mthornto(Q) When is the "Exclusive Membership Club" going to start and will it include online video streaming of live IPT matches?
Deno(A) The exclusive membership is going to start this weekend!

Nostroke(Q) OK has the IPT decided that fannies in the seats are more important that ticket sales?
Deno(A) Well, the IPT is still very new and the word is just now starting to reach a lot of people. Don't worry, in no time the seats will be full every day. Also, when you have 60 tables, there is a lot of seating. It is common to have 500 spectators and it looks like nothing.

shanesinnott(Q) Mike, I would like to know why Eurosport dropped the live coverage of the biggest pool tournament in history
Deno(A) I hear they are airing the US Open tennis tournament. They are still very keen to air live tournaments. The last one was a big success for Eurosport.

cheesemouse(Q) Deno has this IPT been the highlight of your professional career?
Deno(A) In many ways yes. I had a great career in biotechnology, but alas, I love cue sports so much and even though I am a 3-cushion enthusiast, I have a great care for all cue sports. So when faced with the opportunity to have input and influence in the greatest tour in the history of the sport, I had to jump on it. Hopefully our results will reflect my dedication.

Nostroke(Q) are their any dress code changes in the works?
Deno(A) With me in charge, the dress code should get tougher, not easier. :)

Nostroke(Q) Is the London event still on?
Deno(A) We are going to make a major announcement to the players tomorrow and then there will be an email with that announcement for the public. Go to www.internationalpooltour.com to join up for the news release emails.

Nostroke(Q) Is Mark Trainer a friend, foe or neither?
Deno(A) Neither. I know very little about what he is doing as far as managing players. There is no affiliation between he and the IPT.

Nostroke(Q) Ive heard unoficially that another player due to illness in family can not make Reno- Have u heard this- ? Is there a replacement ready?
Deno(A) I have been in contact with that person but it is not known if he can make it or not. I hope that he can and that everything works out.

shanesinnott(Q) Deno, I would like to know if you think that the players that hold tour cards in 2007 will only be allowed play in IPT events
Deno(A) At this time, I honestly don't know.

AzHousePro(P) please send your questions for Deno or any of his guests. THORSTEN HOHMANN, MARLON MANALO, ALEX PAGULAYAN, EFREN REYES, JACKIE BROADHURST, HELENA THORNFELDT OR MONICA WEBB

mthornto(Q) Kevin has stated that the IPT is a work in progress and he will changes things as necessary.. What do you feel has worked very well and what do you think needs to be changed?
Deno(A) Well, TV is getting better and better. THe tournaments are already very well organized and run. The staff that we have is great. The thing that is really going to improve in the next 6 months is the inundation of the IPT to the general public. I think in 6 months time, pool and the IPT are going to be a mainstream image.

RunArak(Q) Is the IPT, now your full time job, or are you still involved in you previous trade?
Deno(A) No. This is more than a full time position. I have been pulling 60 hour weeks and working weekends to make this happen for the players. I have put all other interests aside and am focusing totally on the IPT.

Nostroke(Q) Alex- Are you going to get to bed early in Reno?
Deno(A) Anyone who knows me knows that I am insomniac....:)

cheesemouse(Q) All of us internet pool junkies love what you guys are doing but what about the non-players? How do you get them involved?
Deno(A) Well, we have a very stong PR strategy in the next 6 months. For a sport to be successful, the non-player fan base must be there. They will be.

mthornto(Q) For Helena and Monica: Do you feel the women would fair better or worse in the IPT if the game were 9 ball?
Deno(A) HELENA & MONICA: Tough question...although the better players sould be the favorite in 8-ball, you do seem to get more chances from great players playing 8-ball rather than 9-ball. Example- many more times a ball is not made on the break, so control can change. Playing 9-ball, to get control of the table can be more difficult.

RunArak(Q) Players, how much attention are you now paying to your physical condition since the IPT really tests your endurance as well as your cue skills? Have any of you taken to a personal trainer?
Deno(A) HELENA: I got more serious after the IPT was created. But I have always enjoyed excersise and walking for health.

MONICA: I love physical activity but the last two years I have been very serious about training in the gym and feel fortunate that I did so when this new grueling format was announced.

