I want to preface this post by congratulating the GB9 team for their tireless work. The game has come along way in the last 4-5 years and the tour needs to continue to be well supported for it to flourish.
The economic climate and new format (one chance to cash) have arguably had a negative impact on entries this year. However, with the tables being paid off the tour will be re-invigorated in 2014 and beyond.
Ultimately, the tour is subsidised by amateur players who have little chance of taking home one of the big prizes. Fact. Next year's tour should, in my opinion, be designed with emphasis on two key things a) To add more value for the loyal amateur members b) To promote the game.
A few ideas:
1. Return to challenge/pro/main format for event #1,#2 (10ball),#4. Pro should be winner breaks, 24 players with room to add non-tour pros into a preliminary round. However, the distribution of the prize fund should focus on the main event.
2. Event #3: Have a British 9 ball 'Open' with £2-3k added which is guaranteed - this will attract the top Europeans. This should be unseeded, double-elimination to last 16
3. Event #4 Have one British 9 ball 'Championship' with a guaranteed added fund of £3-4k - must play in 3 of first 4 events or be a member to play. Seeded per main rankings and double elimination for whole event
4. Event #3 and #4 Mini-Mosconi style event run at 'GB9 Open' and 'GB9 Championship'. This could be 3 man teams, England (multiple teams, maybe by county?); Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Spain and then others depending on international entries. This would replace the challenge from the 2013 format.
5. All events: King of the Hill competition - Free entry, one rack shoot-out at Midnight on Saturday with a £200 winner-takes-all. This would allow every player the chance to cover their expenses
6. Event #1,#2,#4. Run a small race to 3 scotch doubles tournament where the pros are drawn highest ranked pro with lowest ranked amateur. I am sure the amateurs would appreciate the chance to play with a Mosconi cup player, euro tour winners etc
7. Trick shots/exhibition this is the best way to attract public/ hotel guests to come in and have a look. Again the top pros could take a turn
8. In returning to the old format there should be an onus on the pros to interact with the amateurs by, for example, putting on a 30 min clinic/training session: kicking, banking, breaking, jump-shots. Perhaps the winner of event #1 in 2013 does a session at event #1 in 2014
9. All members should have to wear a GB9 shirt - which should be included in the membership fee - at least in the main event. This would make the tour look more professional
10. The World Pool Masters qualifier should be open to all tour members and maybe a race to 5. The chances are a pro would prevail, but at least the loyal tour amateur members would have a shot at playing on TV.
I appreciate there will be issues with scheduling the smaller add-ons but they will add value for the amateurs and create a bit of variety and freshness. It is asking a bit more of the pros but they are, by and large, friendly guys who wouldn't mind putting a bit back into the game.
[ This message was edited by: G on 2013-06-13 17:12 ]
