Controversial Call Against SVB at Pacman Cup

Dec 10, 2014

Currently most of the best players in the world are in the Philippines to take part in the Manny Pacquiao sponsored "Pacman Cup" doubles event. Similar to the first edition of this event which took place in the early fall, there is a "warm up" singles event.
In a match yesterday between American 1# player Shane Van Boening was up against local favourite Ronnie Alcano. At the 1hr 25 min mark in the video posted below SVB completes a run-out and fails to call the 10 ball. However it was a straight in shot and it is common practice not to call the shots that are obvious.

As you can see the ref after seeing Alcano jump out of is seat came right up to SVB and told him the bad news. To my surprise even though I know this was a competitive match for money, Alcano does not defend SVB. Despite their past where one time SVB actually backed Alcano at a U.S Open it should just be a professional courtesy to tell the ref to let such a mindless call go. I did look back at a few other racks and SVB was not calling the pocket then and it was let go
After a few words SVB put his cues away and quit in disgust 6-3 down. I am not a fan of the giving up attitude, and I do not believe this was quitting so much as it is a protest. Besides being 1# in America many regard SVB to be the number 1# player in the world, who flew all the way to Philippines to take part in this event. I feel this is a cheap shot and bad for the game what do you our readers think? Feel free to leave your comments on our Facebook posts.
On a side note our own John Morra has made the trip once again to play with Thorsten Hohmann in the doubles event. Last time out they finished 2nd winning $9000 a piece. In the singles event Morra has moved to the final 32 as he has won his first 3 matches, good luck to him the rest of the way.