9-Ball
Topic: Interview with Deno (IPT)

Well, this sure looks like a funeral for me:

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=44983

Even if what Eydie said is not all true, its enough for me to see that the IPT is pretty much finished.

I can't say that I'm suprised, after reading through all of that, being a pool player like everyone else on here and in the pool scene, I'm not bothered about what the future is, (or lack of it) for the IPT, so long as the players get all of the prize money that they are owed, after all, they have rightfuly earned it and it's about time that they got their reward

Either way, I don't care about what's happening with the IPT because it's like I said before, as long as we still got the numerous amount of tours around the UK, Europe, US, Asia, etc, then it won't make any difference if the IPT is still there or not because players will still happily go to tournaments, to compete to the best of their ability that they can , after all, that's what we're all here for

Willie

I agree with some of what you say Willie but you seem to be understating just what a dissapointment this is for the players. Take people like Darren, Daryl & Mick, for example (I know there are others), who've been playing pool for years at the very top level. There's very little money in it and it's very hard for the few true proffessionals we have in the UK to make a decent living out of the game. The IPT would have been massive for them and given them chance to earn the sort of money they deserve. The existing tours simply don't pay enough. Whilst I'm glad the IPT happened and believe it will still be good for the game it's a massive disappointment for these players whose hopes have been lifted and then their dreams smashed. Let's not forget that.

I agree with you wholeheartedly, but no matter what, words can never cover what disappointment feels like, on any level, only those players that were able to play on the IPT, can really know how disappointing it is for them and very understandably so, but all I'm basically saying is, that there is still a bright side to all of this, but I agree with you, that the IPT was paying out amounts of money that pool players do rightly deserve to earn, there's no disputing that

I do think that in a few years, the EPT has the better potential to be a truely great maybe even better tour, than the IPT, maybe not so much for as high an amount of prize money, but there's more oppertunities to come, with the IPT and we got the right guys doing that tour, and the same goes for the BPPPA and Euro Tour

I too had high hopes and excitement about the IPT when it first got going and yes, I find myself being disappointed, that it has went tits up, but all we can really do now, is hope that all the players, who are owed money by the IPT/KT/Whoever, gets paid and then they can try and move on, or whatever.

I know that that what I'm saying now, may be little or no comfort to those players who are most disappointed, but in time, things can get better , I'm just trying to put a more positive prospective on the situation, that's all

Willie

I'm amazed this post hasn't got more attention. There's a lot (ok a handful of IPT players on this forum)

I personally know a few people who have done the $2,000 entry in the hope/promise of thousands. People moan about spending £30 -50 entering a BPPPA event or £75 for the EPT - now they seem like excellent value. You also know where you are with Dazzler and Ted.

So is it true that no one has recieved any IPT prize money? Is it all a bit hush hush? I'm gutted for anyone who has had their pool dreams dashed. But like Willie says keep the faith - the sport is getting bigger - APN, BPPPA and EPT. and good luck

Be interesting to see if Ronnie/any other snooker players have been paid yet. If they haven't BBC may want to run a story on it.