The More Things Change

Entry numbers in the main events sagged in the Horseshoe's sophomore year. (Photo by Mike Fieldhammer)

WHILE SOME things stay the same - like Reyes' fondness for titles - the Derby City Classic is decidedly different than years past. It isn't going back to the Executive West. No matter how many railbirds wax nostalgic for the rather different conditions of years past, the DCC is not going to be the same event it was in 2004 or 2007.

"We can't build any one of the events bigger, because we just don't have room," Sullivan said of the Horseshoe. "We have 50 or 51 tables, so it'd be a nightmare."

In 2008, the last year at the Executive West, the three main divisions attracted 1,285 total entrants (with players entering multiple events). This year that number dipped to 899, with the 9-ball division falling from 439 players in ?08 to 257 this year.

So the DCC is adapting to its surroundings, which will be at the Horseshoe Casino at least through 2012. Before this year's event, Sullivan signed a three-year deal with Harrah's (the parent company of the Horseshoe).

"I think the economy might've hurt us. I think the scheduling [of the World Team Championships] took a few players," he said. "But I can't say exactly why we didn't get all the players for 9-ball."

The one-day scheduling overlap with the World Team Championship in Germany may lead DCC organizers to consider seeking recognition by the World Pool-Billiard Association, though it might be tricky to reformat the Derby City 9-ball event to meet WPA sanctioning regulations, which require a single- or double-elimination format and at least $75,000 in added money to be WPA points events. Sullivan is resolute in keeping the DCC's buy-back format, but sanctioning can protect the Derby's dates on the international pool calendar. The number of players who skipped all or part of the DCC for the World Team Championship wasn't significant when compared to the hundreds of players who competed in the DCC 9-ball event. But losing former champions, such as Souquet and Mika Immonen, did cut into the DCC's considerable star power.

"Derby's different for different people," Sullivan said. "The person who is going to have a good time at Derby is the guy who's looking to get your pool fix."

No matter what the future holds, it's a safe bet that you'll always be able to get that.

Previous Page Page 4


Top