Very nice out by Team Philippines to win 7-4. I bought the package from Livesport.TV for only $8.99 for the entire six days. Just like watching it on TV. Excellent coverage and good commentary by Jim Wych and Ted Lerner.
As I watch this, I find I like just about everything about this event:
1) Short races make for much more excitement, and even more so with winner breaks. Like the Mosconi Cup, it means that there is "late match pressure" right from the start. Every mistake might be the one that costs the match.
2) The shot clock makes pool far more enjoyable to watch. Pool is not rocket science and shots ought to be planned relatively quickly, with the extension allowing for greater analysis on that rare occasion that something complicated arises.
3) Scotch doubles is a great tournament format. I always enjoy watching it at the highest level.
The only thing I don't much care for is the illegal break rule. A few times today, somebody made two balls on the break, didn't scratch, and was called for an illegal break. To me, that's ridiculous.
Overall, this is a great event!
As is most often the case, you are spot with your assessment. And as far as the illegal break is concerned, its sole purpose is to eliminate a soft, wing ball break. By making two balls, it shows they were struck hard enough, I believe, to automatically be determined as legal.
Unfortunately, the rule says a combination of 3 balls made or that crossed the kitchen.
I remember when Ronnie Alcano won the WPC 9 ball, he was pocketing a few balls consistently while using his "soft draw break", so it's possible to pocket 2 or more balls using a soft break...
As is most often the case, you are spot with your assessment. And as far as the illegal break is concerned, its sole purpose is to eliminate a soft, wing ball break. By making two balls, it shows they were struck hard enough, I believe, to automatically be determined as legal.
With a couple of tables, they probably could've finished this whole tournament in 2 days. Rather than Tues-Sunday. Maybe with the way they have it set up, it helps with online viewership. Doesn't seem like there's hardly anyone in the seats.
2013 World Cup Of Pool
Round 1 results - First day
Finland - 7 Austria - 2
Korea - 7 Estonia - 2
Germany - 7 Malta - 4
Holland - 7 Scotland - 2
England B - 7 Portugal - 4
Philippines - 7 Croatia - 4
Wednesday - Afternoon session, 12 noon local time (4 am Pacific/7 am Eastern/7 pm Manila)
Round 1 – Race to 7
Japan (13) vs. Sweden
China (3) vs. Hungary
Russia (14) vs. Hong Kong
Wednesday - Evening session, 6 pm local time (10 am Pacific/1 pm Eastern/1 am Manila)
Round 1 – Race to 7
USA (4) vs. Kuwait
Poland (11) vs. Singapore
Canada (12) vs. India
Free live stream:
http://cricfree.tv/sky-sports-3-live-stream-online.php