I was at the match, and helped out by being Earl's "cornerman" for the weekend. The guy who "cheered" when Earl missed actually thought Earl made the shot,not missed. The guy who yelled was embarrassed but it was too late. I'm not too sure the guy was a pool guy, I believe he was the son of one of the sponsors, so I don't think they wanted to make too big a deal about it.
But the "Bad Blood" was approriately titled. These two guys were not friends by any stretch of the imagination. I don't think I"m giving out any secrets here !! And neither wanted to lose. Earl was very upset with himself for losing the 10ball event on Saturday. He got to the match on Sunday early and was practicing and "entertaining" the fans 90 minutes before the match. He wanted to win this thing, and bad, I can tell you that....
With Earl, losing is not an option, he is not happy with anything less than victory. I don't really know how to describe it, but it almost appears that he loses a piece of himself. He see's himself as a champion, and if he doesn't play championship pool (winning) he feels like he let himself down, the fans, others, I'm not sure.. After he lost the 10ball on Saturday I drove him to his hotel and you would swear his dog just got hit by a car. Everyone else stuck around to watch the baskeball and have a few refreshments.
You can say what you want about Earl, but he comes to play, and gives it 110%. Though Johnny brought his A game as well, and everyone saw what he did during his over 100 run. Neither of these guys wanted to lose this one ! Trust me. Anyone that said this was an exhibition match was incorrect. Johnny was a cool dude throughout the weekend and treated us great. Earl brought was some real excitement and entertainment to the match.......Great time that's for sure. It was win/win for the fans...no matter who you were cheering for.