Out with the new, back to the old?

Two nights ago I was blessed to partake in a extremely exciting match. It was a matchup between two youngsters and two old school players. Adam and I versus Wayne and Chuck. An even matchup. On most days a coin would sufficiently guess the outcome. This day was no different. Before I tell the outcome I'd like to reflect on something I only realized after the adrenaline had released it's powerful grip.

Most players today are all about speed and brute force. The notion is "The faster I hit it, the more likely it is to go in". There is something relaxing about watching Wayne's finesse on the three bar, coupled with Chuck's melodic dancing on D. While each can put plenty of velocity on the ball when desired, they have the ability to place the ball wherever they want the majority of the time. They understand the merits of a controlled game, but can unleash fury if they have to. I have to wonder if this type of control is obtained from table time, or does this just come with age. Maybe there is something to be said for learning the game on a brown top, as they both did. Whatever the answer is, I appreciate all they bring to the matches we share.

Oh yeah, the outcome. Youth prevailed, but just barely.