Quote:
Originally Posted by Suit
No, its not irrelevant. You don't call the 10 by playing the shot, obvious or not. The rule says you must call the 10.
From the WPA rules for 10 ball:
"9.5 Call Shots & Pocketing Balls
Whenever the shooter is attempting to pocket a ball (except the break) he is required to call shots, the intended ball and pocket must be indicated for each shot if they are not obvious. Details of the shot, such as cushions struck or other balls contacted or pocketed are irrelevant.
For a called shot to count, the referee must be satisfied that the intended shot was made, so if there is any chance of confusion, e.g. with bank, combination and similar shots, the shooter should indicate the ball and pocket. If the referee or opponent is unsure of the shot to be played, he may ask for a call"
- there are no specific call shot rules for the 10 ball.
Yes there is an extra "compulsory call" rule for the 10 ball in some competitions. If this was the case here then I can have no beef whatsoever with Alcano calling the foul, although I wouldn't do it myself on either shot. Also, the sporting thing to do, if he had any doubt at all about the first shot, is to ask for a call as stated in the rules. The rule is (I think) in place to eliminate any doubt whatsoever - and if that's the rule for the competition then the players should make sure they call the pocket to protect themselves from those who are pedantic about it. After all it is "compulsory".
I've been called on technicalities and I just put my hand up and accept it even if the opponent is, in my view, unsporting. If that's how they play that's how they play. I'm now more careful. It's better though, and a sign of good discipline, to avoid all technical fouls. The fact is, Boyes was right in terms of the rules and so was Alcano (assuming the compulsory call was in place - but if it wasn't then he was 100% wrong) and the extent to which it is considered unsporting is subjective. Don't foul and there will be no penalty!