The Guinness World Series of Pool has started today in Jakarta with a press conference and the warm up for all participating players. There were three levels of seating for the draw. At first the “brand ambassadors” were seeded. I am one of them. Then around 26 other international players before they randomly drawn in the local qualifiers.

The opening ceremony was well organized. The representatives for Guiness, ESPN and the Indonesian Pool Federation gave speeches and as far as I recall Guiness has signed a three year deal with ESPN to host the tournament in Asia.

The media attendance was alright, much better than in Europe or America. Mika and Ricky gave some short speeches in behalf of the international players and afterwards Shane, Alex, Stevie and myself had the opportunity to answer some of the hosts questions about how we feel to be here.

To be honest, so far I enjoy the event. It’s one of the best organized events I have attended. It started with a very professional photo shoot in Philadelphia back in March. I then flew to Medan in June to represent the international players during a local qualifying event and now it all comes together here in Jakarta to the grand final.

I spotted some promotional clips on ESPN television for the event. I think thats what we need and helps to grow the sport. In the States you have to turn in and be lucky that pool is on. At least I haven’t seen ads for pool during other sport shows. At the grocery store I found a huge Guiness section with posters of the players and ads with pictures of us on all the beer products. Thats pretty cool.

I wish the prize money was structured a bit differently. $40 000 to the winner but only $10 000 for second and the further break  down is even worse. I don’t know how they would attract a lot of people to come from overseas and play the qualifier unless those players find sponsors. If you come from Europe and pay everything out of your own pocket you have to finish in the top four to earn a little bit of money. And the field is super strong.

Easier for the Filipinos. They don’t have the big plane ticket expenses and the money is worth a bit more in the Philippines. No surprise that there are more than ten contestants here.

The venue looks beautiful. The TV table arena for ESPN and Star Sports has been custom made in an elegant Guinness black and gold style and the mall is fully decorated with advertising for the players, the sponsor and the event.

I wish there was a little lounge only for the players. The way the organizer has been promoting us as super stars I can only imagine how it’s gonna be tomorrow. Would be nice to have a place to hang out and relax in between games, but I guess one of the countless coffee shops will do.

Traffic sucks here. Sometimes it seems faster to walk then to spend an hour in the bus moving only inch for inch.

I am looking forward to play. After my two week vacation in Fulda I am hungry to play some pool. My first match is at 4.30pm against local player Rahmansyah. It’s only a race to six in the double elimination stage, so let’s see how that goes…