Rich R.
03-24-2003, 02:06 PM
I promised Chris, I would post my opinion of the Ladies Round Robin Tournament at Valley Forge, so here goes.
Although I enjoyed watching some quality pool, played by some very good players, the round robin format, with only 8 players, just did not do it for my wife and me. Although we are fans and supporters of the WPBA, my wife and I got bored watching the same ladies play, match after match. There just wasn't enough variety. The fact that the out come of the tournament was so easily predictable, added to the sad situation.
During the first session, I told my wife, who I believed would be in the finals and who would win the event. It was obvious from the start, what the outcome would be.
Maybe if more of the top ten players were involved, it would have been more exciting. The competition would, at least, have been a little closer.
I heard many rumors about why some of the other top players were not involved. Since it is all rumor, I will not say what players were mentioned and why they weren't involved. As anyone can guess, as in most situations like this, it revolves around money.
Obviously, we were not the only spectators dissatisfied. Attendance was much lower than other years. Many of the die hard fans, expressed their disappointment with the event.
I only hope, that some time between now and next year, the WPBA and Allen Hopkins Productions, can come to their senses and hammer out a deal for a complete WPBA tournament.
Allen Hopkins has to agree that the WPBA must increase their hosting fee, to help their organization continue to grow.
On the other hand, the WPBA has to show a little loyalty to promoters, such as Hopkins, who have sponsored events, year after year, for a long time. Maybe a discount for a multi year deal is in order. This may also be a good way to negotiate with other promoters. It takes time to build interest in a tournament and I think multi year deals would benefit all involved.
I believe both the WPBA and Allen Hopkins Productions would benefit from a long term deal. Sensible heads should get together and find some common ground, on which, to make a deal. Although Hopkins may have suffered some finacial set back, from the ladies tournament this year, judging by what my wife and I heard in the stands, the WPBA also suffered a loss in their fan base.
Although I enjoyed watching some quality pool, played by some very good players, the round robin format, with only 8 players, just did not do it for my wife and me. Although we are fans and supporters of the WPBA, my wife and I got bored watching the same ladies play, match after match. There just wasn't enough variety. The fact that the out come of the tournament was so easily predictable, added to the sad situation.
During the first session, I told my wife, who I believed would be in the finals and who would win the event. It was obvious from the start, what the outcome would be.
Maybe if more of the top ten players were involved, it would have been more exciting. The competition would, at least, have been a little closer.
I heard many rumors about why some of the other top players were not involved. Since it is all rumor, I will not say what players were mentioned and why they weren't involved. As anyone can guess, as in most situations like this, it revolves around money.
Obviously, we were not the only spectators dissatisfied. Attendance was much lower than other years. Many of the die hard fans, expressed their disappointment with the event.
I only hope, that some time between now and next year, the WPBA and Allen Hopkins Productions, can come to their senses and hammer out a deal for a complete WPBA tournament.
Allen Hopkins has to agree that the WPBA must increase their hosting fee, to help their organization continue to grow.
On the other hand, the WPBA has to show a little loyalty to promoters, such as Hopkins, who have sponsored events, year after year, for a long time. Maybe a discount for a multi year deal is in order. This may also be a good way to negotiate with other promoters. It takes time to build interest in a tournament and I think multi year deals would benefit all involved.
I believe both the WPBA and Allen Hopkins Productions would benefit from a long term deal. Sensible heads should get together and find some common ground, on which, to make a deal. Although Hopkins may have suffered some finacial set back, from the ladies tournament this year, judging by what my wife and I heard in the stands, the WPBA also suffered a loss in their fan base.