men vs women question

[Sarah Ellerby]

Men V Women

There's absolutely no reason why women can't compete with the guys. I've been successful in many men's events and had a good run on the IPT Tour as the highest ranked female player. I think we've proven that we can compete with the men, I believe Karen has won on the Joss Tour several times.

I would really like to see some television matches where the top women face off against the guys. I really don't see any physical challenges. When I was playing on the IPT Tour, I thought my break was very weak compared to the guys but that actually turned out to be a plus for me. Because of the clustered table layout, it was more difficult to run out and the men are used to more of an open table.

I welcome the challenge to play competitively with the men. I have nothing to prove by saying this, I would just marvel at the challenge.

I will close in saying that in general whether it's Sport or Corporate America, women draw the short stick. It seems very hard for women to get the recognition they deserve. Sometimes we are overlooked because we are women. The world is changing and there's now more successful women out there running large corporations and accomplishing extraordinary things in Life, Business and Sport.

Sarah

[Sideburns]

Men V Women

There's absolutely no reason why women can't compete with the guys. I've been successful in many men's events and had a good run on the IPT Tour as the highest ranked female player. I think we've proven that we can compete with the men, I believe Karen has won on the Joss Tour several times.

I would really like to see some television matches where the top women face off against the guys. I really don't see any physical challenges. When I was playing on the IPT Tour, I thought my break was very weak compared to the guys but that actually turned out to be a plus for me. Because of the clustered table layout, it was more difficult to run out and the men are used to more of an open table.

I welcome the challenge to play competitively with the men. I have nothing to prove by saying this, I would just marvel at the challenge.

I will close in saying that in general whether it's Sport or Corporate America, women draw the short stick. It seems very hard for women to get the recognition they deserve. Sometimes we are overlooked because we are women. The world is changing and there's now more successful women out there running large corporations and accomplishing extraordinary things in Life, Business and Sport.

Sarah

Sarah,

As the 73rd-rated player in the IPT, though (which was defunct over a year ago), I have to question you: How is it that you can say you can compete with the men? What is it that you consider to be "competing"? Since the IPT, when have you actively been competing against male players?

Karen has won at least one, if not more, Northeast 9-Ball Tour events that I know of and possibly more. Kudos to Karen - she rocks. Karen actually gets out there and plays with the men on a regular basis, as does Julie Kelly. They get all the credit in the world from me. Love those gals. Because that's just not an easy thing to do - get out there and compete with some of the best male players in the U.S. It's intimidating for them and I just adore Karen and Julie for it.

But I'm sorry to say this: I think that there is a world of difference between men's and women's pool. You can flay me alive for saying so, that's your right, but it's just my opinion.

Getting back to my point, Karen and Julie are the ONLY female players I know of who are actively competing against the men.

Which, naturally, leads me to my next question: If you welcome the challenge to play against the men, when are you planning on doing so in the near future? Because I eagerly await to hear what the outcome is.

[Sarah Ellerby]

Sarah,

As the 73rd-rated player in the IPT, though (which was defunct over a year ago), I have to question you: How is it that you can say you can compete with the men? What is it that you consider to be "competing"? Since the IPT, when have you actively been competing against male players?

Karen has won at least one, if not more, Northeast 9-Ball Tour events that I know of and possibly more. Kudos to Karen - she rocks. Karen actually gets out there and plays with the men on a regular basis, as does Julie Kelly. They get all the credit in the world from me. Love those gals. Because that's just not an easy thing to do - get out there and compete with some of the best male players in the U.S. It's intimidating for them and I just adore Karen and Julie for it.

But I'm sorry to say this: I think that there is a world of difference between men's and women's pool. You can flay me alive for saying so, that's your right, but it's just my opinion.

Getting back to my point, Karen and Julie are the ONLY female players I know of who are actively competing against the men.

Which, naturally, leads me to my next question: If you welcome the challenge to play against the men, when are you planning on doing so in the near future? Because I eagerly await to hear what the outcome is.

Sideburns:

Thanks for your comments. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect yours. Growing up in the UK, Allison and Karen were and still are two people I look up to and admire. Both of these players have won Men's events. Like I said, I have nothing to prove against the guys and don't actively seek the challenge but if an opportunity arises similar to the IPT, I think it would be a lot of fun and a great challenge to play the best male players.

Thanks again for your comments

Sarah

[PoolRoomPaintings.com]

I have to agree on the views here about Women -v - Men in tournaments. I have no problem playing in open Tournaments against men. I don't let emotions control my game and I am very competitive.

I can play a little gamesmanship with the rest of them and this is the thing that gets under a lot of women players. A guy calls you sweetie, sugar, honey... WTF? Comments like "that ball almost went!" Many women are put off and taken out of their game by all this. It just makes my game stronger!

More exposure to great competitors will put your game on a fast track to a better game. Bring Em On! Let's play!: