14.1 tournament in New Jersey and was told that he could qualify in one of the qualifiers if he wanted to participate in it.

The promoter and/or sponsor always has a wild card up their sleeve and can use it the way they want to, I think. Without the promoter and/or sponsor, there would be no tournament.

JAM

 

[Fast Lenny]

I see no difference between this "invitational," as you put it, and the 14.1 straight pool "invitational" tournament that occurred in New Jersey.

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.

Each one of the above-referenced events had qualifiers for interested competitors. I remember Grady Mathews was upset at the player selection in the 14.1 tournament in New Jersey and was told that he could qualify in one of the qualifiers if he wanted to participate in it.

The promoter and/or sponsor always has a wild card up their sleeve and can use it the way they want to, I think. Without the promoter and/or sponsor, there would be no tournament.

JAM

In the case with the Prince,he isnt a wild card,he is considered a bye,lol.

 

[bongobill]

I'm with you all the way on this one kid. The Prince would be a C player at best over here. I can understand him buying his way into an event like the U.S. Open which is, after all, open to everyone. But he does not belong in any Invitational event. He may well be juicing some palms under the table to get in. I do not know this for a fact, just wondering how he "qualifies" myself.

He has his own private "dressing room", comes into the arena surrounded by bodyguards, plays like a total goof, and leaves immediately after his match ends. Like you, how this benefits pool I don't know.

This is a guy who, unlike Trudo, could change professional pool in the blink of an eye. But I see no such inclination on his part, just a desire to have some fun and go on his way. Which is what I fully expect to happen soon enough. A few people have tried to approach him, but have been rebuffed. From my point of view, I'm not impressed with him or his "act".

Hello Jay, thanks for the sensible comment.

You must have seen him in the flesh at the WPC's in manilla play, like i did when i went over there.

Did you see all the people in the audience and the pro's laughing at him?

It's a complete side show and not good for the game.

Oh yea and the comment from Roy that i've played him in a gambling match and lost...........don't make me laugh, you've embarrased yourself already by telling everyone that your friend Pena lost to this loser prince.

 

[memikey]

......Eddie the eagle did rock, but he was "a professional" in his sport and won medals..............this prince is never going to win a tournament or win a game against a proper pro player..............thats fact

Eddie The Eagle was simply thrown in for light relief and to try and encourage a broader perspective. However since you wish to pursue it the above can't just be allowed to pass. Your memory is playing tricks. Eddie The Eagle was an amateur ski jumper and the very best jumps of his entire career wouldn't have placed him in the top 10,000 in the world.

Money only came his way from selling his story to the media and from personal appearances at which he was invariably ruthlessly parodied after his Olympic debacle. He certainly did not appear to do the sport of ski-jumping any harm.

Do you think there was perhaps a ski-jumping bongobill shouting the odds at that time and if there was....... (a) do you think the other ski jumpers would have all disliked the increased attention he drew to their sport?..... and .....(b) do you think anyone remembers ski-jumping's bongobill better than Eddie The Eagle?

"Proper" (whatever that means) pool players, other pro pool players and even hall of fame all time champion pro pool players have all been beaten by amateurs on (admittedly rare) occasions without any dumping being involved.

The debtors courts are full of punters with such unswerving certainty as you

 

[!Smorgass Bored]

I Would Play Baby Huey TOO

Why the Prince annoys you so much is curious to me. If a promoter wants to invite Baby Huey to compete in an event that the promoter is sponsoring with his own funds, then let Baby Huey play.

JAM

I would play the Prince if he would sing Purple Rain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH1q4vAYUC0&feature=related

Doug







.

 

[gopi-1]

How about an "Eddie the Eagle" rule in pool?

 

[Scaramouche]

I am sure some pool historian can answer this question.

Out of idle curiosity, about dumping:

The WPC had round robin format. Some matches were meaningless. Were the matches supposedly dumped meaningless?

