[mmizobe]

Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinions!

1. There should be more 8-ball on TV. As a student of the game (age 62), I found it very instructive watching the pros play 8-ball (IPT in Vegas). I told whomever would listen that watching pros playing 8-ball is so different from them playing 9-ball. I got to understand that in 8-ball, the more balls dropped makes for an harder layout even for the pros--quite opposite from 9-ball--and consequently, cue-ball control was paramount. In that setting, there were relatively few consecutive break-and-runs, very few full length-of-table shots. Isn't that just like intermediates shooting pool? In TV 9-ball, there is not much an intermediate can learn because of the super high level of shotmaking. The only exception is Mosconi Cup matches, because the pressure seems to "humanize" the players (i.e., they miss).

2. The pros should talk to the TV producer in what is interesting--Too much head shots! (does not apply to WPBA tournaments, however!) I think viewers beyond the beginner stage would like to see more shots from behind the shooter, in order to watch the total cue ball path (especially so in 8-ball). How about picture-in-picture every now and then showing (besides the all-important behind shot) the side view and cue ball closeup? The color commentators ("CC") should do more free-hand visuals (not the recent computer-generated arrows!) because of the limited time. I especially appreciate CCs who discuss position options and provide before or after shot selection critiques. Ewa ML, JLee, and Mark Wilson are quite good in this aspect.

Whew. And, have a great year, Sarah.