World Pool Masters is Over, Now for a Real Major

[sjm]

OK, the World Pool Masters is behind us. Raj Hundal’s memorable effort in the World Pool Masters was a great win over an elite field, but to me, events not offering equal access to the world’s greatest players are undeserving of being considered on the top rung of our sport.

The World Pool Masters is, no doubt, a fine event, but certainly does not exercise objective justice in its selection process. This is not meant to suggest that an event having an invitational field cannot be a major, but it would have to be filled based on merit and players would have to know in advance what the selection criteria are.

Not suggesting that their selection methods are perfect, but both the WPC and the BCA Open are shining examples of how it’s done when it comes to invitational events. And, of course, the US Open and the Derby City Classic are also fine examples of elite equal access events.

Without equal access, no tournament is a major. Whether it’s the International Challenge of Champions, the World Pool Masters or a San Miguel Tour stop, it’s no major in my book. Of course, I'd be quick to attend any of these fine events if the opportunity presented itself, but when I think about who are the greatest players, I don’t bother considering any of these events as relevant to the subject.

And now for a real major, the US Open.

 

[Timberly]

And now for a real major, the US Open.

It would be better if you were going....

 

[vagabond]

The World Pool Masters is, no doubt, a fine event, but certainly does not exercise objective justice in its selection process.

Without equal access, no tournament is a major. I don’t bother considering any of these events as relevant to the subject.
.

So Raj Hundell does not make your list of Elite players?
Vagabond

 

[sjm]

It would be better if you were going....

Wow, what a beautiful thing to say. Thank you.

 

[sjm]

So Raj Hundell does not make your list of Elite players?
Vagabond

That's right, Vagabond. Hope you're doing well in the Cayman Islands.

 

[sniper]

OK, the World Pool Masters is behind us. Raj Hundal’s memorable effort in the World Pool Masters was a great win over an elite field, but to me, events not offering equal access to the world’s greatest players are undeserving of being considered on the top rung of our sport.

The World Pool Masters is, no doubt, a fine event, but certainly does not exercise objective justice in its selection process. This is not meant to suggest that an event having an invitational field cannot be a major, but it would have to be filled based on merit and players would have to know in advance what the selection criteria are.

Not suggesting that their selection methods are perfect, but both the WPC and the BCA Open are shining examples of how it’s done when it comes to invitational events. And, of course, the US Open and the Derby City Classic are also fine examples of elite equal access events.

Without equal access, no tournament is a major. Whether it’s the International Challenge of Champions, the World Pool Masters or a San Miguel Tour stop, it’s no major in my book. Of course, I'd be quick to attend any of these fine events if the opportunity presented itself, but when I think about who are the greatest players, I don’t bother considering any of these events as relevant to the subject.

And now for a real major, the US Open.

I couldn't agree more sjm, when you take into consideration the short races to eight and the relatively small field of 16 it's pretty hard to call the World Pool Masters a "major event." Not to take anything away from Raj Hundal because he defeated a mighty impressive list of players and this was without a doubt the biggest win of his young career.

In terms of majors there isn't a whole lot out there in the world of pool. WPC, US Open, and the BCA Open are three that would have to be included but other than that I can't think of another event that would definitely be considered a major. The British Open sounds like it would fall into this category but probably won't be an annual event. Just my thoughts.

 

[sjm]

In terms of majors there isn't a whole lot out there in the world of pool. WPC, US Open, and the BCA Open are three that would have to be included but other than that I can't think of another event that would definitely be considered a major. The British Open sounds like it would fall into this category but probably won't be an annual event. Just my thoughts.

Don't forget about Louisville in January. The Derby City Classic is a major in every sense of the word. Equal access to all players, an elite international field, and huge attendance add up to a title that is becoming more and more prestigious over time.

 

[bobson_215]

Don't forget about Louisville in January. The Derby City Classic is a major in every sense of the word. Equal access to all players, an elite international field, and huge attendance add up to a title that is becoming more and more prestigious over time.

yes, i couldn't agree more plus the scope of the Derby City Classic is not limited to 9 ball only, it also includes one pocket and banks!

 

[Salamander]

The trouble with the Derby city classic is the short races to 7. In 9-ball that is a joke of a race and anybody can win. It's a fun tournament to go to and watch and perhaps gamble, but I would not consider it a major unless they lengthened the races.

