Two Pro Tours/Mindsets/Rules/Formats....Again!

[Swighey]

In the Major 9 ball events, races to 11 dbl elimination has proven it's success through time.
It's created this game....It only takes a good hour/seldom 2, for two pros to chop through a set.

It's been a successful format in the US Open but this doesn't mean that it is necessarily the best format now for the US Open or for other major events. Double elimination all the way to the final will certainly always have its place in amateur events as it gives the dead money bang for its buck and also ensures that the best players have a double chance of reaching the business end of the tournament. With more "major" events there is no longer a need to protect the best players as they now have many more opportunities to get their hands on a trophy with a decent pay out plus the sponsorship deals that come with being a high profile recognised champion. Also, with the move towards zero entry fees in the biggest tournaments the bang for the buck argument becomes less relevant.

What format would work best.... for the game, for the player, and Especially for the AUDIENCE/VIEWER.

Well, there are "standard" formats in tennis and golf but, as already discussed there are other formats used in the pro game. In the biggest sport in the world (football/soccer) the format is pretty much the same in most (but not all) of the major European and South American leagues. The three biggest regional/global competions however (World Cup, Champions League, Copa America) have different formats to those leagues. Most leagues also have a secondary competition (some have a third) with a different format - usually knockout but sometimes with round robin or double round robin group stages. If it's a tie after 90 minutes it can go straight to a penalty shoot out, or 30 minutes extra time and then a shoot out, a "replay" where another match is scheduled 4-7 days later, or even golden goal (first to score in extra time) or "away goals" if it's a two legged home and away match up. The audience and viewers appear to be happy with this smorgasbord of formats, voting with their money and making the powers that run the game extremely rich.

 

[Cameron Smith]

I really think the whole thing about finding the perfect format thing is a bit of a red herring. The format just needs to be such that you can finish the match in a single sitting. We’ve seen many different formats over many years and many games but they never click. Sure, shootouts are fun but you can’t rely on them to sell the game.

The main issue is that the presentation is just one match after the next and no story is developed throughout the tournament and you don’t get to know the players. You really need to be a die hard fan to follow pool.

 

[Island Drive]

That's why Panozzo is NEVER at a major at the beginning. Like Golf, I'll watch it on the weekends when the field is trimmed.