I feel compelled to write about this topic because I think it poses some interesting questions for the pool world. As you read in my previous entry, the WPBA Regional Tour Championships in 2012 had a new format, the WPBA RTC East Champion would play the WPBA RTC West Champion at the US Open. This clash of the titans seems like a match of epic proportion, but what happens when it is the clash of the runner ups? Due to circumstances beyond their control, both My Hahn Lac (East) and Kim Jones (West) declined their opportunity to compete at the US Open, which means that the RTC Championship match will end up being Megan Smith vs. Liz Cole, both ladies finished in 2nd place at their respective RTC event (coincidentally they both lost 9-8).
Here's the dilemma... Both My Hahn and Kim had to play great to earn their division title. They advanced from the round robin phase of their events, defeating many opponents and eliminating opportunity for other players that would take that US Open spot in a heart beat, especially with paid entry. Is it fair to all of their opponents that they declined the spot? Maybe, maybe not. Does the WPBA have the authority to enforce policies associated with participation at their events? Yes. Is the WPBA RTC Champion a true champion? I don't know... It is definitely a complicated situation and I am glad that I don't have to make any decisions regarding changes in policy or otherwise. Some other interesting questions that I have thought about while writing this entry... Is it possible to create a payout structure that would provide more money than just the entry for "qualifier" events? What format would you choose for the RTC if it was up to you? How do you approach sponsors for "would be" opportunities?
What I do know is that I will be lucky enough to see how it all plays out in person, as I will be one of sixty-four players competing at the most prestigious professional women's billiards event in the United States. As the 2011 US Amateur Champion, I earned entry, hotel, and airfare to the US Open in 2012. This will be the second professional tournament of my short pool career. Honestly, I am thrilled to be representing the amateur pool world at the Open and would love to thank the APA for all that they do...
The WPBA US Open will be hosted at the River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, OK June 7-11, 2012. I am very excited to play at this event and look forward to the opportunity to compete along side some of the best pool players in the world.
