Just want to ask other funky pool players opinions on what is fair play, and in the spirit of the game.
Last night I (forfeited), pulled out in the middle of the uk marathon tournament final, where I was playing <name removed> due to utter frustration and anger. I had just won the previous uk8 and was looking for back to back tournament wins, so was in good nick.
Whenever the balls were tied up or he <removed> was snookered, he never tried to hit his own colour, but deliberately fouled, to give me 2 shots, knowing, the way the balls were, it would be almost impossible to clear up in one visit. Twice, he even deliberately rolled the white into pockets, making no attempt to hit his own colour ball.
Whilst I appreciate it is a winning strategy for him, I ask if it is fair, or in the spirit of the game to deliberately foul over and over again.
Also, at the start of the frames, however favourable the balls are placed, he makes no attempt to pot anything at all but waits as long as it takes,until you clear the table for him.
I tried for a while to play him at his own game, but if no-one tries pot any balls, both players just run out of time and end up being disqualified.
Could we not make a rule where if you foul, say 3 times, you lose the frame. I know this is not ideal, but saying as there is no referee to stop deliberate fouling, or unsporting play, I cannot see a way to stop this kind of thing.
This is not sour grapes, I have won 8 uk tornys.
Let me know what you all think.

<please remember forum rules - naming and shaming is not permitted>

Edited by forum moderator spinner, at 20:00 Thu 9/10/08 (BST)

1, If you play tactical there's many ways you can do it within the rules..

2, I think its unfair that you've made a thread with onua0767's name plastered all over it...

3, There will come times when you will need to do the same yourself, sometimes its all about winning...and if its a final its definitely about winning.

If you can't handle the heat, get out the kitchen.

Its great fun playing him isnt it

Next time you get an invite vs him why not do the same thing. Its always funny to have a double DQ in the final

Unfair to say I can't handle heat pal, I've won 8 tornys and been in loads of finals and semis.
If you do the same as him you end up with a double DQ, the guys a total prat in my opinion, why shouldn't I name him. He has the right to reply doesn't he.
Plus his name is not in the title of the thread, hardly plastered all over, as you say.

Edited at 10:25 Thu 9/10/08 (BST)

His name will be removed from your posts despite him having the right to reply.

IF you do the same as him you do end up with a double DQ (if your as good as him at it). Theres a couple of people like him who i cant name but they are ultra cautious. Nowt you can do about it except know they arent very good at attacking pool

I apologise if the rules say you can't name players, but I just felt so annoyed by the tactics that were used. Never mind there are plenty of good sporting players on here and he's just one of a few thankfully.
Don't get me wrong you need tactics (and I've used them plenty to win), or you'll never win torny's just by attacking. It's just done to such an extent that it is so totally negative, win at all costs pool.

I agree totally my friend, but it wont be changed in the rules so you have to try and use it to your advantage occassionally whilst maintaining an attacking overview on your games.

Remember for some people, this site is the be all and end all of life

Thanks Mike. I think I'm over it now LOL

no probz, always happy to help someone with a similar dog

After reading the initial post, i say.

If it works for you, keep using it.
Remember, this game is about strategy, his works
well.

I agree with keoghz on this one, posting about another member can be branded naming and shaming, who are you to post regarding his style?

I'm good friends with onua, and i've had him in tournaments too, i applaud his play rather than moan about it.

Edited at 12:02 Thu 9/10/08 (BST)

Good for you pal, but I'd rather stick pins in my eyes, than play this guy again (or you by the sound of you) LOL.

Lol, you wouldn't stick pins in your eyes trust me!

Or sit in my coalhouse with tight shoes on

the simple point here is that players in general will do all they can to win. This should be expected and welcomed.

It's completely pointless to debate how you'd like people to behave as long as they are already within the rules.

So it's pointless to discuss anything to do with tactics (persitent deliberate fouling, gamesmanship or unsporting play) totally negative running down of the clock where, if both players did it there'd be a double DQ, as long as it's within the rules. Winning at all costs is to be applauded by all then. I would honestly rather lose than play this way.
Well I'm glad I made my point and got it off my chest anyway.

Edited at 13:17 Thu 9/10/08 (BST)

The Bottom Line is
Play in an attacking manner or
Play in a defensive manner

either way, regardless of you liking his method of play, its all fair in my opinion.
We all have our own ways of doing things and just because it doesnt suit others, does not mean its wrong or unfair.
Thats the nature of the game im afraid.
What i dont find as being in the
'spirit of the game'
is naming other players like you have done.
Sometimes it might be wise to bite your lip and accept defeat, if the player wasnt rude or offensive or distacting you in anyway whatsoever then you have no reason to ask the question.

Edited at 13:15 Thu 9/10/08 (BST)

He also came into the room where I was playing my semi-final to post - Winner plays me - I've just won 4-0 - He left then came back - (The score was 3-3 at the time) - I've never lost a frame yet - what a prat - You can see who you're playing next, you don't need him to tell you in the middle of a match, this is off-putting and distracts you from an important match. I'd never resort to this and I'm proud of that.

Edited at 13:41 Thu 9/10/08 (BST)

Edited at 13:42 Thu 9/10/08 (BST)

Did it ever occur to you that he is snookering you because it gets to you that much? The fact you are still moaning about it now proves the point.

I know for a fact some players who hate snookers and it really put's them off their game, and usually i will snooker early on to get a feel for the opponent..

As you said you "forfeited" the tourny so it worked. He is one of the best UK8 players to ever play the game imo, if you don't like defensive/tactical pool, play the US games or killer.

here here.... he is just 'playing the game'

although his tactic to come into the room is, in my opinion not needed and is a legit reason for distraction, after all its information you and your opponent didnt need

Edited at 13:46 Thu 9/10/08 (BST)