Man, the tension is building to a fever pitch with six players left standing. It's hard for me to pick a favorite. The Germans are so disciplined, always brandishing their game faces, showing no emotion whether they win or lose. The Filipinos are always more relaxed when they are at the table, and there's no question that they are strong contenders. I love seeing Stalev in the semi-finals. He's probably one of the most under-estimated pool players in the world, a Russian billiards champion, and he's got a break that is very strong. Larry Nevel told me that if you don't have a good break in this tournament, you won't go far. He said he never missed a ball against Efren, that Efren missed only one shot in his match, and that he still lost.
Last night, I left before the conclusion of the games. I rode in a limo with the TV production crew to the well-known Fremont Street where Jon Denny and the players were supposed to arrive one hour later to shoot a clip for the TV series. Fremont Street is like a combination of Mardi Gras and New York City. There were bright overhead lights built into a ceiling which covered the whole street, loud music, and crowds milling around holding drinks in their hands out in the open. When they filmed the clip of the six players, they shot it at least 10 times, hoping to get it the best they could. Curious onlookers were coming up wondering who these six men in suits and ties, holding onto cue sticks, were. In a couple of film clips, I was one of the passerbies, walking in the crowd as the six pool players emerged, walking in unison. It was pretty cool to see how they do this.
Keith said that before they departed the Venetian in the limo to Fremont Street, he got in the elevator with Marcus Chamat, who had just lost to Thorsten, and Marcus' cornerman Todd. He said Marcus was really disappointed and showed a little emotion, and I sure do know how bad Marcus felt. When Keith got knocked out, I could not hold back my tears and had to leave the tournament venue to seek a few moments in private while I collected my emotions. For Marcus, getting so close to that big prize and the championship title, it must have been hard to swallow.
I'm going downstairs and will report back with some updates.
JAM
Last night, I left before the conclusion of the games. I rode in a limo with the TV production crew to the well-known Fremont Street where Jon Denny and the players were supposed to arrive one hour later to shoot a clip for the TV series. Fremont Street is like a combination of Mardi Gras and New York City. There were bright overhead lights built into a ceiling which covered the whole street, loud music, and crowds milling around holding drinks in their hands out in the open. When they filmed the clip of the six players, they shot it at least 10 times, hoping to get it the best they could. Curious onlookers were coming up wondering who these six men in suits and ties, holding onto cue sticks, were. In a couple of film clips, I was one of the passerbies, walking in the crowd as the six pool players emerged, walking in unison. It was pretty cool to see how they do this.
Keith said that before they departed the Venetian in the limo to Fremont Street, he got in the elevator with Marcus Chamat, who had just lost to Thorsten, and Marcus' cornerman Todd. He said Marcus was really disappointed and showed a little emotion, and I sure do know how bad Marcus felt. When Keith got knocked out, I could not hold back my tears and had to leave the tournament venue to seek a few moments in private while I collected my emotions. For Marcus, getting so close to that big prize and the championship title, it must have been hard to swallow.
I'm going downstairs and will report back with some updates.
JAM
