Pool is a fractured sport that could be "bought" by someone with deep pockets. All those letter names that designate the various associations would mean nothing if someone wanted to render them moot. Trudeau proved that and so did Barry Hearn when he launched Matchroom's version of the World 9-Ball Championship in 1999. They didn't need any sanction when they put up serious prize money. All the players were immediately onboard!
I feel that pool would be much bigger than it is today if Barry Hearn had taken the opportunity to carry on with the World Professional Championship as the 1999 event was called.
He had the chance to do what he later did to darts, snooker and a big chunk of European boxing and golf. That was to virtually take charge of these sports. But by dropping the Professional Championship in favour of the then ailing WPA Championship he let go of the reins and the battlefield is still littered with civil war casualties.
The biggest of these being the game itself.
Now Jay it is too late because like you and I, Barry no longer has the fire to take on the challenge.