Regards,

Doug

 

[ceebee]

... but to me, events not offering equal access to the world’s greatest players are undeserving of being considered on the top rung of our sport.

In the world of Golf, that statement won't float.

The Masters & the National Invitational in Ft. Worth are considered to be two of the top 5 Golf tournaments on the planet. They are INVITATION ONLY. Top 60 money winners are all invited (that info may have changed)

I can understand SJM's pholosophy & question. However Invitationals are highly credible events too.

I like comparing the two sports, they are both played with balls on something green.

 

[Celtic]

The trouble with the Derby city classic is the short races to 7. In 9-ball that is a joke of a race and anybody can win. It's a fun tournament to go to and watch and perhaps gamble, but I would not consider it a major unless they lengthened the races.

Regards,

Doug

That is a good point, I did not know they were so short.

 

[sniper]

Don't forget about Louisville in January. The Derby City Classic is a major in every sense of the word. Equal access to all players, an elite international field, and huge attendance add up to a title that is becoming more and more prestigious over time.

I knew I forgot something! My brain just wasn't with it yesterday. When you consider the size and quality of the field it isn't far behind some of the other events mentioned in this thread, the races to seven I could do without.

 

[sjm]

In the world of Golf, that statement won't float.

The Masters & the National Invitational in Ft. Worth are considered to be two of the top 5 Golf tournaments on the planet. They are INVITATION ONLY. Top 60 money winners are all invited (that info may have changed)

I can understand SJM's pholosophy & question. However Invitationals are highly credible events too.

I like comparing the two sports, they are both played with balls on something green.

You may need to reread my post. I stated that an invitational tourney could be a major if participation was based on a system of merit, with participation criteria announced in advance. I didn't exclude the WPC, did I?

Similarly, any very accomplished golfer in the world can try to qualify for the PGA Golf tour through the tour school qualifying system. All golfers have equal access to that system. Anyone qualifying for the PGA tour can play their way into the Masters.

The Masters is not an invitational in the sense that its promoters can't select anyone they please to fill the field. It's something any pro can earn their way into based on a set of known criteria for participation.

In short, the Masters is an equal access event. Invitationals in which the field is not filled on merit may be very entertaining but are not majors. JMHO.

 

[14.1player]

Firstly, the WPM didn't proclaim to be a major, it just happens to be one of the larger events due to the prize fund and the fact that it is promoted by Matchroom. It's not their fault that they can put up $20k to the winner, and noone else can..

Second, who doesn't deserve to be there? The selection is based on merit, every player there is world caliber.

For the past couple of years, Matchroom did invite the same players Efren, Django, Earl, Souquet, Archer over and over and over again.. They're finally trying to diversify the fields...

Your same argument could apply to the Mosconi, why does Williams get the spot every year?

Get a clue before you decide to rant... Its the fact that there doesn't exist a suitable ranking structure. The WPA rank is useless, and Mika and Earl don't play in any ranking tours. By your logic, they shouldn't be invited to anything.

 

[sjm]

Second, who doesn't deserve to be there? The selection is based on merit, every player there is world caliber.

All worthy choices and a fine field, but not one based on merit. Yes, all the contestants have merit, but that doesn't make the field one based on merit.

Still, WPM is a very solid event. I would have loved to attend.

 

[Ktown D]

Huh?

The trouble with the Derby city classic is the short races to 7. In 9-ball that is a joke of a race and anybody can win. It's a fun tournament to go to and watch and perhaps gamble, but I would not consider it a major unless they lengthened the races.

Regards,

Doug

If you look at the field year in and year out, the DCC has the best field in the sport. The list of past champions alone qualify this to be considered a major if not THE major tournament in pool. The only other event that has the depth of field and quality of competition would probably be the Open. The race to 7 format makes the competitor stay on their game throughout the tournament. In a longer race a more highly skilled player might sleep a few games and still be victorious, but in a shorter race you better come with it from the start. JMO that is shared by a large percentage of the pros if you were to ask them.It doesn't hurt that the event is held at a venue as nice as the Executive West. You are hard pressed to find a better atmosphere for pool and the various representatives of the billiard community.