A couple observations from the tourney so far...
Matchroom's production is top notch. From the camera work to the commentators, to the player interviews, it just feels like a big, professional event. Tip of the hat to those folks.
Pro pool may have a 9 ball problem. From what I understand, 9 ball was chosen for the speed of play...more TV friendly. Now, I have loved every minute of this tourney. However, I made my daughter and her boyfriend (both high school seniors) sit down and watch 30 minutes or so of the svb-yapp match. Neither of them are pool players or fans, but Ibthought maybe it would be like how even non fans tune in to the super bowl because it is such a big event.
After about 4 racks, the boyfriend comments that it was pointless since it seemed that if you make a ball on the break, you win the rack. I tried to explain about some of the finer intricacies and skill, and his comment was that yapp was up 5 racks and hadn't had to shoot a shot over 3 feet long. My daughter then chimed in with nobody would want to watch football if only one team got to play offense...
It got me to thinking...here I am riveted to the TV, enjoying every shot, and here are 2 casuals, the type who pool needs to bring in, and they are bored to tears.
Maybe it's the game, maybe it's the winner breaks, maybe pool is destined to remain a niche sport that only we lucky few truly love. I don't know the answer, but it is worth a thought...
