Skyler Woodward has candidly revealed his utmost disappointment after several players backtracked on their statement to boycott WPA-sanctioned events.
Numerous World Nineball Tour professionals opted to release a statement during last month’s European Open Championship which declared their resentment towards the WPA due to bans being imposed by certain federations.
Nevertheless, some players have since decided to enter and participate in WPA-sanctioned events, with Joshua Filler, Albin Ouschan and Carlo Biado notably competing in the World 8-Ball Championship earlier this month in New Zealand.
And those decision-making u-turns have continued into this week’s $160,000 China Open 9-Ball Championship in Shanghai, sparking Woodward to open up via Facebook regarding the bad faith of some players.
“You know what’s so disappointing? Let me tell you. Sitting at home looking at the draws for WPA events and seeing so many people who claimed to ‘take a stand’ with us players,” the American Mosconi Cup captain began.
“When we make a statement to agree to take a stand for our fellow friends and what’s right, I thought we were standing by it. It started out with two players, now there are several who have just gave in.
“In the pool world we can’t ever expect a change if we can’t even hold ourselves accountable. I don’t know about anyone else who is sticking to this statement we made, but it makes me so mad and disappointed in the ones who have broken their word.
“Maybe it’s the dad in me,” he laughed, “but I do know sticking to their word means something.
“As a fellow pool player and a WNT player, I will continue to stick by my word and my statement, and to everyone else who does, thank you. And to those who haven’t, don’t be the first to cry when things don’t change.”
2 Comments
Sky, it’s all about a persons word and integrity when committing to anything. If they were raised in this manner by family, then those players need to look at ”themselves” closer now that they are Adults, we all learn bad behavior when maturing, as well as personal Prejudices, which are taught. Stickin’ it out shows more for the game, your self and the long term. bm
I guess if all u wanna do is play 9 ball events than u play WNT. If u wanna play all events u play both WPA and MR events.