US Open Player List...where are the Pinoys?

[inside_english]

Only Efren and Alex are signed up from the Philippines (and Canada if you wanna get technical)

What happened to Django, Orcollo, Parica, Sambojon, Lining, Andam, Gallego, Luat, Corteza, Manolo & Alcano??!?!?

 

[TX Poolnut]

Waiting for the last second?

We all know poolplayers do that. :smile:

 

[Roy Steffensen]

It's expensive to send players all the way from Philippines, just for one event, even if it is a big event that all the Filipino players love.

In the Philippines there is more tournaments than ever before that pays $ 5000 - $ 10000, plus $ 1000 action each night, and a trip for one player to the US Open might cost like $ 3000 - $ 3500 with flightticket, transportation, hotel, entry and food. (Just guessing on the amount)

That means that they have to finish 7th to perhaps break even. Last year 7th paid $ 4000. After tax (33 %) it is $ 2700.

I don't think it makes it better that US Open cut the winnings for 2nd place from $ 25 000 as advertised to $ 20 000 when the event finished, a couple of years ago. Alcano traveled to play based on what is advertised prize money, and was surprised when he received $ 5000 less. I know other players have also complained about the cut in prize money that year, for example Markus Juva from Finland, who posts here on this forum. He cashed in the event, and was surprised too..

It isn't actually helping, imo, what is going on in Galveston right now.

Yes, Galveston has many tournaments, nice venue, pays out a lot, and is adding over $ 80 000 to this great event.

But it is not what they advertised and said they would do.

They advertised large amounts for first prize, and that they would pay that even if only 2 players competed. Atleast that is what they told people, because that is what was posted in threads here on AZ. I might search for that info if necessary.

Now the Filipinos are in Galveston with 12-13 players, and the prize money has been cut drastically. I believe that it doesn't make them more excited about making those long and expensive trips to the States, when promoters seems to be able to do whatever they want with the advertised prize funds...

In the end I will not be surprised if Alcano, Orcullo, Bustamante, Van Corteza etc. will play in the US Open again this year, and I sure do hope they will, but I can understand it if they choose to save the money and focus on tournaments in Asia instead.

JMHO

 

[SK Custom Cues]

nice input. Thanks

 

[brandonspitler]

True...

You are quite correct Roy. I see it the same way. And it's terrible, because I love the tourneys, and the action...but, I don't see this happening in Tennis tourneys, Bowling tourneys, etc...
And if I'm not mistaken, isn't pool the 1st or 2nd MOST played sport in the country? (USA) I'm pretty sure it is. But until society stops seeing us as a bunch of smoking, drinking, gambling troublemakers, it will, unfortunately, continue to happen. If this happened at a pro tennis event, the players would have a union to sue the promoters. But we are just lucky if we can have an event like this at all. And those in the "billiard know" know this. And so many are really trying. The DCC is fantastic, Galveston may someday get the kinks worked out, and the US Open is a long running tourney, but other than that there is nothing that stands out for "the money" to have reason to get behind and push. It's a shame, because this sport is truly great, and with such a rich talent pool right now.

A very noble sport, worth supporting!

PS- I quit drinking, trying to quit smoking, don't really see gambling as being THAT bad, lol, and as for the troublemaking...well...whatever!

 

[Tom In Cincy]

It is my understanding that the Pinoy players are all in the country (Galveston event) and will be heading to the US Open. Visa status withstanding. The US Open provides visa documentation to these and other world class contestants.

The current list of US Open players already entered includes all past champions, Barry Berhman pays the entry fee for these champions. Efren 1994 and Alex 2005 are past champions.

Check the player listing in mid-Oct and see if there are other Pinoys enter then.

BTW there is a young Pinoy named Roberto Gomez that is a force to be considered with in this contest if he is entered. He's been seen on the west coast this last summer and has shown potential at Galveston.

Also look for some young Europeans to compete. This might just be one of the best US Opens ever. World class event and full field and $100,000 added.

 

[Nostroke]

It's expensive to send players all the way from Philippines, just for one event, even if it is a big event that all the Filipino players love.

In the Philippines there is more tournaments than ever before that pays $ 5000 - $ 10000, plus $ 1000 action each night, and a trip for one player to the US Open might cost like $ 3000 - $ 3500 with flightticket, transportation, hotel, entry and food. (Just guessing on the amount)

That means that they have to finish 7th to perhaps break even. Last year 7th paid $ 4000. After tax (33 %) it is $ 2700.

I don't think it makes it better that US Open cut the winnings for 2nd place from $ 25 000 as advertised to $ 20 000 when the event finished, a couple of years ago. Alcano traveled to play based on what is advertised prize money, and was surprised when he received $ 5000 less. I know other players have also complained about the cut in prize money that year, for example Markus Juva from Finland, who posts here on this forum. He cashed in the event, and was surprised too..

It isn't actually helping, imo, what is going on in Galveston right now.

Yes, Galveston has many tournaments, nice venue, pays out a lot, and is adding over $ 80 000 to this great event.

But it is not what they advertised and said they would do.

They advertised large amounts for first prize, and that they would pay that even if only 2 players competed. Atleast that is what they told people, because that is what was posted in threads here on AZ. I might search for that info if necessary.

Now the Filipinos are in Galveston with 12-13 players, and the prize money has been cut drastically. I believe that it doesn't make them more excited about making those long and expensive trips to the States, when promoters seems to be able to do whatever they want with the advertised prize funds...

In the end I will not be surprised if Alcano, Orcullo, Bustamante, Van Corteza etc. will play in the US Open again this year, and I sure do hope they will, but I can understand it if they choose to save the money and focus on tournaments in Asia instead.

JMHO

While you are correct about the money, the US Open is such a prestigious event, only surpassed by the World Championship which no one can depend on even happening, the Pinoys will be there in force. They love the tournament and the action.