9-Ball
Topic: Eurotour

anyone know why Gre wrote this?





Open letter. Dear All. I want to address you in a general matter. As we all know the pool billiard sport in the world but especially in Europe is growing and growing. This development of course is very good and is also something we all are working towards. Looking at the EPBF events, especially the Euro Tour, we all have to congratulate our selves. Within almost 4 years you can see what we have achieved, the Euro-tour series is not only considered to be Europe’s strongest tournament but also the Worlds strongest. Not only that, the Euro-tour is also considered as one of the most professionally run tournaments in the World, together we have achieved this. This does not mean that the job is done and we can sit back and just enjoy the events. The IBP foundation and the EPBF are preparing to take the Euro-tour and our other events to the next level. We of course understand that the current format of the Euro Tour is reaching its capacity. We also see that the current format is a heavy format which forces the players to play long days and many matches on a day. There is no solution for this format in the current situation. Changing the Euro Tour in a format that suites all players will need a complete make over of the tour. We are looking at several possibilities at the moment but before we want to put all our energy towards this direction, we want to point out the fact of loyalty. We all remember in the past, there were different promoters starting new initiatives and promised big amounts of prize money and perfect conditions. All they have achieved is to fill everyone’s heads about dreams of big bucks then just like all the others so far, it blows up in your face. It is not only the players who suffer but also other promoters like us. We are the ones who have to pick up the pieces, yet we are the ones who try to develop the sport for you and those around you. Developing the sports means also that we all have to stand together. Sometimes one group has to accept a negative item to bring the sport forward in the end and sometimes it is the other way around. But in general we are all looking in the same direction. This means also that we all support each other, listen to each other and try to find a solution which is acceptable for all. I don’t say that this is an easy job and it needs a lot of dedication from all people involved but I’m convinced that it works that way. This is the reason why the EPBF is trying to get the WPA more involved with organizing a world tour for instance and that is also the reason why we want to professionalize the Euro Tour in the future, in terms of material (tables and pocket sizes, prize money and the presentation of players etc. Rumors tell us that also in the future, people will try to put up tournaments or series and promising golden mountains. This means of course again that there will be discussions and again it is clear that we have to put efforts in convincing people etc. etc. Efforts which we really want to put in to developing the sport. Our aim is not to stop you playing or stop new promoters coming along but we have to look at the sport as a whole first, just like all other sports governing bodies. Players are a very important part of a tournament together with sponsors and organizers and the development of the Euro Tour showed that this is the success formula. Therefore we can’t allow that these efforts are put in danger.
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If these rumors are true, and they are coming from a very reliable source, Europe will get the samesituation as in America for instance where promoters are deciding all matters. Not only prize money but also about sport items, like playing rules etc. This, we can’t have in Europe. This means that if the rumors become true it is you, the players who have to decide, in which direction you want to go but you all should be aware that once you have made this choice, the direction you want to go is clear. There is no way back, it is no longer possible to dance at two weddings. By saying this we realize that these are hard words but we are convinced that this is the way we should go. The EPBF together with the national federations put in a lot of efforts to get the pool billiard sport were it is at the moment and I’m sure that both parties want to work further to make the sport bigger and bigger but we need the loyalty of you as the players. Simply jumping around from left to right only helps single players or promoters but certainly not the sport. Of course we are willing to discuss this item with everybody who wants to discuss with us and we will start with the players committee from the Euro tour but we are willing to discuss with everybody about our reasons and visions. We hope of course that you understand what we are trying to say and fully respect all people who have another opinion and we are certainly not angry when players choose to go to other initiatives and / or direction. We wish them all the luck and hope that they achieve their aims. With kind regards, Gre Leenders EPBF & IBP foundation.

I got about 5 lines in and my head started to hurt. Couldn't be bothered to read it after that. Use of paragraphs may motivate me to try again.

I prefer freedom of choice ... however, as a wise man once said, you build it, they will come...

Not too hard to put some paragraphs in
Still not very clear exactly what he is trying to say though!!!

#################################

Open letter.

Dear All.

