WNT 2024 Hanoi Open (8-13 Oct), Winner $30K
- Thread starter spartan
- Start date
Shane is still a superstar of the highest order, but since the Matchroom break rule was changed in August 2022 and the pockets tightened to 4", he is without a Matchroom major title (meaning an event having a large, international field, not an invitational).
Shane's double hill come from behind win vs Krause (who, by Fargo, is outside the World Top 100) in the Round of 64 is hardly a statement win here and suggests he's not in his very highest form. Shane might well win this, especially if he finds the form he showed at the US Open in August, but there are many others who can do the same. Six of the world's top 10 based on Fargo are still in. Wish Shane the best. It would be nice to see him win a major in his BCA hall of fame year.
Last edited:
Well, this is where FargoRate is somewhat behind reailty. There are enough players from that top 100 placed 70 and below , who you would never rate more capable than Krause.
And this is where one would better look at fascinating results Mickey Krause produced this season, instead of any kind of rankings. In beating a very inform player SVB must have played lights out IMO.
I don’t know why but it seems you always seem to give SVB back handed compliments. You choose the change of pockets and break as the date to evaluate him but he won the 9 ball worlds before that, came close as possible to winning the us open and even though it was an invitational, he won in the format probably the hardest to win when playing in a league format.
I would say in the events that I saw Mickey in, he impressed me as being EASILY in the top 10 if not the top 5(for right now). When I saw him matched up with SVB, I literally said outloud to myself, this will be Shane's toughest match for the Hanoi open.
Jaden
Mickey's a fast-improving player and may one day be counted among the elite, but he'd need a good spot from the top guys. Surely, you don't think he's in the conversation with any of Fedor, Josh, Shane, FSR, Ko Pin Yi, Ko Ping Chung, Kaci, or Biado. That's eight guys who would torture him in a match of any real length, and there are many others. Top ten? Surely you jest. Still, like you, I think Mickey has a high ceiling and is one to watch.
He hasn't proved himself there yet. I was just commenting on the level of play I've seen in the last several tournaments that I've seen him in. The first tournament I watched with him in it, in the first match I saw him in, I said to my best friend, watch for him to win this tournament. That was the European open which he won. You don't win a WNT major without being right up there.
Time will tell if he is in the elite or not, but he's definitely showed some skill here recently.
Jaden
Smutzc
Well-known member
Love to agree with you, I vote Oscar, but with a heavy heart, I hate to admit Tyler dogs out in the heat of the moment. Tyler has all the skills to play as good as any and I mean any pro, but he lacks the ability to mentally close a match. I think, especially in a race to 5 Billy is the better competitor. Side note, Billy can motivate the team in a way that Tyler can not. BILLY FOR 2024 ! lol
Nothing arbitrary about the cutoff date I chose.
I chose that cutoff because, as I have posted before on several occasions, I really do believe that the Matchroom equipment and rules changes instituted in August 2022, especially the new break rule, hurt his chances a little. As has been observed by many on this forum, the formula for winning has changed, and the statistics show that there are fewer break and runs and that much more defense is being played in the Matchroom majors. Seeing more than a three pack from anybody at the Matchroom majors has become quite rare. The game has changed.
Shane's break may be the greatest weapon any player in the 9ball era has ever brought to the table, but with nine on the spot, a break box and tight pockets, he cannot dominate with his break in the manner he used to. He knows it, too, which is why he has refused to gamble using Matchroom break rules when asked. He's clearly still a superstar of the highest order and a living legend, but the Matchroom rules and equipment changes have made things a little harder for him. Go back to one on the spot, no break box and 41/4 inch pockets and Shane will win more titles. He remains a threat to win anything on pool's calendar, because he's still an absolutely phenomenal player.
That's just my opinion, and if you see it differently, I'm happy to debate the matter.
Not convinced about Billy, but can’t disagree with what you say about Tyler.
You make a good point here. From a team spirit standpoint, Billy is probably the best pick.
I’m not convinced he does win more titles if the rules hadnt been changed. He wasn’t winning everything in the 4 or 5 years prior to that. I just personally believe the top tier of players is now larger (including SVB). So he is still as good as he was but the people likely to dominate for small periods is larger. Consider for example Albin, he was on a role then fell off, FSR (last few weeks excepted) was on top and then dropped off.
I just don’t think there should always be a caveat when discussing SVB as seems to be the case recently. He’s generally always in the mix and the rub of the green and format playing 9 ball double elimination is always going to stop anyone really dominating at the moment. Fedor doing his best though and Joshua doing his best as well (to shoot him self in the foot
)
Nice post!I’m not convinced he does win more titles if the rules hadnt been changed. He wasn’t winning everything in the 4 or 5 years prior to that. I just personally believe the top tier of players is now larger (including SVB). So he is still as good as he was but the people likely to dominate for small periods is larger. Consider for example Albin, he was on a role then fell off, FSR (last few weeks excepted) was on top and then dropped off.
I just don’t think there should always be a caveat when discussing SVB as seems to be the case recently. He’s generally always in the mix and the rub of the green and format playing 9 ball double elimination is always going to stop anyone really dominating at the moment. Fedor doing his best though and Joshua doing his best as well (to shoot him self in the foot
This is, indeed, the crux of the matter. His refusal to gamble using Matchroom break rules tells you he doesn't view these rules as offering him his best chance to win, but your point may be more important. You clearly feel his pedigree dropped more than I think it did. I think he has remained superelite throughout, but that some of his weapons were partly neutralized by changes in the game. No idea who is right, for we are merely comparing our opinions.
I feel that as long as they give Shane the break the way he likes it, he's still as dangerous as ever. Take a look at the 2023 World 8-ball, with looser pockets, no break box and one on the spot. The way Shane outbroke everyone in the field reminded me of the Shane of old, and he rode that break to the gold medal. It was a time capsule of sorts.
None of this is cut and dried. I've seen what I've seen and so have you, and we both have well-informed opinions. Maybe we are both right. It has been an interesting discussion, and thanks. Monti, for sharing your thoughts.
I’m not convinced he does win more titles if the rules hadnt been changed. He wasn’t winning everything in the 4 or 5 years prior to that. I just personally believe the top tier of players is now larger (including SVB). So he is still as good as he was but the people likely to dominate for small periods is larger. Consider for example Albin, he was on a role then fell off, FSR (last few weeks excepted) was on top and then dropped off.
I just don’t think there should always be a caveat when discussing SVB as seems to be the case recently. He’s generally always in the mix and the rub of the green and format playing 9 ball double elimination is always going to stop anyone really dominating at the moment. Fedor doing his best though and Joshua doing his best as well (to shoot him self in the foot
yea, agree. you have to go with form. i think svb is having a good year, but more than anything he's having a good week. and he has a good draw!
Edward live now vs Shaw. Tied at 3. He looks like a kid. Maybe 19 or 20 years old.
KPC on 2 BNR's. 3-0 over biado. looks dialed in
Team spirit? Maybe we can hold them a pep rally in the gymnasium!!
The only reason and way Billy makes this team is because he is better friends with Sky. He has no business being on that team.
SVB stressing. Klutz foul.