THORSTEN : Speaking for myself, no, I have always been in good shape. The further I advanced in the tournament, the more pumped up I got and I played my best towards thend. I was exhausted for a week after the event and it took a while to recover.

shanesinnott(Q) Deno, tell Thorsten I am rooting for him and wish him luck
Deno(A) Thorsten says thank you!!!

Nostroke(Q) Marlon- I personally heard Mike Sigel say you have the best break in the world but it was your break that let u downin Vegas- Have you been able to get that great break back?
Deno(A) It's very flattering especially the comments came from one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. It's really that my break fell short that I didn't win the prestigious title. So now, as my preperation I am focusing all my time on the break and I hope that it will work here in the IPT World Open.

beetle(Q) Thorsten, this is difficult to answer, but how is it humanly possible to calmy run a rack when the difference is $250,000?!? Amazing accomplishment. I get sweaty and twitchy when $10 is on the line. I guess my other question is: do you think there is too much disparity between 1st and 2nd prize money? Thanks!
Deno(A) I was in the zone, so I was not aware of the money while playing. Plus, I had a very easy layout after the break. And yes, I have never played for so much money, but I have been under pressure many times before. I don't know what woudl have happened had the runout not been so easy. I think it creates excitement for the spectators and the people on TV. Maybe in a few years we play for $5 million!!!

cheesemouse(Q) Deno, do you have freedom of operation with your position?
Deno(A) Yes. Very much so. Kevin sets the direction and I drive the boat.

Nostroke(Q) Monica- You had so many hill hill loses last time. With any luck you will do much better? What special prep did you do?
Deno(A) I am much more prepared for this tournament. I feel more confident and am running out better. This tournament I am a better player than the last one.

shanesinnott(Q) Efren, I would like to know about the 'palm push shot' that you played in the matchroom pool league a few years ago, you made the 9 by hitting the back of the cue with your palm, did you invent this shot or had you seen it before and if so, when and who did it?...very creative shot, I used it last night and it worked great!
Deno(A) I am not the one who invented that. A magician never tells his tricks.

cheesemouse(Q) Deno, what if players start to soft break because of dry breaks on the broke in cloth..?
Deno(A) They can't soft break. Five balls need to hit the rail not including the cue ball. I have done the experiments, and soft breaking with 5 balls hitting rails is really really really dumb :)

spider(Q) Deno, I found the Eurosport coverage wasn't great (camerawork, commentary, etc.). Were you happy it, and are there any improvements expected for this event?
Deno(A) Please keep in mind that it was our first time broadcasting live. It is not often that pool is broadcast live on TV. So much of the effort was to focus on making it happen glitch-free. Overall, I was very happy with the results especially keeping in mind that I know that it will get better and better every tournament.

cheesemouse(Q) Efren, can you go the distance this time?
Deno(A) I hope so, ha ha.

UrackmIcrackm(Q) Deno, does the IPT have any opinion on Mark Trainer and his signing of it's players?
Deno(A) No.

rackmsuckr(Q) Is my husband, Mike Zimmerman behaving himself without me?
Deno(A) What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...............oh wait, we are in Reno...yes, he is behaving.

kyle(Q) what's the deal with a ref telling two competitors "next player to play safe loses" safties are a part of the game especially for stakes this big.
Deno(A) The situation was this- the game was meaningless...both players were already advancing, it was hill-hill, so the stats wouldn't have been affected too much either way no matter who won. And, they were in a situation where they were, in the opinion of the referee, pushing balls around to mess with each other when the next round was to begin. Weigh all of those variables and forcing the players to shoot was the right thing to do. Had the situation been different, I would have never authorized that action.

Nostroke(Q) Will their be more refs in Reno- I heard a few murmurs about that
Deno(A) Yes.

rackmsuckr(Q) To everyone, did you step up your training from the last event, or lessen your training?
Deno(A) Everyone answered yes!!!

mthornto(Q) To the players: American's have not fared so well in the IPT yet, which American do you think has the best chance to win? Any dark horse predictions?
Deno(A) Nobody wanted to answer :)

beetle(Q) Deno, when will we have the option of paying for live streaming at your event? They did this at the DCC, left the camera on 24/7 practically, and it was great. There's a market out there. I see several cameras on several tables that the user can scroll through to check on the action. Please encourage this!
Deno(A) Actually, we will be streaming live from the TV table starting Thursday!!!!!!!!!!!! Check out www.internationalpooltour.com this weekend for details.

mthornto(Q) Players, with the IPT in full swing, do you plan to continue playing in non IPT events?
Deno(A) Yes.