I want to address you in a general matter. As we all know the pool billiard sport in the world but especially in Europe is growing and growing. This development of course is very good and is also something we all are working towards. Looking at the EPBF events, especially the Euro Tour, we all have to congratulate our selves. Within almost 4 years you can see what we have achieved, the Euro-tour series is not only considered to be Europe’s strongest tournament but also the Worlds strongest.

Not only that, the Euro-tour is also considered as one of the most professionally run tournaments in the World, together we have achieved this. This does not mean that the job is done and we can sit back and just enjoy the events. The IBP foundation and the EPBF are preparing to take the Euro-tour and our other events to the next level. We of course understand that the current format of the Euro Tour is reaching its capacity. We also see that the current format is a heavy format which forces the players to play long days and many matches on a day.

There is no solution for this format in the current situation. Changing the Euro Tour in a format that suites all players will need a complete make over of the tour. We are looking at several possibilities at the moment but before we want to put all our energy towards this direction, we want to point out the fact of loyalty. We all remember in the past, there were different promoters starting new initiatives and promised big amounts of prize money and perfect conditions. All they have achieved is to fill everyone’s heads about dreams of big bucks then just like all the others so far, it blows up in your face. It is not only the players who suffer but also other promoters like us.

We are the ones who have to pick up the pieces, yet we are the ones who try to develop the sport for you and those around you. Developing the sports means also that we all have to stand together. Sometimes one group has to accept a negative item to bring the sport forward in the end and sometimes it is the other way around. But in general we are all looking in the same direction. This means also that we all support each other, listen to each other and try to find a solution which is acceptable for all. I don’t say that this is an easy job and it needs a lot of dedication from all people involved but I’m convinced that it works that way.

This is the reason why the EPBF is trying to get the WPA more involved with organizing a world tour for instance and that is also the reason why we want to professionalize the Euro Tour in the future, in terms of material (tables and pocket sizes, prize money and the presentation of players etc. Rumors tell us that also in the future, people will try to put up tournaments or series and promising golden mountains. This means of course again that there will be discussions and again it is clear that we have to put efforts in convincing people etc. etc. Efforts which we really want to put in to developing the sport. Our aim is not to stop you playing or stop new promoters coming along but we have to look at the sport as a whole first, just like all other sports governing bodies. Players are a very important part of a tournament together with sponsors and organizers and the development of the Euro Tour showed that this is the success formula. Therefore we can’t allow that these efforts are put in danger.

If these rumors are true, and they are coming from a very reliable source, Europe will get the same situation as in America for instance where promoters are deciding all matters. Not only prize money but also about sport items, like playing rules etc. This, we can’t have in Europe. This means that if the rumors become true it is you, the players who have to decide, in which direction you want to go but you all should be aware that once you have made this choice, the direction you want to go is clear. There is no way back, it is no longer possible to dance at two weddings. By saying this we realize that these are hard words but we are convinced that this is the way we should go.

The EPBF together with the national federations put in a lot of efforts to get the pool billiard sport were it is at the moment and I’m sure that both parties want to work further to make the sport bigger and bigger but we need the loyalty of you as the players. Simply jumping around from left to right only helps single players or promoters but certainly not the sport.

Of course we are willing to discuss this item with everybody who wants to discuss with us and we will start with the players committee from the Euro tour but we are willing to discuss with everybody about our reasons and visions. We hope of course that you understand what we are trying to say and fully respect all people who have another opinion and we are certainly not angry when players choose to go to other initiatives and / or direction. We wish them all the luck and hope that they achieve their aims.

With kind regards,

Gre Leenders EPBF & IBP foundation.

I haven't fully read all of this but is it something to do with the IPT?

Just a guess.

Still vague (paragraphs was sarcasm). At the end of the day I play in all eurotours but if there are other tournaments I want to play (sanctioned or not) I will. End of the day there's only 7 eurotours a season and I do feel if other tournaments do not clash as players we should be able to choose where and what we play. Until you get paid to be loyal and not play other tournaments what benefit do you get from saying "Its not sanctioned so I won't play it".

Don't get me wrong I love playing the eurotour but, if, for example the EPT comes back stronger and better I will definately play it.

This reminds me all too much of how the old Pro9 tour ended up folding when Doug tried to prevent people playing the BPPPA. It ended with it all blowing up in his face. I hope the eurotour doesn't suffer similarly.

This sounds very much like a threat:

"it is you, the players who have to decide, in which direction you want to go but you all should be aware that once you have made this choice, the direction you want to go is clear. There is no way back, it is no longer possible to dance at two weddings. By saying this we realize that these are hard words but we are convinced that this is the way we should go."

Very interesting stance to take, be interesting to see how this develops if/when the IPT & EPT come back...

This is obviously something very different from the IPT & EPT. By the sounds of it this is about a tour in direct competition to the EuroTour.

You could be right Riggers, more information is needed. From where did you get a copy of this letter Bangkokpoolman?

I think i know why this letter has come along.....but i am not aloud to say yet.

i am 99% certain its not to do with the IPT!....although the word is that the IPT will have a scaled down tour for 2008!

Interesting times.


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Can't you give us a clue Dazzler?

I hate not knowing what everyone else is talking about!

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This, we can’t have in Europe. This means that if the rumors become true it is you, the players who have to decide, in which direction you want to go but you all should be aware that once you have made this choice, the direction you want to go is clear. There is no way back, it is no longer possible to dance at two weddings. By saying this we realize that these are hard words but we are convinced that this is the way we should go.
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Looks pretty clear here that if you choose to play another (competitor's) tour then you will forfeit your place on the Euro tour......strong words indeed.

Didn't the WPA/EPBF write a similar letter warning players not to play on the IPT but it went on deaf ears as the top players followed the money?

Looks to me like they're getting worried about what's around the corner and they want to force the players in their direction.

I dont understand why they are so worried.....if the Euro tour is that popular with plenty of players queing up to play, why force the players.............if so many drop out then there are others to fill the places.

Maybe if the EPBF/WPA and all other member continents got a proper World tour organised with good money on offer then the players wouldn't need to look to outside promoters to earn cash!

Let's face it, only a few Americans will travel outside their country for an event and this is shown by their lack of participation in the WPC.

But in the same breath, they want all the top Europeans/Asians to travel over there to compete for trash money......what on earth!

Take the last event held (World 10 Ball), you got roughly $1400 (£700) for the last 16 with a top class field. You would need a quarter final to break even with expenses.........yeah thats value for top Pro's making a living!

The whole system needs a complete revamp from the top down....too many organisers making more than the players and that is where the problem lies.

Can anyone answer me this........why is the Euro Tour set up using another organiser called the IBP?

Why does the EPBF run qualifiers for World events but keep all the revenue and dont pay the expenses of the players to go?

What happens to all the money paid towards the European Championships, all the give out is medals yet the money taken is is huge?

On 2007-05-29 09:45 , Pool-Ace Wrote:
I already gave you a clue, I just didn't give details of the other tour

its an open letter sent to everyone assoiated with the eurotour, all of the guys on here woud have recieved one
if they played on the eurotour.







On 2007-05-29 08:26 , malaguista Wrote:

Has my comments hit a few nerves, it's gone awful quiet around here .......or is it the usual, everyone afraid to speak up?

i think the reason people are quiet is because what you said is valid!

i don't play on the eurotour (yet) so i can't comment it directly but maybe the EBPF are scared of the popularity surrounding the BPPPA's tour of Manchester??

I can see this thread going off on a tangent. BPPPA tour of Manchester (lol)

This is really difficult.. I understand EPBFs concern, but you are quite correct when you say it is difficult to be a pro with the tournaments we have today. I guess this will be a big thing when and if information on the new tour releases. This will be interesting, hope the full story emerges soon.


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Ine
www.inehelvik.com

On 2007-05-29 14:27 , Pool-Ace Wrote:


Had to say it...!!

Partly though cos i feel sorry for the brits who go on the eurotour, a number of them have taken that decision based on the farce that the BPPPA had turned in to.

the loose threats don't benefit anyone and just make the EBPF look childish, they didn't work when the IPT kicked off and i doubt they'll work this time round either!

Hopefully the new tour can work with the other organisations and players to create a better pool 'season' for all of us.