touching moment in pool history

Jimbojim

Jimbojim

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I'm taking this moment to bring back a video that I found was very touching. We should respect our opponents for the challenge they bring us because we all have our own problems in life but we all get together to enjoy this lovely sport regardless of where we come from (I was touched to see the philipino crowd showing so much compassion to the great Mr. Souquet while Alcano, a player from their country, won the event)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUbSZtDaE2w
 
I was there and it was one of most touching moments I have even seen in Pool. I love the filipino crowds! I think they're great fans. When they began to chant "Souquet, Souquet, Souquet", I got tears in my eyes too. That is why I got upset a while back when they were criticized by someone on here.

Every time someone comes on here and say Ralf is boring, I want to leap out of my chair. Ralf Souquet is a great player and a great champion. He is a real asset to professional pool. What could be more exciting than to watch someone play great match after match? The shot he made at hill-hill in the Semis was one of the greatest shots I ever saw.

I often refer to Ralf as a right handed version of Mike Sigel. That is who he reminds me of. He also happens to be a wonderful man as well, and I am proud to count him as my friend.
 
No doubt, the Filippinos have great respect for Souquet. I believe a lot of this is attributable to the fact that no non-Asian player has a better track record against the legendary Reyes in 9-ball competition. I also think it's in part because Ralf plays nine ball with a similar tactical orientation and attention to detail as the Fillipino greats.

As Jay says, Ralf is a credit to our sport in every possible respect. I believe Ralf, who has always shined brightest on pools biggest stages and against pool's toughest fields, has already done enough competitively to merit consideration as one of the ten best pool players of all time.
 
Made my day to see the warmth in those fans and to see Ralf's "realness" for lack of a better term. Takes a man to let himself be that vulnerable.

Now I see why he shows virtually no emotion as he plays. He has too much emotion within to let any at all into his consciousness. Once his emotions start they become almost overwhelming and would ruin his game. While he's playing he has to remain completely focused.

He plays dammed near perfect pool.
 
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It was bittersweet moment for one of the greatest players- as well one of the nicest gentleman I have ever met in our game. Ralf pours his heart into absolutely everything he does - whether its playing pool, learning something new, being a father - he is just such a vibrant person and an awesome role model for players everywhere.

If you ever get to meet Ralf, do like Alcaide - and rub his head for good luck! (LOL - posted only because I know he lurks)

souquet%20and%20alcaide.jpg
 
You can learn a lot about people by observing how they treat others when nobody is really watching;

Immediately after being knocked out of the World Straight Pool Championships last year, Ralf Souquet was nearly knocked over by a fan who wanted a signed cue ball. Not only did he sign the cue ball, but he spent a good few minutes speaking with the fan.

IMO, he really didn't have to do that, and his actions would have been justified.
 
Gotta love the Phillipino heart when it comes to pool,they live and breath the sport and show total sportsmanship when it comes to others.
As far as Ralf goes,he seems to be a true embassador to the game.Its funny how a nickname suits a guy.lol.He is nothing but class in the pool world.
 
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At the Reno Open a few years ago I happened to be sitting in the hot tub along with Ralph and a few others....talked about professional pool and travel for over a half hour. It was just like talking to an old friend.

I love Ralphs demeaner and composure, both on and off the table. He also plays pretty sporty to.

Regards,

Doug
 
Jimbojim said:
I'm taking this moment to bring back a video that I found was very touching. We should respect our opponents for the challenge they bring us because we all have our own problems in life but we all get together to enjoy this lovely sport regardless of where we come from (I was touched to see the philipino crowd showing so much compassion to the great Mr. Souquet while Alcano, a player from their country, won the event)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUbSZtDaE2w
Click to expand...


In general, Filipinos are 'genuinely' respectful, fun-loving, family-oriented and loyal people. Even at times of adversity, they seem to find positive ways to deal with the problems no matter how grave. Respect for others is a MUST because culture dictates and society views you according to your character. Disrespectful and obnoxious behaviour is shunned, frowned upon or at worse can lead to extreme bodily pain. More importantly, ones character is a reflection of a persons background. Act like a beast and you will be treated like one. Worse, you are judged as coming from an uncivilized, barbaric, low-class breed.

On the flip-side, they can also be the worst of enemies. Respect for self and dignity is very much valued. You'll get the not so desirable side of the Filipino if he is violated especially of his self-esteem. This is partly because of more than three centuries of Spanish colonial rule and the Japanese occupation in WWII. During those times, there were no words to describe the suffering and humiliation that was dealt upon the people. These were events in the Filipinos lives that are far worse than slavery. The whole country was stolen and the people enslaved. Now, children in schools are taught from a very young age to fight oppression to their last dying breath. Vow never again.

It was very touching to see Ralf Souquet being cheered by the Filipino crowd. Ralph showed that despite his remarkable talent and achievement, he is still human. That in itself is genuine class, a mark of a true champion and the Filipinos surely knew when it should be recognized and appreciated.
 
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It just goes to show how passionate the Phillipino fans are about this sport and why it gets such publicity and popularity in their country. I wish the U.S. had a pool fan-based market like that. And what about Ralph....he is the epitomy of class himself and his passion for the sport is certainly second to none. JMO.

Southpaw
 
I actually had an email exchange with Mr. Souquet and he is very classy and responded quickly and was very nice with his answers:)
 
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