I was seriously overjoyed watching this, thank you. The bonus of recognizing several top players (can you name a few), at other tables exceeded expectations. Seeing these two (Eagle Eye and Pearl) smiling, and joking with each other was a blessing.
That Shaw is a smooth player. When he is on stroke he is the best there is. I love it when players play fast. I'm glad Earl is still out there with these great players. Earl was without a doubt one of the GOAT.. He is in his 60'S. Now. Johnny Henson Professor Pool USA.
I think Fedor Gorst, SVB, FSR, and Josh Filler might disagree. Shaw is great, but the other 3 all have a higher Fargo rating, and are ranked higher in the world. 1) Josh Filler - 851 2) Fedor Gorst - 844 3) Francisco Sanchez Ruiz - 841 4) SVB - 839 10) Jason Shaw - 831
yeah that comes with playing. I can shoot faster and sometimes we play speed pool at my poolhall where you have to runout either 4 balls or a whole 9ball rack in say 20-30 seconds, can be BIH to start if 9ball. The brain is an amazing thing, and instinct. You should go watch Chris Melling or some Rocket Rodney Morris, they both shoot fast.
Earl is only 63 and he plays almost as well as he did in his 20's and 30's . As a matter of fact once Earl became a pro his play hasn't changed that much especially playing nine ball. He still wears a frown through every match he plays.
Life is short. This pirate has earned an open invitation to a meal and a night of fun on us, if you ever visit Treasure Island, FL. "That's a fact, Jack!
Believe it or not they used to be roomates. Earl had an apartment in New York and when Jayson came to the US, he let Jayson stay at his apartment. That is why you see them being so friendly here. In a more serious tournament or Mosconi Cup they might have some words with each other.
You might be surprised, even in a couple tournaments they were against eachother with real stakes on the line Earl went up 3-0 over Shaw both times only to end up losing 5-0 in the end, but that alone shows you Earl is by far the greatest or 2nd greatest player over 60 and easily the best in America even still and only reason he couldn't win a tournament today would be his mindset and confidence more then because of any physical skill decline.
