kolompar wrote:This tournament is usually disappointing that with all the prize money they still only get the same old players but good to see an American player doing well this time.
Aces are you playing in the US Nationals?
Sadly, no. I really wish I could but I have personal commitments that take priority. The venue this year is probably the best we have to offer here in the US. It is the New York Athletic Club, a private facility with four well tended, gorgeous antique tables. I have been once but I was a young man then, it was that long ago. This venue the tables probably play most similar to my own as mine is also antique, good condition but not pristine as at the NYAC.
I've been to Nationals three times so far, solid journeyman, nothing to brag about. Probably won about as many frames as I've lost so not a slouch either. I don't expect I will ever win but if I have a banner year sometime, I may have a chance to make a decent game of it. There is really only a handful of guys that truly play a proper game, but Renat I think is top tier. If he plays US Nationals this year, it will be his first ever (he is an ex-pat and just got US citizenship recently which is a requirement to play in the tournament). I have had frames or at least some practice with all the top tier players and I have played Renat a number of times at my place so my opinion is I think he has got the game to take it hands down.
As for the money at the Richler Cup, it's attractive but really only profitable if you are local. As I read it, as runner-up, Renat would have won $2,000 but he is lucky if he was able to pocket a few hundred dollars after all the expenses involved. Definitely have to do it for love of the game. I think the top prize for US Nationals last year was about $1,000 which barely covers expenses unless you sleep on a bench or under a bridge.