Most intelligent
Most intelligent
After reading most of the post, I have come to the conclusion that everyone agrees: Efren is the most intelligent one pocket player.
Why?
Each poster at one time or another has acknowledged that Efren shoots shots that no one else would shoot and makes them. I classify that as intelligence. Finding the shot for him that he can and does make, plus his ability to make more balls from his selection. And then winning.
There's a little bickering about a couple of games he lost, said to be, to poor table management. I always have equated one pocket with chess. There's a beginning, a middle and an end to all. The openings in chess determine what style of game you've committed, taking into account your opponents style. The middle, which can be a form of sheep herding and the end where safety play and managing the balls is crucial to win and to keep your opponent from scoring. :frus
It has been suggested because Efen make a couple of choices costing him some games, his end game is lacking. If I understand it correctly, Alex made a world class shot to win. Is that really considered bad management? This discussion isn't about shortstops or club players, it is about the cream de la creme. These are the players that shoot the impossible, making it look everyday.
Efren's advantage. During and after tournaments, the older Pinoys all get together and talk about their game, their strategy. They teach each other shots and go over mistakes and games. It is the one advantage the Pinoys have over other players. They play individually, but function as a group.
Who taught Efren to play one pocket? How do you teach someone whos' ability is so far beyond mere mortals? Its probably true he learned some shots and strategy. My game improved dramatically by playing a future HOF'er. I don't know. I am only familiar with Sonny and when he first came over. Originally he played nine ball and ten ball. And he had a weak one pocket game, unless you game him an open shot. Then he thought he was playing ten ball. He moved very poorly and lost consistently. He wanted to play winning one pocket. He went to LA and hung out with Bustamonte and his gang, next thing you know, Sonny is playing very decent, winning one pocket.
Anyway, this has been a fun topic, with a very lively discussion that didn't deteriorate into slashing personal remarks across the board. We all agree
EFREN IS THE MOST INTELLIGENT.
If you disagree, no reasons, just name your choice. Lets just make up a list and rank them. ER, RA......
I still like Tony's intelligence when it comes to one pocket, I can't wait until he returns from vacation.
BTW, It is one of my pleasures in life that I have gotten to be around some great sports figures. Joe Montana, Steve Young, Muhammed Ali, Efren Reyes. I look forward every year to seeing him play and the chance to draw him in one of the tournaments. Like poker, I am considered dead money since 2003.:sorry