 

[Hail Mary Shot]

The prince has nothing to do with pool being the way it is,if anything its good press,so perhaps thats why,any pool news and attention to our sport is good.

not all pool news and attention is good for our sport, especially if it involved some rumors of manipulation and dumping scandals (not to mention pay-offs). such presses hurt the sport more than it help to promote the sport itself. sure, let him play the game, but please spare the game from corruption and have some respect for it, if he really loves the sport and maintain it's credibility. trying to gain some respect from the world audience and your loyal subjects by earning wins thru mafia means is a testament that you don't really deserve to play. he's starting an unhealthy trend of trying to buy the game as if it were nothing.

this is not celebrity pool, nor is he even a real celebrity. he's just a rich kid who just loves to wave his money around.

as far I'm concerned, I'll be willing to say that he's better than Efren Reyes if he's going to give me a hundred million dollars. and while he's not looking, I'll give Efren a wink, saying you know who is better in my book. I'll just thank the prince for his generosity, that's all. does this make the Prince look good? does he earns real respect? NO. but I would certainly enjoy the money that he gave.

 

[memikey]

How about an "Eddie the Eagle" rule in pool?

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

 

[memikey]

not all pool news and attention is good for our sport, especially if it involved some rumors of manipulation and dumping scandals (not to mention pay-offs). such presses hurt the sport more than it help to promote the sport itself. sure, let him play the game, but please spare the game from corruption and have some respect for it, if he really loves the sport and maintain it's credibility. trying to gain some respect from the world audience and your loyal subjects by earning wins thru mafia means is a testament that you don't really deserve to play. he's starting an unhealthy trend of trying to buy the game as if it were nothing.

this is not celebrity pool, nor is he even a real celebrity. he's just a rich kid who just loves to wave his money around.

as far I'm concerned, I'll be willing to say that he's better than Efren Reyes if he's going to give me a hundred million dollars. and while he's not looking, I'll give Efren a wink, saying you know who is better in my book. I'll just thank the prince for his generosity, that's all. does this make the Prince look good? does he earns real respect? NO. but I would certainly enjoy the money that he gave.

Now THAT makes sense

 

[Hail Mary Shot]

I am sure some pool historian can answer this question.

Out of idle curiosity, about dumping:

The WPC had round robin format. Some matches were meaningless. Were the matches supposedly dumped meaningless?

the idea here is trying to buy your way into winning some matches and also qualifying. the comparison of deserving pro players trying desperately to qualify for the event but the prince got their spot instead. Pro players that stood a chance at winning and wanted to become World Champion and not just merely play for fun as they wish. It's a competition, not an R&R event.

 

[Mr. Wilson]

If the woman's world champion of last can't even get a spot in this year championship and this retard prince gets a free spot on the male side...........its a disgrace.

Where is Roy Steffeson reply?, that idiot must be licking both Pena's and Prince Billah's arses. Does it taste good??

you earned some time off.


See ya

 

[pro9dg]

With our foul mouth friend kicked into touch, I have to say that I did not entirely disagree with his opinion, just his tasteless way of stating it.
The Prince used to play on my UK Tour and is an enthusiastic amateur who puts in a lot of practice. But he has appeared in two World 9 Ball events and now is set to play in the World 8 Ball.
Both myself and Matchroom Sport have approached him to come closer to the sport and I genuinely believe that he would like that.
But like many rich men he has an army of advisers who divert any overtures that we make. The Brunei Cup, World Team, the World 9 Ball are all proposals that have been filed into oblivion.
But the clock is ticking and after Fujairah I think that it wil be time for the Prince to either s*** or get off the pot.

 

[Hail Mary Shot]

With our foul mouth friend kicked into touch, I have to say that I did not entirely disagree with his opinion, just his tasteless way of stating it.
The Prince used to play on my UK Tour and is an enthusiastic amateur who puts in a lot of practice. But he has appeared in two World 9 Ball events and now is set to play in the World 8 Ball.
Both myself and Matchroom Sport have approached him to come closer to the sport and I genuinely believe that he would like that.
But like many rich men he has an army of advisers who divert any overtures that we make. The Brunei Cup, World Team, the World 9 Ball are all proposals that have been filed into oblivion.
But the clock is ticking and after Fujairah it think that it wil be time for the Prince to either s*** or get off the pot.

We can only hope that he puts his money to good use rather than foolishly. as much as he wanted to win, it's not good for the sport nor is it for his image if he makes people appear like a bunch of novices just to let him win. "RESPECT IS THE ULTIMATE CURRENCY".