This is going to be an incredible MIH 1P event for sure, can't wait to watch it! This is by far my favorite tournament of the year, the superbowl of pool for me. The fact that Billy and Danny are commentating is icing on the cake (a big thank you to Pat, Billy and Danny!)
My 2 cents worth....
Danny is just too good of a grinder not to make it to the finals again, and Efren is just too damn good not to make it as well. I expect a repeat of last year, Efren wins, Danny a close 2nd. Danny's stamina is 2nd to none and Efren's pool knowledge and talent is 2nd to none. Last years final was amazing and thrilling and everything else a final should be.
Alex is by far the best when table conditions are optimal, but he never does well at this event and playing on the east coast with such varying amounts of humidity seems to throw his precision off. The shot clock also seems to irritate him.
Tony is incredible, but his main strategy is extreme aggressiveness trying to intimidate the opponent and these top pro's don't intimidate easily. I'm a huge fan of his and will watch every match he's in with great enthusiasm and I wish him all the luck, his time has come to make his mark IMHO.
Shane, if he's in-stroke and confident, can easily win this event. If there's ever been a guy than can shoot his way out of anything, it's him. Shane seems to be a momentum player, if he wins early on against strong players, his confidence goes into high gear and dominates everyone. If he loses early on, he doesn't finish as well. But who doesn't love Shane? He's great for the sport in every possible way.
Jones for me is a wildcard. I guess for him it will come down to dealing with the pressure of playing the best of the best, match after match. He knows everything he needs to know and I'm curious to see how he handles it all.
. If time allows. . For some cheese too if you like. Although playing you last year with Frost on one rail and SVB on the other will likely be hard to top!! But I'm game
