WPBA Great Lakes Classic

[Nostroke]

Know where you're coming from, but what I'm saying is that, based on my observations of WPBA play in the more than 40 WPBA events (in about fifteen different cities) I've attended over the years, the best players have been no more prone to upsets in races to seven than in races to nine. I'll agree that, intuitively, it should be otherwise, but it hasn't been. The argument that the short TV races has randomized tournament results, though seemingly sound, doesn't hold up when the tournament history is reviewed.

Finally, I wasn't in NC, but will be at the BCA Open and WPBA Peoria, two of the next three stops on the WPBA tour. I'm pleased that you've accepted my dinner invitation. Hope we can get to it soon.

Hey SJM- im back and sure I'll run into you in town one of these nites.

Slight correction- That would be two of the next four stops. You're probably not thinking of the Florida event (in June of all months!)

 

[sjm]

Hey SJM- im back and sure I'll run into you in town one of these nites.

Slight correction- That would be two of the next four stops. You're probably not thinking of the Florida event (in June of all months!)

You're right, I forgot they moved up the Florida event. Welcome back to the Big Apple. Look forward to seeing you.

Sad to say that I won't make Valley Forge. I've been to about eight of them, but this year I have another commitment. For me, the Super Billiards Expo hasn't been the same since they discontinued the WPBA event there. It wasn't that long ago we watched Karen Corr win her first WPBA title there. I was glad she did so in front of her mentor Petey Fusco. It made a nice story.

You came back just slightly too late to watch Jonathan Smith run 102 and out against Tony Robles at Amsterdam last Sunday in a Tri State open straight pool event.

 

[onepocketchump]

Know where you're coming from, but what I'm saying is that, based on my observations of WPBA play in the more than 40 WPBA events (in about fifteen different cities) I've attended over the years, the best players have been no more prone to upsets in races to seven than in races to nine. I'll agree that, intuitively, it should be otherwise, but it hasn't been. The argument that the short TV races has randomized tournament results, though seemingly sound, doesn't hold up when the tournament history is reviewed.

Finally, I wasn't in NC, but will be at the BCA Open and WPBA Peoria, two of the next three stops on the WPBA tour. I'm pleased that you've accepted my dinner invitation. Hope we can get to it soon.

Then it's a BCA date. You can find me at the Fury Experience.

John

 

[GoVivian]

I mean the "show" she puts on. Talking to herself, talking to the crowd, agonizing over shots, both simple and difficult, admonishing herself, praising herself, twirling around every time she wins a rack and generally doing a lot of extraneous stuff that is bothersome to the opponent. If you don't think it takes a lot to fade that kind of stuff then I have to say you have probably never played anyone like that for anything signifigant.

I have and it is easy to get caught up in what they are saying and doing rather than focusing on the game at hand. When at the table it becomes difficult to let go of whatever the opponent has been saying or doing and you just want to run out and shove the nine ball down their throat to shut them up.

Vivian is definitely a "play to the crowd" player - a showboat. She probably makes for good TV, which is probably why she doesn't get sanctioned by the WPBA. I am not alone in thinking that she would win a lot more if she toned it down and played a simpler game. She has so much firepower that she often way overshoots the target and has to come with fantastic shots to get of traps she put herself in. The Vivian I want to see is the one that finally shows the world class game she has and less of the showboat. I am always rooting for her to win when she plays anyone but the players we sponsor.

She is lucky to have fans like you. Best of success for you both.

John

Thanks for the feedback, John.

So long as Vivan isn't talking while the other player is shooting I don't see the harm in what she does. I've only seen her talk to herself and to the crowd, do her "tornado", and whistle - all while she's in control of the table.

I do agree with you about Vivian's aggressive style though. I trust she'd win alot more if she played a bit more conservatively. But she's a fireball and that's part of what I love about her so I guess it's a double edged sword.

 

[sjm]

Then it's a BCA date. You can find me at the Fury Experience.

John

Great. I willl be there with a friend of mine, however. I'm sure that you and I can share a meal together, but I won't say I'm sure it will be dinner.

I'm really looking forward to meeting you. PM me when the date gets close, and we'll confrim.

I'll be in Vegas from Wednesday, May 18 thru Sunday May 22.

 

[vagabond]

Thanks for the feedback, John.

So long as Vivan isn't talking while the other player is shooting I don't see the harm in what she does. I've only seen her talk to herself and to the crowd, do her "tornado", and whistle - all while she's in control of the table.

I do agree with you about Vivian's aggressive style though. I trust she'd win alot more if she played a bit more conservatively. But she's a fireball and that's part of what I love about her so I guess it's a double edged sword.

Howdy,
Well stated.
Vagabond

 

[Nostroke]

Thanks for the feedback, John.

So long as Vivan isn't talking while the other player is shooting I don't see the harm in what she does. I've only seen her talk to herself and to the crowd, do her "tornado", and whistle - all while she's in control of the table.

I do agree with you about Vivian's aggressive style though. I trust she'd win alot more if she played a bit more conservatively. But she's a fireball and that's part of what I love about her so I guess it's a double edged sword.

Im with you, she is definitely good for the WPBA and i dont understand why any players would have a problem with her show but i know most definitely that many do.

 

[onepocketchump]

Im with you, she is definitely good for the WPBA and i dont understand why any players would have a problem with her show but i know most definitely that many do.

For the same reason that people have a problem with Strickland's antics - they are distracting.

Now, it was said that where is the problem when Vivian does her thing when she is shooting - as long as she doens't do it when others are shooting. Well, in the WPBA layout there is almost always someone shooting. So is it fair to whoop and holler when people are trying to focus on their game one or two tables away.

If I did what Vivian does as a fan in the stands I would be asked to leave the arena.

Monica Webb was so frustrated with Vivian's actions that she threw her cue across the room at the last event. Monica's cue went flying when other people were playing. Neither this outburst nor Vivian's tactics should be tolerated.

John

 

[Nostroke]

For the same reason that people have a problem with Strickland's antics - they are distracting.

Now, it was said that where is the problem when Vivian does her thing when she is shooting - as long as she doens't do it when others are shooting. Well, in the WPBA layout there is almost always someone shooting. So is it fair to whoop and holler when people are trying to focus on their game one or two tables away.

If I did what Vivian does as a fan in the stands I would be asked to leave the arena.

Monica Webb was so frustrated with Vivian's actions that she threw her cue across the room at the last event. Monica's cue went flying when other people were playing. Neither this outburst nor Vivian's tactics should be tolerated.

John

You are absolutley correct. What i should have said was any opponents. I see your other points as well.

I do want to point out though and i know you didnt imply that Vivian's and Earl's antics are similar but for anyone that might erroneously draw that conclusion-. Earl's antics are invariably mean spirited-Vivians never are.