This event is a huge step up from the World 10-ball, and not just because the prize fund is $100,000 greater, for a big prize fund alone does not make an event great. To me, the bigger improvements are:
1) Giants of the game are not drawing each other in the first round. Woodward (800) played Feijen (810) in the first round of the World 10-ball. The seeding methodology used at the World 10-ball was an insult to the intelligence of any serious fan and it was repeated in Stage 2.
2) There's a shot clock on every table, as it should be. The absence of a shot clock set the World 10 ball over two hours behind schedule, which shouldn't happen in an event that wants to be taken seriously. For many of us, it meant having to miss the final.
3) With a referee racking, winner's break is always best. We didn't get it at the World 10-ball.
4) The arena is a huge step up from the World 10-ball with full match coverage on two tables and occasional coverage of each and every table when circumstance dictates it. Nobody produces an event like Matchroom.
5) The commentators are much better than at the World 10-ball.
Yes, this is the World Pool Championship, the biggest and best event on pro pool's calendar. Ah, but who will snap it off? We shall see.