Nostroke(Q) Jackie- Do you enjoy the underdog role?
Deno(A) Um, I don't know. I don't really think of it that way. Based on past experience, I guess I am the underdog, but my attitude is a match-by-match sort of thing. I don't really think about who I am playing, for me it is just me and the table. When you play yourself, how can you be the underdog? :)

shanesinnott(Q) Marlon, I have heard that you come from a Snooker background. Knowing the ability of top snooker players like Ronnie and Jimmy, how long do you think it will take for either of these 2 players to be a force to be reckoned with on the IPT (if at all)
Deno(A) Marlon has left, sorry. mthornto(Q) Deno, cue sports seem to be much more popular in Asia. Any IPT events planned for Asia yet?
Deno(A) We are working on it...

Ted(Q) Efren...Are you still using elk master tips? I heard recently that you may have changed from elk master to something else.
Deno(A) Efren has left, sorry.

rackmsuckr(Q) Congratulations on your baby, Deno, I expect to see some pictures! To the Filipinos - are there any women coming up from over there?
Deno(A) Thank you very much. All the Filipinos have left the building :(

cheesemouse(Q) Ladies do the boys give you the respect you deserve?
Deno(A) Mostly yes. There are some who don't, but overall yes.

beetle(Q) Deno, I see that the IPT site will have a discussion forum in August (oops!) Is that still going to happen?
Deno(A) Yes.

rackmsuckr(Q) Is that palm push shot legal in the IPT since one hand is not holding onto the cue?
Deno(A) At this point yes.

Blackjack(Q) Efren - Looking back, what is the most cherished memory of your great career?
Deno(A) Sorry Blackjack, Efren has already left.

spider(Q) Deno, when do you think we'll see Live TV coverage in the U.S.?
Deno(A) Good question. I don't really know.

Nostroke(Q) The finals was only a race to 8 in Vegas- Many feel the finals should be longer- Are you considering that?
Deno(A) Not at this point. I think it is better for continuity to have the same match length they play in the tournament. They have focused on races to 8 for a week, so changing the match length would be strange.

rackmsuckr(Q) Jackie, is your husband going to be there this time and is he proud of you?
Deno(A) Yes, he will be there and he is very proud of me.

Nostroke(Q) Are you guys in Reno already?
Deno(A) Yes, we arrived yesterday.

UrackmIcrackm(Q) Is everyone looking forward to the match up between earl & Jasmin as the rest of us??
Deno(A) It has been the talk of Reno so far!

spider(Q) Deno, do you think the IPT should move towards refs racking the balls instead of opponents?
Deno(A) Not with the Sardo rack. There is no way really to manipulate the rack. The new Sardo rack really is a wonderful product. I am trying to get him to make one for my 3-cushion billiard table :), though it would only rack one ball, haha.

cheesemouse(Q) Players, now that the IPT is for real what is the most common question you are asked about this new tour?
Deno(A) The most commone respose was "Did you ever think that pool would pay this much money?"

rackmsuckr(Q) Have you practiced on the cloth yet? Is it signifiicantly slower than last time or made the pockets tighter?
Deno(A) It is slower, and the pockets tighter. Plus, many of the tables were used for only three days, so there is a mixture of newer and older cloth. The conditions are going to be the most grueling ever.

wakuljr(Q) deno...who is your pick to win
Deno(A) I don't know. I really don't follow pool :) Really, coming from a billiards background, I don't know much about pool or the players, so it is hard to say. I have some personal favorites, but it wouldn't be appropriate for me to say. Really, I hope that everyone plays well and that the competition is fair for everyone.

cheesemouse(Q) Deno, is there a possiblity of a minor tour of sorts?
Deno(A) Yes.

