chicagomike
Verified Member
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2008
- Messages
- 1,559
I'm a little surprised to read some of the negative commentary about the challenge match between Henderson and Ghost. Perhaps some of the newer members expected to see the type of play one might see in a marquee contest such as between Frost and SVB.
These two men are very good players, but neither are pro quality, and they're both past their primes. Ghost is in his 60's, and John in his early 70's. They both know the game very well, and are not about to make some silly error of judgement over shot selection. Yet they both love the action, and can ply the game of one-pocket to express their competitiveness.
They deserve our credit. They've been good sports about the build-up to the match for the past several weeks. They graciously agreed to be put on live stream so that anyone anywhere could tune in and examine their play under the microscope. And we get to watch for free! They are playing for stakes that for all but a very few on this site generally do not play.
Until one becomes older himself, he's not going to understand how age affects the nerves. Seniors simply are not any longer capable of playing that carefree, swaggering, audacious type of game that we did at 30. There will be episodes of that type of play, but caution will usually win out.
Because of the circumstances, both men are bound to pucker a little. Yet watching their play was very instructive to me. I think they've settled down a little, and I expect to see more good one-pocket from these old war horses when they resume today. Now it'll be a race to 6 for the cheese...
~Doc
I agree with you Doc. I might add that I find it unsettling that others would be so quick to judge and be so critical towards fellow members who are stepping up to play. I for one have enjoyed everything leading up to this match and am enjoying watching them put their best foot forward in a high pressure high stake situation.
Kudos to both for doing what you do