Jerry(Q) Thorsten can I borrow some cash?
Deno(A) Thorsten is gone...

shanesinnott(Q) when can we view IPT events live online or on USA TV....I will sign up, just tell me where? :-)
Deno(A) You will be able to watch this tournament on line starting Thursday! Check out www.internationalpooltour.com this weekend for details.

shanesinnott(Q) Deno, are you going to play in any qualifiers? :) You've got some game.
Deno(A) whoever told you that i have game was drunk! I stink at pool. If there was an International 3-cushion Tour, I would think about it.

beetle(Q) Jackie, Helena, and Monica: I may be wrong, but I don't think you all have the same experience playing against men as does Karen Corr, for example. If this is true, do you consider this a significant mental obstacle you will have to overcome, or are you all so focused that whoever your opponent may be doesn't matter?
Deno(A) Monica and Helena have gone...sorry

Nostroke(Q) Is the IPT still keeping the "reality SHow" angle?
Deno(A) For the time being, yes.

Jerry(Q) I understand the XBreaker made a shaft just for the IPT, does anyone think that more players will start using that cue?
Deno(A) The players have all gone.

cheesemouse(Q) Deno, what do you think of all the naysayers out there?
Deno(A) Great question. Here's the deal, and I am being perfectly blunt. There are always naysayers. They are ubiquitous, and it is their right to do so. However, people should consider the fact that Kevin has poured millions of dollars into the sport, and already, millions of dollars have been given to the players in just several months. The production costs are in the millions. Me and my staff have devoted ourselves to the IPT. Sure, there are naysayers...but nobody really listens because we are too busy making the IPT a success for the players and the fans.

spider(Q) Deno, since joining the IPT what has gone smoother for you than expected and what has been more difficult than you expected?
Deno(A) I have a very large staff. Everyone on the staff is in the top 10% of intelligence in the world (yes, they get an IQ test). Everyone is a pro at what they do. They own their tasks and work long hours to make everything a success. In just several months, we have successfully hosted three major events (including this one) and 55 other tournaments around the world without a hitch. I expect perfection from my staff, Kevin expects perfection from me, and the players deserve to have perfect tournaments in addition to the prize money. So I would say with all the work that we do, and the level of professionalism from the staff, that every task is easy and difficult at the same time. At this point in time, we are exactly where we planned to be and probably further.

beetle(Q) Thanks for having this. I'm looking forward to another historic event!
Deno(A) Thanks for watching!

Jerry(Q) Deno, thanks to you, KT and your staff for what you're doing to help the game of pool.
Deno(A) Thank you, we appreciate it very much.

gabesmom(Q) I will be checking out the live coverage! I was fortunate to be able to go to the Vegas tournament, it was fabulous. But unfortunately, you were not there Deno. Yes, I'm sure the players enjoy the amount of money, but also the very professional setting of the IPT and treatment by the IPT staff.
Deno(A) I wanted to meet you too. I hope to see you soon.

Nostroke(Q) Good luck with the tournament- Ill be there on Wednesday
Deno(A) Make sure to come and say Hi to me.

shanesinnott(Q) Deno, just wanted to wish you the best of luck with the reno event and continued success with the tour.
Deno(A) Thank you so much Shane. Hope to see you soon.

Mark(Q) Deno, Are the new pheonolic tips with thin leather covering legal in the IPT?
Deno(A) At this point, if the part of the cue that touches the ball is 100% leather, it is legal. It could change in the future like anything, but right now it is cool.

Ted(Q) Deno... we have all been waiting years for pool to be elevated to the levels we know it can attain, so please thank Mr. Trudeau for bringing pool to the highest level in its history.
Deno(A) Thank you very much. I will pass on your comments to Mr. Trudeau.

AzHousePro(P) From Deno...."Thank you all for coming onto the chat. I hope that you all follow along the online coverage and check out the live streaming video starting next Thursday. It was my pleasure doing this and the players who showed up also thank you for signing in. All of you who are coming to the tournament- I hope that you come and say hi to me. I look forward to meeting many of you in the future as well. This is a great web site and you guys are very dedicated to the sport. With that said, good night to all.

cheesemouse(Q) I would like to add my appreciation for your contribution to the great pool world...thanks a bunch
Deno(A) Thanks!

AzHousePro(P) I would like to thank Deno and the players for taking time to be a part of this chat. Good luck to all the players.